Champions League

Champions League Picks – Last 16, First Leg

Our coverage of the official UEFA Fantasy Champions League game returns this afternoon as the deadline for the knockout stages edges ever closer. With the eight matches spread out over tonight, tomorrow and next midweek, the Matchday is a little elongated – rather than opt for the obvious and recommend Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Zlatan Ibrahimovic, we pick a differential from each of the 16 sides facing action:

Tuesday 18

Lucas Moura – yes, he’s a punt but keep an eye on the team sheets for the Brazilian’s inclusion in PSG’s line-up tonight. Rested at the weekend, Lucas had played three of the previous four on the right of the front three and, classified as a midfield in the UCL game, comes in at just 6.0, with an ownership under 5%. Lucas pays visit to a Leverkusen side in free-fall – after a superb first few months of the season, the German outfit have now lost five of their last seven in all competitions and their porous backline looks there for the taking.

Sidney Sam – if you fancy the Bundesliga side to score this evening, Sam could be worth a punt. Priced at just 5.0, he’s owned by 1% of Fantasy managers and has already racked up seven goals and seven assists in the league this term as part of Leverkusen’s front three.

Yaya Toure – with sidekick Fernandinho fit and available, the Ivorian’s forward forays from the centre of the park will be fundamental to City’s prospects against Barcelona this evening. Owned by under 3% of managers in the UCL game, Toure’s spot-kick and set-piece duties have helped him serve up 12 goals in the Premier League to date.

Alexis Sanchez – the 9.5-priced forward is Barcelona’s top scorer in La Liga this term, with 15 goals in 18 starts. The spotlight may be on another South American for the visitors but Sanchez (1% ownership) may prove just as vital to his side’s chances and looks a strong double-up option.

Wednesday 19

Mario Balotelli – a home game against Atletico Madrid looks a tough task for struggling Milan tomorrow night. The Serie A side have scored more than once in just one of their last six matches but if anyone can rise to the occasion, “Super Mario” looks the likeliest – with 10 league goals to his name and spot-kick duties to fall back upon, the 10.0-priced Balotelli (5% owned) will be hoping to give the San Siro crowd something to smile about.

Raul Garcia – with David Villa only just returned from injury, the 7.0-priced midfielder is slight favourite to start alongside the prolific Diego Costa up top for the Spanish league leaders’ trip to Milan. Garcia racked up three goals and a pair of assists in the final four group games and, with an 8% ownership, remains under the radar.

Santi Cazorla – the Spaniard has arguably been Arsenal’s form player in recent weeks, producing three goals and an assist in the last five league games. Owned by less than 1% of Fantasy managers – compared to Mesut Ozil’s 23% – Cazorla, at 8.5, looks essential to the Gunners chances of causing an upset and getting the better of holders Bayern.

Mario Mandzukic -the Croatian heads to the Emirates in fine fettle. Mandzukic has produced five goals and a pair of assists in his last three starts for Pep Guardiola’s side and, having been rested at the weekend, is expected to lead the line against the Gunners. At 11.5 he’s hardly budget-friendly but with an ownership under 2%, his differential appeal is obvious.

Tuesday 25

Hulk – Zenit’s home clash with Dortmund affords their star striker the chance to continue the form which produced a couple of goals and assist over the group stages. Priced at 9.0, with a 3% ownership, Hulk’s contribution will be key if his side are to overcome the odds and get the better of Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – the Dortmund forward arrives in Zenit in fine form, having bagged a brace in a weekend rout of Eintracht Frankfurt. Priced at just 8.5, he’s stolen under the radar with a mere 2% ownership and looks a viable alternative to Robert Lewandowski.

Javier Saviola – with top scorer Kostas Mitroglou snapped up by Fulham, the Argentine looks all the more vital as Olympiacos host United. Sitting in just 1% of Fantasy teams, Saviola comes in at just 6.5 for those who reckon the Greek side can breach David Moyes’ backline.

Robin Van Persie – as domestic Fantasy managers know, it’s something of a rarity for the Dutchman to be deemed a differential. With an ownership of less than 4%, the 12.5-priced Van Persie has been overlooked by the vast majority as Moyes’ side head to Greece next week.

Wednesday 26

Wesley Sneijder – whilst the headlines centre around Didier Drogba’s showdown with former club Chelsea, the Dutchman will be just as pivotal for Galatasaray’s chances of picking up a home win. Priced at 8.5 and owned by 1% of Fantasy managers, Sneijder notched in two of the last three group games for Roberto Mancini’s side.

John Terry – the Chelsea skipper is expected to return for this weekend’s home game with Everton and cement his comeback from injury ahead of the following Wednesday’s trip to Turkey. If Jose Mourinho’s side are to stave off their opponents’ threat, Terry’s presence in both boxes may just make the difference – he sets you back 6.0 and is owned by just 3% of Fantasy managers, compared to Branislav Ivanovic’s 23%.

