634x258 Euro 2012
16 June 2012 4170 comments
Paul Paul
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Danny Welbeck’s sublime back-heel hands England victory and sends Sweden crashing out of Euro 2012. Andy Carroll and Theo Walcott also pick up the plaudits in the five-goal thriller while, in the storm-delayed earlier kick-off, France see off tournament co-hosts Ukraine 2-0, with Karim Benzema setting up both goals for Les Bleus:

France 2 Ukraine 0
Laurent Blanc made two changes from the side that drew against England for last night’s game, with Jeremy Menez and Gael Clichy replacing Florent Malouda and Patrice Evra respectively. The alteration up front allowed France to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Samir Nasri behind Karim Benzema and Menez on the right. Benzema provided the assists for both goals, with Menez notching the opener – the latter’s classification as a forward in the McDonald’s game may cause many Fantasy managers to overlook him, however, despite his 7.4 price tag. Benzema looks the forward of choice but Menez clearly offers a differential option if he can maintain his place in Blanc’s starting XI, with a mere 0.2% ownership.

Benzema has three shots and provided a trio of goalscoring chances, though Nasri and Franck Ribery were rather disappointing in the change of system. Both had just a shot apiece, though the Bayern man was the better creator, laying on four opportunities to find the net for his team mates. Alou Diarra’s role in the double pivot looks under threat after Yann M’Vila returned to action midway through the second half. The latter is a firm favourite of Blanc’s and, with Yohan Cabaye grabbing a goal and hitting the post, the Newcastle man’s starting role also looks assured.

The French now need just a point in their final game against Sweden to progress – indeed, as this handy guide indicates, the only way they can be eliminated is if Ukraine beat England and France lose to the Swedes by a margin that would make their goal difference inferior to that of Roy Hodgson’s side.

The tournament co-hosts fielded the same starting XI that defeated Sweden 2-1 in their opener on Monday evening. Once again, Yevhen Konoplyanka had more attempts than any team mate – after producing five shots against the Swedes, he fired three efforts last night, though has failed to muster a single attempt on target. Andriy Voronin was hauled off at half-time, allowing Marko Devic to line up alongside Andriy Shevchenko up front but Ukraine’s failure to find the net meant that France were one of only two sides – along with Spain – to return a clean sheet for their Fantasy owners in Matchday Two. Given that they now need to beat England to qualify, yesterday’s lack of goal power is a real worry for Oleg Blokhin and he may well consider ringing the changes for Tuesday’s crucial encounter.

England 3 Sweden 2
Roy Hodgson make just one change to the XI that started against France, with Andy Carroll coming in for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The move saw Ashley Young shift out left, with the Liverpool man partnering Danny Welbeck up top – both forwards grabbed a goal apiece in the 3-2 win and, with Wayne Rooney’s suspension now served, the England manager has a selection headache ahead of the final group game against Ukraine. Rooney will surely play and, with a mere 1% ownership, looks a strong differential captaincy choice for the showdown, leaving Carroll and Welbeck to likely battle it out for the other slot.

Theo Walcott’s goal and assist contribution from the bench also makes him one to consider and perhaps places question marks against James Milner’s place on the right flank. Coming in at just 7.9 in the McDonald’s game, the Arsenal man made a more than persuasive case for his first-team inclusion next time round. Steven Gerrard once again picked up the points – the Liverpool skipper has now returned an assist in back-to-back games after Carroll nodded home his cross for the opener.

Erik Hamren made three changes from the side that slumped to defeat against Ukraine in the opener. Johan Elmander started in the lone forward role last night, with Markus Rosenberg dropping to the bench, Jonas Olsson came in at centre-half, which allowed Andreas Granqvist to move to right-back and, in midfield, Anders Svensson was given a start in the centre, with Rasmus Elm moving to the left and Ola Toivonen dropping out.

Olof Mellberg’s goal and assist helped the 5.0 priced centre half to a 10 point haul, while Seb Larsson’s owners picked up a five point return after the Sunderland man provided an assist for Mellberg’s goal. Zlatan Ibrahimovic had six efforts against Hodgson’s side but failed to find the net last night as his side were stunned by a Walcott-inspired comeback. With 22.7% ownership and a game against France up next before he boards the flight home, the Milan man is the most susceptible of Hamren’s men to a price drop over the next day or so, bearing in mind that knockout stage wildcards are available once the final couple of Group A games kick off at 7.30pm tomorrow.

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  1. TheSteady ¤ Wines th…
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Prediction for Czech Republic vs Poland ?

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    1. PanTanti
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      2-1 Poland to go through

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    2. beric
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Czech 1 - 3 Poland

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    3. bazhef
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      poland, with the backing of the fans, to get through.
      i think the tournament needs one of the hosts to get out of the group stages to keep the atmosphere good

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    4. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      1-2 Poland win

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    5. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      2-1 Poland. Lewandowski (2) and Pilar to score

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      1. turbosmalec
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        ^this

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

      2 - 0 to the Czechs, imo.

