Euro 2012

Final – Dugout Discussion

This is it, then. One last match of Euro 2012 left before our thoughts inevitably turn to domestic matters with the release of the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) player list later this month. This evening, though, our attentions are fixed firmly on Spain’s match with Italy, as Vicente Del Bosque’s side look to win their third consecutive major international tournament in this evening’s 7.45pm showdown:

As always, we’ve opened up the Dugout Discussion ahead of kick-off:

The team news is now in and is as follow:

Spain make one change to the side that started against Portugal in the semi finals. Cesc Fabregas returns to the first-team in the “false nine” position, with Alvaro Negredo dropping to the bench – Del Bosque, therefore, has named the same starting XI that faced Italy in their opening Group C match.

The Azzurri continue in the 4-2-3-1 formation that has seen them concede just one goal in their last three matches. Cesare Prandelli makes just a single alteration to his team – Ignazio Abate has recovered from injury and returns at right-back, with Federico Balzaretti the man to miss out.

Spain XI: Casillas; Arbeloa, Pique, Ramos, Alba; Busquets, Alonso, Xavi, Silva, Fabregas, Iniesta

Italy XI: Buffon; Abate, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Pirlo, Marchisio, De Rossi, Montolivo; Balotelli, Cassano

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

1,777 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LOCO ABREU
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    In fantasy terms only would have preferred that chelsea were not in the champions league this year. all that rotations and games will be a nightmare with RDM.

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

      Tough one, they could have a decent and big enough squad not to be too strained by it.

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      1. LOCO ABREU
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        but imagine a team to fighting for the title almost without rotation all season. Torres, mata, hazard starting all games, no early subs etc. Fantasy gold!

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

          Really hope Torres is back to his best this season!

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    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      He'll be sacked by Christmas anyway. Never seen a luckier manager.

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

        Depends on what he does with Lamps and JT. AVB wanted to freshen things up and change the style of play, Lamps threw his toys out of the pram and AVB got the boot.

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  2. RoysCallerAnne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    560th...ya gotta be happy with that...although I'm not really...thought I'd win it, personally 😉 Congrats to IT, Forca, Wazza, Parm and Giggs Bos...who all finished above me in the BUG laegue.

    FPL...see you there!

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  3. LOCO ABREU
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    well the time has come! goodnight

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

      Sleep well Loco!

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

    Wow.... Double meh! 600th to 12k. Italy all in fail!!
    Hey ho, just not our day today

    To beat Spain you need your 1st 11 playing at .%100

    We had neither today and it was literally a game too far. Seriously though Euro final, Thursday-Sunday, that's crazy!!

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    1. China Mag
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Ha. 20,000 down to 180,000!! Oh well. That's sometimes the gambles just don;t pay off!!

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      1. China Mag
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I still think that all in italy was the only move to make if you were chasing.

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

          I chased by 9 Spanish.. All the momentum went Italy and I guessed most in my ML would field more Italians than usual. Luckily, i successfully stormed back to the top of my ML.

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

      You think your players were tired?

      Fell from 23k to 113k myself, with De Rossi (c) and Di Natale not paying off. The latter could have had a brace though. It was a gamble though, which I knew the possible outcome of, so I am not surprised the bit, although I of course hoped for a rocket into a 4 digit ranking.

      This was just a summer fling anyway, so playing it safe was never an option.

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  5. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    I'm having problems logging into the FPL site. Dare I dream it's a sign of it being updated for a launch tomorrow?!?!?!?!?! 🙂

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

      I can login just fine 🙁

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

        Fine for me too

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  6. Willis.
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    This place is quiet. Too quiet...

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  7. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    what will we do here til August??

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

      Got beaches in Vietnam?

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

    Morning everyone!

    IMPORTANT

    Make sure you're on the followers list of our new site

    1) Go to http://uefacouncil.wordpress.com/
    2) Watch out for FOLLOW BLOG on the right hand side
    3) Enter your email ID and click on "follow"

    The registration could start really (well before EPL) to ease the administration, so make sure you don't miss out.

    If you've already done this, kindly ignore.

    Cheers lads.

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

      No thanks.

