Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Middlesbrough vs Leicester

Just 24-hours after waving goodbye to Gameweek 19, we’re underway again as the exhausting festive period draws to a close.

In Fantasy terms, we at least appear to be eased into this next round of fixtures.

Middlesbrough host Leicester City in a match-up that, on paper, harbours little interest for Fantasy managers.

Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez are perhaps the major attacking assets on show, as we get the opportunity to scout their potential ahead of Boro’s kind run of January fixtures.

Given that Middlesbrough have scored just 17 goals from their 19 matches, Aitor Karanka’s defence is perhaps more likely to offer us profit, with Ben Gibson already backed by 9.6% of FPL managers. He starts today but, elsewhere in the Boro rearguard, a knee injury to keeper Victor Valdes keeps him out of action, while George Friend is relegated to the bench having returned to the starting XI at Old Trafford in Gameweek 19.

They are part of five changes made by both Middlesbrough and Leicester, perhaps indication of a turbulent day for the teamsheets.

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

2,295 Comments Post a Comment
  1. C_G
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    WBA vs Hull, score predictions? I reckon 4-0

    1. Bleach †
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      3-0. Maybe 3-1 if Snoddie bangs in a FK

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      3-0

    3. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      1-2. No WBA players 😉

    4. Slam
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A dull 0-0 affair

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      3-1 for me.

    6. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Phillips 4-0 Jaku's shadow

    7. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Hope you're right. /Phillips captainer

      1. C_G
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Rondon(c) and Brunt here

    8. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      2-1

    9. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      3-1
      Phillips hatty.

  2. Zeeco
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Why did Friend only get 1 Point,what about the clean sheet points?

    1. Big Mac 24
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Played < than 60 minutes

  3. Crystal Ball
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Bloody hell did Barragan go off injured?

    1. dcarlito
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Hammer apparently.

    2. thep025
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah...Have him...Irritating...

  4. Viprin
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Which one is worse??
    A) Friend owners just 3 mins short of cs
    B)Aguero owners who brought him in for a hit and captained

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      b lol

    2. Ravager
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      B. Landslide.

    3. dcarlito
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Spare a thought for Barragan owners

    4. Big Mac 24
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      And if you happen to put your hand up on both counts?

      1. kawaiii
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Me, for a 12 point hit !

        1. Big Mac 24
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Me too, hoping for Rondon and Lallana madness! And of course ana gusto brace from the bench

          1. kawaiii
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            The question now is, what to do with Aguero ?

    5. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A the more unlucky B the bigger gamble

  5. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Why am I so bad at a game with over 4m players and over 3.5m either don't know the rules or have the ability to read them? 😛

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Lack patience. Choose quality and stick by them.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Not really my point 😉 But yeah

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      And why do we continue to play it year in year out?

    3. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Bet you still get more enjoyment out of the average GW by playing the way you do rather than just being a dullard or stock-piling transfers.

    4. Back on the horse
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      It's a complete lottery.

    5. Kane-harry Island
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I totally get your point 😉

  6. Garlana
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Barragan getting injured is bad enough, the fact I missed out on a cleanie too is a double whammy, probably more friend owners who are equally anoyyed by this!

  7. FFPro
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    As a Friend and Origi owner, i feel physically ill

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Well Origi wasn't expected and Friend could easily have 0.

      1. FFPro
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Origi was expected to start. Most predicted that, with Firmino getting rested.

        Friend would have likely got baps if he started, and was unlucky not to get multiple attacking returns.

        1. XabiAlonso
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Origi was never a long term option sorry you must be aware he will not be a regular every week when a full team is available

          1. FFPro
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            I am aware but that does not change the fact he was expected to start this game and could have done very well.

      2. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Origi was expected in almost every line up

  8. thep025
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Friend vs Chambers for the future??

  9. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Cant wait to see the reaction of Kun lollers when he comes on 2nd half to score a brace 😉

    Ofcourse they'll go back to the cave

    1. Slam
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      They're getting posts deleted left and right

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I think this will happen. It is funny that he is benched, but I am not stupid - the guy is a quality player who will score goals. I just think Ibra and Costa will outscore him this season so would rather have them and the money saving.

