#xg: next generation run

[dispatches-from-the-lorecord]

None of the XD boys are normal humans, and none of them are happy about it

[February 1, 2023]

{Newbie:}

ok so thanks to krizste i had some Ideas™️ last night for XG Remix

and now that i have had my mandatory... 6 hours of sleep? i'm ready to ramble

i've mentioned before the idea that Orremix, as i like to call it, is tucked into Ultra Space somewhere and is a mirror of GrandCol!Orre. Ultra Space explaining the weird-ass type-chart. i still think that’s true. however, i've recently come up with a new idea

the idea that glitches can devolve into Actual Pokemon... it was like, mentioned briefly as a possibility during Redux, and well. i think that's what happened in Orremix. part of the weird type-chart is Ultra Space, the other part is Glitch.

the Pokemon in Orremix are convergent species that mirror the Pokemon we know and love, but they have very, very different origins.

anyway. Shadows. Shadow-ification. and the “X-Factor”, as i like to call it.

Shadow-ification has always involved glitchstuff, to an extent. this much has always been true. it was true in GrandCol. the reason Quotes!Yuki gained the ability to see Shadow aura was because she had a NDE in RTHE of the glitch variety, and she was left far more sensitive to glitchstuff from then on as a result

but the X-Factor is Shadow-ification mixed with Nihilego toxin, because that's readily available in Ultra Space. and while toying around in Orremix, specifically, Cipher discovered something fascinating

they could tap into the previously-unknown glitchstuff origins of Orremix’s native populations

X-Pokemon... ex-Pokemon.

Pokemon that are not-quite glitches, but not-quite Pokemon anymore, either. toeing that borderline.

the Lugia we see in Orremix is probably(?) not native, however, and was shipped in from another dimension or something(?). and when they were toying around with the X-Factor on a non-Orremix Pokemon, it took a lot more dedication to get it to not only work, but get a relatively stable result that wouldn't devolve into glitchstuff and then have to be put back together

that poor lugia has probably “died” a few times, only to be reassembled... ahem. let's not worry about that right now

anyway. even though the result was still physically stable, they certainly couldn't control it. it communicates in garbled tongues and distorted cries. it doesn't understand human language. electric sonar and radio frequencies help to an extent, but it's still hit-or-miss, 7 times out of 10. it can’t be commanded, reliably.

this is where XG000 comes in.

they came up with a very special recipe of X-Factor to work on Lugia, different from the garden variety stuff they used on other Orremix Pokemon. so they take some of that special X-Factor and they tinker around with it a little more, until it's stable enough to slip into a human being. a child, which can be raised to be unquestioningly loyal to Cipher. and they go through some... er, trial and error, let's say... before the finally do it.

XG000 is a glitch-modified human. one that shares an instant, immediate connection to XG001 due to their being comprised of/corrupted by the same glitchstuff. it has a human's intelligence and a human's sentimentalities but there is a deep, intrinsic connection to the violent impulses that drive XG001.

Xavier is, of course, rescued from Cipher's clutches very soon after the modification process is finalized, and things settle down, and the glitchstuff is stabilized to go dormant without any kind of resonance to X-Factor. he's given a normal home, a normal family life, a relatively normal childhood...

he spends most of his life ignorant of what lays lurking, dormant, just beneath his skin

until Cipher shows up to kidnap Krane, and he sees an X-Pokemon for the first time. but the Voices are too loud in his head for him to notice the tingle in his fingertips until much, much later in the run

also the fact that Orremix is a glitch-infested dimension, in some way, shape, or form may explain the amnesia and power-entanglement/identity swap that happened to |root| and |CLAW|

{Haji:}

Yeah explaining in text is hard. No matter how many ways I've tried, I think I'll need to make visuals of some kind at some point [whines] but that's slooooowww

Also this is cool! I don't have a lot of ideas for Grand Colo and XG yet mostly because of the chart stuff :Joy:

Kinda funny, we've been talking a lot about Stars and Xavier lately but I wake up this morning with Alpha brain rot 😂

{Newbie:}

i actually was kinda toying around with the idea that Orremix's origins are from Alpha's Orre when it was lost to glitches :Kappa:

then it was born somehow when the universe was rebuilt :Kappa:

{Haji:}

For me that's XG :Jebaited:

{Newbie:}

ah

well not being here for XG makes me kinda not know the lore there :Keepo:

{Haji:}

Remix might be the same Orre as XG but later, but I'm still not solid on the more recent runs

And there's not a lot for XG, just my brain has a lot of connections between Stars and Michael / Alpha including I started a fic at the time with Alpha pleading with Stars not to end up like him in sort of a dream but was it a dream?

Said connection only got worse when Hacker Stars was introduced and it's like UHHHHHH well at least Host Stars had a wonderfully innocent go at Orre

{Sol:}

the way I see things basically is: there's two possible paths from XD in a timeline

a timeline where Alpha succeeds and Orre goes onto the prosper, which is where XG happens

and a timeline where Alpha fails because of just how hard Orre is breaking down, and this is where XG Remix happens

{Newbie:}

it's possible that Orremix is also mirroring XG!Orre instead of Alpha's Orre. i just wanna do something with glitches :RaccAttack:

like i'm just... i'm set on that now that i've thought it up

{Sol:}

in my head: it's entirely possible that Xavier is basically Copy Alpha???

created by a group of rogue Cipher scientists who are very much not a fan of the direction things are going, but XG000/Xavier ends in more cooperate hands, which then ends up putting XG000's existence on the radar of Krane's Lab, leading to the rescue op

{Haji:}

No reason why you can't :tppPika:

Okay so trying to keep this simple but basically the Created World was built to contain Olden. Bill ended up using it for his own purposes by tricking people like Abe and Blue to go inside with sort of gladiatorial intent which was Abe is possessed by the Voices either he's going to be stuck with them forever as nothing escapes the Divine Prison or eventually "the beast within" will devour them which will destroy the Voices. Either way, they're out of the Real / Original World for a while. Replikanto, as it was designed for Olden, is stuck in a bit of loop with worsening conditions as we see RFireRed and Moemon before the Voices are able to escape thanks in part to Alice and Amber (being in an Ultra World but gets enough god power by the end of it to create an opening to rescue Athena from the hellscape she's in). The Kanto loop is broken and stuff happens before we return to the Created World for Viet Crystal. Baba and Bet Boy meetings play a role in her eventually attacking Orre. Alpha has several cybernetic implants meant to help counter Cipher's takeover, but there's not enough knowledge on the Glitches to understand that said cybernetics could leave him open to corruption. The Voices and Glitches both seem attracted to him and in part it's because he's unknowingly (sadly, the lab knows and purposefully took advantage of knowing their world is fake but this was a greater good situation) somewhat connected to the Created World itself. Which is where his grasp on reality really starts to get screwy and gaining time control powers makes him take a questionable deal to go back in time to stop Baba and hopefully stop Cipher much earlier than his region was in danger. This fails. Multiple times.

Eventually he hunts down Abe, Baba and Sev who help get him stabilized even if he's still a bit messed up and Abe tried to take the gang with him in his escape from the world (in his perspective it's been like a few centuries at this point. He's so tired, guys) but Olden showed up basically like they're not going unless it gets to go with them because fuck this place. Encounter leads to the fallen god doing a sort of hard reset on the console bringing them all back to step one with Abe confused to be starting over and the others scattered across RepliKanto and Johto but keeping tabs on this Evan kid who they all KNOW wasn't there before

Details details, things do work out eventually and the world goes on as it should be.

XG is quite a LOOOONG time later in both the Real World and the Created World but things are getting scary when we've a doomsday cult forming in Kalos and facing things like the events of RandY, Storm Silver, and Sword where the glitches are running en mass, the dead seem to be walking, the awakening of The Darkest Day??? Not a great place to be right now so the different regions start looking to where they can send their people/preserve their way of life by any means leading to a lot of bad decisions. Including people of Orre realizing there's another Orre inside the machine and somehow Hacker Stars gets roped into / is egotistical enough to volunteer to stay in the Real World and manage things to keep everyone else safe. Splitting off part of himself was to help monitor things from the inside but.... Something seems to have gone wrong.

This probably lines up with Colo / XD were originally in the timeline before Olden did the reset. So guess who else is back? Cipher.

To make matters worse, the part of Stars inside the world doesn't seem to have any connection with his other half, so he has NO IDEA what's going on but know what? That's good because he's got talent and friends and going after Cipher and living a pretty normal life. Hacker Stars is... Probably running on autopilot at this time to be honest. He's broken and practically hooked up to the machine, but he's still managing to keep things relatively stable, he's just unable to do anything to protect everyone as he said he would. But he can watch as Stars takes care of things and it seems seeing his other half in action awakens something in him.

No idea if / when / how the two get back together but at least after the mountain encounter they're aware of each other. I wanna say it's not until Xavier is able to defeat Hacker Stars though he can be free to get his life back together

So um, yeah. That's somehow the short version :tppPika:

The sad thing is, I'm not sure if Alpha tried to make contact with Hacker Stars or saw what Cipher was doing and reached out to Host Stars, because if it's the former, WELP! CAN'T SAY HE DIDN'T WARN HIM but if it's the latter, uh.... Too late

[le-pokerus]

tbf theres always emulation if youre one of the many people that cant afford to buy into the used gamecube market, xd is a very fun game and it also has a romhack XG (neXt Generation) (pokemon colosseum has a romhack too, its amazing what we're getting nowadays)

Oh I would emulate but I think my decade+ old laptop would go up in smoke trying to run dolphin 😂

Oooo I didn’t know there were any colosseum/xd rom hacks I’ll have to look em up

[yanderefreak1213]

Yandere headcannons for Gods Tamaki and Nejire 

Will add more for Mirio since he didn’t much last time

I did Mirio so it only feels right to do it for these guys to -Feel free to suggest who you want next-

Warnings: Yandere Themes, mentions of non con stuff

Yandere!God!Tamaki xG/N Reader

-Honestly probably the one you’d want the most him being the most gentle.

-But don’t think he won’t get mad, his patience will run out. He’d never hurt you. Not physically atleast.

-He’s very good at manipulation and he’s not against hurting others, he’s the god of death and can make many people’s time come faster. 

-He’s clingy. But he’d also be the only god willing to let you have alone time while he’s busy.

-Despite it all, he’s not one for punishments. But like I said he will do them if he feels the need.

-If I’m being honest he probably pulled a Hades and Persephone thing on you. Just kinda upped and took you. After getting the guts to do it.

-Escaping him is a nightmare to do, if you manage to get away from his realm he’ll be able to just find you again, even Nejire and Mirio will track you down.

-Basically the only he won’t punish you for, he’d be more relief you’re safe and back with him.

-But if you got hurt, he won’t punish you. But you’ll be on a high watch for him, and if someone had hurt you well. I think ya’ll know him being the god of death will do.

Yandere!God! Mirio x G/N Reader 

-As I said he’s a bit of a sadist with you,  ofcorse never doing to permanently damage you, he may have made you immortal but he understands how fragile your body is.

-He just likes seeing you squirm.

- Honestly punishments with this guy is cruel, he’s not against forcing things on you. And I’m not talking about just affection.

-Escaping him much like Tamaki is way harder, but also easier. Tamaki’s domain is the ground so while his darling can be tracked by him easily, Mirio will have issues finding you on the ground, what makes it harder? Tamaki will still track you.

-If you go to the water you’ll have Nejire on you then.

-Honestly no matter where you go you’ll have a god tracking you down, Bakugo and Aizawa being his best trackers.

-Unlike Tamaki, he will punish you for this action. Punishment will highly depend on how long you were gone for and how hurt you got while out.

Yandere!Goddess!Nejire x g/n Reader

-She’s in the middle of these two honestly. While she’s overly sweet she doesn’t understand limits.

-She feels bad when she hurts you but she generally doesn’t understand how fragile a mortal is.

-She just wants to cuddle you. And honestly you’re better off just letting her.

-She also likes dressing you up in cute gowns and outfits.

-While she’s pretty lenient, she will have punishments ready if you push it to far, for example, if you struggle while she’s cuddling you. She’ll keep you completely isolated. If you don’t wanna accept her love fine, but done expect to be able to see anyone else for a while.

-Escaping- honestly her just getting you back is punishment enough, much like Tamaki she’ll be relief you’re okay but you’ll be smothered with affection 

-And if you’re hurt its worst.

-She forces you to come with her on her godly duties so she can get her cuddle fix.

-You’re just kinda drug to her, one she’s not willing to quit. 

-Like Mirio, she’s pretty friendly with mortals and honestly finds them adorable and doesn’t wanna hurt them. But she’ll do what she needs to in order to keep her darling safe. Even if that means washing away an entire city just to find you.

-She acts innocent but don’t let it fool you. She’s not afraid of getting dirty and manipulating you. 