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

      Since Silva and Torres were team mates I hope you will not put me in any Inferior cup in FPL 🙂

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    3. Dom Salahnke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I will get some update if I come on FFS regularly, right? Don't check mail that often..

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

        you SHOULD but follow us as well to be safe. if you follow you'll be sure not to miss it

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    4. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Done! Looking forward to this, should be good

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      1. Dom Salahnke
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        +millions

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  9. ManofKent
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Morning all.

    37,117 (291 points) not where I hoped to be, but I scraped my work mini-league by 2 pts though sticking the whole Spanish back four in and captaining Alba so I'm not unhappy.

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  10. NATSTER
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Talk about FPL.. Assume that the 2nd WC will still be available on mid-season, When do you plan to use your WC on next season?

    I usually played it early to build team value and this strategy served me well (but not yet great) in the last two seasons. I'm wondering if there is other strategy to use it.

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    1. ManofKent
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I shall plan on using it late but end up using it early through making disasterous selections 🙂

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

        I will not select too many punts in my starting team this season.. Lucky to missed Boselli boat on 2010/11, but stuck with Moses last season.. 🙁

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

      😯

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  11. Football is Life
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Any1 have any clue as to when the new EPL Fantasy game is due to start?

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

      Mid July seem the best and popular answer so far.

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      1. ManofKent
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Yes it was exceptionally late last year, but I can't see them making major changes to the site after last year's debacle.

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  12. Pinoche
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Finished 15k overall 🙂

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    1. Dom Salahnke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Someone around my range at last.. 25k here 🙁

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

        I am happy with my ranking as I had little knowledge outside Premier League 🙂

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        1. Dom Salahnke
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Same for me.. Planning to watch different leagues this year..

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

        Indeed 🙂

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

          Reply fail to your post below..

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  13. Dom Salahnke
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    This deadzone is so..dead.

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

    Even I feel like taking a break from fantasy! And maybe it's time I do.

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    1. Dom Salahnke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Studies? Or plain boredom?

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

    norning,deadzone again?

    still gutted for my 2nd finissh in CRO 🙁

    i was 1rb away from prizes

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

      move on man

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

        Morning Ronh/Christina

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

    Dead.

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  17. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    I guess last night was one in the ass to all the moaning minnies whingeing about Spain's style of play. They were fantastic, irresistible. I dread to think what they might have done to England... Roll on FPL!!

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

      can't wait to see them playing top gear in the wc with villa and (hopefully) puyol back!!!

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

        and torres back in form. or is that one too much to ask? 😉

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  18. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    A few days without 2000 identical RMTs. What the hell are we gonna do until Fantasy Olympics start at least 😯

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    1. Dom Salahnke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Is there a Fantasy Olympics? O.O

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      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        There will be. But you'd have to be a complete fantasy addic twho is in need of some professional psychiatric help to play it.

        So I'll be playing. 😀

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        1. Dom Salahnke
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Bring it on.

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

      A bloody joy! No RMT's that is, not fantasy Olympics.

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

      Nice player, but would he be nailed on with Bale, VDV, Parker and Modric around?

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

        Who said VdV and Modric will be around?

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

          Not me.

          Modric off to Madrid.

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

            Yeah. Bound to happen.
            VdV might be off to Germany as well. Schalke, probably.

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

        Play behind main forward?

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

          Then where will Sigurdsson play?

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

            Although I doubt us signing both (even one of them would be surprising), Siggy could play central, with Dzagoev right in a 4-2-3-1 for example.

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

              Okie. Looking forward to seeing 'em both at WHL 😉

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

          With AVB (or Laurent Blanc) the days of 4-4-1-1 might be over.

