634x258 Dugout Discussion
26 June 2014 3877 comments
Paul Paul
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We reach the end of the group stages of Brazil 2014 this evening as the last 16 match-ups are finalised. Group G gets us up and running at 5pm and with all four of the teams still in with a shout of progressing, Fantasy managers will be hoping there’s less chance of rest and rotation. Germany face up to USA and Portugal square up to a Ghana side devoid of Kevin Prince-Boateng and Sulley Muntari after both players were sent home for disciplinary reasons earlier today:

Germany: Neuer; Boateng, Hummels, Mertesacker, Howedes; Lahm, Kroos, Schweinsteiger; Ozil, Muller, Podolski

USA: Howard; Johnson, Gonzalez, Besler, Beasley; Jones, Beckerman; Davis, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey

Joachim Low makes a couple of changes from the side that drew with Ghana. The Germany manager brings in Bastian Schweinsteiger for Sami Khedira in the centre of the park, while Lukas Podolski comes in for Mario Gotze in the front three. Thomas Muller owners will be looking for more of the same, after the Bayern man notched three goals and an assist in the opening couple of matches, whilst those holding Mesut Ozil will be desperate for an improvement after a couple of patchy displays so far.

Jurgen Klinsmann also makes two alterations as he attempts to get the better of his native country. Omar Gonzalez replaces Geoff Cameron in central defence, whilst Brad Davis gets the nod ahead of Alejandro Bedoya on the right flank – Clint Dempsey is looking to score for the third successive match, though the likes of Michael Bradley and Graham Zusi also offer a threat from the attacking midfield positions.

Portugal: Beto; Pereira, Alves, Pepe, Veloso; W Carvalho, Moutinho, Amorim; Nani, Eder, Ronaldo

Ghana: Dauda; Afful, Boye, Mensah, Asamoah; Rabiu, Agyemang-Badu; Atsu, Waris, A Ayew; Gyan

Paulo Bento welcomes Pepe back from suspension for the vital game with Ghana, as Ricardo Costa drops out to accommodate the Real Madrid man at centre-half. The Portugal boss makes three further changes, drafting in William Carvalho, Ruben Amorim and Eder for Andre Almeida, Raul Meireles and Helder Postiga – the former two look set to be installed in the middle, with Miguel Veloso shifting to left-back. All eyes will be on Cristiano Ronaldo, though, as he looks to get his goal account finally up and running and fire his side into the last 16.

Prince-Boateng and Muntari’s omissions are the only two changes from Kwesi Appiah after a very encouraging draw with Germany. Udinese player Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu comes into the double-pivot to replace Muntari, whilst the highly-rated Abdul Majeed Waris is tucked in behind Asaomoah Gyan up top. Andrew Ayew, with a goal in both group games so far, looks the major threat for the Africans once again.

Later on, Belgium go head-to-head with South Korea as Marc Wilmots’ side look to end the group stages with a 100% record. Bearing in mind they’re already through, though, there’s a fear that we could see a number of changes from the Europeans in this one, with Eden Hazard and Kevin de Bruyne owners hoping they’ll keep their places in the starting XI. Up top, Wilmots may well omit Romelu Lukaku from his line-up after subbing off the Chelsea man in each of the first two games, whilst at the back, Belgium are set to be without both Vincent Kompany and Thomas Vermaelen through injury.

Those defensive concerns will afford the Koreans optimism and with three goals in their first two matches, they present a definite threat to Thibaut Courtois’ clean sheet prospects. The highly-rated Son Heung-min grabbed his first of the tournament in Matchday 2 and, having netted 10 times for Leverkusen in the previous Bundesliga campaign, carries the main threat for Hon Myung-bo’s side.

Despite scoring once and picking up a single point in their opening two matches, Russia are still in with a shout of making the last 16. A win against Algeria, coupled with a Belgian triumph over South Korean, will take Fabio Capello’s side through – Alexander Kokorin looks their best chance of netting, though Alexander Kerzhakov will be hoping for his first start after climbing off the bench in the first pair of fixtures.

