634x258 Dugout Discussion
26 June 2014 3877 comments
Paul Paul
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We reach the end of the group stages of Brazil 2014 this evening as the last 16 match-ups are finalised. Group G gets us up and running at 5pm and with all four of the teams still in with a shout of progressing, Fantasy managers will be hoping there’s less chance of rest and rotation. Germany face up to USA and Portugal square up to a Ghana side devoid of Kevin Prince-Boateng and Sulley Muntari after both players were sent home for disciplinary reasons earlier today:

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Muller, Podolski

USA: Howard; Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley; Jones, Beckerman; Davis, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

Joachim Low makes a couple of changes from the side that drew with Ghana. The Germany manager brings in Bastian Schweinsteiger for Sami Khedira in the centre of the park, while Lukas Podolski comes in for Mario Gotze in the front three. Thomas Muller owners will be looking for more of the same, after the Bayern man notched three goals and an assist in the opening couple of matches, whilst those holding Mesut Ozil will be desperate for an improvement after a couple of patchy displays so far.

Jurgen Klinsmann also makes two alterations as he attempts to get the better of his native country. Omar Gonzalez replaces Geoff Cameron in central defence, whilst Brad Davis gets the nod ahead of Alejandro Bedoya on the right flank – Clint Dempsey is looking to score for the third successive match, though the likes of Michael Bradley and Graham Zusi also offer a threat from the attacking midfield positions.

Portugal: Beto; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Veloso; W Carvalho, Moutinho, Amorim; Nani, Eder, Ronaldo

Ghana: Dauda; Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah; Rabiu, Agyemang-Badu; Atsu, Waris, A Ayew; Gyan

Paulo Bento welcomes Pepe back from suspension for the vital game with Ghana, as Ricardo Costa drops out to accommodate the Real Madrid man at centre-half. The Portugal boss makes three further changes, drafting in William Carvalho, Ruben Amorim and Eder for Andre Almeida, Raul Meireles and Helder Postiga – the former two look set to be installed in the middle, with Miguel Veloso shifting to left-back. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, though, as he looks to get his goal account finally up and running and fire his side into the last 16.

Prince-Boateng and Muntari’s omissions are the only two changes from Kwesi Appiah after a very encouraging draw with Germany. Udinese player Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu comes into the double-pivot to replace Muntari, whilst the highly-rated Abdul Majeed Waris is tucked in behind Asaomoah Gyan up top. Andrew Ayew, with a goal in both group games so far, looks the major threat for the Africans once again.

Later on, Belgium go head-to-head with South Korea as Marc Wilmots’ side look to end the group stages with a 100% record. Bearing in mind they’re already through, though, there’s a fear that we could see a number of changes from the Europeans in this one, with Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne owners hoping they’ll keep their places in the starting XI. Up top, Wilmots may well omit Romelu Lukaku from his line-up after subbing off the Chelsea man in each of the first two games, whilst at the back, Belgium are set to be without both Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen through injury.

Those defensive concerns will afford the Koreans optimism and with three goals in their first two matches, they present a definite threat to Thibaut Courtois’ clean sheet prospects. The highly-rated Son Heung-min grabbed his first of the tournament in Matchday 2 and, having netted 10 times for Leverkusen in the previous Bundesliga campaign, carries the main threat for Hon Myung-bo’s side.

Despite scoring once and picking up a single point in their opening two matches, Russia are still in with a shout of making the last 16. A win against Algeria, coupled with a Belgian triumph over South Korean, will take Fabio Capello’s side through – Alexander Kokorin looks their best chance of netting, though Alexander Kerzhakov will be hoping for his first start after climbing off the bench in the first pair of fixtures.

After an emphatic 4-2 win over South Korea, Vahid Halilhodzic’s side will approach this one with little fear. Islam Slimani, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Sofiane Feghouli have all served up a goal and assist in the first two fixtures and will fancy their chances of picking up further returns against an unconvincing backline that has been breached in both their opening matches.

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

    Transfers I did this week on Fox.

