Euro 2012

Euro 2012 – Quarter Final Analysis

Last night’s round of matches saw both England and France seal their place in the last eight of EURO 2012 and bring down the curtain on the group games. Fantasy managers have already been utilising their unlimited knockout stage transfers and tinkering with squads over the last few days and, with the final eight teams now confirmed, we take a look at the remaining match-ups and potential targets ahead of tomorrow night’s deadline:

Bearing in mind we have eight transfers for the semi-finals and a further four for the final, there’s still some scope to pick the odd punt or two then usher out those underperformers who fail to progress as the contenders are whittled down. With four players per team allowed for the quarters, six for the semis and up to 12 for the final, there are plenty of contenders worth considering.

Quarter Final One

Czech Republic
After we recovered from the initial shock of seeing Russia and Poland both tumble out of the tournament, upon reflection their exit is perhaps beneficial to Fantasy managers. With the Czech Republic and Greece qualifying from Group A in first and second place respectively, we’re handed a chance to pick up a few cut-price squad fillers with the potential to pick up points. Even if both teams go out at this stage, their low prices allow us to spend our budgets on more costly assets from the other six teams.

Michal Bilek’s Group A winners square up to Portugal in the first quarter final on Thursday evening. In defence, Theodor Gebre Selassie has been the stand-out performer. While Petr Cech has been targeted by over 29% of Fantasy managers, the right-back is currently owned by 12.5% in comparison and comes in at 4.6 in the McDonald’s game. Gebre Selassie has played every minute of the tournament under Bilek and has picked up an extra point due to the recovered balls rule in all three of his group games. His attacking forays down the flank have also returned an assist – despite a single clean sheet, he has still picked up 14 points. David Limbersky is another of the back-four worth considering. After a defensive reshuffle in Matchday Two, he was handed a starting role at left-back and now looks an assured pick – priced at a mere 4.0 and with a 6.3% ownership, he’s cheaper and more of a differential than his fellow full-back.

In midfield, Petr Jiracek and Vaclav Pilar are the obvious candidates, having scored all four of their nation’s goals between them. Jiracek started the tournament in the double pivot but was moved to a position wide right in the attacking midfield three for the game against Greece and has resultantly notched in both games since then – priced at 5.5 and with a 7.1% ownership, he’s a budget-friendly option. Pilar is even cheaper at 5.2 in the McDonald’s game and is currently the leading points scorer for the Czechs – his tally of 18 betters Jiracek’s by a single point, with two goals and a point for recovered balls to his name. He is the more popular pick of the two, with 17.9% ownership.

Portugal
Paulo Bento’s team selection has made it a little easier for Fantasy managers to weigh up Portugal’s assets – he has picked the same starting XI in each of the three games so far. While Rui Patricio’s price of 5.5 may sway some, he’s failed to pick up a single clean sheet and has returned a mere six points thus far. Right-back Joao Pereira, on the other hand, is the only Portugal defender to receive an extra point for recovered balls in all three group games – with an assist also accrued in the Holland match, his price of 6.0 seems more tempting. Real Madrid pair Pepe and Fabio Coentrao both come in at 6.5, with the former looking the most appealing of the two – a goal against Denmark and 11 recovered balls in the win over Holland sees him sitting on 13 points, second top scorer for his country so far.

In midfield, it’s difficult to justify any investment – the starting trio of Raul Meireles, Joao Moutinho and Miguel Veloso have yet to return any attacking points between them. The obvious potential is up top, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani have scored 14 and 13 points respectively. Ronaldo looks a strong favourite for the armband in the first quarter final; his brace against the Dutch could have been so much more, had he not also struck the woodwork twice. Priced at 11.0, he also offers the security of game time and is one of only two forwards remaining in the tournament to have played every minute. Nani comes in at 8.5 in comparison and, with an assist in each of his last two games, is a somewhat less explosive alternative.

Quarter Final Two

Greece
Greece are overwhelming underdogs for their clash with Germany, though their back-to-the-wall win over Russia suggests they shouldn’t be written off completely. Priced at 4.0, Giannis Maniatis has played every minute of the tournament to date and is classified as a defender, despite the fact he is an established figure in Fernando Santos’ midfield three – he looks the best value of any team mate and is a perfect cut-price squad filler.