[shijiujun]

[History3: MODC] Ep 1-2 Summary - SOMEONE PROTECC XI GU PLS

Alright guys! I managed to make it home in time, and watched both episodes, but I guess I’m able to do a mini summary of sorts - But my verdict on the show is while the first two episodes seem a tad bit slow in terms of plot but there ARE NO GLARING PLOTHOLES THANK GOD and i gotta say I LOVE XI GU AND HAO TING AND BO XIANG AND ZHI GANG AND THE TWINS LMAO THEY ALL SO CUTE and surprisingly I like the main girl as well Si Yu although okay it kinda sucks that she’s going after Xi Gu while still attached to Hao Ting unless she was aiming for threesome but then no communication there and FRANKLY it might even be a love rectangle between Xi Gu - Hao Ting - Nintendo Switch - Si Yu lmao 

We start off with Hao Ting and gang (the fiercer twin, Gao Qun, Bo Xiang and the other guy whose name I still don’t know but he’s a Singaporean actor) in class and the Chinese teacher reading off abysmally low scores ranging like in the 30s and below out of a 100, and guess what our lovely main lead Hao Ting scores THIRTEEN OUT OF A HUNDRED

And okay you gotta give it to Hao Ting - He’s a little shit but he’s a CHARISMATIC little shit with a glib tongue, anyway the teacher yells at him for being not serious about graduating and his friends cheer him on and are just generally obnoxious, and then Hao Ting quips that this is about freedom yeah, and of course the teacher is like fuck you dumbass & threatens Hao Ting that if he dares to leave this class he doesn’t have to come back

Don’t ever dare and threaten your dumbass jocks in class cuz they hear a dare they gonna CARRY OUT THE DARE TEACHERS HAVE YOU NOT LEARNT ANYTHING - so Hao Ting leaps over a desk and runs out much to the cheers of his friends and everyone in class who get up and run to the windows and doors to watch him go - And then one of his friends yell at him to ask him to buy fried chicken early from the canteen I think

And then cut to the next scene - The gang at the courtyard/stage thingy and Gao Qun filmed the whole thing earlier and is showing to everyone while they eat fried chicken, and then Hao Ting demands for 300 NTD each from his friends, who refuse to pay lmao although Hao Ting digs into Bo Xiang’s pocket and digs out some coins and keeps them 

Then Hao Ting’s girlfriend pings him and he runs off

Cut to the infirmary, and HT’s shirt is half off as his girlfriend Si Yu is helping him to ice his shoulder and spray muscle relaxant on his back - She’s chiding him for being so reckless earlier and asking him not to do that again because she’ll be worried, and HT obviously soaks in the attention and TLC from her, and then they proceed to MAKE OUT

Pretty good makeout scene really, although idg why the camera angle had to show like her cleavage specifically like LMAO ARE U ALLOWED TO SHOW THE CLEAVAGE OF A TECHNICALLY UNDER-18 GIRL?!!! No idea, anyway, things get really heated up, but they’re interrupted

And XI GU makes his first appearance here!!! He’s taking a nap in the infirmary and is totally disturbed by these two horny teenagers, in any case SY and HT go out, although SY’s eyes are totally on XG as they leave - She’s curious about him

Then the infirmary doctor comes in, and obviously XG is like the apple of everyone’s eyes and I GET IT BECAUSE WHEN HE SMILES IT’S DEVASTATING - So the doctor is chiding him for not eating lunch (and if you read the character intro translation I did you’ll know it’s because XG is poor and he wants to save money, like that’s driving force behind all his actions for now at least) and because of that XG is obviously thin as fuck and pale like Edward Cullen - So doc tells him to take more care of himself and rest etc. etc.

And then side character 1 and side character 2 - SY’s friends, the girl (SC1) calls herself a fujoshi and is obviously a fan of XG and you’re a bit creepy but I get you girl, and then anw SY is asking SC1 about XG after she sees that XG is first in exams again, and SY gurl don’t two-time please

HT is DYING to buy a Switch, and after dinner with his fam, he tries to secretly ask him mom for money but the mom and sis totally gives him away and the dad threatens to hit him to see if ‘he’ll be more normal’ after that LMAO - and anw dad chases HT to the room but HT wins by shutting the room door and son and dad yell at one another through the door - But despite this u can see that they’re really close

Mom and sis settled on the couch eating fruits in the chaos - a MOOD

Then next day SY catches up to XG as he’s walking to (class? to lunch? idk?) and asks him to tutor her, and XG rejects her of course cuz he likes to study alone and he hates everyone else kinda but she insists and he refuses and then because they’re doing this on the stairs she slips and OF COURSE SMOL XG catches her and upstairs, the fiercer Xia twin videos it and them in that position

Fiercer Xia twin meets the rest of the gang on the rooftop but no one has much of a reaction to his news until he pulls out the video - HAO TING EATING REGARDLESS OF THE NEWS IS LIKE A BIG MOOD REALLY - the nicer Xia twin tries to speak up for XG because they’re like classmates, and then WHOA there’s a strange like almost-kiss moment as Xia En and Xia De like confront each other over that

HT finishes eating and goes confidently, “She won’t like him”

And then he goes to the infirmary wanting to take a nap right, and when he pulls open the curtain THERE XI GU IS ASLEEP AND THIS IS WHERE WE GET THE HAO TING FALLING ON XI GU ON THE BED SCENE FROM THE TRAILERS - And HT groans, “First he ruins my plans and then now he’s taken my bed”

HT reaches for a red pen from the table on the other side of Xi Gu’s bed and of course he falls and lands on the bed, and then XI GU WAKES UP AND HORRORRRRR

Doc comes in and reprimands HT for bullying/disturbing XG basically

And then I can’t remember where the scene is exactly but XG at some point goes to work at Zhi Gang’s soy milk store?!!! I think or cafe that sells soy milk lmao, and Zhi Gang asks if he’s eaten dinner, and XI GU SO CUTELY SMILES OMGGG and lies that he has, but obviously ZG already knows that XG is lying and already bought dinner for him, and also lets XG go home early out of consideration for XG’s studying schedule since he’s also studying to graduate this sem I think?!

Oh okay then before this scene, we have THIRSTY BO XIANG AT HIS COUSIN’S GYM WIPING THE EQUIPMENT AND ALSO TAKING SECRET PHOTOS OF ZHI GANG - His cousin catches him, makes a scene and he’s ZG’s personal trainer I think and when he lifts up ZG’s shirt to ‘check’ on his progress, wow, BX DROOLS OKAY

And then at some point, Si Yu ambushes XG in class and gets him to tutor her after school because he stays behind for two out of five days, and then the twins find out, so when the time comes, the fiercer twin bullies XG out of class, and SY is left disappointed 

HT basically begins to skip school and part time, and helps his mom to give out flyers in his neighbourhood to earn some extra money, and he also somehow cheats his mom by deliberately over-counting his daily part-time rate LMAO, but the sis does the math and outs him, and dad chases after him to try to hit him again but HT ain’t scared at all and they just play cat and mouse

And then the gang corners XG during lunch, bully him and basically makes him late HALF AN HOUR for class which has NEVER HAPPENED TO PERFECT ATTENDANCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE XI GU - He’s distressed because he needs a perfect attendance record and grades to get scholarship for university - So he’s fucking distressed, and the nicer twin at the back obviously sees it and he FEELS BAD and XG didn’t eat lunch again so he’s having gastric probably

End of the class XG begs the teacher not to record his tardiness because he really needs the scholarship, but the teacher is like everyone saw you come in so damn late, how can he like not put it on record? But when XG insists - white-lipped and shaking and all - teacher asks him to tell him why - and so XG tells him (which also doesn’t help him in terms of being bullied more by the gang when they find out)

So the gang ends up sweeping the corridor lmao

XG once again goes to work and kind-hearted LOVELY OPPA ZHI GANG gives him a bread again and asks him to go home early to study CRIES WHERE IS MY DADDY LONG LEGS

and BX probably because of his punishment, is unable to go to the gym for a while, but ZG asks the cousin where BX is

End of episode 2 shows BX on his bicycle cursing his cousin out for making him go all the way out to like... find a soy milk store, and GUESS WHAT SOY MILK STORE BELONGS TO HANDSOME ZHI GANG OKAY

Oh yeah and then he sees his lovely oppa in store helping XG to straighten out his collar and then he gets jelly

and the next day he confronts XG and pushes him against the wall and THE EPISODE ENDS HERE LIKE STOP DIS BULLYING

THOUGHTS ON THE SHOW:

This is pretty damn cute so far i have to admit, and I PROMISE YOU ONE OF THESE EPISODES, XI GU IS GONNA FAINT FROM HUNGER OR ILLNESS AND THEN EVERYONE FINDS OUT HOW POOR HE IS AND HAO TING CARRIES HIM TO THE INFIRMARY AND THEN BULLY GANG REGRETS BEING SO MEAN TO HIM

And for now, it seems like Si Yu may actually be supportive when she finds out that HT has taken an interest in XG - More on that in the next trailer I think, because somehow HT will mess up and XG ends up losing his first place on the exams and walks away dejectedly as HT regrets being a fucking idiot

And also at some point Zhi Gang will see Bo Xiang having fun with another girl on the streets and be all pissed and jelly and withdraw, and then HT tells BX to please go apologise and get him back, which BX attempts to do - CRIES HANDSOME OPPA IS DEFINITELY ZHI GANG OKAY

***

For @decadentdeerpolice <3

[chirpinchikadee]

Sina Entertainment Exclusive Dialogue – Xiaogui Wang Linkai [Trans]

Hello everyone, I am Xiaogui ✌ 

Q: As it is the last concert, how are you feeling now? XG: I’m a little nervous, and a little excited, and looking forward to it.

Q: Will you bet on who will crack and cry tonight? XG: I think most of us won’t be able to hold it in, because actually the mood has reached that point. I think it will be a very sad scene.

Q: I saw your preview (More Than Forever) two days ago. You were in the car saying “I feel regretful towards NPC, very regretful. I wanted to work harder but realized there was no time left”. What made you say it at that time? XG: Because after we became a group, the time that we truly spent together was actually very little. I wanted to be with my brothers. I especially missed the time when we were touring for fan-meetings, the feeling of that time and also the training. There weren’t many chances to gather together later on, so I felt it was a pity.

Q: Everyone seemed to have a feeling towards the group like “we can become the number one boy group”, but it seems like this advantage was not fully maximized. XG: Actually, being the number one boy group is not important. What’s most important is during the time we were a group, everyone grew and found their goals and direction. I think the most important thing is having a group of brothers like these by your side. And also the quiet support of our fans, I think this is most important. Being the number one boy group does not matter. 

Q: Particularly when the competition just ended, the attention from the outside world towards you guys may say it’s just popularity, only about things that are more superficial. When you just debuted, as you are also a newcomer, was there a process where you were a little confused or did not know which way to go? XG: At first, there will definitely be some dispute and public opinion. They will feel like… because actually they don’t know what kind of person you are. But I think all answers will be revealed in time, and NINEPERCENT will definitely become even better in future.

Q: As far as you are concerned, are you clear about your own path? Or was there a period when perhaps you felt the workload is a lot, asked ‘what am I doing’, or something like that? XG: Actually there are times when I was confused, when I encountered problems, when the pressure was huge. But I think this is a process that I must go through. Without experiencing this pressure, you won’t grow. So to me, I think this a way for you to grow, so going through this is inevitable. 

Q: For example, when you (encounter) some problems in your career, will you share it with these few brothers? Some of the troubles. XG: Yes, of course I will share it. But I know that even if everyone doesn’t say it out loud, we have definitely gone through a lot. We can sense it the next time we see each other, the look in our eyes is different. We can gradually sense the other person is becoming more and more mature. Maybe others have the same thoughts, which is the feeling that everyone has an indescribable mutual understanding. But we can feel one another slowly growing up.

Q: Regardless of how highly the outside world thinks of you guys, how do you guys perceive the outside world among yourselves? XG: To the outside world, I think it’s more of doing our own part well. I feel that NINEPERCENT is not a group which one can simply appraise or determine its nature. The group means a lot to me, it is not what it looks like on the surface. It has a lot of value and many important things. So its nature is not something that can be easily affected by a couple of sentences. 

Q: Out of good intentions from the outside world, probably when NINEPERCENT is brought up, most of the comments are regrets. But like what you said, do you feel that NINEPERCENT still left something for everyone? XG: We left precious memories and friendship. I think this friendship is more important. Actually for our age group, we have experienced things that perhaps children in the same age group as us have not gone through. So I think this is the most valuable fortune.

Q: I saw that all of you posted a Polaroid on the 6th, and felt that these boys had a sense of ceremony. Apart from this and the promise made among your team, did you show a sense of ceremony in other ways? XG: Actually, I won’t say that we had a sense of ceremony, but we really value our friendship. To express it in other ways, we’ll joke around but we absolutely won’t be sentimental. Even if we say our farewells in a joking manner, we won’t seriously and sentimentally say those kinds of words. We’ll do it our own way.

Q: That time when you guys were rehearsing in Beijing, how long has it been? (Since) Everyone was together? XG: A very long time, actually. It feels like….a few months? Anyway it was quite long.

Q: During the reunion, was there anything fun in the process of rehearsal? XG: Everyone is still mischievous like before. During rehearsal some are still playing around and not being serious, and then there are also times when they get serious. It feels like our understanding of each other is still there.

Q: I saw some posts online again today. There’s a lot of hardworking delivery guys sending takeout after takeout. How many things did you guys order at that time? XG: I was actually always in the process of practicing the dance. I keep going into the lounge and see another pile of takeout. I go into the lounge again and I will see another (takeout) again. But I don’t know who ordered it, specifically. Anyway there were quite a few meals, different kinds of dishes, hamburgers, everything was there. In the end we couldn’t finish it and felt it was quite a waste. 

