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. Tmel
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    I know it's only opinion but what's the % chances of the following starting? Can't afford Buffon without a major reshuffle, currently have Barzagli

    Maggio
    Barzagli
    Bonnuci
    Abate

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

      95
      80
      20
      -100

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

    one sureshot italian defender for 6 or less????

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

      No certs at that price but I think Barzagli will start.

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

      Bonnuci is your only surefire defender of 6

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

        I'm seeing a lot of things posted as fact today when they are not.

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    3. DavidR25
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      All of the Italian defence bar Maggio is a huge gamble I'm afraid! Of the rest Bonucci is certainly the most likely to start, but even still you never know. Prandelli is trying very hard, however, to create a better system which doesn't require De Rossi to fill in as sweeper, and given the attacking emphasis on this week for Italy, I wouldn't be surprised to see a complete reshuffle.

      Sure you can't fit Maggio in?

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  3. drinkup245
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    is it madness to swap dzagoev for shirokov?
    i've had dzagoev since the beginning and captained him both times...don't know if he can score 3 games in a row and could really do with the $

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    1. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Might turn out alright, might not. Not madness.

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

      i wouldnt

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    3. drinkup245
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      kinda feel like i biting the hand that feeds me

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    4. superpav
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Don't think it's madness if you can upgrade elsewhere - Shirokov has a knack for being in the right place at the right time so has just as good a chance of getting in on the points.

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

    Who's the best striker for 8.5

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

      Torres

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

        Not guarantee he will start

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        1. DavidR25
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          I'm with Camzy on this one, I think he's pretty certain to start. Del Bosque deliberately took Torres off early v Ireland to preserve him for the next game, plus Spain aren't officially through yet so you can count on them to go for the big win.

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

      lewandowski

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

        I got kuba

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  5. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any more news about the Polish goalkeeper situation? 🙂

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

      No news necessary, lineups before the deadline.

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    2. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Nobody knows but we will get the line ups before the deadline so you can check then.

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  6. Gigging Order
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else having problems with Fantasy League Pro not updating?

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

      I think it has updated, but doesnt seem to think it has

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

        Welbeck has got me points anyway

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        1. Gigging Order
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Ah ok, I thought it would update for the start of the new match day already.

          Didnt know when I could make my subs, need to put Malafeev in for Buffon etc

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

            Sort out Supersubs, it makes life so much easier

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

    Demi if Diamanti does start, where abouts would he slot in? Tempted to have a real punt and pick him over Marchisio

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

      In midfield i'd say, more advanced than Pirlo and Marchisio.

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

        What would you say the chances are of him playing? In fact if you dont mind what would be your predicted line up

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

          Buffon; Barzagli, De Rossi, Chiellini; Maggio, Marchisio, Pirlo, Diamanti, Balzaretti; Cassano, Balotelli

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

            Thanks Demi. Exceedingly tempted

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          2. Mílanista
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            I think this is correct. Barzagli seems to be favoured over Bonucci, Giaccherini has come in for a lot more criticism than Maggio and Diamanti makes sense as he is more attacking than the alternatives and we know Ireland will play defensively.

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

      only article I read about him said hed be playing behind the striker

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

        Thanks for that

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  8. The Pep Revolution
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Repost but lost at end of last page

    Best mid for 8.5 or less for this week only besides Pirlo and Dzagoev?

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

      Nasri - Young

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  9. Menly
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Reposte!

    Fab + Maggio to Blaszczykowski + Hummels?
    Yay?

    Gotta be quick cos I gotta go!
    Quick quickety quick

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    1. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      Is Maggio really unlikely to start?

      I wouldn't take a hit for anyone

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

        ^This

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

    Grateful for any comments:

    Malafeev

    Ramos / Chiellini / Hummels

    Pilař / Iniesta / Pilor / Dzagoev

    Rooney / Jelavić / Lewandowski

    Subs: Lloris / Polanski / Strinić / M. Olsson

    I'm playing my wildcard. Was thinking Chiellini > Bonucci, I would then have 2m in the bank for other transfers. Cheers...

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    1. superpav
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Good idea. then upgrade Jelavic, or Polanski to (e.g.) Shirokov

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

    Torres , RVP or Arshavin ?

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    1. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      RVP

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

    What time do the two games kick off today?Strangely I can't find them in the tv guide

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

      7.45 pm UK time

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  13. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Is Clichy a sure starter? 🙂

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

    Hard Van, if you are still around

    I would start Dzagoev over Sneijder as Dzag plays first

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

    This whole Italian defence uncertainty is a right old pain.

    My sensible option is Buffon, Hummels & Rooney as all are pretty much nailed on. However, I want Gomez, which would mean taking a gamble on Bonucci. Worth it?

    Neuer, Bonucci & Gomez would be the 'risky' punt...