Michail Sifakis seems nailed-on between the posts after impressing over his last two matches. Coming on as a sub for the injured Konstantinos Chalkias with 23 minutes gone in the Czech Republic game, he has yet to concede a goal and is joint-top scorer for Greece, with 13 points accrued. Whether he can keep out Germany seems unlikely, though save points for the 4.5 priced keeper look guaranteed against Joachim Low’s men.

Kyriakos Papadopoulos is similarly priced and has picked up a point for recovered balls in his last two – his resilience at centre-half could see him benefit again, with his side set to be under the cosh for the vast majority of the game. With their captain and key creator Giorgos Karagounis suspended, it’s difficult to see Greece prosper – Fantasy managers won’t be swayed by their attacking assets, with just three goals to their name thus far. Santos’ constant frontline rotation has hardly helped either; Giorgos Samaras is the only forward to have started all their games but has failed to produce any attacking returns. Konstantinos Fortounis could be a real wildcard gamble – coming in at just 4.0, the midfielder was handed a starting role in the front three in the second group match but failed to feature in the following game against Russia.

Germany
The only team to win all of their group games, Germany are set for major investment ahead of the quarter finals; of all the favourites, they have the most comfortable looking path to the final. Similar to Portugal, Joachim Low has offered a consistency of selection that makes picking German players a little more straightforward – the only change so far has been an enforced one, with Lars Bender stepping in for the suspended Jerome Boateng at right-back against Denmark. Boateng offers the cheapest route into Low’s backline at 6.5 and should come back into the first XI against Greece, though for those Fantasy managers in doubt over his game time, Manuel Neuer, Mats Hummels and Holger Badstuber are just 0.5 more expensive – with Greece struggling for goals, a clean sheet looks a strong possibility here.

Mario Gomez’s form suggests he’s the man most will earmark for the armband in the second quarter final. Priced at 11.7, he is the only German player to produce attacking returns in all of the group games – two goals and an assist have helped him pick up 21 points, more than any player so far. Although Lukas Podolski and Thomas Muller offer cheaper alternatives up front, the tactic of ensuring a viable captaincy contender for each of the four quarter finals may well see them miss out for many – with 3.8% and 5.6% ownership respectively they look decent, if somewhat risky, differentials.

Bastian Schweinsteiger is second only to Gomez so far for the Germans, having accrued 15 points. A pair of assists against Holland has been boosted by extra points for recovered balls in two of the three group games – at 9.0, he has so far outperformed 10.0 priced Mesut Ozil in the midfield but the latter’s role “in the hole” means he is always liable to pick up a more explosive score.

Quarter Final Three

Spain
The defending champions may have yet to hit top form but have conceded just a single goal and roll up to their game against France on Saturday having racked up back-to-back victories. Bearing in mind they had the best defensive record in the group stages, investment in Vicente Del Bosque’s backline may prove to be a sound tactic – five of their top six scorers in the McDonald’s game are at the back.

It’s not only clean sheets that have boosted their defenders scores – Gerard Pique has received an extra point for recovered balls in all of his three group games; at 7.5, he costs 3.1 less than David Silva, yet has picked up just three points less. The other members of Del Bosque’s settled back-four have all returned recovered ball points in two of the three group matches – Jordi Alba, at 6.5, is the best value and is the most attack-minded of the quartet, while keeper Iker Casillas and right-back Alvaro Arbeloa’s 7.0 pricing seems more than reasonable.

Sergio Busquets is unlikely to pick up many attacking points but his role in front of the back-four has helped him steadily, if somewhat unspectacularly, accumulate the points. Similar to Pique, the 6.5 priced midfielder’s points haul has been boosted by recovered balls in every game – he sits on 11 points, the same number as 9.5 priced Andres Iniesta, though the latter’s out-of-position role on the left of the front three makes him a better captaincy option, despite just one assist so far.

The Spain manager has been kind to Fantasy managers in the sense that 10 of his starting 11 have been the same throughout the group stages – the only problem is that his decision to play either Cesc Fabregas or Fernando Torres in the central role up top is crucial to our thinking. Both are similarly priced, at 8.6 and 8.5 respectively, but handing Torres one of our three forward roles could be a little risky – he was first to be hauled off on 61 minutes when things weren’t going according to plan against Croatia. Fabregas has been the more consistent of the pair, though – he’s produced attacking returns in two of his three appearances and played a crucial role in the winner over Croatia; in terms of game time, he’s more of a punt than Iniesta in midfield but clearly has the potential to produce. David Silva is the safest option – he’s played a part in four of Spain’s six goals so far and, as his 13 point haul against Republic of Ireland highlighted, affords Fantasy managers strong armband potential; he’s the priciest Spaniard on offer, though, at 10.6.

