Scout Reports

Scout Report – Shinji Kagawa

Man United officially confirmed their first major signing of the close season last week, with the capture of Shinji Kagawa from German champions Dortmund on a four-year deal.

The 23-year-old Japanese midfielder arrives for an undisclosed fee that’s rumoured to be anywhere between £12-17m and, having completed a medical and obtained a work permit, will move to Old Trafford when the transfer window opens on July 1.

Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to pay compliment to the new boy, suggesting he will be a crucial part of United’s attempts to wrestle back the title from neighbours City next season:

Shinji is an exciting young midfielder with great skill, vision and a good eye for goal. I am delighted he has chosen to come to United. I believe he will make an impact upon the team very quickly as he is suited to United’s style of play. We are all looking forward to working with him.

The Statistics

As a 17-year-old, Kagawa signed his first professional contract in 2006 with local club Cerezo Osaka. The following year he became an established first-team figure at the club and, over the course of four seasons, demonstrated his goal-getting ability by finding the net 55 times in 125 appearances.

In the summer of 2010, Kagawa joined up at Dortmund in a deal that cost the Bundesliga outfit a mere €350,000, due to a clause in his contract which allow him to move cheaply if the opportunity to play in Europe arose. Kagawa played 18 times in his first season for Jurgen Klopp’s side, scoring eight times and providing one assist, but his game time was cut short due to a metatarsal injury picked up on international duty. Despite missing the second half of the campaign, his performances merited Kagawa a place in the Bundesliga Best XI.

Recovering in time for the start of the 2011/12 campaign, Kagawa was an instrumental figure in Dortmund’s league and cup double. With Mario Gotze sidelined for a good part of the season, Klopp’s side were reliant on the creativity of the Japanese midfielder; over the course of 31 appearances, Kagawa produced 13 goals and eight assists playing in “the hole” in Dortmund’s 4-2-3-1 formation. His final game for Klopp’s side came in the German Cup Final win over Bayern, where Kagawa provided a goal and assist in the 5-2 rout in front of the onlooking Ferguson and, with just 12 months remaining on his contract, United have lessened the blow of losing out on Eden Hazard by snapping up the highly-rated playmaker.

The Prospects

Although he can play on the left flank, Kagawa is best-suited to a role in the middle of the pitch. His trickery and ability to pick out a killer pass from a more advanced central position is an aspect of United’s game that has, arguably, been missing of late. Last season saw them linked with the likes of Wesley Sneijder and Luka Modric – with both moves failing to transpire, Paul Scholes returned from retirement to add a much-needed spark from a deep-lying position in the centre. The new signing has already revealed he has his heart set on replicating the role he excelled in for Dortmund, going on to say:

I want to play (in the hole). I feel like that’s where I play my best football. I plan on working hard so I can win my place at the position. They’re one of the biggest clubs in the world, and I was given a chance to play for them. I took a lot of things into consideration, like the fact that they’ve got a deep squad, their style of football and it wasn’t an easy decision. But I wanted the challenge.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the deal is the effect on United’s shape next season. Ferguson’s default formation last term was, of course, 4-4-2; he only started with a lone forward on just seven of his side’s 38 games but Kagawa’s arrival affords him the chance to vary his approach, with the new boy perhaps tucked in behind Wayne Rooney up front. Certainly, it would seem a lot to ask of Kagawa to field him in central midfield in a 4-4-2 in his first season in the Premier League; standing 5 foot 7, he would need time to adjust to such a role, whereas an advanced slot in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-1-1 will allow him to become more accustomed to the rigours of the Premier League.

If Ferguson opts for an attacking midfield trio of Ashley Young or Nani on the left, Kagawa in the centre and Antonio Valencia on the right behind Rooney, the knock-on effect on the likes of Danny Welbeck and Javier Hernandez’s game time could be detrimental; they started 23 and 18 times respectively last time out but could suffer further if the manager opts for a reshuffle. At the moment, though, it’s too early to judge; pre-season will offer Fantasy managers plenty clues as to Ferguson’s thinking before their season kicks off at Everton in mid-August.

From a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) perspective, Kagawa may well benefit from the same sort of 8.0 price tag that Valencia was afforded in the previous season, with a cost no more than 9.0 looking likely. It leaves Fantasy managers with a real dilemma when assessing United’s midfield options, though, with so many solid performers already on offer. Kagawa’s dead-ball ability could help sway investment his way and with Nani, Young and Valencia all set to be priced considerably higher, he offers an intriguing attacking route into a side that finished 2011/12 with 89 goals under their belt and will be going all-out in their attempt to reclaim the title from City.

Further Reference

Shinji Kagawa Wikipedia

Shinji Kagawa YouTube

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

1,268 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jonah Takalua
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Calm down dumb dumbs the whole squad is available from the bench

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  2. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    so Klose and Gomez for the final anyone?

