Dugout Discussion

The Dugout Discussion – Sunday

Sunday delivers a trio of teams tussling for a top-four spot. Arsenal begin proceedings, with Arsene Wenger’s men seeking to recover from a damaging 2-0 reverse at St Mary’s: the Gunners host a dangerously unpredictable Stoke the Emirates.

Following that, it’s a Dutch Maestro face-off, as Man United and Southampton clash at Old Trafford. Louis van Gaal’s side will put their 10-match unbeaten run on the line against Ronald Koeman’s revived Southampton, buoyed by three wins in the last four.

Fantasy managers will be fixated on the returns of Alexis Sanchez against the Potters as he looks to take the opportunity to topple Eden Hazard atop the Fantasy Premier League midfield rankings. With just a single goal in the last six Gameweeks, another big Sanchez haul is overdue. We’ll also have an eye on Olivier Giroud – back from suspension and bidding to come into our Wildcard equation. Equally, Theo Walcott’s pitch time will be of keen interest – returns for the 8.9-priced midfielder could yet disrupt the template currently being formed.

Angel Di Maria is already part of that Wildcard template, with the Argentine expected to be handed a first start since Gameweek 12 when the Saints pay visit. His role and the impact on Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata is likely to occupy our analysis, while Southampton’s defence will also come under scrutiny against a United attack that’s fired 22 goals at Old Trafford.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

4,565 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Misguided By The Poll Herd?
    Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    This week an example of the curse of this site. If there was no captain poll, Haz/Sanchez would have been a much closer split. But once the herd mentality sets in, everyone has Hazard captain on the theory that you don't lose out much if you don't.

    1. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      also saying this will lead everyone to say it's hindsight - which it is, obviously. But stats and home form also pointed just as much to Sanchez - the reason everyone captained Hazard was because everyone else did. Well done to those who didn't.

    2. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      bla boa pick better captain next gw

    3. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Pens were the difference for me 🙁

    4. Saxe-Gotha
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'm one of the guilty sheep. Had it on Alexis and switched to Haz. I would say 'live and learn' but I've done it multiple times so I haven't learned a thing.

      1. Kim Jong Kün
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Same. Fell for it this week and not for the first time.

    5. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      get a grip.

    6. fusen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Pointing out that this site is very clique and most people just follow the "template opinion" whatever that opinion is for isn't that revolutionary 😛

      But you're completely right.

    7. The Manbearpig
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Tbh though, Hazard was the obvious choice. In form Hazard playing at home against a team who has just lost their coach versus Sanchez who has only scored 1 goal in the last 5 PL games and against a team Arsenal usually struggle against.

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        look at sanchez home form and arsenal have a good home record vs. stoke. Chelsea often struggle with Newcastle away as well.

        Not saying i didn't fall prey to all of this logic myself - just that it's a case of looking for things to prove the poll result, and not a proper analysis.

        1. Shifty
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Following the advice and majority on this site will get you a good rank at the end of the season. Don't come crying when you follow the same advice that got you to where you are ends up being a mistake for one week.

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            The season I did far and away the best I barely visited this site. Unfortunately I enjoy having it as a place to discuss the game, I just think having something as arbitrary as the captain poll generates the groupthink that is the site's most negative quality.

            1. Shifty
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              you can't have the best of everything. just dont come here and be happy and elated when it all goes right and whine when it doesn't. not needed and you're just going to get a bad rep.

              1. Baines on Toast...
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Of course I get what you mean. But I do think it should be possible to question certain elements of what we do here at pivotal moments like this, however knee-jerkish it may be.

                1. Ruth_NZ
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  You are right. People on here moan about others making transfers early in the week rather than waiting. But the very bandwagons that create the need to do so are endlessly promoted on this very site.

                  The Aguero situation is a case in point. Rationally it makes better sense to bring him back in for GW 24. Before that he only has Arsenal (h) where he may not start, and Chelsea (a) where City are unlikely to score many goals if any.

