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Dugout Discussion March 4

Alisson and Fabinho return to bolster Liverpool defence as Tuchel recalls Werner

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Six successive days of Premier League action comes to an end at Anfield this evening as the 17th and final Double Gameweek 26 fixture takes place.

Liverpool v Chelsea gets underway at 20:15 GMT, as two defences in contrasting form meet on Merseyside.

The Reds kept only their second Premier League clean sheet of the calendar year in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Sheffield United, ending a run of seven straight blanks for Andrew Robertson (£7.2m).

Chelsea’s backline has been watertight in comparison, with five shut-outs arriving in the seven top-flight fixtures that Thomas Tuchel has overseen.

Antonio Rudiger (£4.6m) and Cesar Azpilicueta (£5.7m) have been a part of all of those clean sheets and both players start this evening.

The respective managers have made two changes apiece for tonight’s encounter.

Alisson (£5.9m) returns from compassionate leave for the hosts, replacing Adrian (£4.2m) between the posts.

The Reds’ faltering backline has been further boosted by the return to fitness of Fabinho (£5.4m), who takes Nat Phillips‘ (£4.0m) place at centre-half.

Diogo Jota (£6.6m), who would have made the matchday squad at Bramall Lane were it not for illness, is among the substitutes.

Mohamed Salah (£12.6m) will face his former employers once again as he looks to improve on a sub-par recent record of nine blanks in his last 12 matches.

As for Chelsea, Timo Werner (£9.2m) replaces Callum Hudson-Odoi (£5.7m) in the visitors’ attack.

Jorginho (£4.7m) is in for Mateo Kovacic (£5.3m) in the middle of the park, with Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) again only among the substitutes as Ben Chilwell (£5.8m) continues at left wing-back.

Liverpool: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Fabinho, Kabak, Robertson, Thiago, Wijnaldum, Jones, Salah, Firmino, Mane. 

Chelsea: Mendy, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger, James, Kante, Jorginho, Chilwell, Ziyech, Mount, Werner.

1,692 Comments Post a Comment
  1. HappyMonday
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone thinking of KDB triple captain next week?

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    1. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would do if I hadn't already triple captained him this week. Normal (C) will have to do

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    2. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      considering but it would mean transferring out Foden or Sterling, not guaranteed 180 and a bit sideways with other fish to fry

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    3. Teomi
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Don’t think he plays vs Southampton - just came back from injury so doubt he will play four straight games

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      1. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        why not? he is recovered and well rested

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        1. Teomi
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          The now got 4 games in ten days.
          Think he will rest against Southampton and then play va Fulham and gladbach I’m cl,
          But who knows - it’s pep 🙂

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    4. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes I am - not sure when else I could use it

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  2. TheDragon
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Genuine question : why have Liverpool got so much worse so quickly?

    Yes they’ve had huge centre back issues but how does that do so much damage to their goal scoring?

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    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thiago slows them down imo.

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    2. Chalobah's Witness
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      some players having a poisoned mind there...

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    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Confidence to get forward in numbers, at pace

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    4. Marvin Moon
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I might be overly pessimistic, but I'm becoming acutely aware of how Dortmund collapsed at the end of Klopp's reign there.

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      1. Cantona's Kung Fu Kick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        overall squad isn't that good. HUGE dropoff from the top 11

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    5. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unsettled midfield along with defence can’t help.

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      1. TheDragon
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Saah, Mane, Firminio, TAA, Robertson all there though which is their entire attacking unit

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        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          So you missed the point, as expected.

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          1. TheDragon
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            ‘Can’t help’ isn’t exactly the same as key reason

            Thanks for your passive aggressiveness though

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    6. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      They've been playing the same Salah-Mane-Firmino attack for quite some time and other teams have figured out how to defend them.

