Dugout Discussion
13 June 2016 1868 comments
J0E J0E
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Monday’s final Euro 2016 tie sees Fifa’s second highest ranked side Belgium square up to 2012 Euros finalist Italy.

Both sides come into the match in confident mood having topped their qualifying groups and ending their pre-tournament friendly preparations unbeaten. While Belgium defeated Norway 3-2 and drew 1-1 with Finland, Italy recorded wins against Scotland and Finland.

Marc Wilmots’ team are set to rely heavily on Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, who created more chances than any other player during qualification. Along with Chelsea’s Eden Hazard he was also the Red Devils’ top scorer in qualifying with five goals.

Antonio Conte’s Italy were one of only four sides, alongside England, Austria and Romania, to be undefeated in qualifying. They did this despite not having a regular goal scorer, with Southampton striker Graziano Pelle the Azzuri’s top scorer in qualifying with just three goals.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

  1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    I've just realised I captained giaccherini this morning, if they keep a clean sheet I won't be needing Ronaldo after all!

  2. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Chadli and Mirallas should have not been forgotten. would be useful in bench

  3. Somalion
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Laporte signs new Bilbao deal.

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Pigeon Carrier 😉

      1. Somalion
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Was too busy mocking City fans to post it on here 😉

        1. Syd.
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          🙂

  4. Jay_
      9 years, 6 months ago

      If you own KDB and Giacherrini, you still want a KDB goal here right? Only 15% ownership and an extra point for the goal over the cleanie, plus KDB hitting form.

      1. Jazz!
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Well I certainly wouldn't mind a CS or a goal from KDB if I were you!

      2. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Why wouldn't you want your player to score? 😀

        1. Jay_
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Because quite a few people will be banking on him to bail them out of 3 previous captain fails, maybe I'm just overthinking.

        2. ★Kuntheman★
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          I wouldn't be too worried about KDB scoring at this rate

      3. Rolls-Royce
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Lukaku & Felleni not good.

          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Fellaini's got nice hair, though.

      4. Johnny Drama
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Now when Denayer doesn't play and he is in my XI, will he be auto subbed, or do I need to sub him out manually?

        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Autosubs only happen if you have made no changes at all.

        2. Knowledgeable meerkat
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Should be auto I believe

        3. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Manually.

      5. Syd.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Fellaini has to be the worse player at the Euros

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          😆

      6. ★Kuntheman★
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Thinking of dropping Muller. Am I nuts?

        1. KingNidge
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          With his pedigree.. and after one game.. very probably

        2. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Not really.

          He's wide, he's expensive, but he is a goalscorer.

          Depends who you bring in I suppose.

        3. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          More than 60% don't have him.

        4. Syd.
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Yes..... Poland & the Mighty Norn Iron next up

      7. Jay_
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Fellani's hair briefly makes him look like KDB and you get poised for something to happen, then you realise it's just Feillani, and take a breath.

        • Total Foot 5
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Fellaini;
          anyone else, agree that him starting or even playing when you have the talents of:
          Mertens, Dembele, Carrasco (lesser talent) is just lack of rationale?

        • ★Kuntheman★
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Has Giacherrini got defense or midfield points?

          1. Backup Dancer
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Hes a defender on the game.

            1. ★Kuntheman★
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              I'm just saying because Dier had a similar issue

          2. Ten Season Wonder
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            defence

        • TJ_777
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Has any team at the euros actually played well? Croatia probably only team I have watched that look good and they just lost srna

          1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Albania played well. Spain and Romania too.

          2. ★Kuntheman★
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Agreed on Croatia.

            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Poland, obviously.;)

            1. TJ_777
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Lol they didn't look great, but to be fair north Ireland had about 10 people in the box at all time

                • 10 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Maybe I am a bit biased. 🙂 The real test will come on Thursday.

        • Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Belgium have pinned their chances on Lukaku being consistent.

          1. Somalion
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Could just get Batshuayi on

        • Defcons are for Kinnear
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Wilmots has to make a change

          1. Syd.
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Sacking himself would be a good starting point

            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            No. It's the Belgian Federation that has to make a change.

            And sack Wilmots.

        • Knowledgeable meerkat
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Italy looking probably the most coherent, organised side I've seen so far this Euros

        • Dušan Citizen
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Based on this summer so far, City reflects me in some way.

          They said Auba deal is done. Now Dortmund asks for too much money. Said Laporte deal is done. Now he signed new contract with Bilbao.

          And that's me going from girl to girl and every one just fck me off.

          1. Jay_
              9 years, 6 months ago

              You're meant to from girl to girl and fck them off 😉 I've had an Italian and a Polish girl just this week. International love my friend. Perk of living in East London 😀

              1. Dušan Citizen
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Then imagine perk of living in South Kosovo. 😀 I know I am not handsome, but they are looking for some bad guys and I just can't be that.

            • ★Kuntheman★
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              And in the end you go for the girl no one wants who was a looker before but not so much now. 😉

              Looks like Sane is joining though.

              1. Dušan Citizen
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                And Sane situation is a little bit like me. I am looking for some youngers now. 😆

                1. ★Kuntheman★
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Don't get creepy 😉

            • KingNidge
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              A guy with your rank should not be struggling with the ladies

              1. Dušan Citizen
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Hahahha top post 😆 Thank you for this. 😆

                Lucy, are you single? 😀

                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Reported.

