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. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    JK if you're around, still don't know what to do with my team:

    Chalkias - Andersen

    Maggio - Alba - Lescott - Selassie - Anyukov

    Shirokov - Kuba(c) - Iniesta - Pilar - Nasri

    Cassano - Robben - Benzema

    😕

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

      Iniesta to Schweinseiger or Benzema to Muller

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

      Robben to Nani/Postiga/Lewa/

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

      No money in the bank?

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  2. hellothere23
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Is Maggio certain to start? Read on https://twitter.com/#!/italiannt their potential XI excludes Maggio. And is it a must to get in Mandzukic for my WC team? Missed his points for first 2 days already!

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

    Is Clichy nailed on for France? 😀

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    1. hellothere23
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I would think so. Did not do anything wrong that day and Evra was dropped for no reason. Can't see them changing it again.

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

    Which would you rather have?

    1) Schweinsteiger - Nasri - Pilar - Berezutzki

    2) Schweinsteiger - Nasri - Fortounis - Hummels

    3) Iniesta - Kuba - Pilar - Zhirkov

    4) Sneijder - Nasri - Fortounis - Zhirkov

    Or any combination of the above lol. Doing my head in! Just got back from the gym and all I could think of mid sets was what moves to make. Its a disease I tell ya!

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

      3, IMO. Wouldn't give up on Iniesta just yet, he has been unlucky to get no goals/assists. Kuba and Pilar are good picks for this GW and Zhirkov has looked offensively dangerous at times.

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

    thanks for the midfield choice help, chaps. here's another. pick TWO of these for this gameweek:

    Kerzhahov
    Cassano
    Carroll
    Balotelli
    Giovinco
    Di Natale
    Huntelaar
    Postiga
    Shevchenk

    Thanks!

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

      Kerzakov Cassano

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

    RMWCT:

    Malafeev, Andersen
    Boenisch, Alba, Barzagli, Hummels, Debuchy
    Kuba (C), Shirokov, Pilar, Marchisio, Mandzukic
    Torres, Gomez, Benzema

    If Kuba fails as a captain I'll have my strikers to cover him up. The lack of Dzagoev is scary, but I guess I'm already late to that train.

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

      I like it a lot. I'd with Barzgali unless there's been new that he's recovered from injury?

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

        Thanks for the reply. Barzagli is a risky choice, but the reports suggest that he is fit to play.

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

    Who's likely to replace boeteng in Germany

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

      Bender or Schmelzer

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

        +1

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

      Howedes

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    3. Portsmouth Bubblejet
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      At the press conference this afternoon, Löw said either Bender or Höwedes would replaced Boateng. German journalists are taking this as meaning that the option of shifting Lahm to right-back and playing Schmelzer at left-back isn't now going to happen, although this wasn't stated explicitly.

      Conclusion: We won't know before the deadline, so don't gamble.

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

        just the man.

        To repeat the question I asked before

        I've got Gomez now, worth sticking with him until the end of Germany's tournament, whenever that may be?

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        1. Portsmouth Bubblejet
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          I answered on the previous page - yes, I'm sticking with Gomez myself.

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

            goodo

            Will bring in another German or 2 (probably Neuer and Hummels) for the quarters

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

    Just done Marchisio > Diamanti on my WC, doubt I'll have the nerve to go through with it

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

      I'd stick with Marchisio, he's a great goal threat IMO

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

        Why? Diamanté won't start. Montolivo/Nocerino are first choice attacking mids

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

    Any thoughts on wherther Chiellini will start. He has appeared pretty nailed on up to now. Cheers...

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

      He will start 22131231%, he is their best player, or at least top 3

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

        That's what I thought until comments that only Maggio is nailed on.....

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

      Chiellini is nailed on

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        What about Maggio?

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

          Likely but not 100%

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  10. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Repost.

    JK if you’re around, still don’t know what to do with my team:

    Chalkias – Andersen

    Maggio – Alba – Lescott – Selassie – Anyukov

    Shirokov – Kuba(c) – Iniesta – Pilar – Nasri

    Cassano – Robben – Benzema

    😕

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

      replied on previous page mate

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    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Nevermind, I see you replied.

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

    After noon all what time would we get the line up from the GROUP A Games
    Cheers !

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

    Haha classic me not knowing when the deadline is 😀 😳

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

      Its tomorrow 😉

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

    how important is it to have a russian attacker today?

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

      not a must have, but cant hurt. I would not take a hit for any of them.

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

      As important as having a fantasy team

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

    Rooney, RVP or CR7??

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

      RvP for me. Roon might be rusty, and i personally hate CR7 😉

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    2. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      RVP

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

      Thanks, was leaning that way too

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  15. LawnDart
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    captain ignaschevich (russian defender) or kuba?

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

      Kuba. i dont trust the Ruskies to get a CS.

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

    thanks for the midfield choice help, chaps. here’s another. pick TWO of these for this gameweek:

    Kerzhahov
    Cassano
    Carroll
    Balotelli
    Giovinco
    Di Natale
    Huntelaar
    Postiga
    Shevchenk

    Thanks!