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    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Stop it! Stop it now!!! 😉

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    2. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yep,Gomez staying in my team for sure (if germany will be in final)

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    3. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Nope. Cassano & Balo! 😉

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    4. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I was thinking about this for the semis. wouldve worked since ronaldo failed

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  3. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    thanks to Negradow bandwago i downgraded Muller for him and upgraded Kedhira to Schwinie

    i also got Gomez 😀

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    1. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Khedira is better than Swine in fantasy terms!

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        we 'll see about that today

        i got a good feeling for schwinie

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        1. blue cheese
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Nice call on Gomez though. Good luck!

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          1. FORCA INTER
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            it's not my call to be honest

            my partner epic fial and me decided to go each for 1 german striker

            he allowed me to pick and i picked gomez and he gone for Klose

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  4. Pabster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone punting on Pirlo (c) for differential?

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  5. turbosmalec
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Italy: Buffon, Chiellini, Balzaretti, Barzagli, Bonucci, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo, Pirlo, Balotelli, Cassano SUBS: Sirigu, De Sanctis, Ogbonna, Abate, Motta, Giaccherini, Diamanti, Nocerino, Di Natale, Borini, Giovinco.

    Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Boateng, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Özil, Kroos, Podolski, Gomez SUBS: Wiese, Zieler, Schmelzer, Höwedes, Mertesacker, Gündoğan, Schürrle, Müller, Bender, Götze, Reus, Klose.

    Everything is ok with subs.

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  6. Henry Hill
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    ITA XI Buffon, Balzaretti, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Pirlo, De Rossi, Marchisio, Montolivo, Cassano, Balotelli

    Germany XI: Neuer; Boateng Hummels Badstuber Lahm; Khedira Schweinsteiger - Kroos Ozil Podolski - Gomez

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  7. Absinthe Minded
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    assistant manager agrees with my team selection.......... i am doomed

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    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Wow, your team must be awful 😆 !

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    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Steve says Khedira to score more than Ozil...

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Is that his mame?

        I refer to him a Mike Hunt !

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  8. Wtfosaurus
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Balotelli (C) Pirlo, Hummels, Boateng and Ozil to play tonight. Such conflicting interests.

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    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      balo ahead of ozil as C ...... Risk

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    2. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      With only 2 games it will always conflict

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  9. leo_messi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Italy: Buffon, Chiellini, Balzaretti, Barzagli, Bonucci, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo, Pirlo, Balotelli, Cassano REZ: Sirigu, De Sanctis, Ogbonna, Abate, Motta, Giaccherini, Diamanti, Nocerino, Di Natale, Borini, Giovinco.

    Germany: Neuer, Hummels, Badstuber, Lahm, Boateng, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Özil, Kroos, Podolski, Gomez REZ: Wiese, Zieler, Schmelzer, Höwedes, Mertesacker, Gündoğan, Schürrle, Müller, Bender, Götze, Reus, Klose.

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  10. just a man
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    (c) Ozil or Gomez?

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  11. turbosmalec
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Quote from uefa's matchcentre:

    "Steffen Potter says:
    Some thoughts: #Kroos to play AM to track #Pirlo.# Özil to play RM, Löw plans to carve #ITA open on the wings. #GERITA #GER"

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    1. hillbillypete
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yep, i think Kroos will man mark Pirlo. something England failed to do 100%

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  12. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    hope ppl will learn now-Never trust in stupid predictable lineups 😉

    they are 99% wrong every time

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    1. hillbillypete
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      forca...........u on twitter?

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        no i am not 😉

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    2. turbosmalec
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Yogi outplayed the footy world 😉

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    3. Sarnab
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      correct

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  13. hillbillypete
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    gutted for those with Abate, Muller, Klose.....someone out there will have all 3..

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    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      You can add Reus to that list as well 🙁

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    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      One out of three is bad enough for me. Still... plenty of match time left 🙂

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    3. blue cheese
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Some might have those plus Reus and Diamanti

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    4. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      well said ,but who knows??i still fancy Klose to score when he came off bench

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      1. Qubit
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        i wouldnt bet against him getting something thats for sure.

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  14. The_Druid
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Replace Negredo(1pt) with Abate or not?!

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    1. Crazy Joe
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Leave him in, let it be a lesson about bandwagons.

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      1. The_Druid
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Advice with 51 pts less?Don't think so. I just thought he was a bargain.

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    2. Le Gooner
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      If he was anywhere close to fit, he would have started. I don't believe he'll come on as a sub

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      1. The_Druid
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Thanx!

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    3. suvoneel
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      ok...thanks guys..i was up with the same uncertainty...got an answer..

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  15. Crazy Joe
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Top 3 in my ML don't have Ozil, time to catch up!