          2. Eden Hazardous
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Marc Wilmots is an idiot.

            1. George Sillett
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Swaps ideas with FellaIni's hairdresser.

          3. Eden Hazardous
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Antonio Conte is a genius.

            1. George Sillett
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Doesn't swap ideas with Fellaini's hairdresser.

          4. Total Foot 5
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Benteke is he 100% healthy?
            heck he did not adjust to Klop with liverpool, but he certainly would add more to belgium than fellaini.

            could play Benteke upfront w/ Lukaka. yes, both are #9 but they could play together if trained

            1. Wilshere Knowledge
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Benteke is just a striker version of Fellaini. Only good if you hoof it to him.

              He's just lazier.

          5. Baby Cuties
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Janko doubtful?

            Anyone any more info on this?

            1. Forza
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              He picked up a small injury, but recovered a few days ago.

          6. GoonerByron
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Loving my backline of Sommer, Schar, Rodriguez, Giaccherini (c) 😮

            1. Lallana_
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Well done. The backline is where the points are this first round it seems. Triple Swiss defence is a bit questionable though.

              1. GoonerByron
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Patricio, Rose, Rami giving good cover if it fails 🙂

                1. Lallana_
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Good backups!

            2. VS10_
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Are you the guy on Luke's money league chasing me? damn Giaccherini 🙂

              1. GoonerByron
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                I am 🙂 Was 4th before today's games on 54.. Up to 68 at the mo

                1. VS10_
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  haha, if he keeps a clean sheet you'll be first tonight.

            3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Good luck to you! 🙂

              1. GoonerByron
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                You too Doos! I see you're someone else above me in the money league! 🙂

                1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 16 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Grumpy about this ghastly game, though. Just about ruined my evening.

                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    One of the better games on this tournament so far. Unfortunately.

                    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 16 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      Well, you and I will agree to disagree. I smell a fix.

          7. Lallana_
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            That Bonucci pass is Gerrard/Alonso/Pirlo-esque. Great from a CB.

            1. tm245
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Ironic to see Toby get burned on a pass that he likes to make for Spurs all the time.

              1. Lallana_
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Wow. Did not notice that but it is very ironic.

              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Ramos/Boateng-esque. 😀

              1. Lallana_
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Better comparison!

          8. HurriKane
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Anyone else regreting not chosing Dier or Giacherenni over Rami?

            We knew Both were oop prospects

            ( btw all my other 4 defs + sommer were in the points)

            1. GoonerByron
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Dier no as I would never expected him to get attacking points

            2. Lallana_
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Only player I regret not getting is Juanfran but who knows, he could miss the next game perhaps

              1. VS10_
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Why would he miss it, seriously?

                1. Lallana_
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Carvajal and Bellerin are more fresh?

                  1. Jazz!
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Erm...

                  2. VS10_
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Carvajal is injured, Juanfran is a proper footballer with good stamina and they will play with the same back four unless anyone gets injured, stability.

            3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Not at all.

              Btw, I have rarely seen a worse goal. Just one of those things.

            4. Epic Fail
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              I don't do regrets.

              1. Lallana_
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                NO RAGRETS

            5. Backup Dancer
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Went Bonucci over Giacherrini. Cant complain.

          9. tm245
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            If you are classified as a defender but are the furthest forward when you score a goal, are you OOPOOP or just really OOP?

            1. Epic Fail
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Out of position out of position or just really out of position?

            2. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              You are just a defender who scored.

            3. Lallana_
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              You're just POOP

            4. Ten Season Wonder
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              OOPOOP 100000000%

              i had him in my second draft, switched him to Denayer 🙁

          10. Jafooli
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Two ex players with English as their second language speaking with greater clarity than Rio Ferdy 😆

            1. Syd.
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              😆 😆

            2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              But Ferdinand made the pertinent point ... 😕

            3. pompeyfan
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              About to say the same thing. First ive seen of Rio as a pundit. Unbelievable that he gets paid for this.

          11. Horizontal
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Blimey.
            My back line of Schar, Dier, Giaccherini, Alba and Juanfran have been amazing!
            More than you can say for my mids and forwards who've generally been a bit rubbish.

            1. Lallana_
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Well done. Change your name to Vertical.

            2. Davidinho
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Wow, well done

          12. Syd.
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Courtois is a bit of a flapper

          13. Theatre_Of_Screams
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Nice, the Bet365 £50 inplay free bet offer is on again for England vs Wales.

            🙂

            1. GoonerByron
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              They blocked me from offers after the England one and were trying to refuse giving me my stake back! Got it after a lot of arguing but now blocked from it for any future offers 🙁

          14. Syd.
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            How can a player who could not get into the Sunderland team be so good?

            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Oh, he isn't. We are being conned.

            2. KingNidge
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              He's not he just took his goal brilliantly

              1. Syd.
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Another Schillaci

                1. KingNidge
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Haha kind of

            3. Ginkapo FPL
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              formation. Him and Darmian are both capable of wingback, DM, or covering fullback interchangable. Its quite something

            4. pompeyfan
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              He's a decent player. Maybe wasnt right for the system or for the PL generally

          15. JayC
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            WHERE'S BALLOTEKKE!!?