                  The sensible thing is to hold the wildcard till the last week and bring Aguero in for Hull (h). But the herd mentality and the fear of price rises created by the herd means that many are acting earlier than would otherwise make sense.

            2. tm245
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              I'm a bit surprised by these posts. Breaking from the herd and failing, breaking from the herd and winning, following the herd and winning, following the herd and failing...we all know the risks and rewards.

            3. Mr Byrnes
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              How in any way can it be seen as a negative tool, the results are not broadcast unless you actively seek them by clinking on view poll or reading the captain sensible article.

              Either way the results are not forced upon you and if anything the tool is one of the most beneficial on the site. The captain pick is one of the most important aspects of the game, the poll allows you to see what other players intend to with this component of the game and having such information is invaluable. If you are faced with such a scenario of Sanchez/Hazard then the poll will show you the majority are going with Hazard which gives you information you would otherwise not have. If Hazard explodes you know you would get left behind, however it can also reinforce a decision whereby if you are (C) Sanchez you know it is an opportunity to rise up the ranks.

              Having the plethora of information this site provides can only be beneficial which is why there are so many successful users, what you do with the information is entirely up to you.

        2. The Manbearpig
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          All your saying is true, but you should also take into account that Hazard is on pens and Sanchez has looked really tired in the last few games.

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            This is another site myth. Sanchez was 'tired' before he destroyed QPR. One person says it and everyone agrees. Pens are obviously a big swinger though.

            1. The Manbearpig
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              I've watched every Arsenal game this season and Sanchez hasn't looked his best in the gameweeks prior to this one, especially against Southampton.

          2. The Manbearpig
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            But it was always a close call, I flipped a coin to decide my captain this week. Unfortunately lady luck didn't help me this gw.

        3. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          We do a captain article which offers full analysis that made the contest very close but for me, Hazards consistency at the Bridge with pens in the mix shaded it. I don't think folk blindly follow the poll - we offer other factors - Sanchez was top of RMT so equally folk could have been guided by that.

          1. Baines on Toast...
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Fair point on RMT. Those articles are probably my favourite on the site, I have nothing but love for that side of it xD

    8. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I concur

    9. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      In fact, is there actually any tangible benefit to having a captain poll at all?

      1. Mr Byrnes
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        It allows you to see what other players are doing and allows you take make more informed decisions for your own benefit. Saying the herd mentality sets in is just one side of the coin, the flip side is if you also looked at other sources of information and believed Sanchez was a better pick. Seeing that the majority have overlooked this would allow you to use it as an opportunity to take advantage.

        It is simply a source of information for people to use however they want, but out of interest what do you see as tangible benefit to the season ticker? or the OPTA stats?

    10. tm245
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      The irony is that your post is getting a herd of upvotes.

    11. Henrzd
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I think people just presume that performance stats and history mean everything. Football isn't maths at the end of the day and it will always be somewhat unpredictable to who will score big.

    12. ronmadpirlo
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      It as a close call between the 2 but chose Hazard on form vs managerless Newcastle. Sanchez is a better player though.

    13. A-VB
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Its in fact better to go with the second best or the third best for any week, whoever of these two has a big difference from his above one according to me.

      I also went for Hazard though. Sadly ! But no worries..

    14. Long Juan Silva
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Who actually picks their captain based on the poll?

      I've never done it.

    15. sbuod
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I had it on Sanchez but switched it to Hazard last minute, the poll played a factor but my main reason was the leader of my mini-league didn't have Hazard (we both have Sanzhez), so it was potentially a big differential. He captained Sanchez as expected so it didn't work out, but what can ya do... logic was sound at the time.

      I normally worry about my own team rather than differentials though, so that did come back to bite me. Ah well.

      1. Baines on Toast...
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Fair enough. For what it's worth in your situation I think I captaining the player you know they will should work, as it means you have hazard as a differential even without the armband. But could have gone the other way!

    16. OShaughnessy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I understand what you're saying here but, the idea of variance needs to come into play, right?

      I mean, if we could somehow play this week 100 times I'm sure that Hazard could have been the man with the goals & Sanchez would have blanked instead.