    Rojo to 110k so that I could fund Shaqiri to Oscar.
    Wow. 😐

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    1. Steve
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      oops

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

      🙁

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

    Ugh, guess I'll do KDB to Bentaleb.

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  3. lickwidice
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Should I lose 14 (7+7) for Belkalem and Bentaleb?

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  4. CopperPot82
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I do hope there are budget increases in both Fox (unlimited transfers live on the same $3m budget so it's looking unlikely) & McD - it is impossible to get a starting line up of the bigger teams without one -

    unless Algeria & Greece make the final.

    Try picking a team only from the more expensive teams (Germany, Brazil, Argentina, Netherlands etc) - not easy if you have you compromise and have Mascherano & De Jong in your line-up)

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

    damn this belgian line up....3 algerian on my team is making me feel worried

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

    Bentaleb or Kerzhakov on for Kroos (5pts)?

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

    I need to play 2 out of the following 5. Which 2 would you pick for McD's?

    Bentaleb, Kombarov, Mesbah, KDB, Lukaku

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    1. Jimbo123
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      First two, assuming Kombarov starts

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      1. gart888
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Why wouldn't Kombarov start?

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        1. Jimbo123
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Was pretty poor in their last match. Should still play though.

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    2. Andrew7
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Kombarov and Mesbah

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

    Last few hours before the siege of the RMT and template complaint posts.

    I am crowd sourcing my captain, please vote here for
    A Mobhli
    B Mesbah
    C Bentaleb
    D KDB

    Cheers.

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

      one of the Algerians. probably mobhli

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    2. djenzio
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      not D cause he ain't starting....prob C but mesbah could get jammy RB and block points 😉

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

      Mbohli , goalies score high, defenders as well so Mesbah as well

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

    When Hazard/Evra/ALDERWEIRELD/Valbuena/Candreva give you zero pts in a round then you can't blame anyone I guess

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

      Forgot to mention
      Lukaku
      Cholevas:3 pts
      Sanchez:5pts

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

        cholevas/sanchez stays
        welcome bentaleb/mesbah/kombarov

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  10. gart888
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    pogba (6) or bentaleb in mcdonalds? leaning on playing it safe with pogba.

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    1. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      looks like i'm sticking with pogba too

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

    This not being allowed in any football ground, FIFA endorsed hotel, team bus/plane etc is taking things too far. Daft

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

      so he has to head home separately from the rest of the team?

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

        Seriously, yes. They have withdrawn his FIFA accreditation and he is not allowed anywhere near any thing official.

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

          that's kinda ridiculous. the rest of the punishment is very reasonable but that's a bit over the top

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    2. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      just aswell monsanto does not sponsor world cup, they wouldn't let him eat

      ^ haha i just realized what i said, no pun intented

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    3. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      True that.

      I wonder when they'll start using video images to punish the likes of sakho (elbow)

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      1. Shels
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        and diving etc

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

    risk it for a biscuit, benz out for lukaku

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    1. r0nh
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Did you not see todays news?!!

      Too much sugar is bad for you!!

      Get 8 hours sleep a night, drink at least 2 litres of water a day & stop eating too much sugar!!!

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    2. bunnyrampage
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      this is what I'm trying to decide on...

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  13. Efan Ekoku Pops
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Benzema 4 pts > Kokorin?

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    1. Andrew7
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      if he starts

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

    predictions for the russia-algeria game?

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

      3-1 Algeria.

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    2. Andrew7
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      2-0 Russia

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

      1-1

      although #ifalgeria win I have a nice bit of cash

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

    Lol seriously, no Kompany, Alderweireld or De Bruyne? God.

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    1. djenzio
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      yeah its pretty bad...seems they are happy to finish second and rest key players....

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  16. Maddocio
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Do Fifa have a record of increasing bans due to spurious appeals like the FA?

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

    Is Suarez allowed to train with Liverpool or is that not part of his ban?

    Someone said to me that the ban includes him training with the club

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

      banned for four months from any football related activity

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

        Gonna be lacking serious match fitness after the ban is lifted

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

      Not even allowed in a stadium.