France
Laurent Blanc’s side square up to Spain having lost for the first time in 24 matches – hardly the ideal preparation for Saturday’s showdown. Les Bleus have recorded one clean sheet and scored just three goals and Fantasy faith is likely to drop substantially, with their assets relatively costly in comparison to the other underdogs. Mathieu Debuchy’s price of 5.5 offers the cheapest first-choice route into a backline that will be devoid of Philippe Mexes, with the centre-half now suspended after accruing a couple of yellow cards – while 5.4 Laurent Koscielny is likely to deputise, he would surely move back to the bench should the French prosper.

Samir Nasri and Franck Ribery have dropped in performance since Blanc’s decision to move from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1. They picked up a goal and assist respectively against England in the opener but have failed to produce any attacking points in their last two outings – Nasri, at 8.6, and Ribery, at 9.5, look risky picks, with many Fantasy managers dubious over their potential for the Spain game. Should Yohan Cabaye recover from a thigh injury, he looks a decent value alternative for those looking to take a punt on the French without going overboard with the budget – coming in at 6.5, he has returned 11 points, one less than Nasri and one more than Ribery, despite playing a game less.

Elsewhere, Blanc’s tinkering on the right wing has handed Jeremy Menez and Hatem Ben Arfa a start apiece over the last two fixtures. The latter appeals more as a 6.9 priced midfielder, though Menez’s classification as a forward and higher cost of 7.4 is likely to deter any suitors, with neither player offering guaranteed game time. Karim Benzema is the man most likely but at 9.6 and without a goal so far, many will feel the outlay could be used elsewhere, given Spain’s resilience at the back. The upside to Benzema is he is the only frontman who looks certain of a start in day three of the quarter-finals – at that price, though, you’d want to be confident of handing him the armband.

Quarter Final Four

England
This clash looks the trickiest of all to predict and is the only quarter final where both teams are unbeaten, meaning Fantasy managers may be hedging their bets. At the back, 6.5 Ashley Cole is the only defender to benefit from the recovered balls rule in all three of his appearances, while Joleon Lescott’s total of 17 points is second overall for Roy Hodgson’s side – his current cost of 5.6 has seen him snapped up by 23% of Fantasy managers and makes him the most popular England player in the McDonald’s game.

Steven Gerrard has been the most consistent performer thus far – the Liverpool skipper was one of only four players to produce attacking returns in all three of the group stage games. He has also picked up an extra point for recovered balls in all his appearances and, at 8.5, has more than justified his price tag, unlike the disappointing Ashley Young.

Up front, Wayne Rooney is quickly picking up the Fantasy suitors following his winner against Ukraine – at 10.5, he still has just 6% ownership, though, and could prove a viable armband candidate for those confident in an England win over the Italians. The class of Danny Welbeck was highlighted by his goal against Sweden. His up front understanding with his United team mate should see him keep his starting role on Sunday and, at 7.5, he could be the surprise package, with many plumping for the more obvious choice in Rooney.

Italy
From 3-5-2 to 4-3-1-2 and with many personnel changes at the back over the three group games, Cesare Prandelli has been rather unpredictable. The Italy boss has kept faith in only one defender – Giorgio Chiellini – for the three matches but the Juventus man has been ruled out of Sunday’s showdown with a thigh injury. While 6.5 priced Gianluigi Buffon offers security between the posts, there are a number of intriguing backline options for Fantasy managers – Federico Balzaretti (5.4), Andrea Barzagli (5.9) and Ignazio Abate (4.9) were all handed their first start against the Republic of Ireland and, if Prandelli keeps faith with the trio, Agnate, in particular, looks a strong value prospect in a backline that has conceded just two goals so far.

In midfield, it’s been all about Andrea Pirlo. The Juventus man has played a part in three of his nation’s four goals and – similar to Gerrard – produced attacking returns in all of his three appearances; at 8.1 and with 19 points already on the board, he’s been the standout asset in Prandelli’s squad. Thiago Motta was moved to a role “in the hole” against Ireland and at 6.5, is a decent attacking proposition for those Fantasy managers who are backing the Italians to triumph.

