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. roscola
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone who twisted (C) from Neymar to Messi - it's all gravy now 🙂

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

      you did?

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

        Nah, not me

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  2. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Lads, any Dutch players banned for 2nd round game ?

    In particular.... robben ?

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    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      according to iTeam (pretty good app for info), no. Just Fer as an injury concern.

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      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers buddy

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

    Anyone could have gotten it at a second chance. 😉

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  4. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Now the big question: Will Messi get an early sub?

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

      After he completes his hat-trick.

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    2. JT's Dog
        11 years, 5 months ago

        The breakfast one?

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        1. 7shadesofsmoke
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I reckon he's more of a BMT kinda guy.

          (BMT= Big Match Temperament, for those unfamiliar 😉 )

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      • LewanGOALski
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Around 70th min IMO

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

        hope so, neymar(c)

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    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      No point in diving, that's too much like hard work.

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        thats how i play in goal..... 😎

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      2. 7shadesofsmoke
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        and his mum probably kicks off about the grass stains

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

      Messi might beat Neymars score here but 32 is still a massive stick imo. At least i have both

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      1. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Or Alba...

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      2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Good to know

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

      Do people still compare Ron and Leo ? 😉

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Yes.

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        1. Vote Joke
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          I think Suarez is better than Ron, primarily due to the workrate and teamwork which Ron lacks. However, Ron doesn't bite people, so maybe he is better.

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

      Montazeri down to 4 points 🙁

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      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        boourns

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    7. pundit of punts
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Messi hatty looking very likely now.

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

        Sadly. Own him in McDs but not FOX. A single goal would have done nicely

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

      Lulic didn't start? Thought I saw him on the lineups posted on here

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Demi was trolling.

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    9. JT's Dog
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Who scored the other direct free kick in the WC so far

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

          That Swiss player

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

          dzemaili

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

        Wait I'll Benzema plays 😎

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

          *until

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      • Saniul
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        So, how are your players doing right now?
        For me, I have Messi (14), Pjanic (6) and Montazeri (4).

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

          Ramos 9
          Neymar 16
          Garay 3
          Omeruo 4
          Manolas 8

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

            lol

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

              What u mean lol?

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

                He's not asking who you have that's already played...this page would be miles long if everyone answered that. 😉

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

                  O, sorry

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

          Messi 14, Montazari 4, Rojo 5, Di Maria 3

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

            Nice, good to see Pjanic get an assist for me. 😉

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

          Messi, Pjanic, Monty, Rojo(5), Di Maria(3)

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

            With an assist, I thought Pjanic would be on some more points?
            And Rojo on 5? That's quite good for a player who wasn't supposed to start.

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

              He doesn't seem to be a RB or delivery player unfortunately.

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

                Yeah, hope he can sign off with a goal. 😉

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

                  As long as there's one from Di Maria as well (what an awful pick so far)

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

          Messi - 14
          Fernandez - 6
          Rojo - 5
          Monty - 4

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

          Rojo 5, Messi 14, Lulic 0

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

          Messi (C) 28
          Di Maria 3
          Montazeri 4
          Sadeghi 4
          Rojo 5

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

            That's a nice (c).
            Did you switch it from Neymar?

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        7. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          14
          5
          4
          3
          0
          0

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        8. Pap Le Cissier
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Messi 14
          Shojaei 4
          Sadeghi 4

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        9. Vote Joke
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Messi - 14
          Rojo - 5
          Di Maria - 3
          Dzeko - 8

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

          kolasinac-4
          montazeri-4
          messi-14
          di maria-3
          dzeko-8

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

            *rojo-5
            lulic-0

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        11. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Montazeri 4
          Di Maria 3
          Higuain 2

          Feck off.

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      • Bøwstring The Carp
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        If Algeria are watching the Argentina game, they have seen Messi score twice so far.

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

          #IfAgeria

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        2. 7shadesofsmoke
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          😀 its back

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      • Saniul
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Who else has Messi (c) on Fox? 😉

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

          Neymar (C) and don't own Messi. Behind the couch type stuff

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

            Ah, I think that will affect your rank considerably now. 😉

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

              Considerably 🙁 Was 6th before kick-off

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

                Ah, hope your other players do well. 🙂

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

                  Need Benzema and Muller do bag at least a brace each!

