Podcast
24 December 2014 2679 comments
Mark Mark
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Not so merry, certainly not so high – my rank took a tumble and my co-host rival has taken advantage: in an extraordinary Gameweek, Granville is now breathing down my neck with just two points between us. It’s a nightmare before Christmas.

Not surprisingly, much of this festive ScoutCast is given up to Granville’s ascent, his six million dollar man – Charlie Austin – and the failings of my faith in Diego Costa.

Around all that, we preview the Boxing Day schedule, cast an eye over the Scout leagues and assess the merits of the current transfers bandwagons. I even have time to throw in another Jose Mourinho conspiracy theory. Hey, let me have my fun – I needed cheering up.

Merry Christmas to all!

Ring the bells via this link or join “Hosanna in excelsis” via the player below…

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. QPR expects... glory!
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    It's Christmas. Surely Lukaku will hand out presents to his owners this week? Last week he trolled us with coal 🙁

  2. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Do Foster -> Panti for - 4?
    Yay or Nay

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

      NAY

    2. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Nay.

    3. reeceon
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Never take a hit on a keeper unless they won't play

  3. AH 🙂
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Who do I captain and vice ?

    Guzan,
    Azpi, Zabaleta, Baines,
    Siggy, Sanchez, Hazard, Downing,
    Bony, Rooney, Austin

    Subs : Krul-Naylor-Dummet-Cattermole

    1FT and 0.7ITB

    1. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Captain Bony Vice Sanchez

    2. DrunkPhilosophy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Bony(c) , Rooney(vc)

    3. DrunkPhilosophy
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Rooney to Falcao with ur FT? I might do the same move.

      1. Top 210 Club
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Save transfers, they are very precious this time of year!

  4. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Merry Christmas to you all!! 🙂

    1. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Merry Christmas!

  5. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Pick one to swap in for Siggy for a free transfer

    A) Silva
    B) Cazorla
    C) Eriksen
    D) None, keep Siggy

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      D

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

      D

      Fit, rested and playing Villa.

      People are far too impatient

      I've had Siggy from the off, unless he's out long term no way I'll be selling

    3. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      D

    4. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Keep for this week DV8R
      A rest might have done him mighty good
      I don't have him but I'm scared of what he will do on Fri

    5. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      D.

    6. reeceon
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      D

  6. bring back diop
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    giroud or bony

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Damnd
      Giroud if you have Siggy

    2. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud. Don't fancy bringing in Bony with him leaving so soon.

      1. bring back diop
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        good point forgot about that

  7. FAITHNOMORENO
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    not sure how it's possible,but sanchez with the estimated 5.82 in RMT tool is prefered captain over costa who's estimation is 6.03.
    good buy world.

    1. Whazza
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Nailed on

      1. FAITHNOMORENO
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        sanchez more nailed than costa? in what world is that the fact?

        1. Whazza
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Sorry misread, time for bed me thinks

          1. FAITHNOMORENO
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            it's cool buddy.
            have a good night's rest.

  8. DrunkPhilosophy
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Worth keeping Rooney one more week after what LVG said today?
    I want to switch him to Falcao, but I also feel 2 FT for sunday will be ideal.

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      What did he say?

      1. DrunkPhilosophy
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        That he doesn't mind playing Rooney in midfield, and he was basically praising how he had played in that position which is worrying, I dont want to end up with a 10.5 forward playing as a defensive midfielder!

        1. Walsh
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          I saw that...thought you were referring to something else...so what in that makes you want to keep Rooney? That screams red flag to me. I am planning on getting rid this week.

          1. DrunkPhilosophy
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            I want to drop him as well, but with Di Maria back, Mata could be dropped and Rooney moves back behind RVP and Falcao? that would be much better.

            1. Walsh
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 11 months ago

              Fellaini is still out...can't see Rooney switching position for the Newcastle game. Either way it is too much of a worry given his price tag. Gotta get rid.

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      save

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        No - get rid - get someone in that you would probably get in as part of your 2FT on Sunday.

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I would drop him. Might even do it for a hit.

  9. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Think I'm ready to go https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/45786544/Screen%20Shot%202014-12-24%20at%2022.00.01.png
    Got Downing coming in if Hazard doesn't play. Too much of a lottery to take a -4 hit this week, could get a big hitter in only to be rested.

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

      Posting your team beats a screenshot every day.
      Looks solid though.

      1. For Fuchs Sake
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Ah really, thought it would be the other way. I guess it means you don't have to open a new window. Thanks for the advice and a Merry Christmas to you!

  10. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Hazard or Sanchez as a captain?

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez

      1. S.Kuqi
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Currently leaning towards that way despite this forum seems to think him being rested.