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

      Rooney ? if u can get huntelaar or carroll then go rooney ...
      anyways from those if pick Balotelli and kerzhakov

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

      yea, i can't get anyone...this is a draft-style league, and the above guys are the only ones that haven't been picked up by owners in the ML.

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

      Huntelaar and Kerzhakov

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  17. PL Ball
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Ozil or Sneijder?

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

      Sneijd. Germany will be playing for the draw and won't be all-out attacking, imo.

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

        Germany wont play for a draw. Maybe they will rest some names, but they will still play as normal.

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

      Ozil is likely to get 10 assist in a game

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

        😆

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  18. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Iniesta does nothing he has been a waste so far

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

      + this. ive had him for both games and been disappointed. he's been close to points tho, so i'll stick with him (tho im a Spain supporter, so that makes it easier)

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

      Funny as IRL he's been one of the players of the tournament so far.

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

      I have the same problem. He's good on the pitch, but not rewarded...

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

      read his stats - the guy is a footballer, he did provide an assist v Eire for Silva goal but Ronalds McD didnt award, but his passing stats are immense whilst he did have several chances in both games. Drop him is high risk as he has potential for a huge haul.......or like many he may score 2pts!

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  19. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Iniesta and Robben to Schweini and Torres for -3?

    Worth it?

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

      Yeah i hope so if just done it

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  20. Spoiler
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    suggested transfers?

    Chalkias | Andersen
    Strinic | Limbersky | Alba | Lescott | Maggio
    Iniesta | Dzagoev | Nasri | Shirkov | Pilař
    CR7 | Lewandowski | Benzema

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

      CR7 to RVP?

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

      CR7 to Rooney.

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

      CR7>RVP

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

    Dzagoev to score and Russia win 7/2. Hmm worth it?

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

      Paddy Power were (maybe still) offering it at 5/1

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

    Here are my Captain Choice's
    Sat: Dzageov Sun: Gomez Mon: Torres Tues: Benzema
    Agreed!

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

      id go for a holland captain if you got cover there...

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

        Don't have any Holland Players although iam a holland support

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

    After thinking about it all day, I don't think I'm going to use my FT for the Gameweek 3

    Anderson / Hart
    Alba / Maniatas / Pereira / Selassie / Debuchy
    Pirlo / Ozil / Pilar / Shirokov / Nasri
    Silva / Arshavin / Oliveria

    £2m in bank

    There are plenty of changes I could make, but none where I'm certain a different player will definitely do better than the one I transfer out. And I definitely don't intend taking a hit.

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

      not even an italian defence cover?!!!

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

        Periera to maggio imo

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

        I can see Ireland getting a consulation goal

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

        Oliveira and Pereira are a waste of space.

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

          I only need 11 players 😉

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

            Its not the Uefa game?

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

      You might as well do Selassie to Kadlec then.

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

        50/50 as which might get more points. Selassie looks better for RBs

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

          But Kadlec has pens. If they were the same price (Which in your scenario they might as well be) you would always always pick the one with pens.

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

    Should i get rid of Fabregas for a hit?

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

      No!

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

    Finished!

    Andersen, Chalky Ass.
    Barzagli, Alba, Debuchy, Gebre Selassie, Maniatis.
    Young, Özil(2), Pilař, Shirokov, Iniesta.
    Arshavin(1), Benzema(4), Cassano(3).

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

    i dont have any russian attackers right now should i take hits to get them?

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

      depends on whose in your team

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

    It looks like on of Diamanti and Nocerino will start for Italy. I think it will be Diamanti as he is more attacking and Italy need to break down a defensive Irish side. Prandelli's comments seem to back this up http://twitter.com/#!/italiannt (cheers for the link CG)

    My only doubt over Diamanti is that Prandelli could choose to start less offensively and bring him on for Nocerino if Italy aren't winning.

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

      *one of

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

      The Motta Motor has broken down.

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

        Never got going 😉

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

          3rd worst fantasy buy ever. Sorensen and Senderos are joint 1st.

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

      is that the guy that used to play for west ham

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

        Yep

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

      So who makes way for them?

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

        Motta

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    5. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      How do you think they'll line-up defensively?

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

        The link says:
        Potential XI v Ireland: Buffon; Barzagli, De Rossi, Chiellini; Abate, Marchisio, Pirlo, Diamanti, Balzaretti; Cassano, Balotelli. 3-5-2

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

        Buffon
        Maggio, Barzagli, De Rossi, Chiellini, Balzaretti

        Buffon, De Rossi and Chiellini all 100% to start. After that I would say Barzagli is most likely followed by Balzaretti then Maggio.

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

    cassano or balotelli?

    or just stick with torres?

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

      stick with NANDO

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

    IS CLICHY NAILED ON FOR FRANCE?!!

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    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I suppose.

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

    It's nani a good choice

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

      Not a bad one IMO, with holland to go out and attack from the starting whistle.

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

        Nani or Torres

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

          If you ask someone else you probably get Torres as the answer, im not so sure. I still think Fabre will get his job back.

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        2. Kevin Twine
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Torres

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