After an emphatic 4-2 win over South Korea, Vahid Halilhodzic’s side will approach this one with little fear. Islam Slimani, Abdelmoumene Djabou and Sofiane Feghouli have all served up a goal and assist in the first two fixtures and will fancy their chances of picking up further returns against an unconvincing backline that has been breached in both their opening matches.

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  1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Sky Sources: Man Utd agree £30m fee with Southampton for Luke Shaw. Medical tomorrow. #SSN

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    1. Parm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Herrera signs, Shaw imminent, Januzaj starting for Belgium & Suarez banned for 4 months.

      Today wasn't too bad then....

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      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Today was a good day!

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      2. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
        • 12 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        transfers completed in June is very odd. last early transfer I remember was ashley young... lets hope this works out better!

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        1. Parm
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah, haha, still need another one though.

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    2. Mr Sarcastic
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      30? it's a mad mad world out there.

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  2. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    If Algeria win tonight, I will not be able to go to sleep tonight in Paris

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  3. NED KELLY
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Who takes Russia's pens?

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    1. Carrick Doesn't Deserv…
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      kombarov

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      1. Les Bleus
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        So that's the reason everyone has him

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        1. Shels
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          & the fact he's an attacking left back, even if he wasn't on pens id have him

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    2. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      The mighty Kombarov

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    3. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Kombarov

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    4. NED KELLY
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Nice lets hope Russia get a pen.. I'm well behind in mini league

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  4. chrisjdgrady
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ugh took out Mouhtinho while I had KDB in cause I thought he was gonna start. Come in off the bench and bag a goal boyo!

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  5. King Kohli
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Herrera deal done. Shaw to have medical later today! Woodward must be on drugs!!

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  6. Mytteristen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Play Bentaleb or Kokorin?

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    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      koko

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  7. FannyBlatter
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Just had a bit of a shock on the Mickey Mouse FF as I thought Neymar had been subbed out for Gyan. Looks like the site is defaulting to the 2nd round of group games for some reason..........

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  8. NED KELLY
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Who's Suarez first game back when he finishes ban?

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    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      newcastle

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      1. Shels
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        that's a tasty fixture

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        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          dont tempt him satan

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      2. NED KELLY
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        so Suarez (c) GW9 then

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Fantasy La Liga?

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  9. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    well thats torn it........out go benz 4 pts..........in come lukakus 0pts 😕

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  10. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    5 pts to Lukaku ?

    I have a feeling he'll have super-sub appearance...

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    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Surely it's a no brainer then if that's what you think will happen.

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      1. Shels
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        that feeling comes with doubt.. lots of it

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        1. Shels
          • 11 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          drmic got 10 for me this time so don't hva worry about luks todays

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        2. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Not for me. I know he's gonna do nothing. No doubt about it 😉

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    2. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      We all had feelings about lukaku before

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      1. LewanGOALski
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        He delivers when we all don't expect it too much, doesn't he..?

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  11. Keno
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    I know Lukaku is not starting but what do you think. Lukaku or Djabou???

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  12. conew
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    why i can't change formation? Have 4-4-2 and now only aveible are 3-4-3 and 3-5-2?

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    1. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      cause u have no defender to come in

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    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Dunno, double check who's available on your bench and if it matches the formations.

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      1. conew
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        i have availble def mesbah and i want change to 5--3-2

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        1. Epic Fail
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Have you removed a player yet? If not, do that first.

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          1. conew
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            thx, i hate thi game

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    3. 4vets
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      You don't have the players?

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      1. conew
        • 13 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        have, a lot. kokorin, lukaku bentaleb mesbah

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  13. Primprong
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Belkalem or Bentaleb?

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  14. Dynamic
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Ok so Kombarov, Mesbah & Bentaleb starting. KDB & Lukaku benched. I have to bring in 3.