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        2. Freshy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Last minute switch to Messi from the Benz
          Good for now anyway

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

            Benzema could well get a nice haul, atleast I'll hope so since I have him. 😉

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Should have listened to us 😎

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

            😆

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

            I'm taking it you didn't listen to yourself? 😉

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            1. Epic Fail
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I didn't have time. Was too busy advising others to do it. 😉

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

                We in the Cartel are good at helping the less fortunate (i.e. everyone)

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        2. JT's Dog
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Hope you moved captain to messi

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

              I would if I could.

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              1. JT's Dog
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  Oh right you have the second best player in the world

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

                    😕 😀

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          • Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            karnezis was a huge disappointment last game........1 pt............ time for MBOLHI!!

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            1. Pap Le Cissier
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              At least you have an option b 🙁

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            2. 7shadesofsmoke
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I think I'm also backing the beard now...

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

            Damn 45 minutes and 14 points..should have captained Messi!

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            1. Vote Joke
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              You'd have to been a bit nuts taking it off Neymar (I presume you have him). At least you have Messi. Last week I took it off Messi as his 10 points weren't good enough. Ended up on Bentaleb in the end. Gutted.

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          • LSONG
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            So are Valveuna and Evra a lock to be rested? I have both and actually don't have a replacement for Evra, sucks.

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          • Vote Joke
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            That smug fat git in the XBOX One ad is so damn annoying.

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              1. Vote Joke
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                I'd so like to punch that face.

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                1. Piggs Boson
                  • 14 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  He's in character as Jesse Pinkman from BB. I don't think he's really a dick.

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          • tm245
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Higuain has 2 pts in case any of you were concerned.

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            1. Piggs Boson
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              🙁

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            2. 7shadesofsmoke
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              that guy is doing my knob in. Sick of him.

              I don't know who i'd like to fantasy-punch in the face more, him or Lukaku.

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

                My other strikers are Suarez Balotelli Bony. Sickening.

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                1. 7shadesofsmoke
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  wow. You really went full differential didn't you?!

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

                Messi Captain pal?

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                1. 7shadesofsmoke
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  yeah. Thank god he's turning it on now - I own Neymar and put the armband on Alves on MD1.

                  How are you getting on?

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

                    I'm hiding behind the couch 🙁

                    All my players being rested, ouch!

                    Does Jogo have Messi or Higuain?

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                    1. 7shadesofsmoke
                      • 12 Years
                      11 years, 5 months ago

                      "errr..." - As his team captain, I'll go with "...it would be irresponsible to hand out that sort of information"

                      (rather than "I don't have a clue")

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

              who?

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          • Piggs Boson
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            @Evs, do you have McMessi?

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

            @OfficialFOXES: BREAKING: #lcfc manager Nigel Pearson has signed a new three-year contract. #PearsonLCFC

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            1. JT's Dog
                11 years, 5 months ago

                Leicester trying to take messi back page

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              • VougieDipond
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                just means he gets more money when he gets sacked at Christmas when Leicster are bottom

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

              Oh well, it is cute that Messi is on 14 points, but people who are so pissed that they didn't move it from Neymar must realise that he was on 13 at HT, as well.

              Messi could well end on 16 or 17, for all we know.

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            3. VougieDipond
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Higuain is gong to turn up this half and score a couple

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

                Assisted by Angel hopefully

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                1. 7shadesofsmoke
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  would be a dream come true.

                  Not gonna happen though!

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

              heydari coming in

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

                shojae subbed for him

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

                I have CR7 to come in for him(hopefully) if he doesn't perform

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            5. JT's Dog
                11 years, 5 months ago

                Does every player talk behind their hand now
                Reminds me of joe pesci in casino

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              • Sweetpea
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                aNY DECENT BETS THIS EVENING?

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                1. 7shadesofsmoke
                  • 12 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  wHAT?

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

                    Any decent bets, he/she said so they did

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

                2-2

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

                MUSAAAAAAAAAAA

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