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2pm team news: Trafford, Ait-Nouri + Rodri start, Rutter + Wan-Bissaka subs

31 August 2025 853 comments
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There are two Premier League matches kicking off at 14:00 BST.

Brighton and Hove Albion take on Manchester City at the Amex Stadium, while Nottingham Forest and West Ham United meet at the City Ground.

TEAM NEWS

Pep Guardiola makes four changes from the team that lost to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.

Matheus Nunes, Abdukodir Khusanov, Rodri and Bernardo Silva come in for Rico Lewis, Ruben Dias, Nico Gonzalez and Rayan Cherki, who is missing from the matchday squad.

Phil Foden is also absent.

James Trafford keeps his place in goal, while Rayan Ait-Nouri is fit enough to start after coming off injured in Gameweek 2.

Brighton make three alterations to their starting XI.

The hosts bring in Joel Veltman, Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gomez.

Mats Wieffer, who is not in the squad, Yasin Ayari and Matt O’Riley make way. 

Georginio Rutter returns from injury to make the bench.

It’s much more straightforward team news from Nottingham Forest, who are unchanged.

As for opponents West Ham, Graham Potter has made three changes to the side that lost 5-1 to Chelsea.

Out go Jean-Clair Todibo, Nayef Aguerd and Aaron Wan-Bissaka and in come Kyle Walker-Peters, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Mateus Fernandes, who makes his debut.

LINE-UPS

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Verbruggen, Veltman, van Hecke, Dunk, De Cuyper, Hinshelwood, Baleba, Minteh, Gomez, Mitoma, Welbeck

Subs: Steele, Gruda, Rutter, Milner, Boscagli, Kadioglu, Ayari, O’Riley, Coppola

Manchester City XI: Trafford, Nunes, Khusanov, Stones, Ait-Nouri, Rodri, Bernardo, Reijnders, Bobb, Marmoush, Haaland

Subs: Ederson, Dias, Ake, Doku, Nico, Gundogan, Akanji, O’Reilly, Lewis

Nottingham Forest XI: Sels, Aina, Milenkovic, Murillo, Williams, Sangare, Anderson, Ndoye, Gibbs-White, Hudson-Odoi, Wood

Subs: Gunn, Morato, Luiz, Kalimuendo, Jesus, Hutchinson, Yates, McAtee, Boly

West Ham United XI: Hermansen, Walker-Peters, Mavropanos, Kilman, Diouf, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Bowen, Fernandes, Paqueta, Fullkrug

Subs: Areola, Summerville, Wilson, Rodriguez, Todibo, Wan-Bissaka, Scarles, Potts, Irving

853 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Tonyawesome69
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 18 days ago

    Michael Salisbury removed from VAR duties for lfc v afc today, after his mistake in disallowing fulham goal v cfc yesterday. PGMOL recognise the decision went against the principle of “referee’s call”, and Salisbury will be replaced by John Brooks at Anfield later.

    https://x.com/RobDorsettSky/status/1962132598286692460?t=VGXfJ5KlxbHK0W19RhTfvg&s=19

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    1. Stranger Mings
      • 5 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      Unbelievable

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      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 18 days ago

        Jeff

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    2. Bigbars
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      "principle", that's vague isnt it. Factually, wasnt it the correct decison as you are not allowed to stand on a foot, regardless of intent?

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      1. Zenith UK
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        "principle" = threshold. Probably wasn't deemed high enough.

        Last I checked you're also not allowed to be late in the tackle (Chalobah on Muniz) and you can't go through the back of someone (Chalobah on Muniz) but yeah let's be selective of what rules we do and don't want to follow.

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      2. Headers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        It wasn’t a challenge it wasn’t a foul it was a piece of skill, your foot has to land somewhere it wasn’t Fulham’s fault got in the way.

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    3. el polako
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      They should also check his bank accounts.

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    4. Gubby-Allen
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      Deserved
      It was the worst VAR decision this season. Not helped by playing it in slow-motion.

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      1. Bigbars
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        yes, slow motion should not be encouraged, watch it at normal speed, that's it.