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    3. dribbler
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      that sounds correct...it's "all football related activities"...although confusingly they then said not transfers

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

        that's not really an activity though.

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  18. SuryaXO
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Kroos (5) + 1 empty slot ➡ KdB/Bentaleb/Lukaku? Which 2?

    Or keep Kroos and do only one?

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    1. Saint Domingo
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Only Bentaleb starts out of those 3

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

    No Hazard is the one that surprises me the most!

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    1. Kip
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Actually no KDB is more surprising to me
      Hazard had a small toe injury

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  20. Keno
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I know Lukaku is not starting but he could still sub in against a weak korea team who has nothing to play for. Lukaku or Djabou to replace a 5 point Griezmann? Also guessing should deff replace Aurier(4 pts) for Medjani?

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  21. dribbler
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    stick or twist:

    1/ 8 points or GK Mbolhi ALG v RUSS
    2/ 7 points or DEF Medjani ALG v RUSS

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

      probably stick

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

      id stick both

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      1. dribbler
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        thanks both of you...mind you I won't win the car by sticking

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  22. Lucas Leiva
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    One of the better Suarez cartoons :lol::

    https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BrE31VmIUAIaaXt.png

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

    Have we got lineups yet?

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

      Probably best that you don't find them out.

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

        Ill survive, have had a great week already. Only need Mbohli and 3 of De Bryne, Kombarov, Benteleb and Toby

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

      unofficial ones

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

        ok, will find out soon I guess, the one I saw from stickies seemed too weak for Belgium

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

      https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup

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

        thnks

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  24. 4vets
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    What is it about L'pool keepers? First Reina gets so little international duty and now Migs.

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    1. Jimbo123
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Not the best in their country. Simple

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    2. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      not good enuff simple.

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

      besides this world cup, it's hard to justify Reina over Casillas.
      and it's hard to justify Migs over Courtois

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      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        I'm not complaining but they must be gutted.

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

          fair enough.

          Reina and Valdes both unlucky to be stuck behind Casillas. both would've started for most other countries

          would like to see DDG take over reins as #1 for Spain

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

      Never rated Reina personally, let alone in the Spanish squad.

      Mignolet looked a bit nervous at times for Liverpool, but personally I think Courtois is a better keeper

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

      Reina was fortunate to start ahead of de Gea in that last game too.

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      1. Shels
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        de gea was injured

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

        wasn't ddg injured?

        else ddg should've started the game against Chile imo

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        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          That's my point, he was lucky de Gea was injured.

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    6. Lucas Leiva
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Unlucky to be behind such great goalkeepers. Reina could have gotten 80+ caps for most other countries and it looks like Mignolet will never again be Belgium's #1.

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      1. 4vets
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Someone got my point then 🙂

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  25. teddy.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Feghouli, Djabou or Slimani in Goalscorer..?

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

      I have backed Feghouli anytime. have him on an acca with Gyan, Mueller and Fellani

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      1. teddy.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Nice. It's on Feghouli, so I'll keep it there.

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  26. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Fox score check?

    93 with Muller & Gyan baps(?) to come.

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

      96 + CR7 and Muller baps.
      Coutois, Kombarov yet to play.

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

      good score. 96 with courtois to come. finally will get muller now

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

      98 + Muller baps.

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

      Only 71. Dropped to 69th from top 10 after yesterday's matches 🙁

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

      84 with Muller Baps,plus Courtois,plus Blind and Bentaleb points of the bench.

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  27. Grounderz
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Montazeri OUT and Mesbah IN, yay or nay?

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

      nay

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

      nah I am leaving Montazeri in. Mesbah was lucky to scrape 4 points last game

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

      Thanks guys. Think I'll stick.

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

    Play Bentaleb or Mesbah?
    Only taking out Bedoya's 2 points so not much of a risk.

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

    Bentaleb or Mesbah lads? Has to be the latter right?

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  30. Marouane Fellatio
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Kokorin or Djabou?

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    1. Andrew7
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Kokorin

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