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. Ten Season Wonder
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Worth bringing in Medjani for 6 points?

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

      No, but it's more fun.

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      1. Ten Season Wonder
        • 11 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Haha, and I guess you will say the same answer for my next question...

        Lukaku (benched) worth bringing in for 3?

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

    ok done it, 6 pointer out for kombarov
    now i have pogba sick or twist to either medjiani/benteleb

    algeria have no chance of clean sheet

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    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Sez who? 😛

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

        Me 🙂

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        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          11 years, 5 months ago

          Sez U? Boo? 😛

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

      Suarez Just can't stop eating.

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  3. PKB
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Swap Dauda(8) with Mbolhi?

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

      I wouldn't - but there is definetely chance he will outscore him.
      I'm keeping Cillesen (8) tough.

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

      nooo

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    3. PKB
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Cheers guys

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

    Will Hazard come on as a sub and score more points than Bentlab?

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

      How can someone possible answer that question? Lol

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

        possibly*

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

          Majorfail just did.

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

            so did captain shirkov and looks like one of them is not truthful.

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

      He will, yes.

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

        73rd minute to be precise.

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    3. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      He definitely won't, no.

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      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Epic Fail is wrong, to be precise.

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

          Source?

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          1. Captain Shirokov
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            SSN

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    4. User
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Probably not, even if he came on and scored.

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

      Thanks guys will stick with Bentlab I think

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  5. tadtman
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Replace a 6 pt defender with DJABOU??

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  6. X T I A N
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    Bentaleb or Djabou?

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  7. rk007
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    KDB/Dzagoev for Gerrard(3)? What do you guys think?

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

    Please help.

    Play Bentaleb or KDB(benched)

    Play Kokorin or Djabou

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

      I'm doing Bentaleb for first choice.

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    2. Lucas Leiva
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Bentaleb & Kokorin.

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

    why isn't bougherra starting ?

    ayew>kdb
    sanchez 5>lukaku or kokorin ?

    repost

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

      he's injured bbc

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

        damn.. 🙁

        what do you think of the other changes risk them ?

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

          replied already

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

            thanks saw it

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  10. dribbler
    • 16 Years
    11 years, 5 months ago

    stick or twist

    2 points or De Bruyne

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    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 5 months ago

      Is KDB starting?

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

        no

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

          lol TM...if he was starting I wouldn't be asking

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          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            On the bench? I'd keep the 2 points.

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

      I'd twist.

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

      i'd take the risk, 2 points loss max

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

        ok thanks all

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

      Let it be known I am playing through the pain barrier.
      Had old tooth root giving me pain so went yo dentist yesterday to get it sorted, 40 min and couldn't get it out. Had to go to dental hospital today, another hour of work, drilling away jaw bone cutting open gum. Now look elephant man (dog) have 30 stitches in mouth , bleeding like slaughtered sheep on period and none of my Belgians are playing.
      And now I have to listen to chiles and wright

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

        time to put you out of your misery

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

        sounds like suarez's defence to fifa

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

        you've got more problems with your teeth than Luis Suarez

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      4. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 5 months ago

        Shall I come round with my trusty Lee Enfield?

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

            I have seen the strikers you pick you would miss the shot

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            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I did Bisley 40 years back. My average score was 97. 😉

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

                  All that practice during the war 😉

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                • Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 16 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  We did six disciplines, including standing, kneeling, and rapid fire.

                  I scored 100 on rapid fire.

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                  1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 16 Years
                    11 years, 5 months ago

                    I was up against the best Jaapies, and unfortunately could only manage 5th. 😉

                    1st in rapid, though. Got a cup for that!

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          • TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Turn the volume down.

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

                Nope
                Mouth still hurts

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                1. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  Put music on & mute the tv.

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            2. The Shadow
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              I've got a root canal scheduled for tomorrow. Damn, you beat me again.

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          • mahone24
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            KDB, Bouguerra, Bentaleb or Kokorin?

