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Interview October 20

Meet the Manager: Ex-pro footballer with two top 5k FPL ranks talks Gameweek 9

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Joe chats to another Fantasy Premier League (FPL) veteran with a strong track record in the game in his long-running series.

Former Ukrainian league footballer Vanya Guchev has played at youth and professional level and is still a semi-pro in his home city of Kharkiv.

Midfielder Vanya, who once turned down an offer to join Champions League regulars Shakhtar Donetsk, was a professional at Gelios Kharkiv and an academy player at Metalist Kharkiv. He still plays semi-pro for Brightgrove, also in Ukraine, and his footballing idols include Chelsea legend Frank Lampard.

Vanya also happens to be very good at Fantasy Premier League management.

Over his ten-year career, he’s had two top 5k finishes, including one within the top 2,000, and has only finished outside the top 100k once.

This season he could be set for another strong finish, going into Gameweek 9 sitting inside the top 4k.

With his experience as a player and skill as an FPL manager, he arguably has a unique perspective on the game, which he has put to good use to identify the Premier League’s most ‘efficient players’.

He chats to Joe about why some players have not impressed him and why others have become essential picks, due to their ability to conjure up big chances, going on to discuss his plans for Gameweek 9 and beyond.

Their chat takes in issues around hits, captaincy and risk. It was recorded on Monday 19 October, just ahead of Gameweek 8’s final match, between Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

The Complete Guide to FPL Gameweek 9: Tips, captains, team news and best players

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

596 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Origi-nal
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    On a WC. No Other live def.

    A) Robertson & Havertz
    B) White & Son

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    1. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Get matip & Son.

      Matip plays every game and son can make up the small chance robbo does something

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    2. GloryBXI
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Find a way to get Trent.

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  2. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Suggestions / confirmation please...

    Was going to do Jota to Raphinha for free
    Hows Jota/Lukaku >> Raph/Kane -4
    Not too fussed about the hit and whu MUN defences aren't keeping clean sheets + fixtures after that are really good

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  3. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Best option?

    A. Lukaku > Kane
    B. Lukaku > Vardy
    C. Lukaku & Jota > Jimi & KDB/Son (-4)

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    1. Ruudy Van
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A) if you’re long term planner
      B) if you’re a sheep
      C if you put chillis on your cereal but enjoy the pain of it

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      1. Feed tha Sheep
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        D. Lukaku & Coufal > Vardy & Chilwell (-4)?

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    2. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Interesting.
      I'm going A but looking at Luk/Jota to Kane/Raph
      Could go Jimi/Son

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  4. Ruudy Van
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A) Sell ronaldo to anyone?
    B) Keep and start ronaldo?

    Bench currently Saka Benrahma

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  5. ceerus
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Keep
    A) Sarr
    or
    B) Benrahma

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

      I have both. Think I'd rather keep Sarr.

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  6. Tinfoil Deathstar
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Ronaldo to Kane with the FT? Or just roll?

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    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Roll, Kane’s time is coming soon though

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      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah my sentiments. He’s on the edge of something.

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  7. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A. Havertz + Toney

    B. Vardy + Mbeumo

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    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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

      B

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    4. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Done thank you

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  8. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Good evening.

    Sanchez
    TAA / Cancelo / Chilwell
    Salah / Jota / Raphinha / Mbeumo
    Ronaldo / Antonio / Toney

    Steele // Livramento / White / Bissouma

    60 min sub was was good to see from Chilwell. Make that Alonso > Chillwell move?

    Then what about Ronaldo or Jota? Lukaku was a must-have for me this week, now he isn't.

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

      Doesn't feel like there is anything obvious you can do with Ronaldo and Jota that would have a big upside. Unless you really fancy Kane or Vardy.

      Gambling on Chilwell might not be a bad idea. Long term surely he's going to be the left back and play most games.

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  9. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku, Tierney -> Kane, Chillwell (-4)?

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

      Think I would.

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  10. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    White 2 points max as fancy Villa to score
    Kane needs to score 1 & you will likely be better off

    I would go for it as Kane good option now longer term

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  11. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku + Mahrez to Auba + Havertz? Gives me 2.5m ITB to upgrade Cash to TAA for GW10, leaving me with the following:

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Cancelo Azpilicueta Tierney Tsimikas
    Salah Havertz Raphinha Gray Brownhill
    Vardy Auba ASM

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  12. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Jimenez over Antonio on WC?

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    1. The White Pele
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      probably yes

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  13. cruzex
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Havertz or mount?

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    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Havertz

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  14. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    better option this week only:
    A) Kane
    B) Jimenez

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

      Jimmy.

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    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  15. FPL_Crisis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Surely Daka going up in price soon after his 4 goals today. Isn't that how price changes work?

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    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      He didn't score 4 in the PL, so no.

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    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Transfers in and out are how it works.