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    7. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Henderson out from midfield is huge

      But truthfully they have been on the slide since first lockdown - gets lost slightly with the huge lead they had built up in league. It's been an ongoing process

      Also don't buy and you stand still and if you stand still you go backwards. Jota and Thiago don't count

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    8. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No crowd to pull them through the slump is making a difference I'd say.

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    9. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No crowd. Their success was built on Anfield. Obviously it affects all teams but the likes of Liverpool and Sheffield were affected more.
      Injuries throughout squad meaning players become more fatigued. There’s also a big difference between Van Dijk and Matip compared to Kabak and Phillips/Williams

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    10. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Watch this video

      https://youtu.be/Rhv-RL7za3E

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    11. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Teams have realised all they have to do is hand them possession. Missing their CB’s probable limits their full backs from bombing forward like they did last season. That what I’ve heard on here anyway, and it makes a little sense. Hunger, is so important to.

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    12. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1) They play a high defensive line and without VVD and Gomez they can't play that line as well as usual so they are on the back foot
      2) Firmino has been steadily regressing for the past few years
      3) Thiago doesn't have the oomph (mobility, agility, tackling, pressing) that Henderson, Wijnaldum, Fabinho, Keita bring
      4) TAA has been targeted defensively by opposition teams and that is hurting them defensively and offensively
      5) Disruption (number of changes) to the team every week due to injuries
      6) No crowd at Anfield (no '12th man')

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    13. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I know this won’t be popular, but Pool lost some humility in the last few years too. City, just go about winning in a gentlemanly fashion, where as Pool are in your face.

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  3. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Got Rashford and Fernandes. Thinking about getting rid of Bruno, as I need to climb in rank.

    Does Bruno and DCL to Gundo and Kane sound good? Got 2 freebies.

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    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good for me... Bruno can still be dangerous though

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    2. Iwantmorepointsthanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure keeping Rashford will help you climbing ranks.

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      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He's been more dangerous lately imo.

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  4. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Liverpool are the new Arsenal

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    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Hope you’re still around next season 🙂

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      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Tell that to Klopp 😉

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        1. Rainer
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A thought only for those missing brain cells.

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          1. Pep Roulette
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Hahaha, chill mate. You guys still have hopes for Europa!

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            1. JONALDINHO
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Focus on the present. In the UCL atm

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        2. brianutd-why always we? 20
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He’s on the dole soon

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      2. One Man
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I know, I really feel Liverpool have a chance of winning the championship.

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    2. Kevin and Perry go
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      An city are still selling seats cheaper than United

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    3. SINGH
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lol Liverpool fans thinking they have a chance in Europe hahahahah

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  5. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Chelsea to finish 2nd!

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    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Lampard to take the credit

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      1. Kevin and Perry go
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Chelsea pensioners sold lamps out bad mistake in my opinion.

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  6. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Come on Trent. Level the score!

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    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oh boy....you still have him?

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      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yurp! Fulham next!

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        1. Kevin and Perry go
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Burp fart Rainey evening in Stoke

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  7. Gunners in Haaland
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Y) Salah->KDB
    A) Shaw->Dunk
    W) Digne->Dias
    N) Save

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    1. Kevin and Perry go
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Keep all three an save for a rainy day.

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      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers

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    2. One Man
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Save.

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  8. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Around 250K OR and nothing to lose really so might as well take a few risks!
    Does bruno--> auba for free sound mad or genius? :p

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    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This is next lvl!

      I love risks, but this is toooo heavy

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      1. Lord of Ings
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He has Burnley next
        I really fancy him to get a goal atleast.
        Also plays in 29

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        1. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          If he did I'd get him in. Heavy rotation there and 29 falls after EL which is their priority

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  9. fusen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    I played my bench boost this week and dropped from 86k to 102k

    xD

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    1. Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Pts?

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      1. Z
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I jumped in 100k this week...but my BB was not so great

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  10. Kuzser
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, what would you do with Barnes this week? 1Ft, 0.5itb
    Not FHing in gw29. Just after WC and seems like I need another one lol.

