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

    Awful tackle by Defour but obvious there was no malice. Apologised straight away to the player and walked off without arguing.

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

    hmm unlikely lukaku will play now 🙁

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  3. Mo Mané Mo Problems
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    So Lloris has been given 80%+ save bonus but Cillessen hasn't. FML

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  4. Open Controls
    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Just in case I lose that Kia by 4 points or less - did they fix Sakhos points or did he get to keep that cs?

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

        Got the points, according to Gink I deserved them because of how they worded the rules though

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        1. Mr Sarcastic
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          saw that comment, but it really isn't so (or actually looks like it is 🙂 )

          quite simple here:
          **Clean sheet points will only be awarded to a player if the following two conditions are met: (1) their team doesn't concede a goal in the entire match and (2) the player plays more than 61 minutes*** of the match.

          but hey it's not your fault, good luck for you!

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  5. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    kdb on after the break hopefully

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    1. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      isn't he on yellow? surely no need to risk it

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      1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        nope

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        1. Mr Sarcastic
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          okay, then there's a little chance

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

      Doubt it

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      1. Studgie G
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        they should belguim have been awful atleast entertain the crowd, rightly both got booed off

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

    Looks like this is gonna be another failed double 🙁
    Germany and Belgium, Belgium leg not looking good (also had Mertens anytime, should've has his goal!)

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  7. NERONALDO
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    RMT Mirror WC game
    Cesar-Lloris
    Lahm-Sacho-Luiz-Blind-Duarte
    Muller-Hazard-Oskar-JRod-Gotze
    Messi-Neymar-Benzema

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

      Don't fancy luiz. Chile can easily score against a shaky Brazilian defence. Defenders need to get clean sheets in this game to have any hope, so maybe someone different?

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

        Who? I think Mexiko can score. 2 Germany in defence? Or?

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

          When you put it that way! Maybe a double German defence could pay off. Russia don't offer anything much exciting going forward

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    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Lacking a certain Hames. JRod for Goetze for me

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      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Oops just seen him ignore me 🙂

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

          Maybe 2 defenders from Costa-Rica :D?

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    3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe an Argentina defender instead of Luiz?

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

        That could be an option

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

        Argentina"s defence is awful. But Rojo has big attacking potential! Thank you)

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

          Brazils has been too! 🙂

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

            Can Belgium become clean-sheat vs USA?

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

    Defour tackle very similar to Valencias last night ref got it right again

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

      Nothing like it, but yeah

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  9. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Been impressed with Komborov think I'm quite attached and will take him into the knockout stages with me.

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

      Off with ya!

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

      For one game against Germany? Okay...

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

        This.

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      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        For McDs unlimited transfers each round, his distribution and set pieces are appealing

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    3. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah. Me too. Thinking it is a matter of time before they concede though.

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Could do with a pen, he's on them isn't he?

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        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah he is

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  10. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Still trying to get my head round this TFF game....

    I only have 3 striker spots and currently own Ronaldo, Drmic and Gutierrez (Colombia)

    I can obviously lose Ronaldo and Neymar is the priority.

    I am thinking it is not worth transferring out Drmic or Gutierrez for Sanchez as they both have games to come. Only have about 20 transfers left, so each one is precious.

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I could get Valdivas instead (if he is starting) as I also have Okazaki (classed as a mid) who is out.

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    2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      You get more money in the knockouts?

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      1. MJ6987
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah

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

    Forgot that Courtois was the highest owned keeper in Fox....(suddenly becomes a big fan of SKorea)

    "COME ON JUNG, YOUNG, YEUNG, YONG"....

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

      Come on Mertens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Also known as come on you Gs

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

    Do we get extra funds for the knockout stages? Most of the big teams still there, will Ronald give us more transfer funds?

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      We do in TFF. Extra 10m

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

      It's not mentioned in the rules, so probably not

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

      If we're able to keep 1m players who are already out, I'll focus on having 343 with 1 decent sub for each position

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

    I have 3 strikers only in mcd's other 2 are non-playing fillers. Is anyone else shifting to this for last 16 or is it better to have the 4th mid/low price striker that plays?

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

    Think the best strategy for games like iTeam is to load up on players from the first set of knock out games and use the 3 free transfers to get rid of those knocked out and bring in players from the last couple of round of 16 games.

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Costs a lot of transfers though

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

    Is it true that Suarez can play the next game if Uruguay appeal his ban?

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

      No

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

      No

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

      Cheers.

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  16. Atwood
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Any idea when we might be able to make transfers in McD's?

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    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      There's a countdown clock.

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

        So there is, only just spotted that.

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    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Countdown on the actual transfers page, just over 8hrs

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

    Spike Milligan and co commentating on the South Korea match...

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=33-fVsL5Kdc

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      😥 I miss them ... 😆

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

        Yeah...Monty Python before Monty Python...

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      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        - Monty Python - eat your heart out!!! 😛

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

    Mbolhi save 😎

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  19. Studgie G
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    thinking I'll keep di maria will be a differential and has played well just unlucky not to score, he's also a cert now with aguero gone for full 90

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

      I'm definitely keeping him. If he keeps doing what he's doing one's bound to go in sooner or later.

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    2. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Form over fixtures though.

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      1. Studgie G
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        normally but teams will be so template so I need to get differentials

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

    Kombarov suspended? 😕

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    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Commentator didn't say anything

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    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      no

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  21. TG32
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys! Just started a new Facebook page in relation to football articles I will write throughout the World Cup. I'm a novice as in blogging but I would hope to build up a bit of experience. In my first article, I write about Sabella's relationship with Argentina's players.

    If ye could give a like it would be great 🙂

    https://www.facebook.com/fffantasy.football

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

      Just found it my arse.

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    2. TG32
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Just started it yesterday.

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

    Komarov yc

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  23. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Is Karnezis expected to be fit for the Costa Rica game?

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

      He said himself that he should be back and starting for the Costa Rica.

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    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Apparently according to Beavis he has said he should be ok

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

    Slimani is almost there and there about, but not quite there 🙂

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

      he is there now

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

      Oh - he's there!!!

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

      Timing 🙂 🙂 🙂

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

    Wingers on YC for Russia !

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  26. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Yaas!

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

    Another howler for Akinfeev

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  28. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Told you!

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  29. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I will take those Slimani points thankyou

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  30. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    SLIIIMAAANIII!!!

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