Q: As you will really be saying farewell soon, what does NINEPERCENT mean to you? XG: As I mentioned, precious memories, precious experiences, friendship, the friendship between brothers, and the most valuable growth.

Q: Everyone felt that your workload was quite heavy this year. Do you feel that with the things you are doing, it is in the direction which you really want to advance? In our industry, there will definitely be a lot of things not within our control. XG: In terms of direction, I feel that I like my current identity. I also like what I’m doing now. I also like everything NINEPERCENT has for me. I feel honored with this identity, and also very thankful. To be able to work on the music I love, to make more people like me, I think this is enough. In future, I will use my own way to create a path that belongs to me.

Q: At the present stage, do you have any big confusion? XG: Actually I think there are still a lot of things (I am) lacking and I still need to continuously work hard to learn many things. I don’t consider myself as someone who is good at having a conversation with others, maybe because my personality is more direct. I think I need to make more effort to be considerate of others. I need to work on this, and also in terms of my music, including my stage, including all kinds of lighting and so on. Actually in terms of the stage, there are quite a lot of things lacking. I hope to work even harder, to have more time to film, such as some MVs will be good.

Q: On account of questioning by the outside world, everyone will think that idols have a very strong possibility of being replaced. Even in the market now, as you know, (idols) come in batches. Do you have any concerns on this? XG: I don’t mind whether I am replaced, because I am myself. There’s only a character that belongs to me, a personality of my own. He can take over your position, but he will never be able to take over your name is Xiaogui, that’s how I’ll put it. Which is why I feel Xiaogui is Xiaogui. Like I said, Xiaogui will use his own style to create a path of his own. So I’m not afraid of anyone replacing me.

Q: When you first debuted, everyone seemed to give you guys many titles, such as “redefining boy groups” or “opening up this generation”. After these 18 months, do you think the results produced lived up to the expectations and titles given to the group? XG: NINEPERCENT’s existence in itself is the best (result) in my heart.

Q:  What would you like to say to Xiaogui, the NINEPERCENT graduand? XG: Graduand Xiaogui, you will soon be wandering by yourself, running towards your goals, the true meaning of ‘go it alone’. I hope you won’t be afraid to face all the coming challenges and pressure. Be sure to cherish, be sure to remember all the friendship and all the precious memories left to you in these 18 months. These will spur you on to solve all the challenges in future. Remember the things that NINEPERCENT taught you and everything given to you. Be thankful to everyone.

Q: Lastly, whether using lyrics from your own songs or older songs, express your feelings towards your brothers. XG: *singing* “Let time return to that first moment, when I first stood on stage”. Let time return to that first moment, when we first stood on stage. I want to return to that time the most right now.

✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧✧

© ZH>EN Translation by chirpinchikadee.

[analogskullerosis]

Tagged by- @cowgirliee and @delanore-roosevelt

Rules: shuffle your “on repeat” playlist from spotify or the music service of your choice and post the first 10 tracks

Note: These are all from Spotify, but I'll also be providing Youtube links for any non-Spotify users. :)

1 : El Dorado - Magdalena Bay (https://youtu.be/mA6lKJNsrqg)

I enjoy the way that singer Mica Tenenbaum switches between Spanish and English on a dime. It's like how Sarah Bonito switches between Japanese and English on Kero Kero Bonito songs. I also enjoy the late 80s atmospheric synthpop vibe this song goes for.

2 : So Hot You're Hurting My Feelings - Caroline Polachek (https://youtu.be/sn3cHUtNZKo)

I want Caroline Polachek to kick me in the head and run me over with her car.

3 : Funky Duck - Vulfpeck (https://youtu.be/dhNfddJRulQ)

"He owns a truck, but he drives a Saab" is the line that keeps me coming back. Also, Antwaun Stanley is just a killer vocalist.

4 : Mr. Pink - Level 42 (https://youtu.be/Dt1APRRddS4)

Imagine this: a fun little dance contest for couples, but they have to figure out how to dance to every second of this song.

Every Slowbro I run in Pokemon these days is named after this song.

5 : pRETTy - Lil Yachty (https://youtu.be/8w3z-7Hq9Ak)

Yachty's weird vibrato moaning at the beginning of this song will not leave my head. It makes me laugh. Fousheé's guest feature on the second verse is great.

6 : Unconditional - Magdalena Bay (https://youtu.be/hQjqyxC97gA)

My new go-to example of how to define "catchy, fun pop song." Chorus is infectious and has gotten lodged in my brain for days, bass line rules, the whole song is everything I enjoy about pop music.

7 : Romanian Drinking Song - Vulfpeck (https://youtu.be/Xg-5ie0OCo8)

Theo Katzman is the greatest kazoo playing drummer of our generation. When his kazoo follows that bass run at around 2:43 it is nothing short of spectacular. Also, Joey Dosik's sax keys apparently got stuck near the end of the recording but it still sounded good enough to keep. These dudes rule.

I've been listening to Vulfpeck's Schvitz album pretty much on repeat all year so far. The whole album rules and this one is a fun highlight.

8 : Woww - Magdalena Bay (https://youtu.be/mb-PYrATAuI)

This is the last Mag Bay song, I promise. This song always reminds me of something that seemed like it came from the Kirby SuperStar soundtrack. This mini song features classic insults such as: "Get out my face / With your stupid face." Lyrical masterminds. Mica Tenenbaum and Matt Lewin are the best pop duo working today.

9 : I Don't Want It At All - Kim Petras (https://youtu.be/JC9FA8lZRy8)

My personal issues with Petras aside (she REALLY needs to understand why people have a big problem with her choosing to defend and keep working with Dr. Luke, infamously known as the man who sexually and emotionally abused Kesha) this song rules. Like "Unconditional," this is everything I really enjoy about modern pop music. It's fun, it's catchy as hell, and Petras is fantastic performer. She's been deserving of the recent hype she's been getting (criticisms aside).

By the way, in case you were curious, yes, Dr. Luke is one of three producers on this song (though it's not under his usual name. He likes to use aliases sometimes in order to hide it... probably no big reason why). Yes, I can still enjoy this song despite knowing that. No, I don't think he should be allowed to keep producing pop hits.

10 : Live and Let Die - Paul McCartney & Wings (https://youtu.be/ZwnX0iqKDdQ?t=7)

This has been on repeat because I plan on writing about it (which you will be able to find over at @therecordconnection in the next few days. Shameless plug? I don't know what you're talking about.)

I'll at least say that this is in my Top 5 of 007 movie themes. I love how explosive and cinematic it is and the way the song randomly transforms into a reggae beat halfway through for like 40 seconds ("What does it maaaatter to ya?") is classic McCartney songwriting (even though that bit was provided by Linda McCartney). It's good stuff. Wings' two 1973 albums, Red Rose Speedway and Band on the Run, both turn 50 this year. They're worth your time. :)

Thanks for stopping by! These are always fun. I'd like to tag @memento-more-tea @themarvelousinterrobang @tahlwyn @the-mind-wanders @oleskellybones and anybody else that would like to join in! :)

[lawsonsdavid]

Real Madrid Liverpool: result, goals, summary, Champions League /21 -

Liverpool v real madrid champions league final - UEFA Champions League Final - Wikipedia

Klopp conceded the quarter-final draw brought back memories of the game in Kyiv but said liverpool v real madrid champions league final has moved on and his players will be treating the game like any other European knockout tie. Liverpool face Madrid tonight before next week's return fixture at Anfield, where the Merseyside club have struggled in more info Premier League this season, with matches taking place without fans due to the pandemic.

Benitez, who managed Liverpool from to and had a short spell at Madrid, said it was crucial the English side get a goal in the first leg. We knew the next game at Anfield would be important with the supporters. We pressed them from the first minute and scored early before winning Naby Keita starting in place of Thiago Alcantara for Liverpool has surprised many ahead of the clash liverpool v real madrid champions league final Real Madrid in the Champions League tonight.

Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool: result, goals, summary, Champions League 2020/21

Karim Benzema captains the Spanish side who will employ a system with Nacho, Lucas, Militao and Mendy marshalling the rear-guard. A liverpool v real madrid champions league final into the head-to-head records of the German and French manager as they meet again with Liverpool and Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Liverpool v real madrid champions league final Benzema is likely to lead the line and the Frenchman has a stellar record against the Premier League outfit. In the history of rael Champions League, no player has more goals ldague them than Benzema's four — level with Didier Drogba. Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will hope to continue his fine recent record dinal this stage of the competition, the German winning each of his last five quarter-final games, including liverpool v real madrid champions league final four of his games at this stage while in charge of Liverpool.

Central to their hopes of taking a lead back to Anfield for the second leg will be Sadio Mane. The Senegal international has scored 19 livefpool in 40 games in the Champions League and could become just the third player in the club's history to reach 20 mmadrid in the competition after Mohamed Salah 24 and Steven Gerrard This will be the first Champions League meeting between the two sides since Real Madrid beat Liverpool in the Kiev final.

That was the Reds' third consecutive defeat to Los Blancos in the competition. They have only suffered four cgampions on the spin against the same opponent across all European competitions once before, with Benfica putting together such a streak between and The LaLiga champions will be in confident mood, having won the first leg in eight of their last these details Champions Liverpool v real madrid champions league final knockout ties.

The Spanish club confirmed the news earlier this afternoon announcing champioons their French defender had tested positive for the coronavirus. He will now have to be isolated for a number of days and will miss these two huge games. Hay nuevos mensajes. Man of the match: Vinicius Two goals from the Brazilian and he was a big factor in Zidane's side's win over Liverpool.

For those fans fijal XG out there Liverpool's Robertson post game: "We started poorly and were pleased to get the goal back and to be honest, didn't deserve too much from tonight but we did get the away goal ahead of the return leg at Anfield". Vinicius Jr the man of the night for Real Madrid.

Post game: Vinicius: "My team mates help my confidence levels". Real Madrid to progress according to the stats!

Real Madrid-Liverpool UEFA Champions League 2017/18

Real Madrid 3. FT at Valdebebas, and it's very much advantage Real Madrid with a win in the first leg. Last minute of the We'll have at least three for the various substitutions. Corner for the visitors after a hugely patient passage of play. Madrid clear the danger. Madrid defending deep now Liverpool probing but no way through Updated at Peep peep! It finishes to Madrid, just as it did in the final, but at least Liverpool get a second chance this time. Updated at 9. Yes they may win the second leg but their high line looks far liverpool v real madrid champions league final dangerous for their own good.

I suspect Liverpool fans will use a different adjective. Mane goes over in the D after an excellent run. Fabinho has moved back into defence. Thiago wafts over the bar from the edge of the D. Attempt blocked. Adam Lallana Liverpool left footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Foul by Nacho Real Madrid. Substitution, Real Madrid. Marco Asensio replaces Karim Benzema. Nacho Real Madrid wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Roberto Firmino Liverpool.

Foul by Marcelo Real Madrid. Georginio Wijnaldum Liverpool wins a free kick in the defensive source. Conceded by Dejan Lovren. Real Madrid 3, Liverpool 1. Gareth Bale Real Madrid left footed shot from outside the box to liverpool v real madrid champions league final top right corner. Assisted by Marcelo.

Substitution, Liverpool. Emre Can replaces James Milner. These comments are now closed. Liverpool keeper Loris Karius says he is "infinitely sorry" after his two mistakes helped Real Madrid beat the Reds in the Champions League final.

Gareth Bale scored a goal that has been described as so difficult it was "illegal", but was it the best Champions League final strike ever? Goalkeeping errors, devastating injuries and that overhead kick - here's how social media reacted to the Champions League final. We want you to pick the best 11 players from this season's Champions League - here's your most popular XI so far. Liverpool v real madrid champions league final latest check and headlines sent straight to your phone, sign-up to our newsletter and learn where to find us on online.

The latest rumours and stories from around the world of football. Analysis and opinion from our chief football writer. How to get into football - the most popular sport in the world, with clubs and facilities throughout the UK. Line-ups Match Stats Live Text. Line-ups Real Madrid Formation 1 Navas. Liverpool Formation 1 Karius.

Referee: Milorad Mazic. Attendance: 61, Live Text. Page 1 of 6. Navigate to the next page next. Comments Join the conversation. To use comments you will need to have JavaScript enabled. This was also the most recent occasion the final featured an English team Chelsea.

Besides the final, the two teams liverpool v real madrid champions league final played each other four discover more here in the Champions League era.

With a stadium capacity of 63, for the final, a total of 40, tickets were available to fans and the general public, with the two finalist teams receiving 17, tickets each and with 6, tickets being available for sale to fans worldwide via UEFA. The remaining tickets were allocated to the local organising committee, UEFA and national associations, commercial partners and broadcasters, and to serve the corporate hospitality programme.

English singer Dua Lipa performed at the opening ceremony preceding the final. In late May, The New York Times reported that some fans with allocated tickets had returned them after having trouble finding flights to and accommodation in Kyiv.

Locals in Kyiv began offering free accommodation for fans affected by cancelled hotel and apartment arrangements. On 24 May, a group of Liverpool fans were attacked in a restaurant by 20 masked hooligans.