      As you already said, it was probably a 50/50 proposition in the first place...
      The fact that many people chose *heads* & got it *wrong* doesn't mean it was a bad play, just bad luck aka. variance.

      Next week, if we the herd are faced with a 50/50 proposition again we'll still only get it right half the time...

      1. Donkey_Sanctuary
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        You make some good points and I agree with a lot of your posts but can you please stop emphasising words in *this* way. It doesn't add to your argument or make it easier to grasp and comes across as quite pompous. Which I certainly don't think is your intention.

        1. OShaughnessy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          > *this way*... doesn't add to your argument or make it easier to grasp

          I humbly beg to differ, as adding *Visual-Textual Devices for Achieving Emphasis* is a common technique taught in business & academic writing.
          There's no underlining or italics 'round here so *this* will have to suffice.
          Source: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/609/01/

          > comes across as quite pompous

          If that's the way you feel fine, not much I can do there.
          Although, that's a lot to take away from a *few* asterisks.

          In the end, I thank you very much for your kind words re: my posts & apologises that we disagree on the best way to present them.

          1. Dino
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Test

            bold

            italics

    17. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I must have missed the contract you sign that makes every decision you make governed by this site

    18. Riyomorii
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      The reason I didn't even think about picking Sanchez was because I always had the impression that Stoke was Arsenal's bogey team lol

  2. Wouter
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Rob Dawson ‏@RobDawsonMEN 15m15 minutes ago
    Van Gaal saying Falcao isn't injured, just not selected in the squad.

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Poor Falcao

    2. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      LVG what are you doing? paying how much again? not even on the bench? what if you need a striker in the last 20-30 mins when RVP is inevitably rubbish? idiot

  3. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    69 with AFM and DDG to go.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      *ADM

  4. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    RVP hatty to throw a spanner in the WC works. 😀

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      been there done that. Too many points spread around

  5. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Now there's a small quick break: Downing + Zabaleta > Sanchez + Wisdom 2FT yay or nay?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Why do u wanna get rid of Downing before hull game?

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Because Sanchez is killing me, more important

    2. Calm
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Do it. You need Sanchez. Downing, although i love the guy, hasn't been in brilliant form and blanked recently in games similar to the Hull one

  6. Hypnos
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    should I transfer in Aguero in for next week or leave Costa and get him for GW23?

  7. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Went without Sanchez on my WC and had Giroud and Santi.

    Horrible decision. Do I need to take a hit to get him in this week or just wait for the AV game? Really kicking myself. Self-destructed my season this week and on this WC.

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Wow

      1. Ady87
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Agreed.

        1. That Was Easy!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Will drop Costa to get Sanchez but might wait until after the city game.

          Although a bad decision, it's unlucky that neither were involved today.

          Thanks for the advice......

    2. skeyrd
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      i would stick to your guns. just one gameweek and like you said, Giroud and Santi were unlucky not to be involved. no need to kneejerk and carve up your wildcard team, maybe just make one transfer with an eye to get Alexis in eventually

      1. skeyrd
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        id drop santi before giroud though..lots of competition for those midfield spots with ozil ramsey and walcott coming back

  8. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    When will Sturridge be back?

  9. Honeyman07 42
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Aguero worth 12 mil? Or better options for their value?

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Worth every penny

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      of course he is

    3. Caine & Co.
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      worth it

    4. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Worth it

    5. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Worth 16

  10. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    62 ADM + Alder to go

  11. Lucy.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney and Fab

    or

    ADM and Costa

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      The latter

      1. Lucy.
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        That's what I'm on. 😀

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          My WC def is pants.

          Most expensive is Berty.

          lol

          1. Lucy.
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            I have Terry but he's making life difficult.

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              I can only fit one of Terry or Costa in.

              😕

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      B

    3. Iwantmorepointsthanks
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Rooney & Fab

  12. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    This Falcao situation is ridiculous 😕

    Not impressed at all.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      just when he is hitting form he is dropped. Strange

      1. Jax
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        injured.

      2. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I have a feeling LVG doesn't want him.