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  16. Coldplay
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Consolation for those whose players aren't starting. The ones playing can always get a red card. 😉

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    1. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Especially if it's Balotelli

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  17. Pratik
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    So Demi (childish gambino) with his first blunder in the line-ups, and instead goal.com getting it right. Look how fast things change....

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    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      But we all wait until the official line ups, surely?

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      1. Pratik
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        The reason Demi posts it so fast is because of twitter. Usually some trusted source. Apparently today was an off-day.

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        1. 4vets
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          No disrespect to CG but you'd be mad to not look at the official squads before making subs. There's no reason not to.

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    2. Coldplay
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Be easy on him. When he was here that Italian lineup was the only lineup out. Its not that he is a mole in every teams' dressing room. He also gets the lineups from Twitter.

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      1. Pratik
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Hey I never intended to be harsh on him #DEMI-GODS CAN MAKE MISTAKES

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    3. The_Druid
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      The truth is that Gambino didn't post anything!!! 🙂

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      1. Kingston
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I put abate in for oliveira stupidly. He provides a great service on here and cannot apportion blame anywhere but with myself for acting so hastily

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    4. little_wizard123
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Goal.com never get it right...:

      http://www.goal.com/en/match/82166/germany-vs-italy/preview

      Included Klose, Schurrle and Reus 😆 They also included Abate.

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  18. hillbillypete
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Petric signed for Fulham..........is he the decent Petric?

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    1. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yep,i can confirm it

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      1. hillbillypete
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        guessing they arent gettin Pog then. that is a good signing for them tho.

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        1. Abominable Snowy84
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Pog gone to Reading.

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          1. FORCA INTER
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Pog is still in Moscow

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        2. Le Gooner
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Pog has already signed for Reading is what I've heard.

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    2. Bøwstring The Carp
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Think so. Had a google at his stats the other day and was very impressed. Consistently gets around 13-15 goals every season. Could be a great budget option for Fulham if he comes in at around 6.5m

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        he is at penalty kicks as well 😉

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        1. hillbillypete
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          oh yeah...murphy had left now eh. surely Dempsey will be tho. if he stays.......

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      2. hillbillypete
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Pg at reading eh..........potential there.

        Although i think Lambert will be my cheapie

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  19. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    So Germany man marking Pirlo..... Marchisio (c)??!

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    1. Le Gooner
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      That's what I was thinking!

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    2. Sarnab
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Nice punt

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  20. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Gomez is a must !

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  21. Open Controls
  22. FORCA INTER
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    C'mon Gomez+ Schiwine(differentials) Hummels and Boateng

    make me proud guys

    i can get back at 1st place in CRO if germany do job

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Oi, aren't you supposed to be supporting Italy?!!

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        yes i am ,but i have to suport my 5 german players 😀 😀

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  23. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Line ups.... Oh well .....
    COME ON ITALY!!!!!

    Then Wimbledon no1 court tomorrow. Noice

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  24. isacki: full casual
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Bloody Klose. I believed in you!!

    Oh well. Fingers crossed for a sub. Hoping not expecting.

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Captain him anyway.

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Hahahaha!

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    2. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Big ditto on that one 🙁

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  25. Matt_
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Klose (C) from off the bench or go with Ozil (C) ?

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    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Jesus!!!!

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      1. Matt_
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I transferred him out last minute. He's not an option.

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  26. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Germany v Italy (19:45 BST)
    Germany reinstate two of their regular front three with Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski returning in place of Andre Schurrle and Miroslav Klose. Fellow forward Marco Reus also drops out of the starting XI, but not for Thomas Mueller as expected. Joachim Loew has instead opted to give Toni Kroos his first start of the tournament. The rest of the German team is the same as the one that beat Greece 4-2 in the last eight.

    Italy welcome back defender Giorgio Chiellini from injury and he replaces Ignazio Abate, who picked up a knock in the quarter-final game against England. Daniele De Rossi was also an injury doubt but is fit to start. Antonio Cassano and Mario Balotelli continue up front.

    BBC Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17875870

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  27. @FuzzyWarbles
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Lahm (C) for me.

    over schwein and khedira and pirlo

    madness?

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    1. 4vets
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Not at all. I'd do it with those players.

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    2. FORCA INTER
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      i got a good feeling about schwein today...

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    3. isacki: full casual
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I don't think Lahm's going to do what he did last game for a while, let's put it that way.

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      1. isacki: full casual
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I wouldn't bet on the German CS. I'm lame at CS, and I have two German defenders.

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  28. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Busquets, Ronaldo, Nani → Diamanti, Reus, Nocerino done #outinablazeofglory

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  29. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Risk reus n abAte for 1 and 2 points? 3rd in league hmmmm

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    1. Matt_
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Still lots to gain, little to lose.

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      1. mo 10 years on FFS? Join my…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Is this Matt kearny by any chance?! The Matt that I am leading by 2 points?!

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