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. Spike ⚽️
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Good morning all. Just read the transfer rules and 3pts are deducted for each additional transfer but that's all it says. Does it work the same as FPL regarding hd to hd leagues ie you would have a deficit of -3 pts for 2 transfers ?

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

      I think so.

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

      its like FPL but instead of -4 there is -3

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      1. Spike ⚽️
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks Kostiga. I know the points are different but are the rules the same was really what I was asking 😉

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  2. oxido_76
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Rate my team please :

    Malafeev/Andersen

    Barzagli/Schmelzer/Lescott/Debuchy/Boenisch(Perquis if he start)

    Iniesta/Pirlo/Gerrard/Dzagoev/Pilar

    Torres/Menez/Lewandoski

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

      like the menez punt
      keep boenisch, was a great save away from the
      big numbers last day

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

    Any news on whether Kervakhov will start?

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

      Why wouldn't he start?

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

      Probably been banished to the gulag after all those s.o.t.s

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

    http://www.football-italia.net/20024/how-will-italy-approach-ireland

    Bit of speculation on the Italy side against Ireland.

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

      Not saying much, they pretty much name every Italy squad player as a possible starter 😀

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

      Should have gone Benzema Captain 😉 thanks

      So Bonucci should start? Phew

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

        I can't believe I got Ronaldo when I had been set on Benzema 😡

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

    Iniesta or Sneijder? Dont have any other Spain or Holland cover.

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

      Xabi, imo.

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

      Iniesta.

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

      I have Iniesta and Fab but considering swopping Iniesta for Sneijder if Fab starts. If I was n WC I would go with Sneijder or both

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

      Who will play in his absence?

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

        it says in the article

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

        boenisch same price anyway

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

      cheers adz

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

    Fancy taking a punt guys as I need a differential to get me back in the game

    A) Pavlychenko (will wait for lineups, have Shorikov but no Dzagoev which worries me, Captain over Lew?)
    B) Huntelaar (will he start, need a Captain for Matchday 2, or go safe with RVP?)
    C) Other punt

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

      Klaas-Jan Huntelaar.

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

      my cousin in holland reckons huntelaar will lead the line

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  7. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    So, team sorted. Just need the captain now...

    Cech
    Zhirkov
    Pilar
    Shirokov

    I'm thinking shirokov?

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

      Shirokov

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

    My team doesnt look brilliant, 0.6 in the bank and no FT...

    Anything worth taking a hit for?

    Chalkias Andersen
    Lescott Debuchy Alba Magio Limbersky
    Gerrard Iniesta Shirokov Rosicky Fortounis
    RVP Kerzhakov Benzema

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

      Looks ok to me

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

    Any word on the Russian Keeper for today?

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

      Why, what's new on this front?

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

      I would gamble on Malafeev, unless you are able to do a transfer etc after the lineup has come out. Cant see any reason to play Akinfeev as he has just recently been injured, and also has played quite few games the recent months.

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

    Is gettin' RVP with an FT a good idea 4 this matchday?

    Don't have the cash 4 Gomez and want 2 get rid of CR7. Not 2 sure whether Rooney will explode like expected. Torres is out of the question as already have Alba/Iniesta.

    Thanks!

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

      I,m considering this but wait for the team news, if Huntelaar starts he may be a better option imo

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

        U reckon we'll know this b4 the deadline 2day?

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

          Yes we will

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

            Sorry, no we won't, my mistake

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

              meh

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

            Tah!

            How r u standin' so far?

            I got 103 pts total. Need 2 improve that 'cos of ML

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

      i recon they will start likek the started the second half of the last game which is good for rvp as he's kind of at the center of things and they're more attacking

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

        hopin 4 dat, rvp it'll b then

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

    If you had Perquis and he doesn't play would you just leave him rather than use your one free transfer on another 4.5m def who may do little anyway? I have other transfers I'm considering but none that are essential (unless Fab doesn't start). Thanks

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

      Leave that and try and find a goal, imo.

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

      What makes you think Fab will start?

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

        Nothing, hence my comment 😕

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

          Transferring Fab out is essential. You could easily get Pirlo/Young/Nasri with that money.

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

            Not that simple, I already have Pirlo and two English and French, it would prob have to be Dzagoev even tho he is now .4m dearer and I have Shirokov

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

        He won't.

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

      Its not as if there have been many cleansheets and very few options fo that price, lose Fab instead.

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    4. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      If you can use the FT to more use I would just leave him

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

      Thanks for comments 🙂

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

    Balotelli against the Irish?

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

      Reply fail to Tommytour59.

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    2. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Might not start... The coach has said he's considering some changes...

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

    This Is my team fill In the Gaps

    Buffon Anderson
    Piszczek Alba Lescott A.Cole Maniatis
    ______ ________ Shirokov Dzageov Polanski
    Gomez Torres Benzema
    Cheers !

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

      budget remaining?

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

        15.0

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

          Pirlo and Cabaye(or Pilar)

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

      ribery and pilar
      nasri and mandzukic
      kuba and marchisio
      pirlo and cabaye

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

    Casillas Chalias

    Lescott Bonucci Manaitis Stirnic Perquis

    Fabregas Young Nasri Dzagoev Shirokov

    Lenwandoski Cassano Benzema

    1FT 0.4 in bank suggestions ?