    2. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I'm not sure I'd pick him on form tbh.

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        And that is an argument I could absolutely accept except for the big Dutch elephant in the room who continues to play a full 90 minutes up top even though he has been dire.

        If Falcao is poor enough to not be in the squad, RVP shouldn't be there either I reckon.

    3. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I wasn't shocked when he was left out, in fact, I was surprised he played 90 in the last game I thought he would of got the rest he needed then.

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        My issue is RVP starting ahead of him really. To not even be on the bench is nonsense.

    4. Your Mum's Athletic
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      what is he going to do when RVP is inevitably poor?

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Say his vilosovy is going well and mumble something about it all being part of his plan.

  13. Total Foot 5 - romario 11
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    #jesuisjuif #jesuischarlie

  14. Ady87
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Please Rooney hatty, pleeeeeeease.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      This. Sorely needed to even remotely salvage my gameweek.

    2. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      No.... I fell asleep and forgot to do manager subs in UFPL... Kosc already on my bench there Rooney too...

    3. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      that's like expecting ramsey to get a hatty, he is playing in midfield now

  15. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Hazard in my eyes was still the more logical captain choice going into this week with Sanchez a close second.

    1. RSe
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yep not gonna beat myself up about it. Been a horrible run with captains but it's gonna happen, hit lucky a few times early in the season.

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I'm awful at picking captains 🙁

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Newcastle had so many injuries. Giroud was playing. It made sense.

      1. Klopp's Kids
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Not to mention Hazard's form

  16. jonny77
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Baird nailed on?

    1. Declan
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Too early to say

      1. jonny77
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        would having both him and pocognoli as cheap defenders guarentee one of the 2 to start?

        1. Declan
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Yup

    2. Podge
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Not nailed no, maybe a good punt though.

  17. Declan
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    A timely fall for Chambers tonight, a nice 4.9m addition to my WC.

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Man City away next week.

      I'll wait till GW 23 WC.

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      This.

      Could make my team as well.

    3. Podge
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Wont play much from now on

    4. KISSES
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Bellerin came on though?

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Chambers out ill

  18. Messiah Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Some guy on the BBC live text says:
    Tom in Cambridge: Sanchez is surrounded by weaker players, whereas Hazard is playing alongside the best. It's often hard for Hazard's efforts to stand out, even though he's involved in almost every goal. Sanchez, on the other hand, is given overwhelming plaudits for every positive piece of play he produces within an incompetent side.

    1. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Like Sanchez at Barcelona. Can't standout in an amazing team as easily.

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I agree about the strength of the team but...
      Sanchez 12 goals, 7 assists. Hazard 8 goals, 5 assists. (Just FPL)

  19. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Show me a good WC team. 🙄

  20. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Rooney might change everything today...

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I really sincerely hope so.

    2. Timtastic03
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Or nothing...

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        True.

        lol

      2. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        You keeping costa?

    3. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Got a strong feeling he will.

    4. super zlatan
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Really hope so

  21. SmoothRossi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    78 all out - http://bit.ly/1y7ekYm

  22. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    We're back to an attacking template...

    Sanchez Hazard Di Maria

  23. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    United last six home form is 5 W 1 D 0 L

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      won last 5 you should have said.

  24. RD
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Di maria to score a hattrick

    1. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      this... he was my only transfer in this week

  25. UnderstandablyDistraught
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Just saw Alexis' first goal - deadly

    1. Jax
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      yup.

  26. Nobodinho
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Which one would you choose??

    A) Costa, Siggy & Chadli
    B) Berahino, ADM & Fab

  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    did doos drop sanchez like he said?

    1. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      yes he did

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Yeah, a while ago I think.

    3. Messiah Hazard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      yes he did

  28. Jax
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez only blanked in 2 home games this season.

  29. Shifty
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    We should really get points for vice caps 🙂

  30. il Brutto
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    It's quite funny how Rooney plays so deep when he's by far their best striker at the moment and for me would be the only forward in the starting eleven.