[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
1 September 2013 5563 comments
Mark Mark
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With goals a premium from Saturday’s matches, we roll into Sunday with high expectations. Today’s fixtures certainly give us room for optimism.

Proceedings get underway shortly at the Hawthorns and Anfield, where West Brom go in search of their first goal of the season against a Swansea side still looking to get a first point on the board. Alongside that affair, we’ve the small matter of Liverpool’s clash with United – a match that hosts an array of Fantasy talent, not least Robin van Persie, adorning the captain’s armband for many.

Later today, we’re treated to the North London derby. A clash which rarely disappoints when it comes to goals and incidents. It’s fair to say that we’re expecting fireworks again, as Arsenal attempt to keep momentum after the win at Fulham, while Andre Villas-Boas’ side arrive at the Emriates with a 100% record and without a league goal conceded.

The team news from the early kick-offs is in and is as follows:

Liverpool make just one change to the side that edged past Villa in Gameweek 2. Kolo Toure’s failure to recover from a groin injury sustained in midweek allows Martin Skrtel to partner Daniel Agger in central defence as the Reds attempt to register their third successive shut-out of the season.

For United, Wayne Rooney is absent with a head wound – David Moyes has confirmed he will be sidelined “for a few weeks” with the injury. The United boss brings in Ryan Giggs and Ashley Young on the flanks and drops Antonio Valencia to the bench – Giggs’ inclusion looks set to see Danny Welbeck moved centrally once again after he was shifted to the flank to accommodate Rooney’s return against Chelsea last Monday.

Michael Laudrup hands Wilfried Bony his first Premier league start at the Hawthorns. Jonathan de Guzman drops out in the only change from the side that lost at Spurs last weekend –Bony, Ashley Williams and Jonjo Shelvey all recover from the knocks that kept them out of midweek Europa League action, with the Ivorian’s inclusion allowing Michu to return to his preferred role in “the hole”.

Steve Clarke makes three alterations for the hosts. Boaz Myhill replaces the injured Ben Foster between the sticks, Nicolas Anelka is back after being granted compassionate leave last week, while Scott Sinclair is handed his first league start for the Baggies against his old club – Graham Dorrans and Markus Rosenberg are the men to drop out.

Our Dugout Discussion chatroom is now accepting vistors for the early kick-off and will remain open until the final kick at the Emirates.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. The Machine
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Townsend not even nailed on

    Lamela to start from next week

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  2. 7shadesofsmoke
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    whats the scoop on Rose? How come he's getting so much game time?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Because he's better than BAE.

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      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        agree, just didnt think AVB saw it that way

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    2. Demel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      1st choice left back (unless they sign Coentrão)

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      1. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        good stuff. I figured BAE was injured or summat.

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    3. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Trying to buy Contreao and sell BAE in it

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  3. A Defender's Nightmare
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    RVP blank for consecutive 180+ Minutes 😯

    This surely didn't happen whole of last season?

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      It certainly did.. and much longer

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    2. LOCO ABREU
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      10 weeks or more without scoring last season

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      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        I did say this constantly, furthermore he only broke it by a penalty and two offside goals.

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      It happened once and only once.

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Without goal or assist.

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  4. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Wilshare off
    Flamini on

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  5. Demel
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone know why Moorrison went off after 44 minutes?

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  6. 4-4-who?
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Wilshere will never be fully fit. Sad.

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  7. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    14.0m

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    1. roscola
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      😀

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    2. Pratik
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Rooney's injured?

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      1. Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        🙁

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  8. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Put the surgeons on stand by, bones will be broken by French Bowyer.

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  9. Mílanista
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Flamini on, so that's where the NLD red card is coming from.

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    1. Elniñorules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Sour? 😉

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Not really. Since he left through being out of contract rather than being sold I'm a bit annoyed but we got him on a free to begin with. We offered him a new deal but he wanted more money. Would have liked him to stay as a squad player but not for high wages.

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  10. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Giroud is a high ball magnet. Embarrassing Dawson all afternoon..

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    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Dawson is among the leagues most over-rated players in my opinion

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  11. 4-4-who?
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    So can Flamini score points today?

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    1. PGR
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      He'll score 1 point

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      1. 4-4-who?
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Although no one can select him?

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        1. PGR
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          Yea think you may be right. If you look at detailed stats, it says Wilshere 42 minutes but doesn't show Flamini

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    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Don't think so.

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    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Negative points

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  12. Bartowski
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Flamini can't be very match sharp

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    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Arsenal's marquee signing of the transfer window.

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  13. 4-4-who?
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Rosicky? Why not play him through!!

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    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Useless Ramsey.

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  14. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    cmon soldado score please

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    1. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Haha no chance

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    2. Oldman Unathletic
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Needs some supply first.

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  15. Tiki-Taka
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    How many saves has Szczesny made? Swear it's been 3

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    1. Bolt-on
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Thought so too

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  16. Somalion
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Out of interest I took a look at the stats for Bale v Wally for last season in the prem.

    Bale = 21 goals, 4 assists

    Wally = 14 goals, 10 assists.

    Pretty sure Wally was missing for a good chunk too?

    Both the same age.

    I wonder what price would be put on Theo?

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    1. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      bales goals are most spectacular and draw more attention, giving him a higher value

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      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Awful when you think about it. Wally is, punch for punch, on a par with Bale yet gets none of the love.

