[sbu_large_image] 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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3,877 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Worth bringing in Medjani for 6 points?

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      No, but it's more fun.

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      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        Haha, and I guess you will say the same answer for my next question...

        Lukaku (benched) worth bringing in for 3?

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  2. Shels
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    ok done it, 6 pointer out for kombarov
    now i have pogba sick or twist to either medjiani/benteleb

    algeria have no chance of clean sheet

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Sez who? 😛

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      1. Shels
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        Me 🙂

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          Sez U? Boo? 😛

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Suarez Just can't stop eating.

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  3. PKB
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Swap Dauda(8) with Mbolhi?

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    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      I wouldn't - but there is definetely chance he will outscore him.
      I'm keeping Cillesen (8) tough.

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    2. Shels
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      nooo

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    3. PKB
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Cheers guys

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  4. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Will Hazard come on as a sub and score more points than Bentlab?

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    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      How can someone possible answer that question? Lol

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      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        possibly*

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        1. Mr Sarcastic
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          Majorfail just did.

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          1. Mr Sarcastic
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 22 days ago

            so did captain shirkov and looks like one of them is not truthful.

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      He will, yes.

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        73rd minute to be precise.

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    3. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      He definitely won't, no.

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        Epic Fail is wrong, to be precise.

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          Source?

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          1. Captain Shirokov
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 22 days ago

            SSN

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    4. User
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Probably not, even if he came on and scored.

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    5. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Thanks guys will stick with Bentlab I think

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  5. tadtman
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Replace a 6 pt defender with DJABOU??

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  6. X T I A N
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Bentaleb or Djabou?

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  7. rk007
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    KDB/Dzagoev for Gerrard(3)? What do you guys think?

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  8. Pedram
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Please help.

    Play Bentaleb or KDB(benched)

    Play Kokorin or Djabou

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    1. Dynamic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      I'm doing Bentaleb for first choice.

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    2. Lucas Leiva
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Bentaleb & Kokorin.

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  9. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    why isn't bougherra starting ?

    ayew>kdb
    sanchez 5>lukaku or kokorin ?

    repost

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    1. dribbler
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      he's injured bbc

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      1. Studgie G
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        damn.. 🙁

        what do you think of the other changes risk them ?

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        1. Shels
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          replied already

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          1. Studgie G
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 22 days ago

            thanks saw it

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  10. dribbler
    • 17 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    stick or twist

    2 points or De Bruyne

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Is KDB starting?

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      1. Frip
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        no

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        1. dribbler
          • 17 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          lol TM...if he was starting I wouldn't be asking

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 17 Years
            12 years, 22 days ago

            On the bench? I'd keep the 2 points.

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      I'd twist.

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    3. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      i'd take the risk, 2 points loss max

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      1. dribbler
        • 17 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        ok thanks all

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  11. JT's Dog
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Let it be known I am playing through the pain barrier.
    Had old tooth root giving me pain so went yo dentist yesterday to get it sorted, 40 min and couldn't get it out. Had to go to dental hospital today, another hour of work, drilling away jaw bone cutting open gum. Now look elephant man (dog) have 30 stitches in mouth , bleeding like slaughtered sheep on period and none of my Belgians are playing.
    And now I have to listen to chiles and wright

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      time to put you out of your misery

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    2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      sounds like suarez's defence to fifa

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    3. dribbler
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      you've got more problems with your teeth than Luis Suarez

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    4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Shall I come round with my trusty Lee Enfield?

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      1. JT's Dog
        12 years, 22 days ago

        I have seen the strikers you pick you would miss the shot

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          I did Bisley 40 years back. My average score was 97. 😉

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          1. JT's Dog
            12 years, 22 days ago

            All that practice during the war 😉

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          2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            12 years, 22 days ago

            We did six disciplines, including standing, kneeling, and rapid fire.

            I scored 100 on rapid fire.

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            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              12 years, 22 days ago

              I was up against the best Jaapies, and unfortunately could only manage 5th. 😉

              1st in rapid, though. Got a cup for that!

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    5. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Turn the volume down.

