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. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Iniesta --> Sneijder on a free ? Thoughts >?

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

      i would!

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

      This tempts me also.

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

        Hmmm, I'm not sure. Was all on for doing it, then had a look at betting odds and that has enticed me to stick. Spain won't be going out all guns and will find it tougher to score against the Croats, though Holland have to go out and are playing against a leakier defence. Hmmmm. . . .

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

    Predictions for today's matches please?

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

      Poland 1-1 Czech Republic

      Russia 3-0 Greece

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

        I would go with the same ^^

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

      Poland 2 : Czech Republic 1
      Russia 2 : Greece 0

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

        ^ I like this one. A brace from Lewandowski would be perfect!

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

          Yep-so tempted to cap'n him instead of Dza.

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    3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Poland 0 - 2 Czech Republic

      Russia 3 - 0 Greece

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

      Pol 2 Czech 1
      Russkis 3 Greco 0

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    5. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Poland 1 – 2 Czech Republic

      Russia 1 – 0 Greece

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    6. Ramboros
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Greece 1 - 0 Russia

      Poland 1 - 1 Czech

      😀

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

    chalkias andersen

    debuchy lescott maggio alba strinic

    pirlo nasri iniesta dzagoev pilar

    CR7 muller salpingidis

    1 FT any thoughts can't think of one? :s

    captain dzagoev for Day 1?

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

    Is Debuchy still a good pick or do you think there are better alternatives other than Piszczek?

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

      Meh, who need Debuchy when you have Rami 😛

      Of all the calls I have made this week, putting him in ahead of Lescott may be the best

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      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        You may be doing incredibly in the world, but you got knocked out in the first round of the bug H2H spreadsheet. Poor

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        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          But well done for not listening to me about Lescott

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

          yeah by 3 points, so annoying. Had I still been in it this week I'd have waltzed home. What cost me last week was swapping Chalkias out for Given

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

      For the money I am struggling to see a better alternative.

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    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Bet you wish you had a wildcard now...

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

    Anyone know if Rosicky is likely to start this evening??

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

      Announced before the game I think

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

      From what I heard, not very likely.

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  6. Lorenzo
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Don't know what to do with my FT, have 0.5 in the bank

    Chalkias Andersen
    Selassie Lescott Debuchy Maniatis Alba
    Iniesta Mandzukic Pirlo Shirokov Dzagoev
    Ronaldo Benzema Lewandowski

    Which one to do?
    Iniesta>Sneijder or Shirokov>Pilar

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

      Shirokov to Obraniak IMO

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

        Might just do that, thanks JK

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

      Ron->RVP or Gomez.

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

        I'm keeping Ronaldo, he could get a goal or two

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  7. KP7
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Best midfielder for gameweek 3 other than Ribery,Dzagoev,Pilar,Pirlo

    Need one more..

    Have 9.8M in bank.

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

      Iniesta/Xavi

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

      nasri, kuba, marchisio

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      1. KP7
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        I already have benzema.. so cant take nasri. Sorry but who is kuba? :S

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

          Blaszcziksckzosikzocijzlczjscliclzjwisyj

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          1. KP7
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            Haha okay i get it! 🙂 You think its wise to sell benzema and get rooney too?

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

          Blaszczykowski

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          1. KP7
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            Think he will do something tonight?

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

              Yep.

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

      I would say Mandzukic.

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      1. KP7
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Spain seems to be too tough for him?

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

      Sneijder/Iniesta

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      1. KP7
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Well sneijder could be an option.. Still thinking between him and kuba! :S

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  8. tw
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    hey ENR you around? just sent you an important email so please respond ASAP

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

      Ready for some revenge mate? How me and Superdunny have 6 points I don't know?

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  9. Coldplay
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Who do I captain? Dzagoev, Arshavin or Pilar?

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

      Dzagoev

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

      Arshavin

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

      Arshavin

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

      Arshavin

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  10. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know if Rosicky is likely to start this evening???

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

      To be announced before the game imo.

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

    Afternoon guys. Any thoughts on a 3 point hit to swap Young and the useless Andrews out for Kuba and Pilar? Can't help but think England have it in them to tear Ukraine's defence apart.

    The team for the record is:

    Andersen Chalkias
    Debuchy Lescott Berezutski Alba Selassie
    Young Nasri Iniesta Shirokov Andrews
    Gomez Ronaldo Jelavic

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

      France beat Ukraine 2-0
      Englands not gonna tear up anybody

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

    Dzago and Welbeck or Shirokov and Rooney?

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

      Second set of options...

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

    Malafeev - Andersen
    Jacobsen - Strinic - Alba - Debuchy - Selassie

    Nice def & gk ?

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

      Yeah i went with the same GK combo, so i like it. And the DEF does look quite good.

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

        cheers ! need budget def to get good upfront..thanx AOC

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

    Torres or Di Natale?

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

      Torres

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

      torrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrees

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  15. pol
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    chalkias andersen

    debuchy lescott maggio alba strinic

    pirlo nasri iniesta dzagoev pilar

    CR7 muller salpingidis

    any FT suggestions?

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

      I'm not a big fan of Muller with all the point sharing going on in that team. Switch him out for Torres imo.

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  16. Demí
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Russian paper Sovietsky Sport says Glushakov will replace Zyryanov, who will miss GRE- RUS with cold & high temperature.

