Scouting the Doubles – Arsenal
Filed under: Scouting The Doubles - Posted by: Paul
A 2-0 home loss at the hands of the champions was hardly the ideal preparation for Arsenal ahead of their double Gameweek. Sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, Arsene Wenger’s side are 21 points off the summit and brace themselves for a pair of all-London fixtures, as they roll up to the Bridge next Sunday before entertaining West Ham at the Emirates the following Wednesday.
Prior to discussing their potential, it’s also worth noting Arsenal’s fixtures following on from the double. Wenger’s side then have three home games in four (LIV, STO, sun, AVL) which are likely to offer them further chance to benefit – a factor which could well be crucial when weighing up any acquisitions. Our upcoming “Frisking the Fixtures” article attests to that, highlighting the value of snapping up the Gunners’ main assets not only for this Gameweek but over the next few as well.
The Prospects
An opening trip to Chelsea will afford Wenger a degree of optimism, given that the majority of the Blues’ home performances have been somewhat lethargic under Rafa Benitez. A total of 14 goals in six games in all competitions at the Bridge sounds reasonable but all those strikes have come in two matches – aside from the 8-0 hammering of Villa in Gameweek 18 and a 6-1 demolition of Champions League whipping boys FC Nordsjælland, the Blues have drawn blanks four times. Outside of the Emirates, Arsenal have been defensively strong – a total of nine goals against is joint-top for least goals conceded of any away side so far, with four clean sheets also accrued on their travels. A return of 15 goals scored over 11 road trips is a little worrying for their Fantasy owners, though.
Of the two games, the midweek match against the Hammers is the one that Fantasy managers will be targeting as their main source of points. Similar to Chelsea, Wenger’s side have been erratic at home but have shown they are more than capable of harvesting goals in any given Gameweek – they’ve hit five past Spurs, six past Southampton and seven past Newcastle at the Emirates. On the other hand, Arsenal have either notched once or failed to score in five of their 10 home games. At the back, their clean sheet prospects will be boosted by West Ham’s dire away form; Sam Allardyce’s side have scored just five times on the road and while they arrive on the back of a 3-0 hammering at Sunderland, they tend to keep it tight on their travels and have conceded more than a single goal in just four of their 10 away games so far.
The Likely Lads
Theo Walcott has already racked up over 20,000 transfers in ahead of the double – twice the number of any other Gunners asset. A move to the lone forward role has boosted Walcott’s appeal and with attacking returns in seven of his last nine, he’s been the most consistent Arsenal performer in recent months; a price of 9.1 looks set to rise, though Wenger’s side have still to come through a midweek FA Cup home replay with Swansea unscathed.
Santi Cazorla sits fourth in the midfielder standings; an indication of his impact in his debut season at the Emirates. In comparison to Walcott, he has scored or assisted in just three of the last nine, though – his returns have been far more erratic but a 23 point haul at Reading in Gameweek 17 (one of three sets of double figures) highlights his capabilities.
Lukas Podolski looks the safest forward in terms of game time. The German international has started all but two of his side’s matches so far but a role on the left of the attacking midfield three has somewhat limited his returns. The absence of Mikel Arteta means the role of penalty-taker is up for grabs – according to quotes from Wenger, Podolski is next in line, followed by Walcott, then Cazorla. Priced at 8.2, many are looking at swapping out Demba Ba for Podolksi after Chelsea’s double. While Olivier Giroud is similarly priced, the Frenchman has failed to start since Gameweek 16 and is likely to rely on time off the bench to make any sort of impact.
From an attacking perspective, Kieran Gibbs has been the most impressive in defence. The 5.6 priced left-back has registered five assists so far and looks a guaranteed starter over the pair of fixtures – Wenger’s decision to select Laurent Koscielny ahead of Per Mertesacker casts doubt over his preferred central defensive pairing heading into the weekend deadline; Koscielny will sit out a one-match suspension against the Swans on Wednesday, affording the German the chance to slot in alongside Thomas Vermaelen once again. While the Belgian and Bacary Sagna have both produced the goods in seasons gone by, neither player has any attacking returns to their name this term, suggesting their acquisition comes with a risk attached.