    3. dcarlito
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Anybody "lol'ing @" anybody should be banned.

      1. Bleach †
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        lol @dcarlito

        1. dcarlito
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Ban 😉

      2. Odikostar
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        lol @dcarlito

    4. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      part of the site now.
      4 big hitting strikers (most will only have 2) so every GW there'll be Lolling at something. Like the Kane keepers yesterday.

  10. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    I tweeted @FPL

    1. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      That will show them

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        It was strongly worded

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      They've already tweeted about it

      https://twitter.com/OfficialFPL/status/815916139666669568

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        so many rage

      2. tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        then it's a stupid rule.
        If he scores or gets a red card in extra time it affects his score.
        Theory behind extra-time is to make sure there is 90 minutes of playing time. So if he's on the pitch for 2/3 of game should get the points.
        Non-owner.

    3. Bleach †
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      You go girl.

    4. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      perfect

    5. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I hope it started..

      Darling fascist bully-boy... Give me some more points...

  11. Shultan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Who else switching to 3-5-2 after this week.
    I just cant get the 3rd striker right, had nacho twice now origi for 3 games but not started twice.
    Lallana could now be 5th mid but ive missed out on so many points & be paying 0.5 more than rivals

    1. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      If I decide to pull the wildcard trigger then I'll definetly switch for 3-5-2. Borini being my third striker

    2. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Same dilemma, might also buy Rondon and keep the formation

      1. Shultan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        I have phillips & evans so dont fancy triple west brom. Cant afford benteke. & negredo well boro just dont score a lot.

    3. Pauntley
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Just gone to 3-5-2 and ditched Benteke as I don't think Palace will play attacking football under Big Sam

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Kane, Ibra, Costa, Lukaku, Rondon, Negredo all nailed. Pick three.

  12. Numb
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Kun was completely anonymous against Liverpool. Is it just possible that he's been dropped?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      2 games in 48hours for an injury prone player, was always a risk.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      He has been. He also was dropped earlier in the season

    3. Sillet Bang
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      No chance. Wishful thinking?

    4. El-Kloppico
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      of course.

    5. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      no service from silva or kdb who were right off the pace as well

    6. GREENDREAMS11
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      tbf to him Citys midfield were dire, he got no service at all..... cant blame him for that but maybe Pep is unhappy at him not tracking back and helping out etc.

    7. DLL18
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe, Burnley at home would be exactly the right kind of game for him to get some confidence back though.

      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      good haul today Numb 🙂

      🎣

      1. Numb
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

  13. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    The clean sheet rule has been like that since as far as I can remember. Might be worth reviewing but no point moaning about something that was never going to happen.

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      BUT CEDRiC PLAYED 60!!!!!

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        😀

    2. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      but....bloody three minutes 😐 wouldn't moan if he would have been subbed at extra time

    3. MTPockets
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Seems sensible.
        90 min - stoppage + extra time = 90 minutes

      • ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        #Friendfor6

      • Shultan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        I dont own friend but i can see why his owners are annoyed.

      • Pep says
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Yes rules are rules but it surely needs to be revised. If yellow/red cards, goals, assists and save points can be counted.......

      • dcarlito
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Pity this can't be pinned to the top of every page.

        +1

    4. Champione
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Times have changed. No people are hoping that Pulis' attacker can make up for Aguero fails (too early I know..) 😉

      1. Champione
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        wups, now**

    5. Jedi_Reed
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Well, I own him and with that Friend 1 point you just have to laugh. FPL can be cruel.

      Still, encouraged by his performance. If Negredo had been better, there would've been at least an assist. Hopefully he can come back in, if Barragan is out.

    6. Mayo for Sam
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Where's Friend's CS he played over 60 minutes?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        57 / 90 minutes.

      2. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Gods sake

      3. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        He came on after 30 minutes.