The match began with Liverpool's kickoff and the team's successive attacks to counter Madrid's slower, possession-based buildup. In the 23rd minute, a low shot by Trent Alexander-Arnold went through a defender's legs and forced a late save by Keylor Navas. Two minutes later, Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was injured competing for the ball with Sergio Ramoswho had locked Salah's arm resulting in liverpool v real madrid champions league final fall.

His goal was disallowed however because he was judged to have been in an offside position. The first half ended scoreless, with Madrid dominating possession but Liverpool having more chances to score.

The first chance of the second half fell to Iscowho hit the crossbar. In the 51st minute, Benzema scored the match's first goal by deflecting a throw by Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius back into the net. Ronaldo had a chance to score his first goal of the match during a counterattack in the 73rd minute, but was tackled by Liverpool defender Andrew Robertson in the penalty box. Bale scored his second goal of the match in the 83rd minute on a yard 37 m shot that swerved in front of Karius and went through his hands and into the net.

A second chance on goal for Ronaldo in the 93rd minute of play was interrupted by a pitch invaderwho was captured by stadium stewards. The "home" team for administrative purposes was determined by an additional draw held liverpool v real madrid champions league final the semi-final draw, which was held on 13 AprilCESTat the UEFA headquarters in NyonSwitzerland.

Match rules [47]. Liverpool v real madrid champions league final Zinedine Zidane became the first to win three consecutive Champions League titles and matched Carlo Ancelotti 's record of Champions League era wins.

Gareth Bale became the first substitute to score two goals in a Champions League final and was named man of the match. Sergio Ramos liverpool v real madrid champions league final tackle on Mohamed Salah received mixed reactions from the press and fans liverpool v real madrid champions league final whether the injury was the result of a deliberate blow or an accident. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Source: UEFA. Benzema 51 ' Bale 63 '83 '. They sealed progress on Matchday 6 with a victory at Salzburg.

The latter result ended Liverpool's match unbeaten home run in Europe W18 D7since the loss to Real Madrid on 22 Octoberand was their first aggregate defeat in 12 two-legged knockout ties in UEFA competition.

They have lost seven of their see post 20 games in the competition W10 D3. They have qualified for the knockout rounds in all of their 25 seasons, also a competition best.

[genxsystems]

Top 5 best firewall Hardware for Small Business in 2021

Using the system and connecting it to the internet without having next gen firewall device means you are inviting hackers, viruses, and other malware to enter your system and data. It is possible, your confidential data can be stolen and the system can be harmed.

System and data security is something that is getting more & more attention every day. We are talking about the sensitive and confidential data of your business that can hit you with the loss if get damaged or anyone steals it by entering through the internet connection. You need to know about the next-gen firewall devices you should go for to protect your system and data from viruses, hackers, and other related harms.

The best firewall device will guard your systems from hackers to stop them from stealing your data.

Talking about the recent surveys by Forrester Research of Cambridge, it says “To protect data and systems from hackers and viruses, small & mid-size businesses are opting installing firewall devices. 44% of these types of businesses are planning to get the best firewall within the coming 1 year.”

There are two types of firewall solutions are available in the market. One is hardware and another one is software based. Today we are focusing on the hardware based firewall solutions and the top 5 best firewall hardware for small business in 2021.

What is hardware firewall?

A hardware firewall is a device that helps in monitoring the network traffic on the systems used in the office or at home. It is the main and very first line of security for a computer system and its network. The networking cable is connected to the firewall instead of connecting it directly to the server. These devices are so powerful security networking solution that forces all the network traffic to get inspected and give or deny the access before sending it to the system.

Now it is very difficult for many business owners to choose the best firewall device that can safeguard their systems and data from the hackers and viruses that can get access through the internet and can steal or harm the data.

There are lots of hardware firewalls options available in the market but everyone wants to choose the best one according to their requirements. Here we have chosen some of the best firewall devices for the small businesses.

 Top 5 Best Firewall Hardware for Small Business in 2021

1) Sonicwall TZ400 Security Firewall Device

2) Cisco ASA 5545-X Firewall

3) Sophos XG 230 Firewall Device

4) Sonicwall TZ350 Network Security Appliance

5) Sophos XG 115 Firewall Security Device

  1) Sonicwall TZ400 Security Firewall Device

Sonicwall TZ400 is a hardware firewall security device that offers flexible and unified security solutions to mid or small size businesses that require enterprise grade network protection from cyber threats. This is a security device that provides broader protection with advanced security management consisting of on-box and cloud-based anti-malariated-spyware, intrusion prevention system, and URL filtering to track and guard the data from the cyber attacks.

Key features includes-

 Very simple to install and operate

 Centralized management system to control all aspects of device from single location.

Quick and secure connection process and requires minimal configuration.

Captures advanced threat protection, program that blocks zero day threats like ransomware attacks.

To inspect suspicious code, real time deep memory inspection.

  2) Cisco ASA 5545-X Firewall

Cisco ASA 5545-X IPS Edition Security Appliance comes with the firepower feature that brings distinctive threat-focused next generation security to the systems and data. It offers complete protection from known and advanced cyber threats that can harm your system entering through the internet. Cisco ASA solutions are the most widely used hardware firewall device by the small or mid size businesses.

Cisco ASA 5545-X Firewall Key features-

8 Gigabit Ethernet, IPSec ports

 Delivers integrated threat defense for the entire attack continuum - before, during, and after an attack.

Broad and deep network security through an array of cloud- and software-based integrated security services.

Comprehensive antimalware capabilities, including antivirus, botnet traffic filter, and antispyware.

High-performance VPN and always-on remote access.

  3) Sophos XG 230 Firewall Device

Sophos XG 230 Firewall Device also built great hardware firewall security devices with an amazing user interface. With interactive control center utilizing traffic light indicators to instantly identify the unknown and advance cyber threat. It offers instant insights into endpoint health unidentified Mac and Windows applications, cloud applications and Shadow IT, and suspicious payloads. Sophos Security Heartbeat connecting Sophos endpoints with the Firewall to share health status and telemetry to enable instant identification of unhealthy or compromised endpoints.

Sophos XG 230 Firewall Device Key benefits-

High Availability (HA) supports clustering two devices in active-active or active-passive mode.

Automated firmware updates notification with easy automated update process and roll-back features.

Flexible device access control for services by zones.

Email or SNMP trap notification options.

Central management support from Sophos Firewall Manager or Sophos Cloud Firewall Manager

Backup and restore configurations: locally, via FTP or email; on-demand, daily, weekly or monthly.

Remote access option for Sophos Support.

Cloud-based license management via MySophos.

  4) Sonicwall TZ350 Network Security Appliance

Sonicwall TZ350 is come up as one of the best firewall devices you can opt for any business that needs network and system security from advanced cyber threats. It is specially designed for small networks and enterprises with remote locations. This series comes with fives models that fulfill every system and data security.

Sonicwall TZ350 Firewall key features-

 Lightening fast speed performance with security processors

Network control and flexibility

Manage everything from one location with Capture Security Center

 Run quickly, with zero touch deployment.

5) Sophos XG 115 Firewall Security Device

Sophos XG 115 is a firewall security device that you can opt for your small business and safeguard your systems and data from getting steal or harm. It is a great security system that exposes hidden risks that can bring a problem to your organization.

Sophos XG 115 Firewall Security Device Key benefits-

Superior visibility into risky activity

Helps you in regaining the control of your network.

Powerful next-gen protection technologies like deep learning and intrusion prevention

Responses to the threat automatically and instantly identify the problem and stop threats from spreading.

Firewall security solutions are the key aspect of network protection and the incoming & outgoing network traffic has to be analyzed to prevent hacking. Now you have options in front of you and all these are available on Genx System.

Genx system offers a wide range of networking solutions and firewall is one of them. We have great options in Next Gen Firewall For Business that are best in fulfilling all types of network security requirements.

[fmlfpl]

Lineup Lamentations - GW23

Our Transfers, Captains, and Starting 11s for the week!

—

WALSH

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Diego Rico

IN: Jack Stephens

I feel naked and alone without my Spanish lover Rico in my team anymore but it simply had to be so. I'm floating a transfer again this week and just doing a move to give me another cheapo defender who I can rotate. As shouted on the pod at 4.3 Jack seems like a good piece to have at the back until WC with their fixtures and strong underlying defensive numbers. There were certainly other more flair moves I could do but with two Livp in I am valuing the flexibility afforded with two frees ahead of their double to make a final decision about who to get in as the third and who to remove as well.

GK:

Schmeichel (bur)

Woodman the eternal continues to never let me down the legend.

Schmike, on the other hand, suddenly finds himself positioned between a goal frame, a sieve, and the enemy. Still too early to tell if no Ndidi just means they are diabolical but Burnley have been among the worst attacks in the division recently and no Smashley kinda fucks up their balance a lot.

Could see them snap back into form and just dispatch these in an easy win to nil. Hoping for it, anyway.

DEF:

Pereira (bur)

Somehow I still have Periera. He's been by far by farrrrr my worst transfer of the season but I always seem to find a reason to hold on to him and start him. It seems extremely unlikely he is in past this weekend so maybe he'll give me a farewell gift.

Alexander-Arnold (MUN)

Trent goes again nothing to say about that. Only guy I've had since GW1...well other than Woodman of course that sweet boy.

Stephens (WOL)

Jack new friend is put straight into the fire with home Wolves. Not a good on paper fixture but I could kinda see a clean here? Maybe? Not an ideal start, but he's the best option I have and when weighing him up against the other 4.4 defenders and under it looked like his near term fixtures were the best in how he can rotate with what else I've got.

Lundstram (ars)

Lastly is Pointstram.

Another not too great feeling start but also not too bad without Aubz.

Hard to imagine where an Arsecast goal can come from other than a p3p3ga set piece banger or something like this. Don't really feel like Wilder will have any trouble marking Laca out of the game. Pointstram also eye test wise looked a lot more involved in their attack last game so maybe that is a sign of things to come.

MID:

Martial (liv)

Unfortunately I'm going to have to eat a Tony M start here at Anfield. Feels not good but I still like him as a medium term hold despite the mixed fixtures.

Still don't really have any confidence that I know what a "good" fixture is for United attack anyway so I'm just blindly following the mantra of he's playing OOP striker on a top six team so he's a hold.

De Bruyne (CRY)

Kevin up against my boys this weekend we'll see if he's at DM or not. Don't really care though, honestly.

Salah (MUN)

Third mid is Mo. Good lad.

FWD:

Maupay (AVL)

Is this the weekend of Neal? Please Neal be a good Neal one time my son.

Scenic fixture...time to capitalize...or take 1 shot and blank again as per.

I want Neal to give me a sign of life so badly because I would really still like to hold him for the near term through these fixtures. Big game for him and I'll be watching him closely.

Vardy (bur)

Vardz still in there. Whatever.

Agüero (CRY)

Kun off his monster haul good job by Kun love Kun so much.

CAP:

Vardy (bur)

Sticking with Vardz as shouted on the pod.

I've really not gone to the Vardy cap well too often this season but he just seems like a very strong option against a really bad team with two really bad CBs and a really bad GK. I'd honestly be surprised if he doesn't double return.

—

ALON

TRANSFERS:

OUT: N/A

IN: N/A

When in doubt float your fuckin’ transfer...

I had a really brutal week and especially today, Friday, long and tough day.

No idea what I want to do but having two frees and a boatload of cash for next week seems really fun / good.

I’ll probably get rocked in the Cup this week by fuckin Wiscker by just rolling the same crew out again after last week’s bloodbath but maybe with my two frees and a pocket full of change I can roar back in the final two group matches and go through... It works out in my head at least...

GK:

Ryan (AVL)

Great fixture and a great fixture run so come on Mat gimme some points.

DEF:

van Dijk (MUN)

Everything says that this should be an easy Liverpool win and an easy Liverpool clean but who knows it’s still a derby...

United are absolutely terrible on set plays they have conceded the third most in the league and Liverpool have scored the tied for second most int he league so make of that what you will... VVDue? VVDong?

Söyüncü (bur)

Hoping for a Soy redemption song this week after that very sloppy mess of a match lass week... Burnley are very much there for the taking so go on SoyBoy.

Lundstram (ars)

I sleeper think that this is a great fixture... ok maybe great is an exaggeration because it’s not a ~banker~ but with how Arsenal’s been playing lately - very few shots and not much xG or sustained attack - plus no Aubz it just seems very cleanable and winnable for Sheff U from where I’m sitting. 

MID:

Salah (MUN)

Funny cheeky little interview he gave. Mo’s a good guy.

De Bruyne (CRY)

Easy keep.

Maddison (bur)

Time for a bounce-back from Leicester no fucking around. Maddo was such a steady tick merchant for me back in the good ole days I just want to taste that success again.

Sarr (tot)

Not a good fixture but definitely not a bad one either.

Sarr and Watty have been looking fabulous and will cause Spurs tons of problems for me.

Cantwell (BOU)

Lastly going for Big Todd Energy over Jiménez this week (feel free to thank me Jim owners) becaaaauuuuuseeeee just I don’t know gut feeling and shit.

Jim has been an extremely upsetting transfer in for me and I shouted Wolves being tired and bad and then they go out and lose to Man. Utd. in the cup with Jim playing the full 90′.