Wojciech Szczesny looks a safe bet heading into the pair of fixtures. The stopper has averaged four points per game so far – second only to Gibbs’ 4.3 ppg at the back – and at 5.3 offers a cheaper defensive alternative to the left-back.
Cheeky Punt
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has started the last six league matches and seems to have cemented a role on the right as a result of Walcott’s move up top. Coming in at 7.2 in FPL, the youngster has less than 1% ownership and has scored or assisted in two of his last three at the Emirates – the one blank came on Sunday, when he was sacrificed for Mertesacker after 11 minutes, following Koscielny’s dismissal against City.
Our final selection doesn’t come without substantial risk. Indeed, by the time you’ve finished reading this very sentence, Abou Diaby could have sustained another one of his injuries but the Frenchman looks the obvious deputy for Arteta alongside Jack Wilshere in the double-pivot. At 6.1 in FPL, he’s the cheapest of Wenger’s likely midfield starters over the pair of fixtures and his marauding runs from deep could come to fruition, providing he manages to avoid any problems over the next few days.
About The Author
paul
Commenting is now closed for this post.
Recent Comments
-
RIP Lee Rigby http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/67779000/jpg/_67779790_67779785.jpg » -
well done, that was quick » -
GK » -
I know Baines has But is Walters in there too? » -
Baines » -
Who is the only outfield player to play every minute of every PL game? »
-
The one with the drink in it. » -
No Tore Andre Flo? » -
Oh ok, that makes more sense. » -
spurs must be gutted. last year they miss out as Chelsea won the CL and after chelsea win the EL they decide to bring… »
“We have dynamic players with good movement, so if he can link with them fine. He can play a bit higher because his timing getting into the box is very good.”
Rafa Benitez talks up the role that Frank Lampard can play in his Chelsea revolution
-
Mark @FFScout_Mark
-
Paul @ffscout_paul
-
greek fan @FFScout_Greekf
-
Andy @ffscout_andy
-
G-G-Granville @FFScout_Granny
-
Akers @FFScout_Akers
-
Big Dunc @FFScout_Dunc
January 14 at 5:36 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
This whole power 5 thing is beyond me. In fact, I’m going with a heavy defense of Baines, Luiz and Gibbs. 2 mid-priced forwards and a cheap mid. Love the team tbh.
January 14 at 5:37 pm
Chris_White says:
each to his own. i am quite fond of the 5-man midfield myself
January 14 at 5:37 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Baines? Why not Evra, AK ?
January 14 at 5:38 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
A fan of Baines tbh. And love those fixtures, his luck has to change soon.
January 14 at 5:40 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Fair enough. Everton even kept a cleansheet this weekend.
But am not sure why Evra is not in anyone’s thinking.
January 14 at 5:44 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
He’s getting the odd goal yes, but United aren’t keeping many clean sheets too, Baines is on penalties, free kicks, better value as it stands.
January 14 at 5:56 pm
Frank Luiz says:
As an Evra owner, it is very nice to hear people thinking those goals are odd
January 14 at 5:38 pm
Aatish says:
That’s my team!
January 14 at 5:40 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Great minds..
What does it look like?
January 14 at 5:39 pm
Nopli-Unleashthedrog says:
My new power 5 :
Mata Bale Fellaini Nolan & Maloney
Better than the original one
January 14 at 5:39 pm
Jude Rooney says:
Not for me – be at least 2 of the 5 considered surplus to requirements by the end if the month
January 14 at 5:39 pm
Spencer says:
Looking at playing mostly 3-4-3 benching the cheap midfielder?
Seems most logical to me.
January 14 at 5:42 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Yes, I think there’s a lot of value in mid-priced forwards. Eg: Ba, Dzeko, Sturridge, yes their nailed on-ness is a bit of a concern sometimes, but if you can wok that out, the team can do wonders.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
Spencer says:
Totally agree.