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      1. Gregor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        3-2 Poland.

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    7. satsumo
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      2-2

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  2. bazhef
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    rooney + cassano
    or
    torres and lewandowski?

    cheers

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    1. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Torres + Lew

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      1. bazhef
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        not sure whether cassano is a goal threat but against ireland maybe.
        if poland lose that lew out and cant make another transfer until after the next round.

        would rooney and lewandowski maybe be better?

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        1. NATSTER
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          I'm not confident in Rooney.. 🙁

          Not sure where will he play in that team... deep or upfront.

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  3. PanTanti
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    whats the record number of pages??

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    1. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I don't pay attention but I'm pretty such its been in the fifties.

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  4. NATSTER
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Help to review MD3 team please. Any change worth -3pt hit?

    Anderson(2) - Chalkias
    Alba - Maggio - Lescott - Selassie - Maniatis
    Iniesta - Dzagoev(1) - Shirokov - Nasri - Pilar
    Benzema - Lewandowski - Cassano

    A: Chalkias > Neuer
    B: Maniatis > Hummels

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    1. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Get a Germany, Portugal or Netherlands players to captain on MD2.

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      1. NATSTER
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Yes, Mull. I feel that so.. 3.0mil available to spend.

        I have no idea to replace anyone upfront.. 🙁

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  5. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    What does Hodgson mean when he says that if he left Rooney out 'All hell might break loose in the dressing room'? Seems a strange thing to say.... 😕

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  6. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Hello guys, not been on for a few days, but I'm back on now 🙂 Nice to see the Dynamic Hillbillies on 6 points in the EURO competition 😉

    Anyway what are the percentage chances of these playes starting tonight?

    Chalkias
    Perquis
    Hubni
    Cassano

    Thanks 🙂

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    1. PanTanti
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      100
      100
      100
      80

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      1. Root
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Chalkias and Hubnik starting? I don't think so.

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        1. PanTanti
          • 15 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          oops my bad not chalkias nor hubnik otherwise i still think if di natale starts itll be balotelli who will make way

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    2. bazhef
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      cassano definitely wont start tonight!
      maybe tomorrow night though!

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      1. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        More likely Monday night 😉

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        1. bazhef
          • 16 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          oops thats what i meant!

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    3. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      0
      100
      0
      0 (99 for the night he actually plays though)

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    4. Dynamic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Thanks for the replies guys, would you take a 3 point hit to get rid of Chalkias or Hubnik then?

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      1. Root
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Wouldn't take a hit for a goalie.

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      2. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        No, if the replacement gets a CS you only gain a point and there haven't been many CS.

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  7. Mr Sarcastic
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    no russia line up yet?

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  8. UKG
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Cech (given)

    Maniatis Zhikov Lescott Strinic Debuchy

    Mandy Pilar shirokov Ozil snjider

    RVP Benzema Lewa

    Rivals around me activated wc, saving mine for the final I think. Is the above ok? Thinking of either Lewa or Benzema to Torres but which one? Or do I need to look at my mid? Could ditch Ozil or Snijder for someone. Any advice welcomed!!

    Cheers

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  9. asyrafdanial
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    WC active. get in Shirokov or Marchisio ?

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    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Shirokov

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    2. asyrafdanial
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Already have Pirlo & Dzagoev. with 7.4m in the bank

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  10. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    guys make it up to 40 pages come onn that our target !

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    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      It won't be.

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  11. Reno
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Rami or lescott?

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    1. Thomass
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      LESCOTT

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    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Mexes.

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  12. XVIVX
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    kuba or shirokov as capt?

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    1. XVIVX
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      also,

      1) andersen, berezutski, abate (looks like hes playing), pirlo

      OR

      2) given, limbersky, barzagli, dzagoev

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      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        2 everyday. Abate won't play.

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        1. XVIVX
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          are you sure? from the reports, it seems like he is. then if not, i can downgrade pirlo to marchisio, then upgrade abate to barzagli. how about that?

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          1. XVIVX
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            also, i have shirokov as russian cover, so is dzagoev really needed? seems like i missed the ride on that one.

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      2. Root
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        2 even if Abate starts, which I highly doubt.

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    2. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Kuba

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    3. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Jakub.

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Completely contradicting myself, oh well.

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        1. Root
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          I found this funny.

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  13. @banterburyH2H
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    any team news ?

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    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Tyton & Perquis start.

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    2. NATSTER
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Poland XI confirmed by Demi.. A few pages ago, I think.

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    3. demiurg
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Poland: Tytoń - Piszczek, Wasilewski, Perquis, Boenisch - Murawski, Polanski, Dudka - Błaszczykowski, Obraniak - Lewandowski

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  14. Jonah Takalua
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Poland unchanged from the Russia game as Damien Perquis is passed fit to play against Czech Republic.

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  15. Steve
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    tempted to dump Maggio in case he drops out - any suggestions to replace him - Alba, hummels? guess barzagli is the samart choice but is that too much of a gamble?