    I'm thinking to play the three that are starting seen as you get 3 points just for playing and KDB and Lukaku could easily end up with 0.

    What do you think lads?

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    1. 4vets
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      I agree.

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    2. Shels
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      ya kdb/luk would have to score or assist just to level

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  15. Pedram
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Play Bentaleb or KDB ?

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  16. JT's Dog
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Any dogs in the house

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      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Yo momma

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        1. JT's Dog
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Didn't stop ya

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            1. Epic Fail
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I have no standards.

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        2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          woof

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          1. JT's Dog
              11 years, 5 months ago

              U ain't a dog

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          2. Blue Lion
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            woof!

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          3. Shels
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            meow!!

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        3. Pinky and Brain
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Bentaleb or Mesbah in?

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        4. Messiah Hazard
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Play Bentlab or Hazard who is not starting?

          Do I bring in Mesbah over Montazzeri (6 points)?

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          1. Dynamic
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Play Bentaleb + probs not.

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        5. Pedram
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Kokorin or Djabou ?

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        6. Uncle John from Jamaica
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Hi Chaps,

          Sorry to ask as sure its been asked before but anyone know when the new FPL comes on line.

          Chers
          UJFJ

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          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Mid July probably.

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            1. Uncle John from Jamaica
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Cheers....Though it was about this time last year for some reason.

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          2. Optimus.
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Timing!!

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            1. Epic Fail
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              😀

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            2. The Bandit
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Haha, just as they make a new post with the launch details 🙂

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              1. Uncle John from Jamaica
                • 13 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                Where is this post? Sorry

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        7. seanie3
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          who to bring in for KDB

          a) bentaleb
          b)Halliche

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          1. Fifa las vegas
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            A

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          2. Gatsby
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            B

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        8. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          come on mbolhi i want lots of saves.......
          kombarov peno.........bentaleb hatty

          anythin from lukaku will be a bonus

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        9. GuyIncognito
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Would anyone replace Monty's 6 points with Mesbah or Fayzulin?

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          1. Messiah Hazard
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            I am wondering the same thing

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          2. Mr Sarcastic
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            no

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          3. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            I would, but that's just me.

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        10. Mr Sarcastic
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          My teams dissapointments

          Von Bergen - bad luck
          KDB - blaaaaah
          Dzeko - 2 great fixtures and only one goal

          and then there is Mr Kombarov - hopefully tonight is the night to make him go BOOOOOOM!

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        11. NED KELLY
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          No lukaku that's my World Cup fantasy over, roll on FPL

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        12. ADucksBehind
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Do we really only have 1 day to make transfers?

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          1. Mr Sarcastic
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            friday + saturday, no?

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        13. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          bloody hell what have i been eating..... horrendous guffs 🙁

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          1. The Sarjeant
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Thanks for sharing.

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        14. Pedram
          • 12 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Please help

          Play Bentaleb or KDB(benched)

          Play Kokorin or Djabou

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          1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            bentaleb and coin toss

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        15. Fifa las vegas
          • 13 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Anyone have any bets for the next games?

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          1. Gatsby
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Need Belgium to win my treble. Staying clear of other bets till (if) this comes in.

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            1. Fifa las vegas
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Same, Belgium for a double

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          2. The Sarjeant
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Got £5 on both games to have 10 or more corners for £12 back.

            Plus loads more bets that I placed before the World Cup started that should come in.

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          3. GREENDREAMS11
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            I'm considering Mertens AGS @ 7/2.

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          4. Fifa las vegas
            • 13 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Mertens anytime looks alright?

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            1. GREENDREAMS11
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              only 4 international goals in 26 but 2 of those came this month . Looked dangerous against Russia, got into some decent positions

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          5. Il Gladiatore
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Mirallas first goal and Belgium to win, 10/1

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        16. Studgie G
          • 14 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          why isn't bougherra starting ?

          ayew>kdb
          sanchez 5>lukaku or kokorin ?

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          1. Shels
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            injured
            kdb not starting
            koko in

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