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    2. Tactical Nous
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      There is much more to consider

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      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Such as? From what I see Bale flourishes when he's the main goal grabber, Wally is more of a team player (which I would argue is better from a midfielder.)

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        1. Somalion
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          All I would say is that Wally is less defensively compared to Bale.

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        2. Tactical Nous
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          Walcott impressed me last season don't get me wrong. But Bale can win games on his own. Walcott's consistency was an issue imo but he improved a lot last season so will be interesting to see how he can perform this season. In answer to your question though I'd say Walcott around £25/30m although Bale's price is ridiculous. £55/60m his actual value if you ask me

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    3. aehii
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Mins per point last season

      11.7309236948 Bale
      11.7835051546 Walcott

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      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Phew that is close.

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    4. Caine & Co.
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Bale has everything as walcott + a monster kick and better technique not to mention crosses. Not a competition really although walcott is very good

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      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        But his crosses can't be that brilliant with only 4 assists? And his passing is poorer than Wally's I would say...

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        1. Caine & Co.
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          Blame ade and defoe.

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          1. Somalion
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 7 months ago

            Fair point and I wouldn't argue that Bale isn't amazing, I think Wally deserves more credit than he gets.

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    5. 1-1 at Newcastle
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      (insert daniel levy picture) 100 billion dollars!

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      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        😆

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    6. Last Resort...
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Almost the same points per minute too..

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      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Think we've found this season's Bale 😉

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  17. Champy
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Sky Italia: Palermo goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano will undergo his medical for Arsenal and sign his contract tonight.

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    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Old news.

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  18. McNulty
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Capoue has been terrible

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  19. joinho
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Is Sturbridge likely to get 3 baps?

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    1. SC not pearls before swine
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Dos

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    2. joinho
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Bloody auto correct, I meant Sturridge

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        glad you clarified - no idea what you were on about

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    3. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Agger 3, Sturridge 2, JE & Skrtel 1

      I think it is.

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Skrtel won Man of the Match...so i guess 3 bps for him

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        1. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 7 months ago

          You don't need to guess, FPL says who's getting the baps. Look at detailed stats for the game.

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    4. FISSH
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      no, Agger will get 3

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  20. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Does goalfest start second half?

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    1. 4-4-who?
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Yes 3-2 Arsenal FT

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      That's how it normally works.

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  21. AK ⭐
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Giroud on 3 baps. Leading by a mile. Walcott and Walker on 2 each.

    Come on Theo!

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    1. chilin_dude
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Clean sheet points to be added after 60minutes worth laods for arsenal defenders.

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  22. Elniñorules
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Arsenal looking good even without Arteta

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    1. The Machine
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Still could do with 2 or more signings

      Badly need a CF,and a winger, along with a keeper, which we seem close to signing

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      1. Billy Gilmore
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 7 months ago

        Another CB wouldn't go astray.

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  23. The Machine
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Hangeland 9 points guaranteed next week

    Thinking of getting him

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  24. Heels_Over_Head
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Lipstick on a pig.

    Moyes told the media after the game:

    "We will try and do it, but from what I saw of the players, I'm more than happy with the players I've got.

    "I thought they played really well, probably the best we've played this season."

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    1. Brian (Not the Messiah)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      he sounds more deluded than Wenger! 😆

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    2. Oldman Unathletic
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Love that - lipstick on a pig. How apt.

      Feck. (for those of you thinking I've become all sophistimacated).

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    3. aehii
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Did the interviewer ask him why he's completely frozen out double league winning player of the season Italy dismantling lovely humble always happy to play Shinji Kagawa?

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  25. Kim Philby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Does anyone know the extent of Glen Johnson's injury?
    Apparently, he left Anfield on crutches.
    It turns out that I am suddenly starting to appreciate the forthcoming international break as I'm really keen on Johnson's returns.
    6 tackles today - the most on the pitch.
    Hoping for 3 bonus points today.

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    1. beric
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      i hate to break it to you...

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    2. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Hope in vain. Those 2bps in GW1 are a distant memory.

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  26. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know or have any predictions on how the baps are going to go for today's 1.30 games

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    1. AK ⭐
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Agger 3
      Sturridge 2
      Skrtel and Enrique 1 each

      Davies 3
      Hernandez 2
      Chico 1

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    3. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Thank you

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  27. Top 210 Club
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Spurs just have nothing going forward, with the exception of Townsend. If they make changes to their structure, they probably gonna concede a few more...

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      well, to be fair, hard to have anyone forward at half time

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    2. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Need to get the ball to Chadli more. Townsend is decent but his possession ends in a long range punt. Chadli had a good spell at the start of the game

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  28. Kim Philby
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Scrap that. Hoping for 3 for Danny our golden lad Sturridge as he's my captain.
    Two for Johnson. Let's go.

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    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      You do know you can find out the bonus points live during a match? Agger got the three...

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  29. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Quick question for halftime: Lambert or Bony?

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    1. v12w12
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      Lambert

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  30. Michael Jordan - call me MJ
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 7 months ago

    Extremely happy with my current wildcard team, what do you guys think?

    Mignolet Lewis

    Evra Vertonghen Enrique Ivanovic Mertesacker

    Lampard Walcott Barkley Redmond Brady

    Giroud Benteke Sturridge

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    1. Portuguese&Proud
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      that defense 😯 mid looks a litlle to slim on my opinion

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    2. Demel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 7 months ago

      That is worse than my non-wildcard team.

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