634x258 Dugout Discussion
25 June 2014 3486 comments
Paul Paul
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Groups E and F come to their conclusions this evening as the Brazil 2014 World Cup treats us to four more fixtures. Argentina are already through, after winning both their opening matches courtesy of late Lionel Messi strikes, and the South Americans square up to a Nigeria side who require just a draw to join them in the last 16:

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Fernandez, Rojo; Gago, Mascherano, Di Maria; Messi, Higuain, Aguero

Nigeria: Enyeama; Ambrose, Omeruo Yobo, Oshaniwa; Mikel, Onazi; Odemwingie, Babatunde, Musa; Emenike,

Alejandro Sabella names an unchanged XI from the side that edged past Iran last time around. Despite the fact that his side have clinched a place in the last 16, the Argentina boss has resisted the urge to rest and rotate and is clearly affording his first-choice players the chance to step up in performance, after a pair of very unconvincing showings thus far. Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Sergio Aguero once again lead the line, then, with Angel Di Maria owners looking for the Real Madrid man to improve his contribution from the centre of the park.

Nigeria – along with Mexico – were one of only two sides to register a clean sheet in both the opening Matchdays. It’s no real surprise, then, to see the Africans remain unchanged, with Peter Odemwingie hoping to replicate his winner against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the previous match as Stephen Keshi’s side attempt to pick up the point which would ensure their progress.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Begovic; Vrsajevic, Sunjic, Spahic, Kolasinac; Hadzic, Besic, Susic, Pjanic; Ibisevic, Dzeko

Iran: Haghighi; Montarezi, Hosseini, Sadeghi, Pooladi; Nekounam, Teymourian; Shojaei, Hajsafi, Dejagah; Ghoochannejad

Bosnia make five changes in their final game of the tournament. In defence, full-backs Avdija Vrsajevic and Sead Kolasinac come in for Mensur Mujdza and SenadLulic, whilst further up the field, Zvjedan Misimovic, Izet Hajrovic and Haris Medunjanin drop out for Anel Hadzic, Tino-Sven Susic and Vedad Ibisevic. Manager Safet Susic looks to have returned to the 4-1-3-2 formation that served his side so well in qualifying, with Ibisevic up front alongside Edin Dzeko.

Iran, meanwhile, are unchanged for the showdown as Carlos Quieroz’ side attempt to overcome the odds and make it through to the knockouts. As the only team in the tournament yet to score a goal, though, they face a tough task to get the better of the Bosnians.

In the later matches, Karim Benzema owners will be desperate for the France striker to continue the form which has harvested three goals and a trio of assists in the opening couple of Matchdays. With his side already through, though, Didier Deschamps certainly has the option of resting key players, with the likes of Antoine Griezmann and Paul Pogba hoping to return to the starting XI after both were dropped for last week’s 5-2 win over Switzerland. Opponents Ecuador have an in-form frontman of their own as they look for the result that would steer them through – Enner Valencia has also notched three times in the first two games and has netted in six of his last seven international appearances.

Switzerland also have plenty to play for. A win over Honduras, coupled with at least a draw for the French, would seal the progress of Ottmar Hitzfeld’s side as they look to bounce back from their mauling at the hands of Les Bleus, though the Swiss boss has decisions to make up front, after alternating Josip Drmic and Haris Seferovic as the lone forward over the first two games. Fantasy managers will be hoping raiding left-back Ricardo Rodriguez can replicate his pair of assists in Matchday 1, whilst Xherdan Shaqiri and Granit Xhaka offer the main threat in the attacking midfield three.

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  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Just a reminder about our community articles submissions. If you have any World Cup or Premier League related articles in mind feel free to submit at this link. Remember there's a £20 Amazon voucher for the best article each month, as voted for by you.

    http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/submit-your-article/

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    1. The Sarjeant
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I started writing about Ronald Koeman until I saw this article haha!

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I have one I am working on, but I need better idea on 2 and 3 way rotations to finish it off.

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      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        look forward to it.

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  2. Demí
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    ECU XI vs. #FRA: Dominguez, Paredes, Guagua, Erazo, W.Ayoví; Noboa, Minda; A.Valencia, Arroyo, Montero; E.Valencia

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    1. Saniul
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Go E.Valencia, have him on iTeam. 😉

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    2. Blue Lion
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Nice grav!

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    3. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Hames!! 🙂

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  3. Demí
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Lloris (c), Sakho, Benzema, Griezmann, Matuidi, Sagna, Digne Sissoko, Pogba, Koscielny, Schneiderlin

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    1. Demí
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Same as the one posted yesterday 😎

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      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Just noticed if you get hulked your picture gets bigger... It so dr banner esq

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        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Lol no it doesn't

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          1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Yes it does...