    1) Barnes-> Saka
    2) Barnes -> Raphinha
    3) Barnes Brewster-> Antonio Saka for -4

    Martinez
    Cancelo Stones Pereira
    Salah Bruno Gundo Barnes Son
    Kane dcl

    White Strujik Brewster; Fabri

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  11. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    which scenario is better regarding H.Barnes?

    A) move him this week to one of mid-priced options - Saka, Lingard, etc

    or

    B) wait a week and use 2 FTs for GW28 to move Barnes + Vardy ➡ Son/Bale + Bamford/Antonio

    I am not FH-ing in BGW29

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    1. mr messi
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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    2. Kuzser
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Who are you benching him for this week if you save a ft?

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    3. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Currently thinking of Saka so doing it this week because of nice game at weekend

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    4. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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  12. Kellz86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    How is that not a YC for Kovacic?

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    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Refs on his team all night tbf.

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    2. Pino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it wasn't intentional

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      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Mane already on the ground and whistle had gone

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      2. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Of course it was

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    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He could have killed him

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      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Of course not, but YC are given for less

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  13. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know how long it takes to complete the FPL mental health survey?

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  14. @persecuted_by_mods
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Murder attempt from Kovacic

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    • Silecro
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I knew our defence under Tuchel got good, but 2 cs vs Pool and Manu was certainly not expected

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    • FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      This could be disaster for Pool long term if dont qualify/win for CL.

      I guess no Haaland/Mbappe even if Salah,Wijnaldum leave

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      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Joelinton might be available

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        1. FFSbet.com
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Well not far from Firmino this season

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      2. Marvin Moon
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Mbappe was never going to join Liverpool.

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      3. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Players still joining Utd and they haven’t done much for years now

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    • Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Chelsea gonna catch them on the break

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    • Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      anyone thinking about Jota?

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      1. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Its between Jota and Raphinha for Barnes replacement

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        1. Duke Silver ☑
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Personally can't see much potential in Liverpool players at the moment.

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      2. One Man
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. But might not until he hits the ground.

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    • diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Defence saving my GW. Lloris, Digne, Stones, Dias, Rudiger. Shame about DCL, Bamford, Fernandes, Gundogan, Salah though.

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      1. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        You're onto something there

        Aiming for that something like that back 4. Think big bat the back could be the way ahead

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    • Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rudiger might be the only essential player in the game.

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      1. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Get him in and watch my boy Rich wreck that clean.

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      2. One Man
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Won’t play Liverpool every week.

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    • Chalobah's Witness
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Corner taken slowly, KABAK og!

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    • OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      it's exhausting to own, salah, Kane, DCL, Robertson and Watkins.

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    • Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I'm still not used to Christensen playing more than 59 minutes.

      Let alone putting in more MOTM performances.

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      1. Releasebreaks
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I know that feeling, i had his 1 point around 2 years ago when he was subbed on 59min

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    • Tinkermania
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why have they brought Mount back on? 🙂

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    • Z
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Guy that dont have/wanna play FH at GW29- how many players will you have?

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      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        9, without hits

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      2. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        10 or 11

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      3. mr messi
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably 8

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    • Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yesss Rudiger legend two cleanies vs Utd and Liverpool

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    • Vamos Los Celeste
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Rudiger is allergic to Bonus i reckon.

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    • Champions League Varane
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      And I taught United was embarrassing LOOOL banter fc are finally back people

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    • Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      5 in a row. Wow.

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    • ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      VVD or not, this Liverpool team has absolutely crumbled. TAA is a shadow of himself crossing hopeless balls into the box.
      Chelsea defence is looking like a good play.

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      1. Kellz86
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Teams simply sit back and Liverpool has no idea how to get in behind. Just passing around the box, transitions when they do occur are too slow and with little support

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      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Escaped with a couple of pens today - Mane could easily have gone down and that handball, But they are looking worth an investment

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