Also Jim has away Southampton which is now a really rough fixture so whatever I’m going for it here... Todd should fuck Eddie’s Bourney.

FWD:

Only the two FWDs for me this week since I’m benching Jimboy.

Vardy (bur)

Another in my triple leicester to bounce back -- what a chance for it !

Calvert-Lewin (whu)

I still believe in DCL and I had to defend the pick a little bit here and there this week and honestly it just made me feel better about it. And the fixture is fantastic. DCL gonna bang.

CAP:

Vardy (bur)

Just don’t really have another option who I think is nearly as good a cap. pick as Vardz is this week and it’s as simple as that...

If it’s close then maybe you go differential cap but if it’s not close I think you just cap the guy who everyone else is capping. Here we are.

Soz for a not exciting Lambs from me this week lol.

—

RANDOM SLACKER OF THE WEEK: dave (group 19)

The words of Random Slacker are not officially endorsed by this website nor any employees of FML FPL LLC.

TRANSFERS:

DISCLAIMER: I AM VERY BAD AT FPL AND YOU SHOULD NOT LISTEN TO ANYTHING I SAY!

Fun fact: I was the person who suggested random slacker lambs earlier in the season to the pod bois. That was a time when my team was ticking along and I was optimistic about rising up the ranks over the course of the season.

Now I am in the depths of darkness and have zero expectations for my team other than red arrows and I am bad and shit at FPL and you shouldn’t even bother reading this because I’m shit. Unless you want to feel better about yourself, that is (I’m 1.5m so if you’re lower than that then I’m truly sorry – you’ll probably overtake me soon).

At least I have the FML FPL Cup to focus all my energy on. Speaking of which...

To my opponent this week, Rob, and the rest of Group 19, Jon and Max: Fuck you. I’m going to destroy you. I don’t care about my OR anymore. This is all that matters to me. (Jk prob will get 0 points and crash out in the group stage – good luck lads).

OUT: Serge Aurier

IN: Lewis Dunk

I have 2FTs but I’m just going for a fairly passive and hopefully more sensible move. When Mou became Spuds’ manager I had hopes that the defence would significantly improve (I even doubled up on their defence – oops), but alas they are still shipping goals for fun and now the child Tanganga is in the mix potentially threatening Aurier’s minutes after a decent right back performance mid-week. So just fucking him off to a similarly priced guy with good fixtures for the foreseeable future, on a team that actually appears to be capable of keeping the occasional clean sheet.

Going to roll the other FT to give me a little more flexibility next GW to increase my share of Liverpool players to at least 2. Probably will take a hit to get up to 3.

GK:

Guaita (mci)

Probably the worst fixture of the season for a defender or GK; City have several potent, in-form attacking options and could easily put up 4 or 5 (albeit Palace have been fairly solid for large portions of the season).

Just hoping Victor Vincente can pick up some some save points, a Kun pen save or two would be very welcome as a non-owner…

DEF:

Dunk (AVL)

Brighton looking very good this season generally under Graham Potter and cleaning the odd game here and there. Decent chance for one against an out of sorts Villa. Go on new friend Lewis.

Söyüncü (bur)

Soyboy has been a staple of my team for quite some time. Leicester always a shout for a clean. However, Burnley are one of those teams where I can never predict how they’re going to perform week to week, so I’m not banking on a clean by any means.

Sidibe (whu)

Difficult to predict how this one will go as West Ham are still a bit of an unknown quantity to me under new / old manager Moyseh.

Sidibe is the guy I’ll likely transition into a Liverpool defender next week but maybe he gets another go at RW this week with Richarlison confirmed out. Would be nice to get some OOP attacking farewell returns from him.

MID:

De Bruyne and Sterling (CRY)

Should just be a fuckfest for City (soz Walsh). Raz getting fairly frustrating to own but I’m keeping the faith for now.

Mané (MUN)

Another one of those games that you never know what to expect. Even while United were the dominant English team and Liverpool were complete piss, they always seemed to be able to show up for this match and up results. Could the shoe be on the other foot now? After all Utd are the only team Liverpool haven’t beaten so far this season in the PL. But I digress. Mane is obviously an auto-start in any fixture and Liverpool are the clear favourites in this one for good reason.

Maddison (bur)

He’s an absolute cunt imo. Very punchable face too. But he has undoubtedly been a very good FPL pick this season thus far. So go on James.

FWD:

Calvert-Lewin (whu)

2 blanks on the trot but I’m not too worried. Still think he’s great, Carlo loves him and the price is right.

Abraham (new)

Tammy back in the points lately so feels fine to hold for now. Fixtures turning to shit imminently so possibly one to monitor and maybe move on soon.

Vardy (bur)

Earlier in the season I was looking at Vardy’s stats vs. goals/assists output; I convinced myself it was unsustainable and that he would “revert to the mean” (that’s something us wankers who have no fucking clue about how underlying stats translate into FPL points say to kid ourselves that we know what we’re talking about).

It’s now clear that he is just a guy who you hold indefinitely because his points continue to roll in week after week after week.

CAP:

Sterling (CRY)

Call me an idiot.

Call me a glutton for punishment.

I capped Raz last week thinking he might just be a stroke of genius differential pick. Needless to say, that went poorly (0 mins with DCL VC, RIP). But fuck it. He goes again. I love Raz. Raz is great. He’s due – isn’t he?

Ultimately I’m just a guy who wants to get some fucking points on the board. Wish me luck.

[junker-town]

There’s no reason to believe this USMNT will ever get good

I’ve officially run out of reasons to be optimistic about the USMNT’s future under Gregg Berhalter.

The United States men’s national team played like garbage on Tuesday, as you’ve probably come to expect from it in any game of consequence or difficulty. The evening editions of SportsCenter played clips of ESPN analyst Taylor Twellman yelling “WHAT ARE WE DOING?”, and laughed at the team’s misfortune without even bringing him on to discuss the game.

That’s because to the general sports fan, there is nothing left to say. The USMNT is now synonymous with failure, and no longer needs to be engaged with beyond a quick chuckle at its misfortune.

Tuesday’s game was particularly bad, even for a program that is now devoid of expectations. The USMNT fell 2-0 to Canada, a team it had never lost to in the professional era. While USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter’s players looked like strangers to one another, Canada head coach John Herdman’s team had a clear plan of attack. The USMNT had more possession, but did almost nothing with it. The score was far from a fluke; Canada created the better chances and deserved to win.

Let’s see if the expected goals look as bad as the game on the field… Canada: 2.22 xG on 9 shots USMNT: 0.77 xG on 7 shots Yup.

— Paul Carr (@PaulCarr) October 16, 2019

Berhalter, hired in December 2018, does not have the excuse of needing more time to implement his system. He has coached his team for four more games than Herdman has coached Les Rouges.

Canada did not have more talented players on the field. When star midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye exited the match with an injury in the first half, he was replaced by Liam Fraser, an uncapped player who backs up Michael Bradley at Toronto FC. Berhalter substituted Christian Pulisic around the one hour mark due to an illness, but Canada’s Alphonso Davies exited around the same time. Canada has one player who plies his trade in one of Europe’s top five leagues; the United States utilized five such players on Tuesday.

If you watched the game and thought that Canada played much harder than the USMNT, well, Berhalter agrees.

“The biggest disappointment in my eyes was the desire,” Berhalter said in the post-match press conference. “Desire leads to physical games, desire leads to competing every single play. When you saw the emotion that they played with — [Samuel] Piette, [Steven] Vitoria in the back — these guys were playing with emotion, and we didn’t match that.”

At Berhalter’s introductory press conference, U.S. Soccer president Carlos Cordeiro said that Berhalter “will push our men’s team forward and with an identity and approach that will be uniquely and fiercely American.” The USMNT has played 16 games since Berhalter’s hire, and no one is sure what that identity is besides a dedication to passing out of defense instead of playing early long balls. That’s not much of an identity; it’s a tactical component of a system played by hundreds of teams around the world.

There’s nothing particularly fierce about the way the USMNT plays defense, either. There are moments of decent pressing play, but for the most part, the USMNT is a team that falls back quickly after losing the ball and sets up in its own half. If Berhalter’s team has an identity, it’s this.

The USMNT also doesn’t have a ball-winner in the middle to put opponents under pressure when they start to penetrate this defense. Berhalter has cycled among Bradley, Wil Trapp and Jackson Yueill in his defensive midfield role, listed in order from most to least physically intimidating. Bradley hardly has a reputation for getting stuck in. This team could not possibly be less fierce.

If you think the players looked like they didn’t understand what they were supposed to be doing ... well, that’s apparently not the problem. Last Friday, after laying a 7-0 drubbing on a young and shorthanded Cuba squad, Jordan Morris praised the coaching staff for its clarity and level of preparation.

“What’s easy is everyone knows the role expected of them,” Morris said. “When you come in to camp, the coaching staff has done such a great job getting everyone on the same page and understanding your role in the system.”

Berhalter said that the game against Cuba “was another opportunity to rehearse some of the movements we work on in training all week.” But a problem with rehearsed, systematic attacking movement is that your opponent can plan for it. Canada looked like they knew how the USMNT was going to attack before the American players themselves.

All of this is to say that I don’t think Gregg Berhalter is doing a good job coaching the USMNT, and I worry he is unlikely to improve given that the players already feel like they have a good understanding of the system and what is expected of them. The problem is not time or communication style, but rather that Berhalter has implemented bad ideas.

This is the part of the post in which a writer typically makes their case for a coaching change, but honestly, what’s the point?

The man who ostensibly hired Berhalter, Earnie Stewart, was just handed a promotion for no discernible reason. Hiring Berhalter is the only major decision he has made during his tenure, and he’s unlikely to admit that his one big decision was a huge mistake so shortly after his superiors signaled that he is doing a great job. The guy who conspiracy theorists think really hired Berhalter is U.S. Soccer’s Chief Commercial Officer (and one of the leading candidates to become CEO), Jay Berhalter. Yes, Jay is Gregg’s brother. Gregg Berhalter would have to screw up to an enormous degree to get fired.

And even if he did get fired, what reason is there to believe the next coach would be any better? That person would be selected by the same people who concluded Berhalter was their man without interviewing a wide range of candidates. If the U.S. Soccer board did pressure Stewart into giving Berhalter the boot, what reason is there to believe they’d look past the first page of their contacts to replace him?

USMNT fans are stuck with this. There’s enough talent on the team to qualify for the World Cup, and Berhalter proved himself to be a competent enough coach with the Columbus Crew that this team should be able to get a lot better. But under him and current U.S. Soccer leadership, the ceiling is low.

A healthy Tyler Adams will not fix the USMNT. A formation change will not fix the USMNT. A new coach will not fix the USMNT. The USMNT program needs a whole new culture, and that culture change is not coming.

[eastbridge-sb]

UEFA Europa League Match Previews – 28th November Thursday

LASK Linz v Rosenborg

Group D is a straight three horse race between LASK Linz, Sporting Lisbon and PSV Eindhoven but it’s the former that has the group whipping boys Rosenborg this midweek. Many people will historically be more familiar with the Norwegian side but the Austrian newbies have made their mark in Europe’s second competition and have a genuinely great chance to qualify for the next round, but you’d think they’d need a win here to give themselves the best chance ahead of welcoming Sporting on the final gameweek.

LASK have not been shy on their debut Europa League campaign, they’ve generally dominated games and probably shocked a few that expected them to have no chance. Incredibly the Austrian Bundesliga runners-up have recorded the second most shots in the competition, averaging just under 20 attempts per game. What’s more, Die Schwarz-Weisen have generated an excellent 8.8 xG for over their 4 games, an average of 2.2 per game which is better than anyone in the group by a fair margin.

They also come up against a Rosenborg side who have lost every one of their games in the Europa League campaign, making it impossible for them to qualify. The Troillongan therefore have nothing riding on this but pride, sure they wont want to finish the group with zero points but Linz have proven themselves a much stronger force and I can’t argue with the 1.780 available on the visitors as there’s everything to play for in their eyes.

Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: LASK Linz – 0.50 at 1.780

Sporting Lisbon vs PSV

Sticking in group D but looking at the other fixture which involves two much more well-known sides going head to head as PSV head to Lisbon

Both will be keen to get a result here with LASK breathing down their necks. I’m far from convinced by either sides backline but when there’s the likes of Donyell Malen and Bruno Fernandes on the pitch it shows the quality of forwards on show.

Over 2.5 goals has been chalked up at 1.810 quotes and I’m very happy to take that. It’s landed in 5 of the last 6 PSV Europe league games and now Malen is back from injury they have a much greater threat up front.

The reverse fixture in Holland was a humdinger that ended 3-2 to Mark Van Bommel’s men and a similar scoreline is not out of the question here. Both teams strengths are going forward not at the back and we should see a few goals in the Portuguese capital on Thursday evening.

Asian Total Goals Betting Recommendation: Over 2.50 goals at 1.810

Lazio v CFR Cluj

It’s got to the ‘must win’ stage for Italian giants Lazio. The Biancocelesti have underwhelmed in this competition with home and away defeats to Celtic and a surprise defeat in Romania. They will be out for revenge on Thursday as the welcome Cluj to the Stadio Olimpico.