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      1. JT's Dog
        12 years, 22 days ago

        Nope
        Mouth still hurts

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        1. TorresMagic™
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          Put music on & mute the tv.

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    6. The Shadow
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      I've got a root canal scheduled for tomorrow. Damn, you beat me again.

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  12. mahone24
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    KDB, Bouguerra, Bentaleb or Kokorin?

    Or sacrifice a 7pointer for more than one of them?

    Thoughts anyone?

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  13. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Bring in Lukaku for Stevie G (3)...?

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      yeh

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      No. He won't match that even if he comes on in the 1st minute.

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  14. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Allez! Allez mouloudia ntiya ma vie! Allez Les Verts!!! 😀

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  15. Ten Season Wonder
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Sorry I meant KDB for gerrard (3) worth it?

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Certainly not. He ain't playing.

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Will he even get on the pitch?

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      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

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        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          Ghost post

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        2. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          This.

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  16. The Missing Link
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Any guys here from team Argentina? Looks like 2-2 with one game to decide it, goodluck and may the best team qualify 🙂

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  17. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Are ITV switching the games around or are they still showing the important one on ITV4?

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Itv4 is Algeria Russia
      Belgium South Korea on itv

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Never mind, ITV4 it is

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  18. Fifa las vegas
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Colombia, France, holland and Argentina all to win their respective games in the next round is a very tasty looking treble! 🙂

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    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Treble? 😯

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      1. Fifa las vegas
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        😳 *acca

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 22 days ago

          Are you Irish, by some misbegotten chance? 😉

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          1. Fifa las vegas
            • 13 Years
            12 years, 22 days ago

            Am.....ummmmmm...... (Reluctantly) 'yes'

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            1. Fifa las vegas
              • 13 Years
              12 years, 22 days ago

              And proud 😉

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              1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                12 years, 22 days ago

                And why not? 😉

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  19. bunnyrampage
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Repost. Would you keep 4 pts, or twist to Lukaku/KDB and hope they come off the bench?

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    1. Ten Season Wonder
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Keep your 4 point

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    2. mahone24
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Probably stick. Do players who don't come off the bench automatically just get 0 rather than getting auto subbed?

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    3. bunnyrampage
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Thanks guys, think I will stick.

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  20. mahone24
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Just seen KDB not starting so would you say Bouguerra or Kokorin?

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    1. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Boughuerra ain't starting either, if that helps.

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      1. mahone24
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        It does!

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    2. Studgie G
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      koko, boug isn't starting

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    3. Marouane Fellatio
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Bougherra not either

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    4. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Bogherra on subs so has to be Kokorin

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      1. mahone24
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        Wouldnt let me change to 4-3-3 so looks like its Bentaleb! Thanks guys

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  21. Tin of Directors
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Someone tell me it's silly to take out 5 pt Mena for Dzagoev.

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Now, come on, that's silly!

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    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      It's silly. 🙂

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      1. Tin of Directors
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        It is isn't it. I'm chasing points so needed a jolt of sense.
        Cheers guys.

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      1. Tin of Directors
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 22 days ago

        LOL!

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    3. GREENDREAMS11
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      it is, he only got 7 mins last time out, pissed me right off it did.

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  22. FPL Touches
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    About time Woodward bought some top notch talent in, he's been Ander pressure for ages! 😛

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      He Shaw has!

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  23. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    thank god Drmic got 10 yesterday otherwise I would have been screwed

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  24. Epic Fail
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Lol at team Japan.

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    1. FPL Touches
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Worst. Stamina. Ever.

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  25. BantamPhil
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Bentaleb or Medjani in for Benzema?

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    1. Fifa las vegas
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Medjani

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  26. Keno
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Come on Djabou need some points!!!

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  27. Zombie
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Knock Knock

    Who?

    To

    To who?

    No, To whom

    #JustBored

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      To whit?

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  28. CopperPot82
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Kevin BACON rollercoaster ad extolling the virtues of Suarez tearing apart the defence ...

    must be a joke in there somewhere...

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  29. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 22 days ago

    Half of the last 16 are from the America's. Never saw that coming

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    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 22 days ago

      Really...Every tournament ever hosted by the America's has been won by the Ametica's...

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