[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
15 June 2014 3787 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

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.

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

3,787 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Mary
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    i don't think theres too many people who love fantasy football as much as me but the mcdonalds set up is awful and i'm not goin to play anymore! i have neymr captain but im gettin no enjoyment! im gonna sit back and enjoy world cup and then back to fantasy in august

    Open Controls
    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      If you love fantasy football then never pick the stand out favourites. Way more enjoyable.

      If you enjoy winning more then ignore this advice.

      Open Controls
    2. The Missing Link
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Its ok, captain Robben next gameweek. No need to get disheartened

      Open Controls
  2. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    the legend of Von Bergendy

    Open Controls
    1. VougieDipond
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      only on 4 points should be on 40 by my count

      Open Controls
    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      You win best team name

      Open Controls
      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I stole Praying Maniatis and used it as my league name

        Open Controls
      2. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Sommer Lovren

        Open Controls
  3. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Some really ugly boots on show at the WC

    Open Controls
    1. Prime
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      The ones with 2 different ones should be shot on sight.

      Open Controls
      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        amen

        Open Controls
      2. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I like it.

        Open Controls
    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Are the girls that bad?

      Open Controls
      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Never been to Brazil? Don't assume they are girls 😉

        Open Controls
        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Gulp

          Open Controls
    3. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Why are they all wearing those horrible bright yellow ones.

      Open Controls
      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        The bottom of the walls at free kicks look like a marine aquarium

        Open Controls
      2. Prime
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        tbf for Ecuador it does match their kit.

        Open Controls
  4. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone here gonna dare take the armband off Neymar for Messi?

    Open Controls
    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Not me

      Open Controls
    2. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Makes zero sense imo.

      Open Controls
    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      What do you mean "dare"?

      I'm already on option 5 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Me too

        Option 1 Neymar captain
        Option 2 check score on iphone
        Option 3 look on in dismay as I lose his c points
        Option 4 pick Blind as c be content
        Option 5 be very careful from now on

        Open Controls
    4. The Missing Link
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Took mine off rvp. Anyone can get 15 points, complete lottery

      Open Controls
  5. Lucas Leiva
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0NT6aUwN8c

    18 years ago today, Gazza and the dentist's chair.

    Open Controls
  6. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    First draw of the WC coming up.

    Open Controls
    1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Or not.

      Open Controls
  7. Magerost
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Hm, doesnt look good for Shaqiri MOTM, but it didnt look good for Yaya last night either...

    Open Controls
    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      he's not been the same since shacking up with Piqué 😀

      Open Controls
      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😆

        Open Controls
      2. Magerost
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Haha 😉

        Open Controls
    2. Lucas Leiva
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Reckon Ricardo Rodriguez will get it.

      Yaya winning last night gives me hope though!

      Open Controls
      1. Magerost
        12 years, 1 month ago

        We can hope! How long after the match is it announced?

        Open Controls
        1. Lucas Leiva
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          That assist should seal it for RR. It's usually about 10mins after full time.

          Open Controls
          1. Magerost
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Aurier was also very good 😉 small chance

            Open Controls
      2. Magerost
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Now he has sealed it I guess..

        Open Controls
    3. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Djourou for me.. just about.

      Open Controls
    4. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      i voted montero even though he went off a while ago

      Open Controls
  8. Telpuialion
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Just tuning in. Anything important I miss regarding the McD game?

    Open Controls
    1. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Schar 0

      Open Controls
      1. Telpuialion
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Don't have any Swiss players so I don't mind 😀

        Open Controls
        1. crystalpalaceRus
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I have shaqiri but it just gives me an easy option to bring in di maria

          Open Controls
    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Just endless moaning.

      Open Controls
    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It's still crap

      Open Controls
    4. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      No it's still shit

      Open Controls
  9. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    What's RRod on currently please guys?

    Open Controls
    1. Saint Domingo
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Was on 10 pts 2 mins ago,just gone back to 9

      Open Controls
      1. Saint Domingo
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Back to 10 pts 🙂

        Open Controls
      2. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Nice.
        But I'll move the armband on to Griezman now...then Messi

        Open Controls
    2. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      13 😎

      Open Controls
      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Stick

        Open Controls
  10. Grounderz
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Paging Mr. Palace Ash, are you on about?

    Open Controls
    1. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      You can't wait. 😆

      Ask about my opponent as well. 😉

      Open Controls
      1. Grounderz
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😆

        I don't know what happened to McDonald's FIFA World Cup fantasy but the last tournament they hosted (Euro 2012), players' profiles were viewable and everything was smooth.

        I can't believe they're making us doing our own research. 🙁

        Open Controls
        1. Grounderz
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Got his email from the spreadsheet. I'll just contact him directly.

          Open Controls
  11. VougieDipond
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Neymar is my right hand side striker in a 3-4-3 formation. If i need to sub Higuain out (middle) and change to 3-5-2 will it take Neymar off even if I select Higuain as the guy to take out?

    Open Controls
    1. SW6
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Sadly yes

      Open Controls
    2. crystalpalaceRus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I think its a russian roulette on who it takes out to be honest

      Open Controls
  12. AC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Any advice would be welcome stick on Enner Valencia 9pts or twist to Messi?

    Thanks

    Open Controls
  13. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    OHHHHHHH WINNNNER SWISS

    Open Controls
  14. Louis
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Last minute goal 🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Louis
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Seferovic goal and Rodriguez assist

      Open Controls
  15. seanie3
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    why haven't the goals conceded minus point been deducted yet from defenders such as alba?

    Open Controls
  16. SW6
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Scenes!

    Open Controls
  17. Ginkapo FPL
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    fuuuuuccccckkkkkkk yyyyyyyeeeeeeeeeeeeessssssss

    Open Controls
  18. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Rodriguezzzzzz

    Open Controls
  19. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    THANK YOOOOOOOOOOOU!

    Needed that win!!!!!!

    Open Controls
  20. PGR
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    WOW! What a finish!

    Open Controls
  21. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Great ball from Ricardo.

    Open Controls
  22. Gimli son of Gloin
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Scenes. Just about deserve that.. Ecuador have nothing apart from Montero

    Open Controls
    1. Gimli son of Gloin
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      And Rojas was absolutely awful there.

      Open Controls
  23. Lucas Leiva
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    We're never going to get a draw.

    Open Controls
  24. crystalpalaceRus
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    What a key tackle by behrami though

    Open Controls
  25. SW6
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Great from the ref too

    Open Controls
  26. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    What a great advantage by the ref... And hats off to the player that stayed on his feet

    Open Controls
  27. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Behrami was awesome there

    Open Controls
  28. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    probably enough for rodriguez to win MOTM too

    Open Controls
    1. The Enlightener
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      That's my boy! Way to go Roddy!

      Open Controls
  29. BONZ
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Rod another assist!

    Open Controls
  30. Blodyxe
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    No draw, LOL

    Open Controls
    1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      ROFL

      Open Controls