Up front, 8.0 priced Antonio Cassano is the only player to have started all three of the group games. The Milan man has failed to finish any of his matches, though, with Prandelli cautious of over-using him after the player’s recent heart operation. Nevertheless, he looks the man most likely, with doubts remaining over whether Mario Balotelli or Antonio Di Natale will start alongside him.

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2,964 Comments Post a Comment
  1. t23d
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    i have two options:

    neuer / 4

    boateng/pereira/alba/limbersky/maniatis

    pilar/schwein/iniesta/pirlo/makos

    cr7/nani/gomez

    OR

    neuer / 4

    hummels/pepe/alba/limbersky/maniatis

    pilar/schwein/busquets/pirlo/makos

    cr7/silva/gomez

    The thing stoping me from choosing the first option is that i'd rather have silva than nani in a spain-portugal semi, anyways i wouldnt have to waste a FT on nani. On the other hand having nani means that i could prolly capitalize right now. what do you think?

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    1. Cell_Omega
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Second team is THE SAME as mine, except I have Pereira, not Pepe + 1.1 in the bank 😀
      I simply don't like the idea to have Torres up front and definitely not dual forwards from 1 team. I might also change from Pirlo to Gerrard. Need to do something with that cash in the bank.

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  2. BananaMan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Afternoon!

    Looking for a little feedback please 🙂

    Neuer, Sifakis
    Lescott, Alba, Debuchy, Selassie, Hummels
    Pilar, Jiracek, Iniesta, Schweinsteiger, Makos
    Ronaldo, Welbeck, Gomez

    Advice welcome.

    Thanks

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    1. BananaMan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Also got 1.1 in the bank!

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      1. ivenovember
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        I'd be worried about Swein.
        I'd go Gerrard instead and then you have more money to spen on the rest of the mid.

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        1. BananaMan
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          What worries you about Swein?

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          1. Tasty Jerk
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Swein ankle issue, not a definite start.

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            1. BananaMan
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              Didn't know that! Bugger 🙁

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            2. Dhanesh Prabhu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 9 months ago

              german coach said today in the press conference that Bastian will start tomorrow..

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    2. Cell_Omega
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Sifakis is of no use here since you cannot have him in team at the same time with Neuer. Either swap to other goalkeeper or put some 4.0 keeper not counting on it.

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      1. BananaMan
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers, I realised that after I posted! Changed him to Butland!

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  3. Big Mac
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Neuer 4.0
    Boateng | Hummels | Alba | Abate | Limbersky
    Gerrard | Iniesta | Busquets | Pilar | Makos
    CR7 | Gomez | Nani

    Any comments?

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    1. BananaMan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Although I think Germany will win, if they concede however 3 from your back 6 are probably only going to score 2/3 points. Just a thought, obviously if they don't then you are laughing!

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  4. ivenovember
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    RMT/Any suggestions would be appreciated:

    Neuer / Cech
    Lescott / Jordi Alba / Joao Pereira / Abate / Gebre S
    Cabaye / Gerrard / Pilar / Busquets / Pirlo
    Gomex / CR7 / Welbeck

    Also have .4 in the bank

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    1. BananaMan
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      If you downgraded Busquets to Makos, you cold upgrade Cabaye to Schweinsteiger?

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  5. NERONALDO
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Postiga or Cassano?Who is the best on QF?

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  6. adamkelly
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hi guys, could really do with some help on my team!

    Neuer - (4.0 keeper)

    Boateng - Jordi Alba - Joao Pereira - Gebre Selassie - Barzagli

    Schweinsteiger - Gerrard - Iniesta - Pilar - Pirlo

    Cassano - Gomez - Nelson Oliveira

    I'm aware Nelson Oliveira wont start, just taking a bit of a punt with him!
    Some advice would be great, I'm so confused at the moment!

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    1. Alexander_Mahone_2
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      too much fire power on the mid. get rid of it, and spend up on ronaldo.

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      1. Absinthe 42
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        What's wrong with that?

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  7. NERONALDO
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Schweini or Ribery?

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    1. t23d
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      schweiniii

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      1. BananaMan
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed!

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  8. Alexander_Mahone_2
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    schweini + pirlo OR gerrard + iniesta?

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    1. t23d
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      i guess it depends on who u rooting for..italy or england..altho it seems to me pirlo is in better form...