    2. Top 210 Club
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard

    3. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Alexis

  11. Norco
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Play Cresswell or Hutton?

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Hutton

      1. Top 210 Club
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Hutton

      2. Norco
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks lads

  12. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Interesting C poll this week on the home page...I'm not sure the wider world will se it that way

    Hazard's injury will surely put the vast majority off C Hazard...and last weeks poor show may dent Sanchez a bit.

    Giroud inwards has been a very popular transfer this week with Costa > Giroud, Rooney > Giroud and Lukaku > Giroud being very high in the transfer activity table...It'd be nice to know how many of those intend to C him...quite a lot I would have thought.

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

      If I had Giroud or RvP I would (c) them

      I am on Sanchez (c) Rooney (vc)

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

        I have RVP but I'd go with Giroud over him...sadly...

    2. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Wouldn't make much sense to not captain Giroud if one had him for this gameweek I don't think.

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

        He's looking like the stand out certain starter along with Bony...Hazard and co may well better them on a more reliable week but it all seems very risky for some picks.

        1. Walsh
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Agree. I will be captaining Bony myself as I do not fancy doubling on Arsenal attack and bringing Giroud in.

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

      I reckon Sanchez will be the most captained player by active players

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

        Do you think so...Of those with both Giroud and Sanchez who do you think they would go for this week MJ ?

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

          Maybe 50/50 although far more people have Sanchez than Giroud

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

            yeah..you might be right at that.

  13. AH 🙂
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Rooney to Falcao a waste

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      😎

  14. JAC THE CAT
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    My front 3 are

    Costa, Rooney, Austin

    Pick one to ship out

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Keep them

    2. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Rooney.

    3. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      fatboy

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

      If you forced me to choose

      Costa, no way am I selling Austin

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

      Keep them all.

  15. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Need some help on who to start?

    ADM-Fab-Silva-Eriksen-Siggy
    Costa-Bony-Kane

    1. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      bench sig of those mate I reckon

      1. melvinmbabazi
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks

  16. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    I'm really shocked Yaya isn't near the top of the captain poll this week?

    Am I missing something?

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Only the hysteria about who rests when

  17. Walsh
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Should upgrading Boyd and strengthening my front 8 be a priority or upgrading Yun to a playing 3rd defender? Not sure which to do with my second free transfer.

    1. Timtastic03
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Who are your other 4 defenders?

      1. Walsh
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Terry Baines Wasilewski and Hutton.

        1. Timtastic03
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Think I'd leave the Yun move to next week and upgrade Boyd - good chance you'll need the 8th player this week. Unless you're lining up a Zaba-esque player as a replacement for Yun

          1. Walsh
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah I mean I could get any defender in for Yun if I want. Could get Zaba but not seeing much of a point to do that move when it is likely Zab will get a rest in either the BUR or SUN fixture when I will need him! Tricky one.

    2. Fantasy Gold
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Yun > Vergini

      Keep Boyd

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Since Yun is out for a while i'd give him the old boot

    4. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Isn't Yun out for a while? If so, get a permanent replacement particularly with rotation likely in the next 2 GW's

    5. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Yun, obvs.

    6. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I would sort out Yun if I was you mate

    7. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Hm. Pretty unanimous and not what I was wanting to hear as I want to take a punt on a midfielder in for Boyd! Cheers all....will start to look at defensive replacements more seriously now.

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

    Still in shock at the 2 people in my ML who sold Austin 2 GWs ago. When I asked them why, I got, well he was banned, what use was he to me? The mind of the casual

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

      Are you a dullard now?

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

        Well I picked Mangala over Kolarov last week and am saving the FT this time

        I guess I've gone from being mad, to being a dullard

    2. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      alot traded him out - but alot of them bought him back in. casuals forget these things haha

    3. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Impulsive

  19. AH 🙂
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    How do I know if someone has replied to my comment (iPhone 5) ..... Even when I click notify if someone replies , I get no alert

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

      Email.

    2. Podge
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      it goes to your email I think

    3. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      your email must be getting it demba ba

    4. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Have you it set up in your profile for replies to be sent to e-mail?

    5. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Email

  20. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Shall I just go Yaya captain or have Hazard captain and Yaya VC?

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I'd rather captain Yaya.

      1. For Fuchs Sake
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, I'm starting to think that too!

    2. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Yaya.

  21. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Who should I captain?

    A) Costa
    B) Kane

  22. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Is owning Zaba and Baines too expensive?

    Thinking of Clyne -> Zaba

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      No

  23. Oz lotto
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    If I pull the trigger on Lukaku --> Giroud I have

    Guzan
    Terry Berty Naylor
    Fab Sanchez Oscar Sig
    Austin Bony Giroud

    Elliot Downing Wisdom Dummett

    3.3 ITB!

    Look ok or is there something better I could do?