Think I’m going with something similar, at least in the interim, so I can save a WC.
January 14 at 5:41 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says:
Normally, I’d be with you in thinking a packed expensive mid line-up is inflexible and not worth it but when you have the likes of Mata, Bale, Walcott, Michu and Fellaini who are pratically out and out forwards or in-the-hole, it’s really like playing with 7 forwards. You have to like those chances of sccoring.
January 14 at 5:45 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
You know it’s going to change soon, the Spanish trio of Cazorla, Mata and Silva got a bit popular too, but look where we are now.
January 14 at 5:48 pm
Captain Berbarossa - arrrrrrr!!! says:
Good thing about having expensive mids is that it’s easy to downgrade or switch sideways to the more in-form mid. THough I agree nothing stays constant in FPL and who knows what next week’s trend will turn out to be
January 14 at 5:42 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
Hmm, double mid-priced forwards is interesting because that’s what I’m looking at for the next couple weeks. But I’m thinking I will want 2 of RVP/Rooney/Aguero when the last two are fit.
January 14 at 5:45 pm
CoYi says:
Are you confident going without Bale longer term?
January 14 at 5:46 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
I’m really not. But you can’t have them all.. Well you can, but I’m really not a fan of the power 5.
January 14 at 5:37 pm
cassanata says:
For those with Suarez are you going to captain him or a DGW player?
January 14 at 5:38 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
walcott
January 14 at 5:40 pm
Jude Rooney says:
same
January 14 at 5:39 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Santi.
January 14 at 5:41 pm
The Dom-Bastic scale says:
is fantasy poo poo
January 14 at 5:42 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
See you after the DGW. Same time. Lets compare our captain scores.
January 14 at 5:43 pm
The Dom-Bastic scale says:
Haha sure thing boss!
January 14 at 5:43 pm
Locarno says:
Santi takes more of the set-pieces. Great shout for the DGW captaincy.
Not as good a shout as, say, Nolan, but….
January 14 at 5:54 pm
Jude Rooney says:
What set pieces? Walcott and Wilshere take them…..
January 14 at 5:40 pm
heartsattack says:
Was gonna but Walcott. Buoyed by captaining Mata over Bale (my original choice) this week.
January 14 at 5:38 pm
Craig says:
Team linked, Bale and Kone to Walcott and Lukaku look good for a 4pt hit?
January 14 at 5:39 pm
Iamjack says:
why out bale :O
January 14 at 5:41 pm
Craig says:
One weeker, gunna WC after that
January 14 at 5:42 pm
heartsattack says:
To get Walcott and Lukaku. Good moves.
January 14 at 5:43 pm
Chris_White says:
Yes
January 14 at 5:39 pm
Its gonna get Messi says:
Goodbye santa hat grav test
January 14 at 5:39 pm
Pabster says:
Dzeko or Podolski for the next gameweek only. Pick one.
January 14 at 5:44 pm
Disco Stu says:
Think you got to go Podolski. Dzeko a minor risk now with Aguero’s return
January 14 at 5:44 pm
footballoholic says:
Pod
January 14 at 5:45 pm
Locarno says:
Has to be the German. He’s got maybe 140mins to score points, whereas Dzeko has – at most – 90, and Aguero’s coming back.
January 14 at 5:39 pm
Yoda -Read these in my voice, you must says:
(A)Billy Jones to Sagna
OR
(B)Suarez to Pod
I know getting rid of Suarez versus Norwich doesn’t sound great but then with Sturridge’s playing time Suarez may not be that valuable.
Also I will wildcard after the gw so I can get him back.
January 14 at 5:40 pm
The Dom-Bastic scale says:
Any non RVP owners left or am I waiving my flag around alone? The whole world seems to have him which makes watching UTD games unbearable.
January 14 at 5:42 pm
Locarno says:
Raise hand.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
The Dom-Bastic scale says:
Do you watch UTD games?
