Dugout Discussion

World Cup 2014 – Dugout Discussion – Matchday One, Day Four

With three World Cup matches on offer this evening, Fantasy managers have plenty to look forward to. First up, Switzerland take on Ecuador in the 5pm kick-off, with Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side looking to maintain the form that saw them top their qualifying group with an unbeaten record over 10 matches:

Switzerland: Benaglio: Lichtsteiner, Von Bergen, Djourou, Rodriguez: Inler, Behrami; Shaqiri, Xhaka, Stocker; Drmic

Ecuador: Dominguez; Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, W Ayovi; A Valencia, Noboa, Gruezo, Montero; Caicedo, E Valencia

For Switzerland, the highly-rated young left-back Ricardo Rodriguez will add plenty of attacking threat from the back, whilst the likes of Granit Xhaka and Xherdan Shaqiri are tasked with supplying the creativity behind Josip Drmic, who notched 17 times in 30 starts for German side Nurnberg in 2013/14. The one surprisde from Hitzfeld’s line-up is his decision to opt for Johan Djourou ahead of Fabian Schar in central defence.

Ecuador will be looking for front two Enner Valencia and Felipe Caicedo to grab the goals. The latter was top scorer in qualifying with seven strikes, whilst elsewhere in Reinaldo Rueda’s 4-4-2, Jefferson Montero and United’s Antonio Valencia will also be hoping to make an impact on the flanks.

After that, France square up to Honduras in the other Group E game at 9pm. Despite losing Franck Ribery to injury, Les Bleus are highly-fancied in this one – they’ve won four and drawn one of their last five friendlies, conceding just a single goal in the process. Karim Benzema, Olivier Giroud, Paul Pogba, Antoine Griezmann and Mathieu Valbuena owners have every reason for optimism as Didier Deschamps’ side look to get off to a winning start before a midweek meet with the Swiss.

Our late night viewing sees Group F get underway with a clash of the favourites, as Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina go head-to-head. Lionel Messi will surely be sporting the armband for a number of managers for the 11pm kick-off, though there’s no shortage of options on our radars for this clash, with Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, Angel Di Maria, Edin Dzeko and Miralem Pjanic all looking to catch our attentions before the schedule eases considerably for both sides.

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3,787 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CABAYE4
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 2 days ago

    Is Beikzadeh going to play today?

    Just prematurely jettisoned Di Maria, before remembering KDB might not play.

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    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 2 days ago

      "Iran left-back Hashem Beikzadeh, who suffered an injury in a warm-up game, is back in training but lacks fitness.

      They will reportedly be unchanged from their last friendly, with Charlton's Reza Ghoochannejhad their lone striker. "

      Beeb

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      1. CABAYE4
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Ah, my mistake.

        At least Bentaleb is nailed on, right?

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      2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        A. Haghighi

        J. Hosseini

        A. Sadeghi

        K. Heydari

        P. Montazeri

        M. Pooladi

        J. Nekounam

        E. Hajsafi

        A. Teymourian

        A. Dejagah 21

        R. Ghoochannejhad

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    2. JT's Dog
        10 years, 2 days ago

        why would KDB not play?

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        1. CABAYE4
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Reports that he hasn't trained much this week, think someone posted saying he was back in training yesterday or today.

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          1. JT's Dog
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Oh well I have always got oh no wait I have nobody

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              1. CABAYE4
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                Sounds like he's fit to play.

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          2. Shels
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            injured 2 days ago

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        2. Blue Lion
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Your turn..replied previous page.

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          1. CABAYE4
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Very similar.

            I've got some interesting substitution calls to make.

            How many players have you got nailed in to team spots?

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

              Well i should have 3..but might end up with 1. you?

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              1. CABAYE4
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                3 spare spots?

                2-4 depending on whether I risk defenders.

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              2. Blue Lion
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                To be specific i am on 90/80 with 1/3 to go. Its pretty low i take it. You?

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

                  never mind i know i your score.good going.

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      • Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        How many points did Higuain get, please?

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        1. More Cowbell
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          6

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          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Shit.

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        2. 4vets
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          6

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      • More Cowbell
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Anyone know where I can find a reliable prediction of the anticipated Iran v Nigeria team lineups?

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      • anish10
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        whats everyones current points atm on Mcdo game?

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        1. Shels
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          average about 85 im on 76 but with ozil hazard lukaku and 2 defenders to play

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        2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          100

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        3. Lawrø
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          116 but will probably sub in a few players

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        4. Spreadsheet
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          72 with 4 to play

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        5. _nod
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          104 with KDB and Lukaku still to play.

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        6. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          100 and something.

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        7. DO RE MI MATA
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          74

          There, I said it.

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        8. Heydudes13
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          100 something.

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        9. Hamstergod
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          88, with one player on 0 and one on 2, still have Ozil, KDB, Lukaku, several Algerians and Iranians.

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        10. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          109 from 10 spots filled with a handful to play.

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      • Lawrø
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        I was thinking about the rules in McD yesterday and I hate the way that when a player commits three fouls they effectively get deducted two points as the referees usually give a yellow after three fouls because of persistent fouling, so you're penalised twice, too harsh!

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        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Of all the rules you pick that one out?

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          1. tw
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            😀

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          2. Lawrø
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            😀

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      • Saint Steve-O (@EliteFPL)
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        I read about Yoonited being interested In Vermaelen yesterday, my friend said they have been interested in him for years (prior to joining Arsenal) & read this just now:

        Thomas Vermaelen has agreed a £100,000-a-week deal to join Manchester United this summer. (Telegraph)

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      • Shah G
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Whats all this news of Ozil not starting?..

