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. bring_on _the_fantasy
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How is aguero not starting!

    Just had 3 weeks off!! Pep doesn't start nacho when aguero is injured. Now he is fit with a nice easy game to get his eye back in he benches him and starts nacho??! Wtf??

    1. Gianfranco Sola
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Aguero is not good enough, too inconsistent

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Injury prone player, massive risk to start 2 games in 48 hours regardless of 3 weeks off. (Captainer).

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

      Tactical manager - looks at the opposition and sets up to beat them. Presume he thinks he needs a goalhanger like Nacho as opposed to Aguero's movement.

    4. alloutattack
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      i wish now burney can win the game to teach pep a hard lesson.

    5. Funkyav
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Pep is a joke

      1. bring_on _the_fantasy
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I agree. He is really struggling in the prem. another aweful decision. Already 10 points of Chelsea.

  2. HVT
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone on here but Kun?

    1. HVT
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      *buy

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Jawohl.

      Captained him too.

      1. Slartibartfast
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Guessing your comment was sarcastic, or..?

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      No one

    4. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I think some ruined their teams to have Ibra Costa kun also

  3. Crouching Tiger
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    My FPL season has been a total disaster so far again. So many wrong choices. Total rank 400k.

    Now I have Aguero(C). Of course I transferred him in last week already with Walcott. Genius move. Should just give up already.

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not to bad rank I'm 600k

      1. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Double yours and your close to mine 😆

    2. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      On the positve side I am on around 450K so now have a good chance to catch up.

    3. MTPockets
        7 years, 4 months ago

        The game's not over yet

      • Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        1.7 m been playing 9 years,bloody dreadful...

        1. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Same Jordan mate 😀

      • XabiAlonso
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Just see it as a challenge to increase your rank from here.
        Will make you a better player in the long run

      • Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        2.4m ranking here. never had such a bad season, been so unlucky every week.

      • Kane-harry Island
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        What disaster? 1.9m ranking is the real disaster. My first season though...

      • theroadrunner
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        42k but aguero captaining got me going down for sure

      • grumpyman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Glad I'm not alone. 670k, lowest ever rank at this stage of the season. Went out of the cup yesterday to a dead team with 5 non starting players. Went on a rage tilt last night and took a -8 to get Aguero in.

        Never known FPL blues this bad.

    4. tsubasa10
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      rondon for captain here, anyone ?

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

        He's my vice with Kuhn C

        1. tsubasa10
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          sterling my vice, cheers mate

    5. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I hope some1 picks up a knock in the pre match warmup

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

      Was considering bringing in Rondon then looked at his recent stats and a bit of sick came up 🙁

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

        probably that massive burger

        1. XabiAlonso
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Ha

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

      What's happening with the FFS cup? does this GW count or is there a break?

    8. Cevap
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Those complaining about Friend not getting CS appear to be new to the game. If you've been playing this game, it's been like this for years. If you're a newcomer, read the rules and stop complaining. If you're illiterate, find a friend to read them for you.

      1. Nomar
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        If they're illiterate then surely they won't be able to read what you just wrote?

        And what would they be doing posting on here if they can't read?

    9. dcarlito
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Was half thinking of captaining Firmino before I sucucumbed to the rest rumours doing the rounds, don't think I had the cajones anyway, played it safe with Sanchez. Should be interesting to see how it pans out.

      Need a maverick move over the next couple of weeks to jump start my OR.

      1. Cevap
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Hoping tekkers and hazard get a haul

        1. dcarlito
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Haz needs to step up to the plate big style, fingers crossed 😉

          1. Cevap
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            No kidding. Giving 2 more games and then he's out if no production

            1. dcarlito
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 4 months ago

              Sing it.

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

        just get Kone for the DGW and you'll climb as a rocket 😉

        1. dcarlito
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          🙂

    10. thep025
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hoping Heaton becoms Neuer now...

    11. Parm
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Doesn't look like my captain: https://twitter.com/ManCity/status/815932488547758080

    12. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      PepOut

      1. Cevap
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        No way that will happen this year. He's definitely thrown a curve for us FPL managers though

    13. Danstoke82
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Phew glad I avoided Kun this GW but he could still come on and bag a hatty

    14. davies
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Those wanting to play 352, is this the ideal front 8?

      Sanchez - Hazard - Eriksen/Alli - Lallana - Phillips
      Ibra - Costa - Barnes

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Something like that. There are other options though - Walcott, Pogba, Kane come to mind.

        1. davies
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Hmm none of those really interest me tbh

          Might just get Tekkers for free - but leaves me want no Liverpool - Argh!!!

      2. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Sanchez - Coutinho
        Kane - Costa - Ibra

        Can work with a solid basis if you've a high TV.

      3. MidTableFantasy
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        That is my exact squad (with Alli)

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

          Sanchez - Alli - Coutinho - Phillips - De Roon
          Ibra - Costa - Lukaku

          7 of the best 8 teams in the PL covered in that midfield / attack.

      4. Harper (No more Penandes)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Yes

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

        Yep except im waiting on cout to get back so its cout instead of lallana

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

        it's good but there really are no right answer atm. Just as easily justify a front 3 of Kane-Kun-Barnes or putting in mids like Pogba, Coutinho, Walcott, Pedro.
        So many options atm before even looking for differentials or budget options.

      7. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I have exactly that, with Eriksen, Anichebe instead of Barnes

    15. Richd
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I captained Kun.

      Most the posts are from non-Kun owners.