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

      You've been here 11 years and ya don't know how price changes work. GOLLY

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      1. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        facetious
        [ fuh-see-shuhs ]

        adjective
        not meant to be taken seriously or literally:
        amusing; humorous.
        lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential, amusing, or frivolous

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  16. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Would you switch from Dias Foden Antonio to Manquillo Son Jesus?

    Rest of the team is

    Ramsdale Foster
    TAA Cancelo James Livramento ____
    Salah Raphinha Mbuemo Brownhill ___
    Vardy Toney ___

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    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      no way
      Dias/Foden >> Manquillo/Son
      Antonio can be switched as a standalone move to anyone

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    2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Nope would keep the 3 you’ve got, but maybe look at shifting Antonio soon

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

      You are taking out 3 good players there so no I wouldn't.

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    4. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      No

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  17. Kane Train
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which one?

    A) Kane
    B) Son

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    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    2. GloryBXI
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The one that's cheaper and gets an extra point per goal/clean sheet.

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    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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    4. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  18. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    This is my present team. Got 1 free transfer and WC to play. Best option

    A Alonso to Chilwell- free
    B Alonso to Chilwell and Jota to Havertz -4
    C Alonso to Chilwell and Ronaldo to Kane -4
    D Carry transfer

    Sanchez
    TAA Cancelo Alonso
    Salah Jota Raphinha Benrahma Mbeumo
    Ronaldo Antonio

    Foster Livramento Semedo Scarlett

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

      A

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    2. Ronnies
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

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    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

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    4. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B is tempting given the fixtures, Jota possibly benched as well?

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  19. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    A or B ?

    A) Ronaldo > Kane. Play Livramento in a 433

    B) Keep Ronaldo, Greenwood > Mount, in a 442, Livramento 1st sub

    Cheers.

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

      A

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    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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  20. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Which would you do ??

    Greenwood > ???

    a. Son
    b. Foden.

    Cheers.

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    1. GloryBXI
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Son on the face of it, but depends what you'd do with the extra 2 mill.

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    2. Ronnies
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A all day

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

      Son

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    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Son

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    5. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A

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    6. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers lads

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  21. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Lukaku to

    A-Toney, and Gray to KDB next week

    B-Jesus

    C-Kane

    D-Ronaldo

    E-Vardy

    F-Firmino

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    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C

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    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      C or E

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    3. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      A sounds less template and more exciting

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  22. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Sanchez Steele
    TAA Rudiger Cancelo White Livramento
    Salah Jota Greenwood Sarr Benny
    Antonio Lukaku Scarlett

    A. Lukaku to Vardy
    B. Greenwood and Lukaku to Raphinha and Kane
    C. Wildcard

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    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      B

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  23. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Foden Antonio out
    Havertz Jesus in?

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    1. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      You trying to give points away!

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  24. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Evening....who is the best lukaku replacement for this team please?

    Can't really see beyond vardy, with Armstrong to toney planned for next week

    Ramsdale
    Taa cancelo dias james (livra)
    Salah raphinha foden mbuemo (normann)
    Lukaku antonio (armstrong)

    Thanks

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    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I'm going one of Toney, Kane or Vardy...unsure yet

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  25. jia you
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Big injury to wake up to that! Hopefully loads went early on Ronaldo to Lukaku 😉

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  26. Taegugk Warrior
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What happen with lukaku…?
    With WC activated atm, who are the best front three will you bring…?

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  27. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    I'd like my wildcard back please 😛

    That's pretty rough news. I guess I'm joining the herd and going Vardy although Kane early a few weeks doesn't seem bad either. I have no lack of funds.

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    1. Esalman
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I brought Ronaldo and Lukaku in on WC. Was wondering who to get rid first. Don't have to anymore actually so that's good.

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  28. jdogg
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Worth a wildcard for this

    Christiansen shaw williams esr sarr gilmour antonio lukaku

    To

    Chillwell taa livramento havertz mbuemo brownhill jiminez toney

    Cheers.x

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    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      Yes I think. Although Christensen ain't bad really.

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      1. jdogg
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yeh happy enough with him.but have spare cash to swap for chilwell.x

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      2. jdogg
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Or can keep christiansen insted of trent.and do mbuemo and ronaldo to son and vardy.x

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    2. Kay317
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      The only thing id say with these moves is I'd want an easy route back to Lukaku if he's only out one week.

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      1. jdogg
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Id still have ronaldo.so an easy swap with the first lot.x

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        1. Kay317
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 5 months ago

          I'd do it then.

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  29. Kay317
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    Is anyone thinking Havertz is a good punt for Chelsea's next few now? With Lukaku and Werner both out surely he's got to play as a false 9.

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    1. jdogg
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 5 months ago

      I am.see above.dont see who else will play?x

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      1. Kay317
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 5 months ago

        Yea can't see who else he'd play up top now and he's just passed his audition I guess.

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  30. Hint
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 5 months ago

    What a disaster Lukaku has been.

    Already taken a hit this week, my first of the season. Do I:

    Hold Lukaku and play Livra
    Take a another -4 for Vardy

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