        1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          But played about 70 mins

          1. Numb
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            Injury time only makes up for time lost during the match

    7. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      It couldn't of even been Nolitio starting up front. Had to be Nacho to troll us even more

    8. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Still wishing for late nacho injury and kun coming....
      What a season it could be if I had never bought kun at any stage..
      fml

    9. Oddjobleff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Friend comes on 34th minute, game ends 97th. That's 63mins therefore 6 points. Game credits him 57mins and 1 point. Harsh

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        57 / 90

      2. JAC THE CAT
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Rules is rules

        1. BIJ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          The rules don't say that

        2. Oddjobleff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Indeed. Another nail in this period's coffin for me

      3. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Always been like that.

        Different conversation is whether it should be like that in coming seasons of course as goals and assists count after the 90.

        1. BIJ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          The rules don't say that. They say played 60 minutes on the pitch. Which he did.

          1. Lone Wolf FPL
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            this

          2. Respect My Authoritah
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            Good point. They don't. We just know what the case is from experience. Should clarify on the main site too

        2. Oddjobleff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah. Oh well

        3. Burger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          A goal scored on 94 mins gets credited as 90mins in FPL. No comparison.

      4. Burger
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Sajtandidnt bring you you the rules of football book then?

        1. Burger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          OK I've been at the booze.

          1. Oddjobleff
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            Rule 2.5: Only some of your players shall play and those who do shall score thou very few points

        2. BIJ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          What does that have to do with anything. The rules on FPL are quite clear. You must be on the pitch and play for 90 minutes which he did.

          1. BIJ
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            *60 minutes

          2. Burger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            He didn't, he was on the pitch for over 60 mins but he did not play for over 60 mins. When the ref stops the clock for an injury, which he then adds on at the end of the alloted 90 mins, are the players playing? No. There's your answer.

    10. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      there is no other explanations than the injury record of Aguero with him being benched today. I saw it coming although I have cleared funds for kun for next week.
      Kun(c) don't freak out, there is not many scenari in which Aguero plays 10 min today. It is Either 30+ or 0 and kun can make A LOT of damage in 30 mins

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Imagine triple damage for 90 minutes

    11. -SB-
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Is Jones playing for Utd?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Expected but nothing certain.

      2. El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        wil Know in 1.5hours.. except if you've got Mou's num

    12. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Come on Burnley score early!

    13. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Anyone watching how Iheanachos warm up is going?

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        He just fell down.. maybe he's injured..
        But Gabriel Jesus warming up behind 🙂

      2. MTPockets
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Spotted someone rapidly peeling a banana by the tunnel.

      3. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Regret not getting Yaya or Sterling now.

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Super Tom double digit haul incoming

        2. Bleach †
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          I dont know. Every City player is a rotation risk.

      4. TooDifficuIt
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        what's wrong with pep !

        1. El-Kloppico
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Flu got to him after the Anfield defeat

        2. Halftime
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Aguero has a bad injury history and he probably won't need him to win this game.

      5. twoplustwo
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Jesus Christ that Sunderland team...

        1. JÆKS ⭐
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          With rivals owning Lallana and I have Origi, I don't like the look of that team at all!

        2. El-Kloppico
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Did you mean Jesus Navas? Or Jesus Gabriel?

        3. Hooky
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Good job they have loads of cash to splash in January. Hang on a minute....

          1. twoplustwo
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            🙂

      6. S.Kuqi
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Goals scored and conceded after 90mins count but keeping cs from 33min to 93min isn't counted as a cs. Makes no sense.

        1. Are you Shaw?
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          i am emailing everybody.. Mark and the FPL team... they better sort this out... its not fair.. the man played 62 minutes with stoppage time added of course...

          also do count that there were 3 minutes added to the first half

          1. Bleach †
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            Lol.

        2. Speédy
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          this,5 points robbed

      7. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        I feel like Steven Avery

        1. Mull
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Guilty?

        2. Numb
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          😆

      8. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        To be fair they could re-word this a bit....

        A clean sheet is awarded for not conceding a goal whilst on the pitch and playing at least 60 minutes.

        1. Bleach †
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Excluding extra-time. 🙂

          1. Burger
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            It's not extra, it's injury time, it's still part of the 90 mins.

      9. RubberDucky
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Stuck Origi on my bench as first sub.

          This will still come back to haunt me!