I can’t. So I get a bit of paper, cover the screen and when I am feeling brave enough I remove it to check his (UTD’s) score.
January 14 at 5:50 pm
Locarno says:
I watch them to cheer on the other team. Not having much luck with that lately…
January 14 at 5:51 pm
rvp786 says:
you have done well without him. well played. why dont you bring him in if its unbearable??
January 14 at 5:56 pm
The Dom-Bastic scale says:
Because in the real world I would get laughed at endlessly if I joined his camp with my friends and became one of the RVP (C) gang. Aside from the laughs, 14.1 is too much.
January 14 at 5:43 pm
Jonty says:
If you are on twitter you should follow @ffscout_andy and the hashtag #norvpexperiment. He’s getting some good scores without RVP. You are not alone.
January 14 at 5:47 pm
The Dom-Bastic scale says:
Not on twitter. But shall see if I can view his material without signing. Thanks!
January 14 at 5:47 pm
Nopli-Unleashthedrog says:
Just got him this week on my wildcard
.
January 14 at 5:50 pm
The Dom-Bastic scale says:
At 14m? Can you afford to feed the rest of your players paying that!?
January 14 at 5:53 pm
Nopli-Unleashthedrog says:
Yeah i have got a pretty decent side if you ask me.
Solid defence Having 2 big hitter (might even get 3 if i downgrade Ivanovic and get Gibbs & Nasty)
Power 3 + Maloney+ Nolan (Not bad)
RVP + Cisse + Fletcher
Team Linked
January 14 at 5:40 pm
Locarno says:
I’d love to take a gamble on Diaby, but don’t have any midfield spots left. Think he could bag 12-15 points in the DGW.
January 14 at 5:41 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
January 14 at 5:41 pm
rvp786 says:
with his injury record u will be lucky to bag 12-15mins of playing time from him
January 14 at 5:48 pm
footballoholic says:
January 14 at 5:58 pm
Jude Rooney says:
Like it…
January 14 at 5:43 pm
Disco Stu says:
I was thinking the same thing as I’m trying to sneak one last cheap DGW player in. It’s looking like either Diaby or Joe Cole
January 14 at 5:41 pm
Iamjack says:
lost in last page..
ba to whom for long term…got 9.4
January 14 at 5:47 pm
Iamjack says:
option available…..tevez.defoe..lukaku..podolski..
January 14 at 5:52 pm
Absinthe Minded One says:
Keep Ba?
I’m planning front 8
Wally, Michu, Mata, Bale, Sterling
RVP, lukaku/lambert, suarez
at the mo
January 14 at 5:54 pm
Ior Bock says:
Fletcher
January 14 at 5:41 pm
Jonah Takalua says:
Power 5 everybody lets all have the matching teams
We need a specific power 5 article to explain ways of affording it too
January 14 at 5:42 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
Hmm, AJ, Back in his City days he was 8 PPG player. If he can back to anything near that he could force his way into my plans. His form has certainly picked up. But since Michu is nailed on in my team, I’d have to see evidence of him outperforming Fellaini or Walcott before I got him back
January 14 at 5:49 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Which looks risky as of now tbh.
January 14 at 5:42 pm
Chris_White says:
Anyone thought of bringing in Rooney prior to SOT? I might double up with RVP, their fixtures look tasty for a while there…
January 14 at 5:44 pm
heartsattack says:
Don’t have RVP but planning on Rooney if he’s fit.
January 14 at 5:45 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
Yeah, he’s looking really affordable. Long term, Aguero/Rooney over RVP/Ba looks really tempting to me.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
Binij says:
yep, i’m thinking Roon + RVP for that game but using my wc to get rid
January 14 at 5:52 pm
Chris_White says:
I would do that too if I was gonna WC after. I might take a punt and then switch to Aguero after
January 14 at 5:44 pm
Ferris Bueller's Rotation Risk says:
Lukaku worth a punt in your opinion? Had enough of Berba and, with City and Utd for Fulham in the next three and Villa this GW for WBA, wonder if now’s his time.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
Donnie Chen says:
Lukaku is a better bet than Berbatov for me. He even lucked out at home to Wigan. For that reason, I’m out.