            Or sacrifice a 7pointer for more than one of them?

            Thoughts anyone?

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          • Ten Season Wonder
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Bring in Lukaku for Stevie G (3)...?

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

              yeh

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

              No. He won't match that even if he comes on in the 1st minute.

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          • Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Allez! Allez mouloudia ntiya ma vie! Allez Les Verts!!! 😀

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          • Ten Season Wonder
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Sorry I meant KDB for gerrard (3) worth it?

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            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Certainly not. He ain't playing.

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            2. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Will he even get on the pitch?

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              1. Ten Season Wonder
                • 11 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

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

                  Ghost post

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

                  This.

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          • The Missing Link
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Any guys here from team Argentina? Looks like 2-2 with one game to decide it, goodluck and may the best team qualify 🙂

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

            Are ITV switching the games around or are they still showing the important one on ITV4?

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

              Itv4 is Algeria Russia
              Belgium South Korea on itv

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

              Never mind, ITV4 it is

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

            Colombia, France, holland and Argentina all to win their respective games in the next round is a very tasty looking treble! 🙂

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

              Treble? 😯

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

                😳 *acca

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                1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 16 Years
                  11 years, 5 months ago

                  Are you Irish, by some misbegotten chance? 😉

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

                    Am.....ummmmmm...... (Reluctantly) 'yes'

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

                      And proud 😉

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                      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 16 Years
                        11 years, 5 months ago

                        And why not? 😉

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          • bunnyrampage
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Repost. Would you keep 4 pts, or twist to Lukaku/KDB and hope they come off the bench?

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            1. Ten Season Wonder
              • 11 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Keep your 4 point

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            2. mahone24
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Probably stick. Do players who don't come off the bench automatically just get 0 rather than getting auto subbed?

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

              Thanks guys, think I will stick.

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          • mahone24
            • 15 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Just seen KDB not starting so would you say Bouguerra or Kokorin?

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            1. Reedy
              • 15 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Boughuerra ain't starting either, if that helps.

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              1. mahone24
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                It does!

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

              koko, boug isn't starting

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            3. Marouane Fellatio
              • 12 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Bougherra not either

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

              Bogherra on subs so has to be Kokorin

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              1. mahone24
                • 15 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                Wouldnt let me change to 4-3-3 so looks like its Bentaleb! Thanks guys

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          • Tin of Directors
            • 16 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Someone tell me it's silly to take out 5 pt Mena for Dzagoev.

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

              Now, come on, that's silly!

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            2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              It's silly. 🙂

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              1. Tin of Directors
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                It is isn't it. I'm chasing points so needed a jolt of sense.
                Cheers guys.

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              1. Tin of Directors
                • 16 Years
                11 years, 5 months ago

                LOL!

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

              it is, he only got 7 mins last time out, pissed me right off it did.

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          • FPL Touches
            • 14 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            About time Woodward bought some top notch talent in, he's been Ander pressure for ages! 😛

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

              He Shaw has!

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

            thank god Drmic got 10 yesterday otherwise I would have been screwed

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

            Lol at team Japan.

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            1. FPL Touches
              • 14 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Worst. Stamina. Ever.

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          • BantamPhil
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Bentaleb or Medjani in for Benzema?

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

              Medjani

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          • Keno
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Come on Djabou need some points!!!

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          • Zombie
            • 12 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Knock Knock

            Who?

            To

            To who?

            No, To whom

            #JustBored

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            1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              To whit?

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          • CopperPot82
            • 11 Years
            11 years, 5 months ago

            Kevin BACON rollercoaster ad extolling the virtues of Suarez tearing apart the defence ...

            must be a joke in there somewhere...

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

            Half of the last 16 are from the America's. Never saw that coming

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            1. Dr Dream
              • 13 Years
              11 years, 5 months ago

              Really...Every tournament ever hosted by the America's has been won by the Ametica's...

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