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        1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          rumours.... I reckon they are true though

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        2. Shels
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          what news?

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        3. DO RE MI MATA
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          nonsense

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          1. Shah G
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Heard atleast 3 people saying it in last half n hour.. and this,
            http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2014/06/11/world-cup-2014-matchday-one-predicted-lineups/

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            1. DO RE MI MATA
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Klose won't start for ****. But that' s just my opinion.

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            2. Shels
              • 10 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              that says zil will sgart what are you talking about? link me were it says ozil wont play, he's nailed on for germany

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              1. Shah G
                • 10 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                It also says its possible that Podolski n Schurle will start for Ozil n someone else..

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      • DO RE MI MATA
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Doing very badly here I guess. 74pts so far. But I guess now I understand (some) of the rules wee bit better..

        Swapping out Cavani for Lukaku no brainer?

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      • Count of Monte Hristo
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Old School,

        Thoughts on bets for today's games?

        BBTS in all 3?

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        1. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          *BTTS

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          1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            possible but doubt Iran will

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        2. CABAYE4
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          No idea about Iran-Nigeria, but the other two look good for that.

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        3. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          my triple came in last night.. switz, argies, france... also won a ton on messi MOTM.

          shame pogba was taken off as that messed up a double but shouldn't be greedy.

          I said earlier I don't really fancy betting on tonight's games... learnt a long time ago not to bet for the sake of betting and this is a rule that has treated me well...

          Might have a punt on nigeria win with cr7 MOTM double (depending on what twitter / demi says)

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          1. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            My treble was Switzerland game over 2.5 goals, Benzema 2 or more goals and Messi MOTM, £5 for £100 back

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            1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              very nice indeed...

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          2. Count of Monte Hristo
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Fair point about not betting for the sake of it, there doesn't seem much on today.

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      • ynk fc
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Do you have any idea when will the fixtures for Matchday 2 start ?
        Because Brazil plays its second match before the Russia v/s Korea Republic match.
        How will this work ?

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        1. Shels
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          2nd lineup page will be introduced for the 2nd round on mcd game, other games brasil have 2 fixtures in round 1

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          1. sagheerpak
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Thanks,

            Can i replace FRE to KOKORNI? Will FRED be available for ROUND2?

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          2. ynk fc
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Hmm... Thanks

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      • Azzuri_Buddy
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Why RVP over Robben for GW2 guys?(not for McD's)
        Robben can assist more imo and score similar to Robin.

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        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Pens

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        2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Hard to assess your point if you don't tell us which game you are playing.

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          1. Azzuri_Buddy
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            Some local fantasy,in which Robben costs 2m less than RVP...

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      • roscola
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Anyone know why Darmian played over Abate? He was pretty good so we'd expect him to keep his place, right?

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        1. Heydudes13
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Abate is shite.

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          1. roscola
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            🙂 Fair enough. He was expected to be first choice before the games started though, I thought.

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            1. Heydudes13
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Yeah, much to the distress to some!

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              1. roscola
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                😆

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          2. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            😯

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            1. Heydudes13
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 2 days ago

              Yes. Shocking for the FIFA fans to hear with his 92 pace but he is a liability for Milan apparently.

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              1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                • 13 Years
                10 years, 2 days ago

                Overrated, yes, but shite? Wouldn't go that far..

                Damian played well the other night though so maybe it was the right decision 🙂 although Damian was at fault for England's goal..

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        2. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          Agree on everything. No idea why he started, but he should do that more often. Very impressive.

          I somehow also agree with heydudes13 about the possible reason.

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      • Heydudes13
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Vermaelen to United then. How strange.

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      • New Article Posted
      • Northern Thumb
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        be very wary of changing formation. just took out two mids and swapped from a 3-4-3 to a 4-3-3 and it removed one of my remaining mids for no reason. Fortunately I had two left to play but it cost me 8 pts 🙁

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      • Northern Thumb
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        also, i have a Brazilian that i removed after his match. Any idea how I can reinstate him for Round 2 when Brazil's second match kicks off before the end of round 1..? (seriously don't think they've thought this game through)

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        1. Shels
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 2 days ago

          they have, 2nd lineup page will be installed in time for that match.

          as for the player you lose, he was your left mid, as it says in the rules

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          1. Azzurr
            • 10 Years
            10 years, 2 days ago

            You sure? Wont they double the points? Im pretty sure they havent tested the game lol

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      • Colmbia2014
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Any idea are they going to change the score for Alba? He still has 6 points, should get -2 for 5 conceded goals, right? It makes a difference since I'll probably keep Alba if the 6 points stands, if he gets -2 then it's Kombarov in. How about other spanish defenders? Have they gotten -2 for conceded goals? Such a stupid game since we cant see any points other than our own.

        ANother question, how do I choose my team for gameweek 2? It starts tomorrow before 1st has even ended. Frustratingly bad system :/

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      • crgbut147
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 2 days ago

        Ok..I want to change formation but not sure what will happen:-
        Currently have 4-3-3 formation but want to change to 4-4-2 formation...so took my second striker off (the middle one) to attempt to make space with the one in midfield...then it gave me this warning message...Are you sure you want to change the formation? Changing your formation right now could remove players who have already scored points from Your Pitch and result in you losing their points for this round!
        So what do I do...and now cos I have only 10 players on pitch the captain function is not working so Neymars points have been reduced to 14 instead of 28.....any ideas?...ps all my strikers have played...but still got defenders and midfielders to play and these are likely starters..

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      • shazzaaam
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 1 day ago

        If spectrum was a player I would put him on my team and captain him as well. Spectrum for mod!! 🙂

        Thanks for all the help and patience

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