January 14 at 5:52 pm
Ferris Bueller's Rotation Risk says:
Cheers Donnie. Who are you considering getting in for Berba? Or already set on Lukaku? I can’t see passed him at the moment, 9 goals to date in approx 950 mins playing time…that’s a great record.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
Long term fixtures aren’t the best, but I’m really tempted to get him. He’s a goalscoring machine if he continues to get the minutes.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
CoYi says:
Looked good on Sat, but don’t like his fixtures….
January 14 at 5:56 pm
berb-erotica says:
+1
January 14 at 5:45 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Don’t get the Walcott love in. Don’t think he will start as striker after his awful performance yesterday. Might go back to being right winger after the transfer window closes. How he is being talked about in the same breath as Michu and Fellaini is beyond me.
January 14 at 5:47 pm
Donnie Chen says:
I agree – a streaky player, like a lesser Bale. Points come in spikes. I prefer the regular cashpoints that are Fellaini, RVP etc
January 14 at 5:47 pm
Locarno says:
Because he’s getting 180 minutes – the other two are getting 90 each. Simple maths.
January 14 at 5:48 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Nope. He is being talked about as one of the “power five” long term. Not just for the DGW.
January 14 at 5:55 pm
Absinthe Minded One says:
price over Cazorla only
i would have Caz over him only for price
January 14 at 5:47 pm
VagnerLove says:
Yeah he’s a class apart… ^^
January 14 at 5:48 pm
Santiagounreal says:
Giroud will get his place back in time…they can’t just leave their only proper striker on the bench.
January 14 at 5:50 pm
Donnie Chen says:
agree
January 14 at 6:00 pm
Frank Luiz says:
agree, Giroud will get back after Arsenal loses both games in DGW
January 14 at 5:48 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
Actually, he wants to play upfront, Wenger knows this, and he won’t sign a contract until he’s offered that role upfront. He should continue up-top for me.
January 14 at 5:50 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
I don’t know. Feel the experiment is done. Don’t care about the contract but Giroud is a far superior player in the striker position and Arsenal need to win games desperately now.
January 14 at 5:51 pm
Donnie Chen says:
He’s a decent box finisher when he’s on his game but he hasn’t got the weaponry of Giroud. Giroud heads like a piston hammer.
January 14 at 5:51 pm
Donnie Chen says:
Unfortunately he runs a bit like one, but you know.
January 14 at 5:51 pm
HelloSidney says:
Becuase he’s OOP and scoring for fun? It’s too hard to say long term whether he’s a shoe-in but it’s dnagerous not to have him.
January 14 at 5:58 pm
Crouch Potato says:
Wouldn’t describe his performance as awful, more understandable, 10 men of Arsenal against a top side, limited to few attacks. Also only for top defending from Lescott would have scored.
January 14 at 6:03 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Giroud had more touches in his cameo than Walcott had in 90 plus mins. For me, he was awful.
January 14 at 5:59 pm
berb-erotica says:
As an Arsenal Fan I’ve never understood the Feo love either. I don’t fancy him doing anything v Chelski, not certain he can do enough against the Hammers to justify his existence.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
ViperStripes says:
Is it time to get rid of Defoe?
Probably bring in Podolski until play Winter WC
January 14 at 5:47 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Might as well. I would.
January 14 at 5:46 pm
jacob.toye says:
http://fantasy.premierleague.c.....istory/22/
I’d love a little advice guys. I’ve already done Bale -> Walcott this week and wondering if I should do one of:
A. Luiz and Puncheon -> R Martin & Santi Cazorla (-8 points), then Santi -> Bale next week.
B. Nothing this week. Luiz and Puncheon -> R Martin & Bale (-4).
C Nothing this week. Luiz -> Martin R next week. Week after Puncheon -> Bale. (No points penalty)
I want to bring Bale back into the squad in the coming weeks. Thinking maybe the return of the DGW will cancel out the points drop.