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            1. Bubz
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              It really doesn't

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              1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
                • 14 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                It really does... Look at Demi's picture above... Are you winding me up? Can someone else please advise

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                1. Bubz
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  It's the same size

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                2. The Bandit
                  • 15 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  The pic is always bigger in the original post than the replies to that post 😀

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                  1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
                    • 14 Years
                    11 years, 5 months ago

                    Move along people nothing to see here 🙂

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                    1. The Bandit
                      • 15 Years
                      11 years, 5 months ago

                      I think may have got away with it 😉

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                      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
                        • 14 Years
                        11 years, 5 months ago

                        Thank god for these quizzes... Keep those questions coming TFF 😉

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            2. The Bandit
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              😆

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      FFS

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      1. Werkself
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Fantasy Football Scout?

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        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah I'm just showing my support for the community

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          1. Werkself
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            We feel the love.

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          2. Heydudes13
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            😀

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    3. Beavis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers

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    4. crystalpalaceRus
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      darn

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    5. SW6
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Thanks Demi

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      1. SW6
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Valbuena likely to get any game time?

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        1. Demí
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          On the bench, so depends on the manager and how the game's going i guess. Hoping for Jrod pt II? 😉

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          1. SW6
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Don't wanna miss out 😉

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        2. SneakyPete
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I think so Welliot

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        3. SneakyPete
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          sigh of relief no senderos for swiss

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    6. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      benzema better bag. dzeko and messi stepped up and the treble is on

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    7. Gubbins94.
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Benzema and Griezmann at centre back. Interesting.

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    8. King H
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Nice one demi .. cheers

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    9. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Eurgh no Evra and Valbuena in Mcds and no Debuchy in FOX.

      At least Benzema fgs bet is still alive...

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      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        LOL

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        1. Heydudes13
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Hey. 🙁

          JRod. Tehe.

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          1. Bubz
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            All is not lost until Shaqiri blanks

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            1. Heydudes13
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              THIS.

              Got that dwarf in mcds...

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          2. Bubz
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            I have Evra and Valbuena in MacDs and Varane in Fox btw...

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    10. Louis
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Hmmm both Evra and Valbuena not playing... :S

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  4. Demí
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    SUI LINE-UP: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Inler (c), Xhaka, Behrami, Rodriguez, Mehmedi, Drmic, Djourou, Schaer, Shaqiri

    HON LINE-UP: Valladares (c), Figueroa, Bernardez, J Garcia, W Palacios, Bengtson, Costly, B Garcia, Espinoza, Claros, Beckeles

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    1. Pinky and Brain
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Schaer!

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    2. Saniul
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Now everyone be like... SCHAER! 😀

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      1. kalmoffit
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        SCHAER 🙂

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    3. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Thank you.

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    4. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yes, yes yes. Schar can come in for Evra on mirror game! About time! 😀

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    5. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Schaar, finally!!!

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    6. SneakyPete
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      sigh of relief no senderos for swiss

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    7. LOCO ABREU
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      no pjanic from the bench then

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  5. #WinterIsNotComing
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    ‎ECU‬ LINE-UP: Dominguez, Guagua, Erazo, Paredes, Noboa, Montero, W. Ayovi, E. Valencia, Minda, Arroyo (c), A. Valencia

    ‎FRA‬ LINE-UP: Lloris (c), Sakho, Benzema, Griezmann, Matuidi, Sagna, Digne Sissoko, Pogba, Koscielny, Schneiderlin

    ‎HON‬ LINE-UP: Valladares (c), Figueroa, Bernardez, J Garcia, W Palacios, Bengtson, Costly, B Garcia, Espinoza, Claros, Beckeles

    ‎SUI‬ LINE-UP: Benaglio, Lichtsteiner, Inler (c), Xhaka, Behrami, Rodriguez, Mehmedi, Drmic, Djourou, Schaer, Shaqiri

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  6. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Same info as last week

    Hot shots after round 3 so far

    Benzema 20 shots 15 on target 3 goals
    Shaqiri 17 shots 13 on target 3 goals
    Messi 13 shots 7 on target 4 goals

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    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Looks like Messi, Neymar, Benzema will be 90% of people's front line. No escaping it. I must follow the crowd.

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      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        That's already my frontline. It's gonna be annoying watching everybody follow it, but atleast it'll be harder for them to make up significant ground

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      2. LOCO ABREU
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        what fox email do you use to speak with them?

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        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Speak with who?

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          1. LOCO ABREU
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            with fox,asking things 🙂

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            1. Bubz
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I've never emailed fox lol

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              1. LOCO ABREU
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                oh sorry, maybe other person with a colombian grav then,messed up sorry again.

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      3. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Yep..but the ones who win out will be the ones who call a differential in the right game. They aren't the only ones who can score.

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        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I think a lot will come down to who we give the armband

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Are you planning on keeping hold of Shaqiri by the way? I have him in my work game, where we dont get a wildcard. Wondering whether he will do well vs Argentina. They do look shaky at the back..