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    1. Le Bluff
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Any news on Kerzahov starting?

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

        No idea, but i think he'll be dropped for missing too many chances, and the fact it's only Greece and Russia only need a point.

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

          Actually scrap that, i reckon he'll start as the coach would want him to score for his confidence. Expect Pav to make a cameo from the bench again.

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

    Ashley Young to Pirlo on a free ?

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

      Sounds good.

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

        Cheers lad, think I might just do it now that Young seems set to go to the wing...

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

      Keep faith with Ashley

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

        Unbeaten dude...

        Plans for this round? Not much of a clue what to do with my transfer, any thoughts?

        Team at the moment (0.5m in the bank)

        Andersen Chalkias
        Debuchy Bonucci Lescott Selassie Alba
        Young Dzagoev Pilař Fàbregas Katsouranis
        Cassano Ronaldo Benzema

        a) Ronaldo > Van Persie
        b) Fàbregas > Schweinsteiger
        c) Fàbregas > Błaszczykowski
        d) Lescott & Ronaldo > Rooney & 6.5m Defender (who is gonna replace Boateng?)

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

          Well done for winning us the tie mate 😉

          I've taken a punt on CR7 > Huntelaar, need a differential in mini league

          Id probably look at replacing Fab as he is unlikely to start and Croatia will be playing tight for a draw, so C looks a good option. Hits aren't worth it the way the scoring has gone.

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  18. Freshy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    So my wild card that bought me this cheaper than dirt defense did well GW2.
    66 points and 14 of them from 4 defenders
    Now with 1 free transfer Im having a bit of trouble trying to figure out how to use it.

    Chalkias/Hart

    Strinić/Perquis/Jacobsen/S. Poulsen/Maniatis

    Shirokov/Dzagoev/Iniesta/Pirlo/Ribéry

    Silva/Benzema/Di Natale

    A-Di Natale to Lewandowski
    B-Inestia to Sneijder
    C-Stick and wave goodbye to a free transfer

    .

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

      I'd get rid of one the Danes, no way I'd want double Danish defence v Germany.

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

        +1 Double on Poland? Not much alternative for price. Keep Di Natale!

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  19. Kane of Thrones
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    will gomez start??

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    1. Kane of Thrones
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      plz guys need an ans asap

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

      GER still need to make sure of top spot so i'm guessing Gomez will start.

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  20. Demí
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Dzagoev to score tonight and Russia to win 5/1!! Paddy Power enhanced offer!

    http://www.paddypower.com/bet/powerplay/enhanced-wincast?ev_oc_grp_ids=496445&AFF_ID=3409

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

      Not a betting man in that sense, but the c will once again be on Dzagoev tonight.

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

        Over Arshavin?

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      2. Back on the horse
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        in what sense are you?

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

    Fabregas to be benched against Croatia?

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

      Yep

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

    Anyone bothering with Pav against Greece?

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

      will do, if Kerz doesnt start

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  23. Pete Campbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Do we think Ashley young will start?? Should I FT to Ozil?

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  24. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on this wildcard? I know Lindegarrd won't play and Maniatis is suicide, but I figure it's only for one week so I'll pray the MF/FW's do something...

    GK: Lindegaard, Malafeev
    DF: Maggio, Lescott, Alba, Maniatis, Piszcek,
    MF: Pilar, Nasri, Sneijder, Shirokov, Mandzukic
    FW: Ronaldo, Lewandowski, Torres

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

      I'd swap Maggio for Bonucci and use the 0.5 to get Gebre-Selaisse (if possible) or Limberky over Maniatis.

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

        Noted. Cheers mate

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

    Not sure if Sneijder or Iniesta... so far Iniesta has left me frustrated but Sneijder was hardly tearing it up vs Germany

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

      That Croatia clash has goals in it and the clogged Portuguese midfield is gonna leave Sneijder with little space on the ball. I'm keeping faith in Iniesta personally.

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  26. pol
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    alba > Ignashevich

    muller > torres

    worth 3 pt hit?

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

    Best 5.5 m defender for this GW(barring Debuchy)?

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

      Berezutzki? Lescott?

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

        Shirokov & Dzagoev have taken 2 Russian Spots.

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  28. emperikal
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    So is it generally agreed that shouldn't be taking any hits? Reallly REALLY tempted to take a 3 point and possibly 6 point hit.

    Want to get a Russian/German defender in and want to upgrade Fortounis ➡ Pilar. But that means I'd probably have to downgrade Iniesta ➡ Schweinsteiger / Kuba / Sneijder / someone else.

    Not worth it?

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

      Squad for reference:

      G: Chalkias - Andersen

      D: Maggio - Lescott - Debuchy - J. Perreira - Limbersky

      M: Iniesta - Nasri - Dzagoev - Pirlo - Fortounis

      F: Ronaldo - Silva - Jelly

      B: 0.5M

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

        for that 0.5 I'd try and move the Greek on, but no idea who you could move him on for. The reason we are so anti-hit is 2 fold

        a) Any hit would need to be payed back this week as you get wc for next week

        b) Game is so short that hit could be lost forever.

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

        Maybe you should consider replacing Jelly somehow.

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

    Iniesta -> Dzagoev/Sneijder?

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

      Keep him.

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  30. Declan-
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Kuba or shirokov for captain today?

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

      Kuba

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

      Kuba.

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    3. Declan-
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Thnks very much. Kuba it is

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