Gareth Bale – for those Cristiano Ronaldo owners looking to double up on Real Madrid for the trip to Schalke, the Welshman offers an appealing option. Priced at 12.0 and owned by only 5%, Bale’s role on the right of the front three could be crucial as the Spanish side look to break down a backline that has conceded just twice in their last six matches.

Max Meyer – fielded in the role in “the hole”, the teenager has turned in a series of impressive displays for Schalke this term. Meyer notched in his previous home game for the in-form German side, who have won each of their last four, and, priced at 5.5 with an ownership less than 1%, offers a budget-friendly option for our midfields.

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523 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Why all the love for Sam? Dude has like two goals since the middle of October

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    1. Toonzie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      he was inj during tt period

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  2. Bolasie
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Costa or Rooney(have Garcia)?

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    1. Toonzie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      rooney

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    2. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Costa

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  3. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Are Getze and Mkhitaryan assured starters for there teams?

    Is Mkhitaryan better pick than Reus?

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    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No, minefield really because of rotation and Reus has been injured...

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  4. King Nil Miss ✩
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Imagine the matchday top scorer with 3 Olympiacos defenders... Now do the math and see how good your team would look. 😉

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  5. The B
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Appreciate every advice on CL team. Setting team up for the first time, so dont know much.

    Courtoius
    Azpi - Pepe - Alaba
    Toure - Snjeider - Bale - Meyer
    Messi - Ronaldo (C) - Hulk

    Bench: just fillers for cheap.

    Thoughts?

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Hulk is poo. You need a good bench. Don't like any of your midfield really

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    2. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Why would you do cheap bench fillers when you can change your lineup every day?

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    3. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I would pick a more balanced team. The bench matters more in this game since you can put players in during a gw.

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  6. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Which Olympiacos defender is the best bet or just don't bother?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Campbell.

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      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        All of them except Campbell

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        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Except Campbell? I am confused. Please lads

          Manolas maybe
          ?

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          1. Give The Todd Some Love
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 1 month ago

            What I meant is Campbell is probably the worst option. Marcano seems the most secure for starts, Manolas may have lost his place

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            1. Epic Fail
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 1 month ago

              I think you're right. I just looked at my team and named the Olympiakos defender who's in it. Not too sure why he's there tbh.

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              1. Colonel Klink
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                He was on pens at one point. And he plays out of position at times.

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              2. money face bandwagon
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 1 month ago

                is joel campbell a striker instead of a defender?

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    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Marcano

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  7. Akhali24
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    So looks like Ade is set to rise tonight.. so do I do benteke to Ade for this week, or Mirallas to paulinho? Im worried about Mirallas since everton are playing Chelsea and Mirallas was dropped against palace before the game was called off. Advice?

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    1. The B
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Dont think Mirallas can stay on bench. He is a top player for Everton. Although i do think his recent good run of points will end soon as Lukaku and Traore are now fit i guess.

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  8. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Marcelo or Arbeloa? Who starts lately?

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Both will start, Marcelo more attacking

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Are you sure? In that case I might bring them both

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        1. Give The Todd Some Love
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Well they play in different positions. Marcelo is 100% nailed, Arbeloa less so but I think he'll play ahead of Carvajal. Wouldn't get them both though

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  9. LOCO ABREU
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Need ti replace holebas,4.0 to spend. Nailed olympiacos defender? Marcano?

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    1. Disco Stu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      or Manolas

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    2. Toonzie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      yea marcano

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    3. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      marcano

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    4. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Papadopoulos for me

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  10. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Alaba or Chelsea defender? Arsenal surely gonna score no? Is he still on penalties?

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    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Should be with Ribery out.

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    2. Sean.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think Muller took the last one

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    3. 13allack
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Muller is on penos

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  11. Lanley Staurel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    In the Ultimate game the promotion said they wanted a total of 30,000 users to Beta test it from this next Gameweek onwards. Just logged in and they have 8,675 so far. Unsure whether its people not being aware of it or just disinterested.

    For me it looks like a great game that further feeds my FPL fix. More high maintenance but to be fair once your team is set up its just the transfers and then the shifting of players in an out after the Saturday games and before the Sunday game - 10 mins job.

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    1. King Nil Miss ✩
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Most countries don´t have access to it.

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Good point - forgot about the gambling laws.

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Wasn't it 10K?

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Initial 10k to those who get an email then an extra 20k to the general public according to their website.

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    3. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Has there been an article on it yet?

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      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Not sure - I would expect one this week. The game has been hyped big style prior to this seaons kick off and then they failed to get it off the ground in time.

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    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I reckon most people who have noticed it would at least sign up, even if they don't actually play it. It's not really advertised. My FPL logs in automatically and bypasses the status page. Probably the same for many.