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  7. tm245
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Pretty crazy deviations from the mean in the DZ Picks Challenge:

    https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_Bbt3iz70Cj-sgABKF9-sZYoGK5FxZKwoAPzg2eBUKU/edit?usp=docslist_api

    Ghana, Algeria, USA, South Korea will have some definite impact on the standings. TorresMagic also set up how many pts remaining for the Round of 16, when points are doubled.

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    1. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I need Portugal to somehow get through or it will kill my chances...

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      1. tm245
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Not that much, actually. You are pretty average throughout that group so not much harm or benefit regardless of who advances. Greece, Chile, and Switzerland could really propel you in the knockouts.

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        1. Zep
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Hopefully... 😀

          I only have USA on 8 though, so that would hurt...

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I think we will finish in the bottom 3.
      I pretty much use the bookies odd & will finish were I deserve to. 🙂

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      1. Zep
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I just went with my gut for the most part... but admittedly I randomly chose for the 10 or so teams in the middle...

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  8. Breaking The Fox Template
    Zep
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Since we're on the subject on Fox strategies...

    By the looks of things it's the 4th midfielder that will be the only real differential in the Fox game... that and the armband...

    The lenient budget affords us almost all of the big hitters we want... this front 6 gives you cover for all the big teams likely to make the QFs...

    Muller Robben JRod __?__ (110k)
    Neymar Messi Benzema

    Only Belgium attacking cover missing (and CRC/GRE, but I imagine most will have defenders from those teams instead... since that looks like nailed on to be 0-0 after 120mins lol)

    Some might go with Hazard & 110k bench fodder... or you could ignore Belgian attacking cover and double up on Brazil with Oscar...

    However, I think I'll keep Cuadrado as my slightly more expensive 5th mid bench fodder just in case, so that gives me around 240k to play with...

    Some good mids in that range to choose from - Valbuena, Shaqiri, Sneijder, KDB, etc...

    Another route you could go down is having Cuadrado as your 4th playing mid plus 110k bench fodder and then using the extra 130k in defense, but to be honest I'm not convinced the more expensive defenders will be worth it...

    I'm not sure how the dynamic of goal scoring/general lack of clean sheet's will change as the tournament progresses...

    I think I will continue to spend my money upfront until I see otherwise...

    Overall it appears to me that we will struggle to make ground up on those above us, unless we venture from the norm, but in doing so we risk dropping even further...

    Thoughts?

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    1. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I still think Di Maria will come good.

      Muller Robben JRod Di Maria
      Neymar Messi Benzema

      Is shockingly good and shows how lenient the Fox pricing is.

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      1. Zep
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        He does have good shooting stats, but most have been straight at the keeper...

        In another world he could have 3 goals by now...

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        1. Christina.
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          After frustratingly watching him last night, I can confirm he is not a fantasy prospect.

          Robben would have scored 3 goals with the changes Di Maria had last night.

          The end.

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    2. Zep
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      You could argue the defense will be a differential, but to a lesser extent IMO, since CS appear to be in short supply... and most guys will pick players from similar teams...

      I guess we are hinging our success on the individual performances of certain players...

      Rojo being a good example of that today.. Argentina look like conceding against decent teams but he is never far away from attacking returns...

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    3. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Correct.

      The tournament has been won/lost ages ago with the pool getting smaller and smaller.

      Well done to those that had Mueller, Benzema and Shakira for their hattricks.

      No more rotation and it's strength vs strength now.

      Time for a rest from fantasy.

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      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Pique has Shakira 😆

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        1. Christina.
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          😉

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      2. Zep
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        2 out of 3 ain't bad... 😎

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        1. Christina.
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, nice score last night.

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          1. Zep
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks man

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  9. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Come on Messssssssiiiiii

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  10. Saniul
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Go Messi (c). 😉

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    1. GTS
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      😎

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  11. shazzaaam
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    is benzema playing?koscielny? heydari? sorry cant re read above... dont have time.:)

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    1. Prime
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      yes yes no
      french team isn't 100% sure, though

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  12. SW6
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Messiiii 😀

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  13. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    MESSSIIIIIIIIII

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  14. Prime
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    1 in, 2 to go

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  15. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    MESSIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

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  16. SW6
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Don't think Di Maria will get that assist in McD, right?

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  17. King Nil Miss ✩
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    BANG!

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  18. Tony Warner Fan Club
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Yesssssssssss

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  19. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    no ADM assist for this, right? 🙁

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  20. SW6
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    😯

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  21. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Oh what the feckkkkk

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  22. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Rojo CS gone 🙁

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  23. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    LOL ... equalizer 😀 😀

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  24. Prime
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Perfect, Argentina CS gone for my rivals 😎

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  25. The Sarjeant
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    1-1 hahah!

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  26. Tony Warner Fan Club
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Hahaha what is happening????

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  27. PKB
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    What a start! 😯

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  28. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Rojo CS gone 🙁

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  29. emperikal
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Need Messi to relax. Don't have him in the FOX game but what a response from Nigeria!

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  30. Gubbins94.
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Easiest BTTS since Swansea Pool last year.

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