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      1. Alexander_Mahone_2
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Casillas | 4.0

        Pereira | Limbersky | Hummels | Boateng | Alba

        Pirlo | Schweini | Pilar | Busquets | Makos

        Ronaldo | Nani | Gomez

        thoughts?

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        1. t23d
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          its good if you are comfortable with having 2 forwards from the same team

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        2. Dhanesh Prabhu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          2 forwards from one team...isn't it a bit risky...other than that its a good team...

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          1. Alexander_Mahone_2
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            yes it is risky, but nani and ronaldo build almost all the atacks of the portuguese side. they both shot on goal 5 ou 6 times a game.

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  9. BananaMan
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Ok,

    Here it is, I think I'm happy but I'm sure someone will point out what is wrong 😉

    Neuer | Butland
    Pereira | Hummels | Alba | Selassie | Lescott
    Makos | Iniesta | Schweinsteiger | Cabaye | Pilar
    Ronaldo | Welbeck | Gomez

    Please let me know what you think, much appreciated!

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    1. Dhanesh Prabhu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Liked your team...just want one change actually...

      Go for Busquets instead of Cabaye....

      purely my opinion...(not an expert..just an amateur) but feels like Busquets will score more points...

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      1. BananaMan
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        It's a good shout, I think I went for him to spread out my options but Spain are likely to put them out so would be best to go for Busquets!

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        1. Absinthe 42
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Busquets will get you 3 or 4 points, Cabaye 2 or 6. Safety or risk.

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  10. adamkelly
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Barzagli or Bonucci? I had Barzagli but I think Bonucci is more nailed on?

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    1. jez_wright
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      chiellini is injured, so they'll probably both play. Bonucci was on the bench vs ireland, but Barzagli started. Barzagli is also cheaper.

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  11. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    just tell me guys...

    should I go for Iniesta or Pirlo???? and please tell why would you go for them too...

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  12. Dhanesh Prabhu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Will Abate play for Italy in the quarter finals?? because I have him in my team...

    if he don't play, then who will you choose over him???

    suggestions please guys...

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  13. wai
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    What do you guys think?
    neuer-4.0 guy
    gebre selassie-maniatis-jordi alba-lahm
    busquets-kiracek-pillar-schweisteiger
    CR-gomez
    subs
    welbeck-lescott-gerrard

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    1. Dhanesh Prabhu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      i would say its a balanced team...but very hard to get 3 low price men if czech bows out....

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    2. Cell_Omega
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure about Lahm, he is very expensive. Good, but expensive. Other than that, if you're comfortable with that team, why not 😀

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  14. Batigol9
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Rui Patricio - (Tzorvas)

    Boateng - Hummels - Badstuber - J.Pereira - (Maniatis)

    Özil - Iniesta - Pirlo - Cabaye - (Fortounis)

    Ronaldo - Silva - N.Oliveira

    I'm predicting clean sheets for Germany & Portugal as I think that is easier to predict than mis-firing strikers/midfielders in tight matches. The rewards are bigger too. The only player I potentially want is Gomez but I have reservations about him vs Greece. Klose would be so much better but Jogi won't budge now.

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  15. wantsharptv
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Got Neur in goal. Someone tell me it's a waste of money to also have to Portugual keeper instead of getting anyone else for 4m?

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    1. Pilko's Pump Pants
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Well the popular opinion is that Germany will keep a clean sheet and beat Greece... there are no certainties in tournament football... but i would rather have Neuer than any other keeper in this round...

      save the cash on the 2nd keeper and invest elsewhere...

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  16. NERONALDO
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Who wiil be captain-Gomez or Schweinsteiger?

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    1. Pilko's Pump Pants
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      if you're asking who YOU should captain.... then i would go with Gomez... more explosive potential returns...

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    2. jaredmason
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Captain someone playing today. If it doesn't work out change it for tomorrow and the next day. And definitely Gomez

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  17. westwind
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Advice please:

    Neuer, 4.0

    Lescott, Arbeloa, Alba, Gebre Selassie, Limbersky

    Pilar, Khedira, Iniesta, Ozil, Jiracek

    Nani, Gomez, Torres

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    1. jaredmason
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Pretty good. I would want one of CR7 or Silva, if not both. Maybe get the money out of Ozil/Iniesta

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    2. Dhanesh Prabhu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      good mix...but the forwards are i think you should go for CR7 or silva instead of torres.... for getting them you have to sacrifice your midfield....if you are happy with this team then its ok...