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    5. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      too little to late. back to back weeks getting fked over by var for fulham. super league cant come soon enough, leave the rest of us with a chance of competing

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    6. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      So now we have VAR decisions being VARd lol. There should be someone overseeing the PGMOL as well.

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    7. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      It was the referee’s decision, not VAR. The ref was perfectly entitled to stick to his decision.

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      1. Brosstan
        • 11 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        The ref didnt see what happened. If he did and stood by it he wouldnt have had to disallow the goal. This decision is ridiculous. VAR just told the ref "hey there might have been something you missed here, take a look at it" and the ref agreed.

        Someone at PGMOL is a Fulham fan..

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      2. el polako
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        VAR should only bother referees with clear and obvious errors - this wasn’t one.

        The way VAR is used in England is by far the worst I’ve seen watching European Leagues.

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    8. DeSelby
      • 3 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      VAR has been, and remains, a farce. It's almost like they have no idea what they're doing.

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    9. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      The fact VAR deemed it a “challenge” when Muniz was the one in possession was ridiculous to begin. Awful refereeing and the outcome could have been very different had Fulham gone 1-0 up. This boils my p1$$

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      1. Bigbars
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        you can still commit a foul whilst in possession you know ?

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        1. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 months, 17 days ago

          That’s not what I said though is it

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          1. Bigbars
            • 15 Years
            7 months, 17 days ago

            var deemed it a challenge, as the spin move made contact with the opposing player, how was that a ridiculous decision ? as some believe, incorrectly, that you can foul the opposing player whilst in position. i hate for example, shielding the player off the ball, or the antics players get away with to block gk's, but then also gk's were in effect allowed a free hit, when coming to claim the ball that should be a foul for me

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            1. GoonerSteve
              • 16 Years
              7 months, 17 days ago

              Can you challenge for the ball if you already have it?

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    10. Zalk
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Good, some people on here seem to think it was the correct decision.

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      1. Bigbars
        • 15 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        I think the grey area of "clear and obvious" has a lot to do with the inconsistencies... that an like any tool... its only as good as whos using it, and they have "issues" with applying the directives

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    11. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Good

      It did effect a fair few things in that first half

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    12. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Just scrap VAR and put us all out of our misery

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      1. Haa-lala-land
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        Var technology is good for the game, it just needs to be used a little better. A tweak here a tweak there. Don't forget how bad it was beforehand with only the referees decision alone

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        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 17 days ago

          It actively ruins the game for match-goers, who should be priority number one. Keep the auto-offside tech and bin the rest, useless.

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  2. WVA
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 18 days ago

    Semenyo is such a good differential for me, can’t believe those chances he missed, the wonder saves Vicario made from him and the yellow card he got!

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    1. Gubby-Allen
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      I may get him in for Wirtz if he goes much longer with no involvement.

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      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 18 days ago

        I wouldn’t bother while I own, insane he didn’t return yesterday

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    2. Bobby Digital
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      He almost got a second yellow too to be fair

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    3. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      true, but thats semenyo, such a frustrating own last season, but does seem to be getting in better attacking positions this season

      although having said that his reaction to the foul while on yellow yesterday made it look like he was expecting to be sent off. so maybe owners got away with one there

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      1. WVA
        • 9 Years
        7 months, 18 days ago

        It’s been analysed by Mike Dean etc and wasn’t a second yellow plus I’ve already had the Konsa red card this season

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        1. F4L
          • 11 Years
          7 months, 17 days ago

          fair enough, unlucky with konsa no doubt

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          1. WVA
            • 9 Years
            7 months, 17 days ago

            No that was really lucky…..

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    4. Brosstan
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      Hes hardly a differential though. Everyone with a clue owns him.

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  3. WVA
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 18 days ago

    Scouting Mateta today but think I’ll likely avoid as want Haaland Wood Pedro however gonna be hard to sell Watkins with those fixtures!

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    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Haaland and Wood are poor picks

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  4. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    7 months, 18 days ago

    RAN owners with neverending luck..

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    1. el polako
      • 8 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      Why?

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    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 18 days ago

      Just buy him then...