The hosts sit on 3 points whereas Cluj are on 9, therefore Lazio would have to win their last games in Rennes as well as this to have any chance of going through. Given the fact Cluj won the reverse leg they will have to better that 2-1 scoreline so even a one goal victory for the home side would not be good enough.

I’m happy to back them at home though and with the greater need for the win. We can get 1.810 on Lazio with a -1 start on the asian handicap and I like the look of it. One player the capital club have in form is Ciro Immobile. The Italian international has bagged in 7 consecutive games and I expect that run to continue here, his movement and finishing is second to none and the Biancocelesti always have a chance when he’s involved.

Asian Handicap Betting Recommendation: Lazio -1.00 at 1.810

Preview By: TomLove_18

Get the best lines with the most competitive odds for your Champions League picks though the best sports betting broker or through VOdds today!

The post UEFA Europa League Match Previews – 28th November Thursday appeared first on Eastbridge.

source https://eastbridge-sb.com/uefa-europa-league-match-previews-281119/

[cars4starters]

Frenchman Auguste Rodin is the father of modern sculpture. Kiwi outfit Rodin Cars designs and builds single-seat, open-wheel race cars — but they’re works of art too.

The company has just released the Rodin FZED, which it claims delivers performance to rival modern Grand Prix cars.

Powered by the Cosworth GPV8, it is based on the Cosworth XG that earned its stripes in the Indy Racing League circuit.

The FZED can accelerate from 0 to 160km/h in just 5.0 seconds and boasts a top speed of 300km/h.

The 3.8-litre dry sump V8 delivers 503kW at 9600 rpm and 490Nm of torque at 7600 rpm, with a redline of 10,000 rpm.

The entire car weighs just 609kg, excluding the driver.

The Rodin FZED has been readied for sale by Rodin Cars’ Australian founder and Ferrari Challenge class champion, David Dicker.

Many of the parts have been fabricated from exotic materials at the company’s bespoke facility.

Featuring one of the most diverse collections of 3D printers in the Southern Hemisphere, Rodin Cars has had the capability to design and print many components in-house.

Rodin Cars design and manufacture all fasteners for the Rodin FZED, which start as titanium bar stock and feature rolled threads and PVD surface coating with individual laser-marked part numbers.

The titanium 3D-printed steering wheel for the Rodin FZED has also been designed in-house, as have the composite seats, which will be custom fitted for each owner and paired with FIA-approved seatbelts.

The collection of state-of-the-art machinery is also enabling Rodin Cars to develop its own 3D-printed titanium/carbon wheels for the next generation Rodin FZED which will aim to reduce the weight of the standard magnesium wheel by 25 per cent.

Rodin Cars has its own test track and R&D facility in New Zealand, where Dicker and his team have optimised the performance and handling of the Rodin FZED from the Lotus T125 offering from which it is based.

The Rodin FZED creates a new category in the high-performance open-wheeler track market, as a brand-new track racer with the ability to lap at very close to Formula 1 times.

The Rodin FZED uses a carbon fibre composite chassis and aero package made in Italy by HP Composites, suppliers to European manufacturers and race teams, while its floor features an Indy car style tunnel, rather than the flat floors used in Grand Prix racing.

The 3.8-litre, 32-valve Cosworth engine mates to a six-speed sequential gearbox from Ricardo, while the carbon-carbon brakes are by Alcon.  

The high-level four-way adjustable TTX-40 racing dampers are from Öhlins.

The exhaust and muffler system were designed by Rodin Cars and developed in-house from 3D-printed titanium and features a titanium nitride Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating.

The Rodin FZED uses 13-inch diameter magnesium wheels from Italy’s OZ Racing shod with tyres from specialist British motorsport supplier Avon.

The first five Rodin FZED vehicles are currently being assembled.

All five will be painted in black and gold in-line with Rodin Cars’ corporate identity, although customers can specify their own body paint finish on request. 

Dicker plans to sell the Rodin FZED to experienced and keen drivers who relish the opportunity for a near-F1 experience, without the cost, complexity and risk of owning an actual historic Grand Prix car.

Unlike Grand Prix racers, the Rodin FZED has been engineered for longevity and durability, with the engine designed to run more than 5000km on 98-octane pump fuel.

The cars will be eligible for entry in the Formula Libre series in their home country of New Zealand and have also been accepted into the field of the prestigious BOSS series in Europe.

It is anticipated that the Rodin FZED will be eligible for amateur open-wheel racing anywhere in the world.

“The Rodin FZED is a far more practical and durable proposition compared with buying and running an historic Grand Prix car,” Dicker said.

“People do buy them, I had one, but they are more difficult to run and less durable, plus there’s the risk of crashing a car with an important Grand Prix heritage. Some are getting too expensive to risk on a race track, or parts are no longer affordable, or even available.

“The beauty of the Rodin FZED is that you get the Grand Prix experience: the speed, the power, the downforce and cornering grip, in a package that has been designed for easy access and reliable performance,” Dicker added.

“The body uses composite materials and a suspension system very similar to modern Grand Prix cars, and the aerodynamic package is also very contemporary. It looks like a Grand Prix car and it goes like a Grand Prix car, but it has none of the complications associated with running an old Grand Prix racer.

“This is a totally new offer to the high-performance car market. Currently you cannot buy a car like this anywhere in the world at any price.”

And how much might that be?

The Rodin FZED will start at US $650,000 which is very competitive compared to new GT3 race cars.

CHECKOUT: Race car recreated from old family photos

CHECKOUT: Back in the day you could build your own race car

Artful Dicker delivers Kiwi masterpiece #Aussie #carnews #carphotos #carreviews #cars4starters #notjustcars #FZED Frenchman Auguste Rodin is the father of modern sculpture. Kiwi outfit Rodin Cars designs and builds single-seat, open-wheel race cars -- but they're works of art too.

[tkmedia]

Will Jadon Sancho be another Nicolas Pepe?

We have some mails on Jadon Sancho while the debates rumble on about England and style. Send your views to theeditor@football365.com Underwhelmed by Sancho signing As a Man United fan, I’m in agreement with the Neviller that the Sancho signing feels a bit ‘meh’. I’m not sure if its because it’s been dragged out for over a year or because I cant think of too many Bundesliga players that came to United and set the Premier League alight, in fact the opposite – Kagawa, Mkhitaryan, Schweinsteiger. In the grand scheme of things its hit and miss, for every Son or De Bruyne there’s a Werner or Keita. I hope I’m wrong but Sancho feels like the type of player that needs the exact type of players around him to flourish. Let’s face it he’s not done much for England. For £73m I’d want a player that has done it for over a season at two different clubs to show he can do it anywhere Saying all that – Kepa and Pepe were £73m so he could be the bargain of the century. Norman Man United are ten years behind I am sure you will be inundated with emails about Sancho and United today. I think he will be a great signing but I hope the media and fans will not do what they did to Pogba. If Pogba doesn’t score a goal and assist a game then he is rubbish. Sancho is 21 yrs old, he is going to play in a new league but let’s keep expectations real. 10+ goals with 10+ assists would be a serious return in his first season. Yes it was a big money signing but he was a couple of mill more expensive than Pepe, I think Pepe will do well next season mind. Anyways my point is that United’s recruitment is 10 years behind… Sancho is essentially Nani/Valencia’s replacement. How has it taken them that long to replace a player? It is not just at right-wing, you could argue they have not replaced Van Persie yet. How long did it take to replace Gary Neville, Raphael was decent and then we had Young/Valencia and finally, they signed a fullback. Paul, Dublin Why let contracts run down? Can someone explain to me a club’s thoughts on contracts because I don’t get it. So Pogba and Mbappe have about a year left on their contracts at which point they can leave for FREE. Negotiations on contracts tend to start with two years left of their deal. So there’s been a year of negotiations, still neither have signed and yet still the club are paying them 300k+ a week? SURELY, you give it 6months of negotiations, then it’s a set deadline, your best contract offer and if they cant sign that – up for sale they go. You’ve got two players clearly not bothered about the club, HUGELY depreciating assets and still they’re holding on to them and quite accepting of the fact they will lose millions. Toughen up clubs, this player power thing is all your own doing!!! Charlie England 21 v England 96 One of the most English of English qualities is to show utter contempt for the present and a borderline delusional romanticising of the past. So it is with this current England football team in comparison to its predecessors from Euro 96. I almost had to spit out my cornflakes when reading a recent mail claiming that England 96 ‘thrilled the world’ with our performances. I mean, you’d honestly think we were playing like Brazil ’70. So ask yourself this, what other nation adopted England’s tactics after that tournament, what other nation even remembers that team? I mean most of the jokes about England’s boring, long-ball tactics come from that era. The truth is, that you were just younger then, happier then, and you’re miserable now. I dare you to go back and watch that tournament, see if you can stomach it. Yes, Netherlands was an exciting match. But good lord it was the outlier and not the norm. Go back and watch the 1-1 with Switzerland, the 2-0 against Scotland, the 0-0 against Spain, and the first 90 minutes of the 1-1 vs Germany, I dare you. England played that tournament the way they always played tournaments. Try and grab a goal from a penalty or set-piece then stick eleven behind the ball and hoof it forward. Spain absolutely battered us in the first round and were it not for a wrongfully disallowed offside goal and two clear penalties ruled out we would have gone home then. The accumulated xG against the Germans was 0.5 in the first 90mins. The first half against Scotland was a snooze-fest and we didn’t even have a shot for over 20 minutes in the second. The less said about Switzerland the better. Now I don’t want to piss on anyone’s chips. It’s brilliant to have warm memories and to relive that joy. The problem is when you attach some imaginary tangible to those feelings (England playing scintillating football, for example) and then use that as a bar to judge the present. In my opinion, England 2021 has done more to garner the respect of opposing nations this year than we have in any previous period. And that’s through intelligent, tactical, and, dare I say it, continental-style football. Liam Gabriel Hoskins (Now let’s go and thump Ukraine) AFC Well done Gareth but… I have read some lovely discussions on the ‘new England’, led by the highly personable Gareth Southgate. He has a plan, he isn’t afraid of egos and he has the team playing for him. I agree, but he’s not going to get a job managing a ‘big club’, is he? How many fans of larger clubs would be delighted to see him being wheeled out as their new manager? That’s the problem with football and, in turn, all of us. Nicholas Luthwood Is it okay to park the bus now? To all the people saying that anyone who complains about England being boring and dull to watch are wrong, and ask “what else do these people want”… remember this the next time you are complaining about watching a team play your side who are “parking the bus” and sitting back and making no attempt to score in the hope they can grab a goal on a set piece or on the counter and endlessly pontificate that the Jose style “anti football” is scandalous and awful to watch. Picking a team and playing to get a result at 90 mins (surely the job of a manager of any team at any level) is apparently acceptable to people who are now falling over themselves to justify it when its England…but its not ok when a team plays the same way in the premier league against your side. Can’t have it both ways. James. Godalming …Based on the mails published in the earlier mailbox, everyone is a pragmatic defensive first “do whatever it takes to win” Jose fan all of a sudden. After all, that’s been spectacularly successful recently, so you can understand why. And apparently anyone wanting to have a reasonable balance between attack and defensive is worthy of scorn. But I guess that’s liberals and Woke365 for you, where any other view is ridiculed. I just hope Southgate is actually the manager you think he is and will learn from the last game about what is successful, what gets the best from the players… and yes, that does mean a creative player like Grealish on the left. BadWolf …I do worry. In general, but that’s not something you need to concern yourselves with. Sorry Lee. More opinions on the football I’m not keeping to myself. Whoops. Football isn’t about joy. It isn’t about glory, or entertainment or fun. It’s a mechanical process of winning. That’s the basic argument of Lee and Ibby this morning. I don’t really support a national team, so have no dog in this fight, but I love football and while winning is better than losing, winning beautifully is better than winning ugly. England fans can want a team to play beautiful football. It’s allowed. In fact, from most fans, it is not only allowed but desired. Give me Barca 2009 over José’s Inter Milan every day of the week. And Barca spanked my team regularly during that time. But Barca and Inter sum up this issue for me Winning well is a privilege. Win and you are a good team. But win well and you can be a great one. When you don’t win often you can happily sacrifice style, beauty, artistry for a 1-0, but most people prefer winning playing lovely stuff to winning playing dull dross. There’s nothing wrong with aiming high. England have a squad of players capable of winning playing well. As they progress through the tournament, I’d not be surprised to see them start winning well. That is often what good teams who are well managed will do. And wanting to play entertaining football isn’t the naïve, childish dream of idiots. It’s natural, desirable and something people are perfectly entitled to want. A bit of beauty, a touch of colour, a splash of delight. Not everything is functional. Instead of suggesting people naff off to watch Netflix and don’t rudely interrupt the adults with their opinions, I’d suggest those only interested in winning need a little more joy in their lives. Or maybe a hug. Andreas, St Albans