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  16. tosey
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    balotelli, cassano or pirlo?

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    1. Thomass
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      c

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    2. Urban Cowboy.
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      I'd go pirlo

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    3. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      For definite start, Pirlo

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  17. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    who has the same up front as me
    who's got Gomez Benzema Torres together if you do they you guys are all legends

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    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Thinking about it as it will let me do Iniesta to Dzagoev and Torres for Arshavin.

      Only way I can get Dzagoev now is to get rid of Iniesta.

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      1. Thomass
        • 13 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        I took out Iniesta so you should do it because he does barely nothing no goals and assist vs croatia and roi !!

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  18. seanie3
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    torres or silva for Kerzhakov (already have Dzagoev)

    think kerz might be dropped tonight, even if he isn't want him out..

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  19. Urban Cowboy.
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Who's most likely to score in next few matches Ozil or Iniesta?

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  20. Gregor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Schweinsteiger, Marchisio and Welbeck

    or

    Pilar, Pirlo and Rooney with no German coverage?

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  21. pol
    • 15 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    so do we get rid of maggio or stick?

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  22. Jonah Takalua
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Tyton, Piszczek, Wasilewski, Perquis, Boenisch; Polanski, Murawski, Błaszczykowski, Mierzejewski, Obraniak; Lewandowski

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    1. Messimerized- Join My FPL L…
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Mierzejewski isn't starting.
      Dudka in his place.

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  23. FORCA INTER
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Repost for TW

    dont listen kostaja TW

    he said that mighty italy would smash CRO but he wasn’t right

    both mandy and pilar are good players for this week,and just see their impressive valute

    CRO vs spain will be high scoring match

    Kostaja if you can find 3 players who cost together 4+5+6=15 and they outscore mandy,pilar and strinic every credit to you!

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

      I agree with him. 🙂

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        you agree with kostaja?

        can you find 3 better players for 15M?? 😀

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

          No - you, you fool!!! 😛 🙂

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        2. Kostja
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          if you look at my answer I suggested Given to 4mil polish keeper and Barzagli to Debuchy or Lescott to save 1mil. That would help to upgrade your keeper, get a better defender for 4.5, and to get Diamanti for Mandz.

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          1. Kostja
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            Pilar is not actually that bad of a player, but against Poland id find money for better.

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    2. Mulder
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Didn't you also say Portugal would smash Germany..?

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      1. FORCA INTER
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        yes i did,they had a decent game against Germany though

        seriously if you guys can find better combo for 15M i'll be impressed

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  24. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    how many minutes til deadline and line up out, gentlemen?

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    1. asyrafdanial
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      1 hour and 20 minutes more

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      1. OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        cheers !!

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  25. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    What to do, what to do???? 1ft

    Chalkias Rui Patricio
    KPapa Kadlec Lescott Alba Strinic
    Nasri Rosicky Dzagoev Mandzukic Montolivo (lol)
    Arshavin (c) Ronaldo Torres

    Chalkias and Rosicky to ???
    Tyton (if starting) and Pilar/Poland/another??

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    1. shegull
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      ROsicky confirmed out?

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    2. FORCA INTER
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Kuba,Obraniak,Pilar are options

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      1. HuttonDressedasLahm
        • 16 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Obreniak, good shout, have no Poland attack

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  26. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    No Russia team yet?

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    1. FORCA INTER
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      i dont wanna wait anymore

      so boring!

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      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        I am going all out today mate

        Gnasher (c)

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        1. FORCA INTER
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          seriously???i am temped to do the same!

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          1. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            13 years, 6 months ago

            yes, play with fair, 3 more chances if you get it wrong.

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    2. Red20
      • 15 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      They're in no rush about it apparently. 🙁

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  27. asyrafdanial
    • 13 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Captaining Kuba or Dzagoev..

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  28. Slaps
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    What does everyone fancy bet wise tonight chaps?

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    1. demiurg
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Poland to win 2-0, Polanski FGS

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

      My wallet, like little Ernie's, is tight shut!!! 😀

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      1. Slaps
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        agreed, tough call tonight - PP did Drag and Russia win 5/1. That's the sum of my interest....

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    3. Chucky77
      • 16 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      4-1 to Russia, Dzag FGS, 150-1

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    4. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Kadlec 1st goal, Poland to win 3-2.

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      1. Slaps
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Brave betting, i actually think the Cezch will beat them...

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        1. Mílanista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          13 years, 6 months ago

          Its not that brave with a refund if Lewandowski scores anytime.

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  29. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Captain Shirokov

    Are you going with your name or are you going Anyukov?

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

      Who is on the bench tonight? 😀

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        13 years, 6 months ago

        Dunno yet. 😛

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

          Be sure to tell me ... 😉

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    2. Sheffield Rules
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      13 years, 6 months ago

      Who's Gnasher?

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  30. Horlicks esq.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    13 years, 6 months ago

    Does Walcott make the next england first XI?

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