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  12. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of Gabbidon regaining his place?

    In need of improving my bench for GW29 Gabbidon > Ward?

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    1. The Point About It Is
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      unlikely - given that Gabbidon did nothing wrong and still lost his place I guess the gaffer just doesn't fancy him.

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      1. Will - Fantasy Football Hub
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

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  13. The B
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Best 6M mid? Currently have Meyer.

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    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nasri/Cabaye punt perhaps.

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      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Nasri is 6.5, Cabaye is 7.0

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    2. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Kinda slim pickings. I went for Lucas Moura, but not confident about any returns

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    3. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Perez
      You can thank me later

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  14. Heydudes13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Joel Campbell nailed? Serious OOP...

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not at all

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  15. Give The Todd Some Love
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Reus still on penalties ahead of Lewa?

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    1. SuperOsçarBaby
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No, but aumbameyang is

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      1. Give The Todd Some Love
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Don't think he is

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        1. SuperOsçarBaby
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          i'm trying to not help you

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  16. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Hey guys.

    Pick one please.

    A. Shaw -> Chambers and Bony -> Adebayor
    B. Shaw -> C.Davis and Bony -> Lambert
    C. Bony -> Long

    Boruc / McGregor
    Azpilicueta / Shaw / Koscielny / Ward / Coleman
    Mata / Lallana / Hazard / Silva / Noone
    Sturridge / Bony / Suárez

    2 FT, £0.3m in the bank.

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    1. jurgenizer | TRIPEIROS
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      A

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Not really a fan of burning an FT.
      Looks like you'll be playing short in GW29 unless you sell a defender or a forward.
      I'd go JRod perhaps but A out of yours as I expect Hull to advance.

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      1. Spencer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks guys

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  17. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    What is the situation with Adriano? Anyone?

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  18. Heydudes13
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone going for Balotelli?

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      He burnt me badly in the last round, I captained him for a 1 pointer. Milan are so bad at the moment, I'd steer clear

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      1. Heydudes13
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Yep, cheers.

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  19. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Best cheap gw 29 MF under 4.9....Looking at Davis of Southampton... Any others to consider

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    1. Root
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No others. I'm also getting Davis in this week.

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  20. TD Champ
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Guys please help me. i'm at a track meet in Dubai and i haven't been able to follow the gw28 + 29 stuff. What can i do with my team? Any help very appreciated

    2 FT - 0.8 in the bank
    Mannone - Marshall
    Coleman - Kos - Azpi - Ward - Baker
    Haz - Yaya - Mata - Lallana - Januzaj
    Suarez - Ade - Rooney

    Getting rid of Rooney for Sturrdige i guess. But what to do with these 2 messy gw's?

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    1. TD Champ
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Okay not really the right post for this comment

      Sorry...

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    2. Blue Lion
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Januzaj to Noone/Ince..plus Rooney to Sturridge.

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  21. The B
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Does FFS post a scout team for CL?

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    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      No.

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  22. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Ultimate cheap midfielders and defenders in UCL?

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  23. Bolasie
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Is Reus fit and likely to play?

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  24. hillbillypete
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    if Kolorov doesn't start tonight expect him to start at weekend?

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      dont think pele works like that HBP.... kolarov has been a disaster for me

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  25. A.
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    So is Marquinhos going to play tonight? I guess we'll see the lineups before the deadline, I'm just wondering if he's still first choice as he was before christmas

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    1. Give The Todd Some Love
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Thiago Silva didn't play in the group stages because he was injured, and I think Alex will play ahead of Marquinhos. I could be wrong though

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  26. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    will wait for team sheets to come out in about an hour but so far going with this

    Courtois - Starke
    VDW - Alaba - Marcelo - Azpi - Campbell
    Robben - Hazard - Lucas - Raul Garcia - Meyer
    Ronaldo - Ibra - Costa

    think it looks like just about everyone else's teams! 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆

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    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Surprised people double up with Garcia and Costa, when you can have Messi.

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      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        just saw a post about Garcia's yellows and possible bench in the 2nd leg so reconsidering..

        Ronaldo Ibra Messi is just so damn expensive

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  27. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    why on goal.com i see joel campbell from olympiacos listed as a striker but he is a defender in UCL game?

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    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      oop

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  28. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Out of Lampard, Cole & Terry, who do you think will go to the WC?

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I reckon there's a good chance of none of them going.

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    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      I think joe cole has the best chance. Did you see that goal he scored in the last one or was it the one before? He does it all the time in training apparently.

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      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 1 month ago

        Not seen Timbo......

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        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 1 month ago

          Ashley Cole then.

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  29. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    Who outside Caulker is nailed on in defence for Cardiff?

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  30. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 1 month ago

    evenin champs

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    1. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 1 month ago

      Evening Shoe....

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