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  18. The Dark Knight
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys, just wanted to know if the quarter finals work the same way as the group stages worked.Meaning, are we allowed to change our captains and substitutions one game after another like in the group stages until the start of the last QF? Just wanted to get that cleared.

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    1. Dhanesh Prabhu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      yeah....that you are allowed to do as in the group stages....

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      1. The Dark Knight
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        cool.Many thanks from a fellow gooner.

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  19. chatburns27
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    I think this is my final squad for the quarterfinals. What do you all think? I'm in first place in my league, so I'm not looking for a ton of differentials like I would be if I was trying to reel others in.

    Rui Patricio | Tzvoras

    Hummels | Boateng | Abate | Limbersky | Maniatis

    Ozil | Fabregas | Pirlo | Pilar | Makos

    Gomez | Ronaldo | Silva

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    1. jaredmason
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Solid. Only question marks are Abate and Fabregas. How nailed on are they?

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      1. chatburns27
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Right. Those are things I've been trying to determine most of the day. I feel Fabregas will start, and I want to get ahead of his price increase should he indeed feature going forward.

        Abate I am less certain about, but to my own eyes, he was an improvement over Maggio.

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  20. wazza10
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Should I have both Ronaldo & Nani?

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    1. Cell_Omega
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      If ur comfortable with having 2 strikers from the same team, then yes.

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      1. wazza10
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Who shall I get instead of Nani?

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  21. artsipappa
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    OK, some advice please. Or comments. help in general I guess 😛

    Hart - Lastuvka
    Hummels - Badstuber - Selassie - Jordi Alba - Lescott
    Bender - Makos - Gerrard - Fabregas - Pilar
    Nani - Gomez - Silva

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    1. chatburns27
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      I think it depends on your standing. If you're trying to play catch-up, things like choosing Nani over Ronaldo and England players over Italians is wise. Otherwise, I think you could save some cash in the back (Hart to Rui Patricio; Hummels or Badstuber to Boateng; Selassie to Limbersky) and spend it on attacking players.

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      1. artsipappa
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        yeah I'm playing catch-up. otherwise I would get Ronaldo in there. Gomez seems like a semi-suicide to leave out. Good pointers though, thanks!

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  22. wantsharptv
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Not bad. I'd take out pilar for Ozil..

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    1. chatburns27
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Just as easy as that, huh?

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  23. jonnywild
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Casillas Sifakis

    Hummels Lescott Boateng Coentrao Maniatis

    Iniesta Cabaye Motta Pilar ( 5.3M midfielder )

    Nani Ronaldo Gomez

    Any thoughts on who my extra midfielder could be??

    And would you make any changes to the team, cheers.

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    1. jez_wright
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      having 2 greek and 2 german defenders is risky, and 0-0 draw aside you're definitely gonna lose out on clean sheet points on 2, if not all 4 of them. Similarly, 2 portugese strikers is a risk.

      with 5.3 you're looking at hubschman or diarra (not nailed on).

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      1. jonnywild
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah that's what I was thinking, although the Greek defenders are more or less there to free up funds for other players. I was hoping Sikfakis might get quite a few save points.

        I was tempted to swap Nani out with someone like Torres etc as currently I'm relying on a big Portugal win, but I reckon they might put a few past the Czechs imo.

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  24. Cell_Omega
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Any news on Schweinsteiger? Will he play?

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    1. wazza10
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      Yes he should

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  25. wazza10
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Will Silva start?

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  26. jez_wright
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Advice please!!

    Neuer, Cech
    Jordi Alba, Lescott, Abate, Limbersky, Maniatis
    Ozil, Pirlo, Gerrard, Cabaye, Pilar
    Ronaldo, Rooney, Torres

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  27. jonnywild
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Alba or Coentrao?

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  28. jonnywild
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 9 months ago

    Busquets, Cabaye or Motta?

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    1. YOUNG and ARROGANT
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 9 months ago

      busquets. he's gonna get u 3 or 4 points for sure

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      1. jonnywild
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers, swapped him in with a minute to go!

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        1. YOUNG and ARROGANT
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 9 months ago

          Man, if cabaye or motta score, i'm pretty sure u r going to curse me to death

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          1. jonnywild
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 9 months ago

            Haha it's all your fault, nah I'm pretty sure Busquets is the best decision.

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