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  5. The Mighty Hippo
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 18 days ago

    Would you consider getting Isak in for either Watkins or Wood if he moves to Liverpool. I've enough in the bank to do either move as a FT.

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    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Not straight away, he will be a fair bit off match fitness

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      1. el polako
        • 8 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        Plus probably busy counting money for the first few weeks.

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    2. F4L
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      after the second international break imo

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  6. DeSelby
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Rutter one pointer loading....

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  7. Woifi89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Worst wildcard ever I guess:
    New Players: Semenyo, Kudus, Cunha + I Hope they Return: Wood, Gakpo, Etikike, Lacroix,
    Only returns from my old boys Tark, JP and Porro.

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    1. Gubby-Allen
      • 4 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      That is the problems with doing a WC with only two weeks form to go on.

      I did it after one week in a recent season but I never pick a new team for one week now, minimum three.

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  8. DeeJazz
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Early thoughts, I will prepare transfer after international break, but what you will prefer ?

    1) Anderson -> any mid under 6.4 mln (already have Ndoye)
    2) Strand Larsen -> Thiago or Evanilson
    3) Richards -> upgrade to Lacroix or Mitchell
    4) Esteve -> upgrade to Konsa/Cash or Truffert/Senesi

    What do you think, which option you will prefer ?

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Lacroix Senesi Evanilson I like

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  9. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Tijjani Reijnders in the 10 and Rodri deeper?

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  10. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Rejinders red?

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    1. Royal5
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      No

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      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        Would have been harsh. Not yellow eighter

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    2. WVA
      • 9 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      I own him and all of my players have received red or yellow cards already this season

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    3. Zalk
      • 14 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      I mean, I have seen that challenge being awarded with a red before so...

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      1. Gubby-Allen
        • 4 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        They have but usually wrongly.

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  11. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Haaland you mug 😡

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    1. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Dammm

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  12. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Haaland wtaf scuffed shot

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    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      He’ll put the next one

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  13. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Fluffy Haaland 🙁

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Who assisted?

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  14. Randy_Marsh
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Haaland (C) here

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    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Yeah. That was a rubbish strike

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      1. PartyTime
        • 4 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        People paid £14m for that

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  15. JBG
    • 7 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    If Haaland wasn't my C that chance would've been a goal and that shot would've ripped the net... But no, that happens because he is my C

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      It doesn't

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    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      The world is against you pal. Nobody else has him captain either! 😉

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      1. Sun God Nika
        • 5 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        Loool

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      2. JBG
        • 7 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        That is how it works yes

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  16. Amartey Partey
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Wasn’t that a headbutt from Haaland?

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  17. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Forest probing ...

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    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      West Ham quite open at the back

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  18. RICICLE
    • 3 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Grab a goal Milenkovic lad!

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  19. ☈☾
    • 8 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Sancho swap deal for Emi Martinez would be lovely

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    1. x.jim.x
      • 11 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Why stop there, surely they throw in Watkins and Kamara too in this magical dreamworld?

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  20. Graziano
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    What is more frustrating? When your player does nothing all game and gets a lucky 90 minute assist or when he has 2 xG and does nothing manage to score or score only tap ins?

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  21. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    MGW gets away with out a booking

    Swiped Bowen on the halfway line.

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  22. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Haaland down 🙁

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Up again 🙂

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      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 13 Years
        7 months, 17 days ago

        Phew. Need that 2 pointer.

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  23. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Van Hecke yellow

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  24. have you seen cyan
    • 6 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    I swear the FPL site said earlier that these games were at 1500.

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  25. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Van Hecke crazy out there so far

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  26. Thanos
    • 4 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Van Hecking!

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    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      Hacking

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  27. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    Van Hecke and Haaland going at it hard today. One of them is getting a red at some point

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  28. Kaneyonero
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    City look open

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    1. Randy_Marsh
      • 15 Years
      7 months, 17 days ago

      That's good no CS

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  29. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    If Anderson gets 11 DCs again today I'm deleting my team

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  30. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    7 months, 17 days ago

    City not looking convincing

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