Whatever happens now, it’s alright Just a quick note that I thought we played pretty well against the Germans, I didn’t think it was dull, I thought we had constant attacking intent with the confidence the defence gave us. I didn’t think it was dull at all. At this level the oppo are always going to have chances but we had plenty that we also didn’t capitalise on. Next time we are criticised for deploying (possibly unsuccessfully) a new formatting in a friendly rather that playing full strength, just remember this game to see why it’s so important. Win or lose on Saturday, that’s just the way it goes and why it’s a game we all love. Well done fellas, it’s been ace but please keep it going. Steve (THFC) …As England fans we’ve experienced glorious failure, abject failure, embarrassing failure, unexpected failure, expected failure, qualification failure, goal scoring failure, goalkeeping failure, red card-related failure and penalty failure. Can we please just enjoy this rare slice of success. Craig …The clamour (glad it now has a term) this tournament for Foden, Grealish, Sancho has reminded me of an old NFL term. The most popular guy on a team is the back-up quarterback. If you’re losing, everyone says to swap in the guy on the bench, because that will solve all your problems. So if England play mediocre it will always be because they didn’t play someone they should have. Do people not remember Hodgson? He shoehorned in Rooney wide of a middle three in 2016, long past his best. Sven was guilty of trying to squeeze all his best players into a starting 11 like he was playing FIFA. The easiest thing a manager can do is play his ‘best players and throw his hands up when it goes wrong. And looking at this England team, with more attacking flair than I can remember, you can see how hard it is to leave anybody out for the sake of the greater whole. Southgate knows that playing pragmatic, tough football is how finals are made and tournaments are won. He could be weak and play Mount and Grealish behind Sancho, Saka and Kane, but its not the right move. Everyone seems to think Southgate is mentally weak, or cowardly, but he’s actually being far braver in not playing these players. He’s sticking to a plan and England are executing it very well. Keith. Worthing Making it easy to want England to fail again All of this ‘Gareth Knows’ nonsense and overreaction to beating Germany is making it incredibly easy to want England to fail again. I realize this was England’s first ever win in a European Championship knockout round fixture (lol), but if you think The Clamour (cringe) is going to end because you didn’t shit the bed against a team you were favorites to beat, while playing at home, good grief. Luckily Mediawatch won’t call you up it, though, because arrogant op-eds are only worth citing if they come from other websites right? Oliver Dziggel, Geneva, Switzerland The alternative view of the Euros so far Picture Quality: BBC’s presentation of 4K UHD via iPlayer has been superb. They lose one point for trying to simulcast Wimbledon and the ENG/GER game in 4K and having the latter crash for most of the first half (boooo). But otherwise, it’s been no competition on this side. Sound Quality: BBC iPlayer, despite all it’s improvements on picture, still haven’t bothered to pass a basic 5.1 soundtrack which should really be the baseline. So your choices are either watching standard HD with 5.1 via Freeview or Sky, or 4K UHD and 2.0. ITV continue to not give much credence to picture/sound issues, and for all the brilliant things they do, this remains a glaring oversight. Montage: BBC will likely always win out here, but the ending of ENG/GER in particular was superb. Podcast: Max Rushden a runaway winner here with The Guardian’s Football Weekly. Following AC Jimbo was always going to be a tough ask, but they’ve finally come into their own, with Barry Glendenning excellent as ever. P. Auclaire has been a bit…mawkish at times, and I have absolutely no idea what Cark Anka seems to be watching. But Lars Sivertsen and Daniel Storey in particular have been excellent at distilling technical concepts into easy ways to understand and capturing the general feel of games. The Athletic have made an error by not having Jimbo present the group stages, and are just playing catchup now. Final point on The Football Ramble. Don’t want to be too harsh because it was one of the first podcasts I ever listened to, and it’s still solid enough, but does feel they venture a bit much into #bants territory at times. Tweet: There’s been some excellent efforts here, so full marks all around. Honourable mention to “Ctrl-Alt-De’Ligt”. But it’s hard to see anyone topping Trevor Sinclair’s request for either Idris Elba or Ray Winstone to give the pre-match team talk ahead of Tuesday. As another tweeter astutely observed, nothing quite says you’ve got things in hand more than asking Stringer Bell to gee up the troops. Moment: Avoiding the usual goals, limb celebrations, etc; it feels like even if we win the whole thing, it’s going to be hard to top Gareth Southgate on the post match interview talking about seeing David Seaman on the big screen and reliving ’96. Just a really genuinely poignant and beautiful moment. What a man. Sandeep (Worst hairstyle has got to go to Pickford – looks like he’s auditioning for 5ive). Read the full article

[businessmarketanalysis]

Silicon Anode Battery Market (2018 - 2028) Research Covers Top Players as XG SCIENCES, NEXEON LIMITED, ENEVATE CORPORATION

Lithium-ion batteries have established their place as the leader in the power and energy densities for mobile applications. The global lithium-ion battery market is anticipated to witness a relatively strong growth over the coming years due to its extended penetration in electronics industry, especially in smartphones. Exploitation of natural sources for graphite production coupled with strict regulations pertaining to the production of natural graphite is anticipated to result in short supply of graphite. The need for substitute sources has augmented. Upsurge in demand for lithium-ion batteries is likely to be soon challenged by the development of next-generation batteries. Silicon anode batteries are expected to foresee extensive growth owing to the added advantages that they provide with such as enhanced performance capacity of silicon and low use of the anode material.

Consumer Electronics Industry to Surge Ahead of Others in Terms of Adoption

The global smartphone consumption is projected to expand at an outstanding rate with its consumption growing extensively in 2018. Currently, thinner, lighter, and faster smartphones with relatively advanced features have been developed and preferred more by the consumers across the globe. Nevertheless, manufacturers have been unable to improve the battery capacity as per the requirements. Operations such as video streaming, playing high graphic resolution games along with RAM/ROM utilization, and others reduce battery performance. Moreover, graphite anode’s performance in the lithium-ion batteries reaches its ultimate capacity in almost 1000 cycles. Thereby, replacing graphite with silicon raises the capacity of the battery by 10 times. This is expected to raise the demand for silicon as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries in the long run.

In this course, Russia is currently moving towards import substitution and government initiatives are increasingly impacting the economy across various economic sectors. For instance, in IT sector, the government plans to develop its own operating systems with a view to oust Microsoft’s Windows from its present market. For developing its own consumer electronic devices, such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones, the Russian Ministry of Industry and Commerce has come up with a new plan which outlines various steps Russia needs to take for achieving this substitution.

Speak To Analyst @ https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ask-the-analyst/rep-gb-2134

As a result of the above, companies operating in the market are focusing on product development, plant expansion, and mergers and acquisitions. For instance, in October 2016, LG Chem inaugurated an automotive battery manufacturing plant in Poland to expand and strengthen its market presence. Other companies operating in the market are XG Sciences, Nexeon Limited, Enevate Corporation, Nanotek Instruments, Inc., Panasonic Corporation, Zeptor Corporation, and Amprius, Inc., among others.

[freebestbettingtips]

Borussia Dortmund vs Hannover 96

New Post has been published on https://bestfreebettingtips.com/borussia-dortmund-vs-hannover-96/

Borussia Dortmund vs Hannover 96

Artwork by @chapulana

After an impressive victory against RB Leipzig last week, Lucien Favre’s Borussia Dortmund welcomed a relegation-threatened Hannover 96 in this Bundesliga tie. Marco Reus’ return to the Dortmund starting line-up provided a huge boost for the league leaders and his impact was quick to be felt.

Dortmund began the match with their tried and tested 4-2-3-1 but were largely unable to play their brand of football thanks to some early defensive work from the visitors. It was to prove a Jekyll and Hyde performance though as an impressive four goals in the second half boosted their Bundesliga title hopes.

There was a lot on the line for both Dortmund and Hannover here and the game was much closer than the scoreline illustrates. Virtuosic performances from Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi aided the side to their important victory in their slightly tweaked positional and tactical roles. In this analysis, I’ll look at what went right and wrong for each side using a variety of data.

False start

For all of Dortmund’s strengths, adaptability isn’t too high on the list. They’re able to play a versatile game, but only when conditions are in their favour. When they’re not, for example against Fortuna Dusseldorf recently, their defence is repeatedly split open with long balls.

In this match, it looked to be much the same initially. Hannover quickly set the tone with a couple of attacks that could easily have been goals. But more important was their defensive structuring and its effect on Dortmund’s style of play.

Always favouring the patient build-up from the back, Favre’s men were denied this opportunity as Hannover pressed high up the field, limiting distribution opportunities for goalkeeper Roman Bürki. This forced a lot of pass-backs and wasteful long balls.

This has been shown as a very effective way to disrupt the preferred movements of Dortmund. Unfortunately, it is difficult to sustain as it requires a lot of organisation and communication. Something that must be done quickly and seamlessly against the high-intensity Dortmund side.

At the other end, Hannover began the game positively as well. Utilising a fairly low block, they deflected Dortmund’s central movements to the channels. Although confident in playing out wide, the majority of Dortmund’s goals are created from movements in the half-space, particularly at the edge of the box. Very rarely do goals come from crosses.

The defence was compact, restricting movement between the lines and forcing Dortmund to utilise the wings for attacks. This is something they’ve been avoiding doing under Favre, opting instead to attack through the half-spaces. Hannover found success with this initially, frustrating the home side.

Hannover also pressed aggressively on the wings to thwart any attacks as Dortmund looked to move the ball inside.

Often utilising overloads and reverting to five at the back, Dortmund were deprived of clear opportunities. Despite a very clear-cut chance for Marco Reus early on, it was clearly going to take a moment of individual brilliance to break the deadlock and that came with Hakimi’s opener.

Hakimi, full-back 2.0

It’s no coincidence that Achraf Hakimi shone in this game. Dortmund, adhering to the ‘modern jazz’ style of Lucien Favre, allow for certain acts of spontaneity within their confines. This means that there must be some free radicals in the squad. This is Hakimi: pure chaos, pure creativity.

As one of the freer members of the team, Hakimi is well known for his pacy runs (he’s the fastest player in the Bundesliga) either down the wing or, more awkwardly for opponents, cutting inside as well. In this match, particularly the first two goals, he exhibited his ability to break down sides that are set on making it difficult for Dortmund to impose their tactical plan.

Hakimi’s central position in this passing network is his average one. That it is so central shows his impact on both wings and how important he was at moving the ball in general.

Although this illustration is limited in showing where exactly he played, the heatmap better illustrates this and the pass map (below) shows his activity in these positions. What it does highlight though is the vertical measurement of his position and how advanced he averages for a full-back. Playing even higher up than Piszczek, the right full-back, Hakimi performed his duties almost wholly as an attacking element.

As a left full-back, Hakimi’s pass map shows his ability and willingness to play on both sides. As well as scoring a goal, he assisted another and had an active role in yet another.

His stamina is a key attribute and contributes greatly to his ability to move forward relentlessly, recover in defence and also to perform a strategic duty of both joining in with the high-press and pulling players out of position, as for the third goal from Gotze.

Using his blistering pace, Hakimi is able to surge forwards from deeper positions in order to press if he sees an opportunity. Identifying a nonchalant defender here, he does so aggressively.

Against weaker sides, Dortmund can use their immense ability to pressure opponents into forcing errors by giving their full-backs the freedom to play so advanced. It pays off here with a Reus goal.

Hakimi’s pace has been directed by Favre to create decoy runs, pulling defenders out of position and opening up spaces for attacking moves. Interestingly, his position in this match alongside Sancho’s was particularly fluid. Both of these players also used their advanced knowledge of positional play and their natural pace and stamina with this slight tweak in their role.

This isn’t an easy scenario for defence or attack. The ball carrier must decide whether to use his full-back or cut inside and wait for his teammates. Likewise, the defender closest to the player attacking must decide what to do with the oncoming wide player.

His choice was to switch marker and run the oncoming full-back (Hakimi) out wide. This was a forced, and as it turned out erroneous, move by the wide player and opened up space for an eventual goal.

Second half, game on

Hannover’s defence, as previously mentioned, functioned precisely as it had to in the first half. Dortmund’s lack of momentum wasn’t just down to their opponent’s performance though. In the first half, Dortmund made 250 passes with a success rate of 79%. This came from 54% possession from which they created two big chances.

Their lack of success, partly through struggling to link up passes and transition from back to front, was amended in the second half with an emphasis on retaining possession. This is a tactic not overly used by Dortmund who only average in the mid-50% range.

In the second half, they had 70% possession and made 390 passes with a success rate of 88%. It was more patient and considered, as suits them. The gung-ho approach of long balls, of which only 56% were successfully completed, in the first-half yielded zero counter-attacks. This shift in emphasis for the second half created three big chances and two counters, leading to four goals.

This role requires discipline and advanced positional awareness which, despite his age, Sancho has exhibited in abundance. Here (highlighted closest to half-way line) he acts as the transitional player.

A large part of this shift came from Jadon Sancho playing in a more fluid role, drifting from his wing to facilitate the transitions. Axel Witsel remained as the defensive fulcrum whilst Sancho played a role similar at times to a traditional number 10.

It’s not the first time Sancho has taken on this role. In their last outing against RB Leipzig his movement was similar. Sancho recorded the highest number of dribbles against Hannover (six out of Dortmund’s total nine) as well as assisting twice. He was top of the pile against RB Leipzig too.

Now, in Europe’s top five league’s only Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard have more assists (10) than Sancho’s nine. Could this be a new role for the player?

In the two prior winning matches before this, against Werder Bremen on the left (l-r) and Borussia Mönchengladbach on the right (l-r), we can see that the majority of his distribution came from the right side of the field, his usual position.