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    1. saint4life
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Safe option by a long way, if Gomez and bonucci both don't start you will cry! I personally feel the safe option will return more this week even if all 6start.

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

        Cheers. I heard somewhere that Gomez was all but confirmed to start, but the Italian defenders sounds like a minefield. What about a 3rd option...

        Buffon, Mexes & Gomez ? All likely to start imo and are a decent shout of clean sheets and goals!

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  16. JWilson3
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    What do you reckon is the highest amount of transfer hits you should take?

    My current team is:
    Tyton, Lloris
    Zhirkov, Bruno Alves, Maniatis, Lescott, Alba
    Ozil, Pilar, Dzagoev, Konoplyanka, Fabregas
    CR7, Cassano, Jelavic

    I have already done CR7 - Gomez and Bruno Alves - Maggio
    Do you think i should make any more changes?

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

      If you're doing well, less hits the better, ideally zip. If you're not, hits are fun 😛

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    2. superpav
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I've done 3 at cost of -6 and maybe that's 1 too many.

      Taking hits on defenders will only really bring you +1 providing they keep a clean sheet (which so far are hard to come by)

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

    Ronaldo to > which 11.3 or less forward?

    Already have 2x: Spain, Russia, France,

    A Cassano
    B Rooney
    C RVP

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    1. superpav
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Roo

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  18. "The Special One"
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Any1 recommend bets for 2nights euro games??

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      1. "The Special One"
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        am a william hill man myself!!

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

          Enhanced odds, tho, won £120 last night on Welbeck to score and England to win at 5/1.

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  19. Access
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Pls what's pillar position

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

      Between the Cornice and the Base.

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      1. blue cheese
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        😆

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      2. Parm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Diamanti set to start Doos, you fancy a punt on him.

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

          Depends what his qualifying stats are of course

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

            He didnt play in qualifying, nil point

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

        Sorry czech player

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

      I think he is LAM but could be CAM

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  20. Gigging Order
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Who is everyone captaining tonight then?

    I went Lewa over Dzagoev last week and I am planning on doing the same tonight...

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

      Same

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

      I can't decide between the two.

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

      Going for Dzagoev again

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

    Hey guys.

    Still toying with my trade.

    RVP or Lewandoski in

    Cast your votes pleaaassseeeee........

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    1. paddym25
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Lewandowski. Tonight is his night, captain him.

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

      I don't like those ones ...

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

        What do you mean?!

        How rude 😛

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

          Sorry, Evs. 🙁

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

            For shame, I'm having bad enough day as it is...
            (rugby result)

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

              England done over by the ref AS WELL!!! 😡

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

                Good comeback in fairness by England I thought Boks may have put 50 on your lot the way they played in first half.

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

      Lew and captain

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

        RVP - dutch need goalssssssssss

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

      tough one, that's why I have both 😉

      Lewy is a very good choice 4 2nite I reckon

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

    Right, trade done.

    Lewandoski in for ronnie, and made him (c) over shrikov.

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  23. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Who's Kuba?

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

      Jakub Blaszczykowski. Poland winger and captain.

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

      Blaszczykowski

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

      Blastoiswitch for Poland

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    4. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Blaszckykskyykwczczczkyowski

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

        4/6 replies were spelt correctly, all but us two...

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

          I have a stutter.

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    5. Tibidabo
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Błaszczykowski

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

      Blaszczykowski

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      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks all!

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  24. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    WC team

    Tyton Anderson
    Zhirkov Debuchy Strinic Lescott Alba
    Dzagoev Sneijder Cabaye Pirlo Pilar
    Rooney Torres Lewandowski

    Any obvious holes?
    Any way of squeezing a German in or will I get away with it?

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

      Podolski/muller instead of rooney

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  25. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Rooney or Welbeck?

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  26. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Welbeck better than Rooney given the price difference?

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

      No because welbeck/Carroll will be dropped for Rooney.

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      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Will surely be Carroll that'll be dropped though.

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

      yess..but rotation risk for me

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  27. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Schweinsteiger, Marchisio and Welbeck

    or

    Pilar, Pirlo and Rooney with no German coverage?

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  28. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Please heeeellllllllllllllllllllp!

    Rooney, Pirlo and Pilar with no German coverage or

    Welbeck, Marchisio and Sweinsteiger?

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

      1st 1

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

      W,M,S for me..

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  29. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    I have a feeling Arshavin(C) is gunna do something for moi tonight....

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

      assist 3 time to Dzagoev?

      i'll take that

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  30. Jinswick
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Best combo?

    a) Lloris & Barzagli/Bonucci/Balzaretti
    b) Buffon & Mezes
    c) Neuer & Bonucci

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

      *Mexes

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

        B just because it's slightly safer than A

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    2. Gigging Order
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      B

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

      B

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    4. Jinswick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like B it is...

      Casillas, Perquis & Ronaldo -> Buffon, Mexes & Gomez - good to go?

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