      To use a poker analogy; this shows we had the equity. The pocket aces. And the non-owners have sucked out on the turn.

      However, game still to be played. Maybe we will river our two outer and bullies like Bemba will have to mortgage their mothers house to payoff the debt.

      1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        He'll come on and score im sure

      2. Cevap
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Non owner here, but I assume anyone that brought him in was for the long haul and not just for Burnley. He can and probably will still reward those that keep faith.

      3. rnrd
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Variance..

      4. Crouching Tiger
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        It's like tournament poker. You need to keep winning hands to keep going. No room for many wrong moves...

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

        I have no idea what you are talking about but good luck and hope you score well

    16. PvA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Simply brilliant from Bleacher Report hahahaha

      https://twitter.com/br_uk/status/815930693792493568

      1. Mr. Blonde
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Haha. I know how he feels

    17. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Rage wildcarded this GW - Kingsley + Jones + Siggy + Forshaw + Origi > Ake + Lovren + Alli + Phillips + Barnes

    18. Melvin Udall
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Feel genuinely bad for kun pickers this week of which for once I am not one - had him up to the ban but wont be investing again this year.

      For those who did, surely folks need to wait and see for at least two games before buying?

      1. BlzE_94
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Don't feel bad, kun will score coming off the bench

        1. Melvin Udall
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Lol. Sure of it my friend.

          What do I know... still reeling about selling Kane last week.

      2. Funkyav
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        wait for what, to show that he is the most devastating striker in the league

        we already know that

        1. Melvin Udall
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Sure he is but that devastation can sometimes take a week or two to manifest then theres this very possibility of benching to consider.

          As the chap above says, he will come offa the bench and score for sure today. Normally dies.

          1. Melvin Udall
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            **does**, not dies.

    19. The Tinkerman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      How to plug these holes, caused by injury and AFCON? (13.9m, 2FT)

      Foster
      Alonso, Koscielny, McAuley
      Sanchez, Hazard, ______ , Allen
      Costa, Ibra, ______

      Main rotating subs: Can, Chambers

      A) De Roon, Lukaku
      B) Lallana, Gray
      C) Phillips + 8.3m Striker (Benteke?)
      D) Take a hit and downgrade Alonso (potential injury + fixtures turning tough)
      E) Take a hit and downgrade someone else (Hazard?)

      Really stumped here, don't like B at all. Would prefer to wait a week and get Coutinho back at 8.2m. Don't particularly like A either, but that way I can get Coutinho in for Hazard for the Swansea match in GW22.

      1. Sune
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        C

      2. PvA
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        B

    20. James101
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Do we see kun coming on?

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        i bloody hope not, want nothing to do with him after this benching crap

      2. Jake Donahue
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Come on flying against a tired Burnley team to score a brace

        1. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Also having him?

        2. James101
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Could see this happening.

          Comics in against tired (and inferior) opposition, with a real point to prove...

          1. James101
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Could see this happening.

            Coming on against tired (and inferior) opposition, with a real point to prove...

        3. Sir Edo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Yes, you have him too, just checked..

          This will dent your trip to the HoF top, aswell as for me. 😉

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

        Just had a look, nothing yet.

    21. thericeking
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      love the passion but you've all been uinfriended

      1. Mull
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I'm sure that spelling mistake was uninfriended. 😀

        1. thericeking
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          you have made me glad of it 🙂

    22. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      The 5 Friend points is like 6 or 7k on the OR. I am ranked 15k. Thats significant

      1. Smarty Pants
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        imagine what 25 Friend points would have done

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

        It's not significant, there are no points.

        1. TheSteel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Oh its not, eh? *takes bite out of burger*

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

            This one's been sitting around all Christmas festering, enjoy the stomach ache 😀

      3. Toby Lerone
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        You're lucky he even played

    23. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Hope burnely teach the great pep a lesson today

    24. Perthite
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Aguero hasn't got any points yet. Can someone write an email to Santa or someone to get this injustice fixed?

      1. Perthite
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        The joke is a bit friendless with a new post up... geddit

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/01/02/dugout-discussion-saturday-19/

    25. Smarty Pants
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Why hasn't Friend been getting starts lately? Just being eased in after an injury, or is he not a regular starter anymore?

      1. Mr. Blonde
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        He's fairly muck it has been discovered

      2. davies
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Doesn't help that he was returning just as the matches come thick and fast

        1. Smarty Pants
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          but will he be a regular starter from now on? I quite liked what I saw today and the fixtures are nice.

          1. davies
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 4 months ago

            Think so

      3. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Injured

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

        Fabio has been playing better. I think we saw Friend up his performance level today because of that competition. Think Barragan may have a hard time getting back into the team now.

    26. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Will Kun come on do we think?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Certainly.

      2. Funkyav
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        hopefully as soon as possible

      3. Numb
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Unless they are like 3-0 up yeah

      4. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Actually he might as just stay on bench for me, better off with Alexis coming in as vice captain

    27. Stimps
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Kun will get at least 30 mins I recon, hopefully should be enough

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

        5 min cameo incoming.. hopefully.

    28. dcarlito
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Some Friend he is...

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

      So, together with Kun, Silva, Stones, Zabaleta and Nolito also are benched!
      Award for best bench imo.

    30. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Knowing what Pep has done so far it was a calculated risk getting Kun when the other premium guys are firing. No doubt done mainly by those chasing and having poor seasons. It's an understandable move but for me until Pep gets a settled side winning, like Jose seems to have done I think City are best avoided. Its madness what has happened there since start of season where 2-3 City players seemed mandatory