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  19. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    What a crap night. Bad luck to Italy, and a smack in the chops for their manager! : -)

    On a happier note, well done Impressive Tackle! 🙂

    And well done RoysCallerAnne!!! 😀

    Can't access It's A Euro Knockout ... 🙁

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

      yep,IT has dominate

      i am happy i finisshed 2nd behined him

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      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Well done!!! 🙂

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

          thanks,but i am still gutted

          finisshed 2nd in CRO and i missed prizes 🙁

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          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Prizes? Are u sure there aren't prizes for top in a country. I have been in the past

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

              yes Daniel,there was prize for top finissh in each Fan league

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  20. Djerbil
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Morning/Afternoon Dead zoners:

    Vote for ur Player of the Euros:(in non fantasy terms)
    Mine JORDI ALBA

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

      my vote goes to Alba as well

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

      Best player: Alba
      Worst player: Kerzhakov

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

        worst players :RVP,Robben

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

          RvP was not that bad: scored a goal..Robben was horrible

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

          Robben was bad. Agreed.
          But 14 shots in 3 matches from a central striker and NONE on target??? That is hopeless!

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

            mandzukic 5 shots 3 goals 😉

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    3. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Jordi Alba

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

    Team of the Tournament imho

    Rui Patricio
    Gebre Selassi, Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Jordi Alba
    Moutinho, Pirlo, Xabi Alonso
    Dzagoev, Balotelli, Ronaldo

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    1. Dom Salahnke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Couldn't disagree, though Alonso is debatable.

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

        yeah.. Marchisio and Veloso both knocking on that door.

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

      For reference - Castrol Edge Team

      casillas
      arbeloa, ramos, pique, jordi alba
      alonso, busquets, marchisio
      iniesta, balotelli, ronaldo

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    3. phoenix737
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      dzagoev>ozil

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      1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        No way.
        Dzagoev was/is/will be way better.

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

      hey where's our Golden Boot winner Nando??

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

        Yeah! We want Torres!

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

        haha, good one

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

      Worst XI?

      Chalkias
      vd Weil - Mexes - Dunne - Evra
      Robben - Rooney - ??? - ???
      Benzema - Kerzhakov

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

        MIlner/Young gotta be in there somewhere.

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    6. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Not taking into Account Players Starting Position-
      Casillas
      Coentrao, Selaisse, Lahm, Alba
      Xavi, Pirlo, Iniesta
      Dzagoev, Mandzukic/Klose, Balotelli

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    7. tw
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      casillas in place of patricio perhaps. he came up with some big saves when they mattered!

      good looking team though manduzkic is missing from there i'd think

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    1. phoenix737
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      wer u drunk while building this team..??

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      1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        It's not my team. 😛

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

      ENR's?

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      1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Think so.

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      2. Dom Salahnke
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Hey Nitin, any chance you have that spreadsheet on defence rotations? Forgot too bookmark.. 😳

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        1. Dom Salahnke
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          *to

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  22. Dom Salahnke
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    It's 8:30, is the DeZo over? Could use a bit of banter now.. 🙁

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  23. Valar(Keith)
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    just realised that there are 13 episodes in walking dead season 2 and i'd stopped at 7 about 2 months ago thinkin that was it!! fun times..

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  24. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Friends, Romans, Countrymen,



    It is with great sadness that Serbia acknowledges our exit from the esteemed UEFA World Cup (in the group phases...). We hope we competed with valour and pride that do honour our great nation.



    We pay credit to our noble opposition from Japan, Argentina and the Ivory Coast and as a mark of respect offer a tribute to each which shall be paid in the form of their team’s combined weight in the finest raspberries our nation can produce. We thank all participants for their comradeship, good-naturedness, support and all-round… Friendliness… which has greeted us at this happy time in our long and turbulent history



    From now on we shall focus our efforts on our first love – Fantasy International Water Polo.



    Otpor!

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Hehehe!!!

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    2. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Excellent Mate!!

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

    hey guys! two questions

    1) have you hit follow on the right hand side of our new website yet? this will ensure you get notified when registration opens!

    2) is anyone interested in being a contributor?

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

      1) i follow site from day 2 😉

      2) i would like to be contributor if that possible

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

        1) ok great

        2) shoot me an email then (lletsaw.netsirt@gmail.com)

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

      keep talking here for a bit though!

      second in croatia huh? man thats rough! nice job though

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

        thanks TW

        i finisshed in topn 100 and 2nd in CRO,not bad i guess but i missed Prize cause of 1 Xavi RB!

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

          wow! well played

          ohh ouch! that's really close

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  26. DonTheSpecialOne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Morning lads. What's the big news in the football world today? Just read Bosingwa and Kalou won't get their contracts renewed

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