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    1. Can’t beat em so&hell…
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Chalky out?

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

        why waste FT there when i hv Casilas

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

      Move out Fab - may not start

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  15. Can’t beat em so&hell…
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    So, team sorted. Just need the captain now…

    Cech
    Zhirkov
    Pilar
    Shirokov

    I’m thinking shirokov?

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

      Shirokov.

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    2. Spike ⚽️
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Best choice from that lot imo

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

    Nasri - Ozil for my FT worth it?

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

      nope

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    2. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      nasri out ozil in? really not worth it

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  17. som3awy
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Is Marchisio nailed on?

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

      seems to be, although he did miss alot of chances v Croatia 🙁

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

      i think yes

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

      100%

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

    If you start a player, and he does not play, are you stuck with his 0 points, or is he still allowed to be subbed out?

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

      yep, he can be subbed out

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

      he can be subbed out unless his played on the last day

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  19. bradbury1
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    have many people taken a point hit on transfers this week????

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  20. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Would appreciate any help. Which combination sounds better for this Matchday?

    Torres & Sneijder

    OR

    van Persie, Blasczcykowski?

    Don’t have any other Dutch/Polish or even Italian players for that matter.

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      A

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

    Pirlo or Marchisio? Fear is that Pirlo is getting on and might be rested...

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

      Italy are 3rd in group C so i dont think they'll risk there most inform player at the moment

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

        *rest

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

      There really is paranoia around here when it comes to players being rested. There is absolutely no chance of that happening. Both will start.

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

    Best forward for 8.9 or less?

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

      torres ?

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

        I have been thinking about him. But im just not too sure yet.

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

      lewandowski, an italian or cheeky punts on
      menez or welbeck

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  23. Moose™
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    lewandowski > torres
    young > dzag
    k papa > strinic
    afellay > marchisio

    was it worth it?

    plz reply fast

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    1. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      plus 9pt hit =.=

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

        do it !

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

      no

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

      no way a 9 pt hit in this game
      maybe the second + fourth ones

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

    What do people think of VDV's prospects this week?

    And do people think a -3 point is not worth it, no matter what, with the free WC next GW?

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

      I was thinking the same in the morning.

      VDV is worth it, but Sneijder is way better. He has been world-class despite Netherlands losing in both the games.

      I am going with a 3pt hit this week, but the majority are not in favour of a hit.

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

        Yeah this is my dilemma, I want to get Sneijder but to do that for free, I would have to remove Iniesta, but it seems silly doing that when Fab doesnt seem likely to start.

        So thought maybe VDV for Fab to avoid the hit..

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    2. little_wizard123
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      It will be worth it if you captain a player you bring in and they score big. On the other hand, you should have a squad of 15 who all play. Saying this, I managed a score of 41 with four different captains (and 3 was my best of these scores) with all 15 of my players playing.

      Might take a hit myself.

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

        Yeah, true.

        It just seems a bit silly the week before the WC but I guess it does all depend on your choices as to who you take the hit for.

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

      VDV won't and will never start for the Netherlands this tournament. He simply doesn't fit into the team. He's too slow to play on the wings and too lazy to play centrally.

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

        I thought he might have a chance of playing instead of Van Bommel or De Jong in the centre?

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

          He's hopeless at defending.

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

    who has made more than 7 transfers this week because i have gutted !

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

      i have! but im on my wc 😉

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

      9 here!

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  26. little_wizard123
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    I find it quite amusing pressing the i on each player and it telling you their middle name (no idea why they've included it): 'Jermain Colin Defoe' for example 😆

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

      Charles Joseph John Hart

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

      Doesn't work for Bonucci or Pisczek, only 2 players I've tried 🙁

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

      woj

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    4. little_wizard123
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Glan McLeod Cooper Johnson....

      Looks like it's only for the English players. That's strange.

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      1. little_wizard123
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Glen*.

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

    which combo is best to fill in the blanks?

    ______, given
    arbeloa, strinic, boenisch, berezutski, _____
    pilar, mandzukic, kuba, dzagoev, ______
    gomez, torres, benzema

    a) anderson, barzagli, nasri
    b) cech, maggio, marchisio
    c) sifakis,barzagli, pirlo
    d) anderson, maggio, pirlo

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    1. Limbo Exile
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      d

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

      I'd fear Andersen+Given, though in the end it's liekly you make the move to Given after the first one plays.

      B or D look ok

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

    i decided to get Russian defender for my FT

    Zhirkov or Ignashevic??

    Zhirkov-very atacking and could deliver assist

    Ignashevic-god from set pieces and possible goal threat + Rb magnet

    Gotta be Ignashevic,right?

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

      Always the Gnasher

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

      Cany say.... 😉

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

    My team
    Stekelenburg – Lindegaard
    M. Kadlec – Lescott – Zhirkov – Piszczek – Jordi Alba
    Götze – Shirokov – A. Diarra – João Moutinho – Błaszczykowski
    Van Persie – Jelavić – Gomez

    Gotze out (7.2) Miguel Veloso in (7.0)
    or should i do a second transfer and rvp out- torres in, Gotze out - Schweinsteiger in?

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