January 14 at 5:47 pm
Donnie Chen says:
C for me
January 14 at 5:48 pm
ViperStripes says:
Have you played your Winter WC yet?
January 14 at 5:57 pm
jacob.toye says:
Yup.
January 14 at 5:47 pm
VagnerLove says:
Ba to Pod for the DGW?
January 14 at 5:48 pm
Donnie Chen says:
I think so. Wait till their FA cup game has been and gone Weds though…
January 14 at 5:48 pm
Its gonna get Messi says:
Seems to be the way to go
January 14 at 5:48 pm
Thomass67 Guys PLEASE Join My LEAGUE CODE IS: 1687003-562632 says:
What are Mata points predictions??
January 14 at 5:49 pm
Locarno says:
He’s got 14 now. I reckon he’ll have 14 on Thursday.
January 14 at 5:49 pm
Donnie Chen says:
As he’s my captain I’m hoping for 20 (40) at least
January 14 at 5:49 pm
rvp786 says:
tbh id just be glad when and if i see his name in starting line up
January 14 at 5:50 pm
Its gonna get Messi says:
1 He will get rested knowing benitez
January 14 at 5:52 pm
Donnie Chen says:
I doubt it, he was subbed off on 75 – that has “starting Wednesday” written all over it.
January 14 at 5:57 pm
Locarno says:
To me, it has “taking off my best player when the game is beyond doubt” written all over it. Don’t think Wednesday came into Rafa’s thinking.
I hope I’m wrong, because I also gave him the armband.
January 14 at 5:50 pm
Nopli-Unleashthedrog says:
10 more which makes it 24 for the DGW
January 14 at 5:48 pm
La Roja says:
Jude Rooney doing well mate, congrats.
Right behind you
January 14 at 5:49 pm
heartsattack says:
GERVINHOOOOOOO!
January 14 at 5:51 pm
La Roja says:
January 14 at 5:51 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Gervinho is Ivory Coast’s penalty taker.
January 14 at 5:52 pm
heartsattack says:
Mr Reliable
January 14 at 5:54 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
He’s no Drogba
January 14 at 5:54 pm
heartsattack says:
Aye no arguments there.
January 14 at 5:50 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
How does this look?
Berbatov > Podolski
Azpilicueta > Gibbs
for a 4 point hit?
January 14 at 5:50 pm
PC ALLSTARS says:
Hey Guys what do u think of my WC team?
Bego Bunn
Ivan Baines Verm
Theo Santi Nolan Michu
Rvp Tevez C Cole
Subs Punch B Davies Marria
January 14 at 5:52 pm
GARRIDO IS THE NEW BAINES says:
defence far too strong
January 14 at 5:56 pm
PC ALLSTARS says:
I know but i’ve made a fair bit on Ivan, Baines should score well and Verm could be a good punt! Could get Gibbs?
January 14 at 5:53 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Who will C Cole become after the DGW?
January 14 at 5:58 pm
PC ALLSTARS says:
Prob just bench CCole & play Punch or B Davies!
January 14 at 5:51 pm
Yxz says:
A) Bale/Mata Out for Fellaini
B) Bale/Mata + Berbatov Out for Fellaini + Suarez (-4)
C) Bale/Mata + Berbatov + Luiz Out for Fellaini + Suarez + Gibbs (-8)
January 14 at 5:53 pm
rvp786 says:
to those who say they cant afford rvp now that he is 14m its a myth.
people still bring in michu whos risen 1.8m above his original value.
people still bring in suarez who is roughly a million above his original value.
theres a few more examples too. its never too late to bring in anyone esp a machine like rvp
January 14 at 5:54 pm
rvp786 says:
rvp has only risen 1m above his original value so its similar to the likes of suarez
January 14 at 5:55 pm
VagnerLove says:
Bringing the top/2nd top midfield for £8m doesn’t ruin your team £14m in one player does. You basically have to field RVP 8 decent players and 6 bench fodders.