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Good transfer and nice looking team, mate. I would, however, rather save it and captain Bony. Lukaku has been pants lately but does have a nice fixture and think saving may be more prudent.

      1. Oz lotto
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        thanks mate. I'm just worried stoke will go there and park the bus - everton are dross at the moment so I don't know what to do. Having said that... they will turn it around eventually and a home day is the place to do that!

        1. Walsh
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          They are by far and away the most unpredictable side in the league this year, for me. Who knows...really...but just can't help but think saving is a better choice. If you didn't have Bony I would have advised to go for that switch though and captain Giroud.

          1. Oz lotto
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            I would captain Giroud if I got him... although I think I'll go for Bony or even Austin as a massive punt instead

    2. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Lukaku is so unpredictable he scores when you least expect him to.
      Giroud is not a bad shout either
      Both options are justifiable IMO

      1. Oz lotto
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        thanks ruber. I think I'll save actually - last chance and I'll just pray Giroud doesn't get a brace or better

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Think Bony will get rotated to give Gomis pitch time again? When get rid?

  24. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Had a little fiddle with what I may WC to in Jan.

    Aguero - Austin - Kane/Sakho really makes the rest of your team so solid. Hmmm too early to think about it I guess

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

      yeah Aguero, Austin plus 1 is where I'm at atm, plus a Chelsea and City defender and Hazard

    2. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      puts alot of pressure on picking right for your other spots though because of how common that combo will be

    3. Just A Wooden Spoon
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Lacking Sturridge, back to the drawing board.

  25. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Looking for a few opinions. Already done Bego > Hart with my FT. Any hit to strengthen the bench/midfield required you reckon?

    Hart
    Baines Azpi Clyne Naylor
    Hazard Siggy Yaya
    Costa Bony Benteke

    Bench: McCarthy, Downing, Boyd, Moore.

    0.3 itb. Merry Xmas all 🙂

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      No hit.

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

        cheers Walsh.

    2. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I'd play Downing over Naylor mate

      Happy Christmas 😀

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

        Hmm. That has crossed my mind but I think the Naylor/Tekkers combo fills me with more confidence than Azpi vs Downing.

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

      Outside Moore, strong team so no real point.

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

        thanks TM

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Save to get Bony out, max play 2-3 matches before ofte acon

  26. DrunkPhilosophy
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Foster
    Baines Clichy Zab
    Siggy Sanchez Downing Nasri
    Costa Falcao(vc) Bony(c)

    0 FT, 0.1 itb

    Good to go? anything worth a hit?

    1. Walsh
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      No hit.

    2. Federico
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      No hits, good to go!

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

      Subs?

      1. DrunkPhilosophy
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Completely forgot
        Krul Hutton Duff Marney
        Not the best bench you will see around lol

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

          No hit required

    4. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Save to get Bony out

  27. Federico
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Play Hamer (TOT) or Guzan (swa)?

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Guzan

    2. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Guzan

    3. Federico
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers guys.

      Getting Hamer as my boring transfer of the week.
      Still got Moore rotting on my bench though.

    4. Oz lotto
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Guzan all day

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

      Guzan.

      Probably won't keep a CS but wracks up the save points

  28. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Siggy to Sterling after this GW me thinks

    1. Federico
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Well timed transfer.

      1. For Fuchs Sake
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        yeah, I don't get the Siggy out before Villa trend? Could do well.

        1. Oz lotto
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          This... siggy out before villa, leaky liverpool and QPR. I really hope bony plays that last game !

        2. Federico
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah, it's strange.
          I'm keeping and playing.

          Good luck!

    2. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling will dissapoint you AGAIN...

  29. CTID_
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Regret getting rooney in a few weeks back he is playing is basically playing a CM role now

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

      Same for RVP here. Getting subbed off on 60 mins when it was 1-1 is more than a little concerning.

      1. Venom Snake
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        He was tired mate

  30. kennethrhcp
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    hey lads, any thoughts/help much appreciated!!!

    Guzan
    Baines, Clyne, Naylor
    Siggy, Cesc, Hazard, Yaya
    Costa (C), Austin, Bony

    Elliot, Hutton, Boyd, Wisdom (1ft & 0.6 itb)

    i'm leaning towards saving the ft... would like one of Sanchez or Sterling but think i'm gtg?

    1. DV8R
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I think all looks good, save Ft

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        cheers 😉

        ya I think 2ft's may come in handy next gameweek

    2. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I would cap Bony

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        I've been looking @ it all day... that was the main reason I wanted Sanchez, he's an obvious capt choice this week.

        cheers for input 🙂

        1. RubeRx
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Both options are justifiable, but after what Austin did coming off two weeks rest I'm starting to realize how essential recovery is for these players.

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Who do you get for Bony?