This contrasts with the most recent matches against RB Leipzig on the left (r-l) where his passing is spread across the pitch. This is even more accentuated in the pass map from this game against Hannover (on the right, l-r) where his passing activity takes places not only on both wings but also in a more central role.

With Sancho’s performance here, which garnered a WhoScored man-of-the-match rating of nine, the side over-performed their xG prediction.

As we can see, the game’s score was vastly different to the xG prediction.

This is an important statistic here as we often see teams score less than their xG and put it down to bad luck or an off day. Here, to have an xG of 1.88 and yet score five, hints that contrary to many people’s perspective of this game being a great team performance, individual talent and their ability to score from nothing also played a large part.

Conclusion

Dortmund showed their quality in the second half after Hannover had done well to stop them playing their favoured style in the first. The single goal of the first half was enough to break Hannover’s defensive spell and opened up play a bit more. It was only in the second half that Dortmund managed to find their rhythm.

Although the score and its goal difference are welcome, Favre will know that he has his work cut out for their upcoming tie against a rampant Eintracht Frankfurt. With Bayern Munich hot on their heels, every game is a must win and Favre will have to re-establish some balance if he is to find victory in his next game.

Frankfurt are lethal in attack and Favre can’t afford to allow Hakimi such marauding runs without risking opening up spaces for them. We can expect a much more balanced performance, similar to the one against RB Leipzig. Favre will make it clear that this game will be a battle decided by which side can establish their own football first.

If you love tactical analysis, then you’ll love the digital magazines from totalfootballanalysis.com – a guaranteed 100+ pages of pure tactical analysis covering topics from the Premier League, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga and many, many more. Buy your copy of the January issue for just ₤4.99 here, or even better sign up for a ₤50 annual membership (12 monthly issues plus the annual review) right here.

[fmlfpl]

Lineup Lamentations - GW5

Our Transfers, Captains, and Starting 11s for the week!

—

WALSH

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Laporte - rip

IN: Otamendi - god help me

Unfortunately I was unable to save off the back of the WC which never feels great, but hopefully making a lateral swap here which frees up 1m to boot.

I don't really imagine this going well, since I have slated Ota for a while, and think he's more or less a red card shout / absolute shit house player generally speaking, but here we are.

If it's a transfer waiting to happen, so be it, but the bottom line is I still want a share in City's defense, I don't trust Everton for cleans still, and something didn't feel quite right going all the way down to a Burnley guy in a spot on my team which I realistically need to start week in week out... Until Pep shows us that he is willing to play anyone not named Otamendi as the LCB with Laporte out then I will just hope and pray he doesn't kill anyone (which would thus kill himself with a ban) and doesn't die. Whatever. Cue Dinho and Schtones at CB tomorrow.

Post international break GW is usually a complete disaster crisis gameweek so I am just simply trying to brace myself for it ahead of time.

GK:

Pope (bha)

Pope is looking good in this moment with the good run of fixtures incoming. He's been just a bit below average with only one return through four but the underlying metrics are looking good for him and hopefully he's just a long term hold guy I don't have to worry about.

DEF:

Alexander-Arnold & Robertson (NEW)

Trent and Robbo with the home banker okay lets go Livp. Early game so much of my mood for the ensuing foots will be decided by these boys. Realistically a win to nil at home against a bad bus feels like a reasonable expectation for this one so hopefully it comes to fruition.

Otamendi (nor)

New nightmare Ota is straight in, obv. Somewhat tricky away fixture for a clean but it's still City so he'll just be an auto start every game until I remove him.

Lundstram (SOU)

Finally, Lundstram gets his first go in my squad home to Soton.

I'm going to be rotating him in and out over the near term so we'll see if this is the beginning of something beautiful between us or the beginning of a fraught relationship that will lead to me hating him for the rest of my life. Time will tell.

MID:

Salah (NEW) & Sterling & De Bruyne (nor)

The trio of Mo Raz and Kev remain and likely will do for some time. Really nothing to say about these three other than they are good. Spots I don't really need to think about at this time.

McGinn (WHU)

Rounding out midfield is someone who is not really that good in McGinn.

Good home fixture with West Ham rolling up so hopefully he is able to get in there. If he looks bad and/or they look bad then I might fuck him off.

He's on a short leash, that's for sure, as he was really the one shit place I compromised on my WC team since I wanted to plump for Laporte... With that money freed up now, no other problems in my team, and a new price bracket open to me... I might fuck him off even if he does return. Who is to say?

FWD:

Pukki (MCI) & Haller (avl)

Pukki and Haller the two amigos seem like just a couple great value picks and happy to have them.

Great fixture for Haller and he might slowly but surely present himself as a long term hold. Stats and eye test are there with him not to mention the price is right - think he's a really tidy option.

Pukki has a tough fixture but as Farke showed us the lightning and thunder in GW1 at Anfield who knows what's what with them. Obviously they are completely decimated by injury, but I need to see multiple bad attacking performances before I begin to worry here.

CAP:

Sterling (nor)

Going back to the Raz well again. Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice, fucking hell fuck me.

Still don't feel confident enough capping Kevin over Raz, and probably won't do all season, if I'm being honest here.

I think Norwich with no fit defensive players (Farke's words, not mine) and the style they employ is not a comparable fixture to a Newcastle bus so I didn't really think about Mo this weekend.

Counting on Raz to not have 0 shot attempts again this week. Obviously the trip to Ukraine midweek for UCL is a thing that is happening, but whatever. 

Trying to predict how Pep hands out minutes is like (insert funny thing here) and I don't really want to find some psychological line to talk me into Raz will play 53 minutes only to see him haul and play 88.

Been there before, not trying to go there again.

—

ALON

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Deulofeu

IN:  Che Adams

Gerry dropped all the way down to 6.2 so there was a relatively small and unimpressive pool of dudes for me to choose from for this punty spot in my team.

Realistically this is a one or maybe two week punt before I pop my Wildcard next week or the week after... Che has actually insanely good expected stats which is nothing to scoff at even though the goals have not flowed at all...

The greater skill to have and the harder skill to find is to keep getting off the high xG shots rather then to be finishing at a higher rate above your xG, if that makes sense... I hope I’ve worded that clearly...

Anyway, TLDR: Che is doing stuff, Southampton are an attacking team in an attacking setup, Ralph is good I like Ralph, and Soton have the fixtures over the next two. And that’s why I went Che.

COME ON CHE!!!

GK:

Ederson (nor)

City gotta clean their shit up a bit if they’re gonna be a 20+ cleans type of dominant force again this season but yeah of course I back them to do exactly that.

Eddy’s been mostly really good this season and I feel comfy with him.

DEF:

van Dijk (NEW)

It’s time for rotation to begin for the top teams... feels good to have the safety of VVD who is a rock. And this clean should be straightforward for Liverpool.

Digne (bou)

I’m a little nervy about Everton’s defending and their ability to limit good chances... Digne kinda papers over the cracks with his terrific attacking output, but if they start looking like cleans are going to be a rarity this season then even his attacking numbers will not make him worth the 6.0+ million.

Maitland-Niles (wat)

Ainsley AKA Ashley was rightfully so very deep on my bench for liv TOT and he put up one pointers in each of those so we’re fine.

In his two starts for me (GW1 and 2) he got twelve and two puntos respectively so he’s still been a sneaky great guy for me thus far... Arsenal’s very long very good run of fixtures starts now but Bellerin also is coming back soon so time is running out.

Hoping Arsenal can do a job and keep out the Quique Sanchez Flores bus this week and maybe he’ll sneak another attacking return. Come on Ashley.

Emerson (wol)

Starting Emmy here because Wolves suck at attacking and Chelsea could still keep a clean and Emerson could still get an attacking return who knows?

Rudi looks like he’s back this week which is a huge upgrade and Kante will be back soon which is another huge upgrade but yeah, not feeling great about this pick.

Also Emerson’s injury news doesn’t look great for me but if he doesn’t play I have Söy coming in in a cleanable fixture at Old Trafford so not too bad.

MID:

Salah (NEW) & Sterling & De Bruyne (nor)

Doing the trendy thing and just grouping these sexy fucks together because they’re all awesome and they have good fixtures and that’s all you need to know about that.

Mount (wol)

Everyone knows the deal with Mount. Looks great, takes a lot of shots, presses like a maniac, on frees and corners, it’s just good stuff. At his price it’s just good.

FWD:

Pukki (MCI)

Pukki in a yikes fixture here we go... Norwich are so fucked up and injured I don’t know I definitely don’t expect any points here but maybe they get one or two good counters or maybe Pukki takes a pen or something. He’s good enough to roll out there, for sure.

Adams (shu)

I said all I needed to say about lord Che in the transfers section.

CAP:

De Bruyne (nor)

I guess everyone has Sterling and a lot of people have Kun and understandably they’re garnering most of the captaincies that I’m seeing around the block.

Kevin, for me, so far this season is on a completely new level that we haven’t really seen from him before. His expected stats are out of control and he’s also got the seventh highest Fantasy Goal Involvement percentage of all mids at 54% which is craaaazy high for a team like City.

For what it’s worth too in the past Pep has rode Kevin like a horse in the league and he’s not really ever been a rotation risk. I feel ~some~ percent safer of him starting these kinds of games before UCL then I do with the forwards.

Come on Kev treat me.

—

RANDOM SLACKER OF THE WEEK: GNAR

The words of Random Slacker are not officially endorsed by this website nor any employees of FML FPL LLC.

TRANSFERS:

OUT: Laporte

IN: Otamendi

I don’t feel like I have too much choice in who to take out this week. Laporte having knee surgery and set to miss the rest of 2019 means he’s an absolute no brainer to axe.

Who to replace him with is a much more interesting question.

I’ve been playing 5 at the back all season and it hasn’t worked out as well as I’d hoped so far. But I do feel like I’ve been unlucky with Laporte’s injury and his missed clean sheet being the icing on the cake.

If I went for a cheapo like Lundstram, there aren’t many midfielders I’d be desperate to bring in with the spare cash, apart from KDB, who is out of my reach anyway. So I’ll be continuing my Heavy D strategy, bringing in Otamendi, who is 5.4 and nailed on in a top 2 defence.

GK:

Leno (wat)

New manager for Watford, so an inevitable new manager bounce.

I have Heaton (WHU) as a rotation option, but the odds point to Leno for the clean sheet, although it’s quite marginal.

DEF:

Digne (bou)

I didn’t watch their 3-2 victory against Wolves but I heard Digne looked defensively dodgy. I did watch their 2-0 defeat to Villa the previous week, and while Everton looked completely toothless and unconvincing, Digne at least offered a bit of attacking threat. I’m not expecting a clean sheet here, but Digne has 9 chances created this season. For a defender, that’s second only to…

Alexander-Arnold (NEW)

14 chances created – 14, compared to Digne’s 9; Trent absolutely wipes the floor.

I took a hit last week to upgrade VVD to Trent and I got an immediate positive net return from it. As well as his excellent attacking prospects, Liverpool also have the best clean sheet odds this week by quite a distance.

Robertson (NEW)

Very good chance of a clean sheet this week and although he’s no Alexander-Arnold, he also offers a very good goal threat.

Maybe I’m guilty of picking and choosing stats here, but out of defenders, Robertson’s 2nd for touches in the box this season (12), which is quite a biggie for me when assessing players’ attacking potential.

Otamendi & Zinchenko (nor)

Welcome to the team, Ota.

With Laporte injured, I expect Ota to nail down a place in the first team. Enough said.

Zinchenko has a bit of a Mendy threat looming, but I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it. For now, another well priced Man City defender who will trickle points as long as he starts. Lacks the explosiveness of KDB (yeah he’s explosive now) or Aguero, but for 5.5, I’ll take a 6 pointer every 2 weeks for sure.

MID:

Salah (NEW) & Sterling (nor)

Grouping these two together because there’s just not that much to say. The two best players in the game don’t need writing about, especially when their fixtures are as easy as this. The only question is which one to captain.

Mount (wol)

14 shots in total this season, 7 on target, both are the highest of any other midfielder. But with only 5 of those shots coming from inside the box and an xG of 0.82, perhaps he’s a bit opportunistic and has been a bit fortunate.

Mount still feels like a bit of an unknown quantity to me and I haven’t watched too much Chelsea this season, but he’s well priced and there are plenty of other options in his bracket, so happy to see how he gets on over the next few.

FWD:

Jota (CHE)

I always like to plan my ideal transfers a few weeks ahead.

Before the last gameweek started, I was planning Jota to Barnes. Unfortunately Laporte got injured, so my priority changed and Jota stays with me for one more week. And Barnes is now injured anyway, so maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.

Jota is a funny one. He’s scoring for fun in the Europa League, but looking absolute garbage the following Sunday in the Premier League. He was in the squad, but played 0 minutes in Portugal’s 2 games over the IB. I feel like Jota might redeem himself.

Pukki (MCI)

The main man for Norwich.

If they score, there’s a very good chance that Pukki will be involved.

As an Ota + Zinc owner though I’m kind of hoping they don’t.

CAP:

Salah (NEW)

A real coin toss.

Salah and Sterling are both fantastic options this week, like they are every week.

So far, every gameweek I’ve picked the lowest scoring one out of the two. In week 3, I went against my instinct and went for Raz over Mo, which backfired. This week, my instinct is telling me Mo so I’m just going with it.