January 14 at 5:56 pm
rvp786 says:
most people brought in rvp at 13-13.5m. its only an extra 0.5m-1m. same as every other play who has risen
January 14 at 5:53 pm
VagnerLove says:
Anyone notice how since Lucas as has been for Liverpool, Gerrard has been getting attacking returns (last 6GW he’s earned 55 points), yet no one ever mentions him?
January 14 at 5:55 pm
VagnerLove says:
Back* from injury
January 14 at 6:00 pm
JKisthe1 - A Founder of Berbism says:
Gerrard is getting plenty of notice on here
January 14 at 5:54 pm
El Muñeco says:
In my opinion as an arsenal fan I think the following will happen in the DGW;
Giroud to start against WHM
Kos to start against che and Mert against WHM
Pod to play a total of around 120 mins
Caz to drop deeper with no arteta
Walcott is the only real ‘safe’ option imo. I would go wilshere for differential.
January 14 at 5:56 pm
heartsattack says:
Won’t Diaby just slot in where Arteta was meaning Caz unaffected?
January 14 at 5:58 pm
Disco Stu says:
Yes
January 14 at 5:59 pm
El Muñeco says:
Diaby much more conventional box to box like vieira was. Caz played the role at Malaga but I mean that there will not be a single pivot when there is arteta. All three will share attacking responsibilities rather than santi as a 10.
January 14 at 6:00 pm
El Muñeco says:
and defensive responsibilities
January 14 at 5:58 pm
HelloSidney says:
Yeah, I have Mert and I thought that might happen. I’d settle for that tbh. He’s likely to play against the aeriel threat of WHU.
January 14 at 5:54 pm
when in doubt (C) him,his left foot will save ya!!! says:
wildcard(24th gamewk) draft no 4:
bunn,bego
zaba,evra,cashley,devies,wilson
mata,bale,michu,fellaini,guthrie
rvp,tevez,pod
btw thinking fellaini/AJ
wat do u guys reckon????
January 14 at 5:57 pm
when in doubt (C) him,his left foot will save ya!!! says:
*davies
January 14 at 6:01 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
Getting Evra is just chasing points for me. I’d spend the extra cash for Baines or downgrade to Rafael/Evans. Tevez is a huge rotation risk and Podolski is out of position, and not in the good way.
January 14 at 6:04 pm
when in doubt (C) him,his left foot will save ya!!! says:
oops…it will be pog!!!!
January 14 at 6:07 pm
ScoutCast not pearls before swine says:
Oh. Then in that case, don’t like doubling up on Guthrie/Pog. In spite of the last couple weeks, Pog is not good enough to start every week.
January 14 at 5:54 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
I have a strong feeling that bpth Demba Ba and Torres are going to be in the starting lineup against Soton.
January 14 at 5:56 pm
athleticbilbobaggins says:
Benitez changing his 4-2-3-1 formation which he stuck to since his Valencia days 11 years ago? I wouldn’t bet on it.
January 14 at 5:59 pm
AK- The Citeh Manager says:
I know, but then there’s this strong intuition I have. Let’s see. I really want Ba to start though.
January 14 at 5:57 pm
heartsattack says:
Won’t happen imo.
January 14 at 5:54 pm
Canadian Football says:
Just downloaded the FPL app for blackberry….it is pretty handy. Good App. for 0.99
January 14 at 6:02 pm
Acquafresca says:
whats it called?
January 14 at 6:03 pm
berb-erotica says:
another great app is Differential FPL, I know it runs on Android also 99p.
January 14 at 5:57 pm
toxik says:
For next week:
Mig (Guzan)
Demel Gibbs Shaw (Harte, Luiz)
Walcott (c), Cole J, Pienaar, Punch, Mata
Ba RVP (Berba)
Was thinking Ba to Pod? and is Berba likely to score away at Man City? swap him for Punch maybe? Is defence ok Luiz for Shaw?