Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Tuesday

Tuesday night treats us to three more matches as the festive schedule finally starts to wind up.

Bournemouth and Arsenal go head-to-head at the Vitality Stadium in the 7.45pm kick-off, with Olivier Giroud looking to score for the third successive match – the Frenchman opened 2017 in style, thanks to his scorpion kick effort at home to Palace. He starts for the third successive outing this evening.

Second in our Gameweek 20 Captain Poll, Alexis Sanchez is looking for a fifth double-figure haul on his travels, yet faces a resilient Cherries rearguard that’s served up four clean sheets in front of their own supporters. Sanchez remains on the flank as a result of Giroud’s start but has fired in 17 attempts from that position in the last two Gameweeks – more than any other player.

Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha will look to take advantage of Swansea City’s dire defence in an 8pm kick-off at Selhurst Park.

The Belgian has the chance to play his way into consideration as the schedule turns in Palace’s favour, though Zaha owners will be searching for a way out after tonight’s fixture as he’s set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Finally, Stoke City entertain Watford in the other later match as Joe Allen and Etienne Capoue go head-to-head in the battle of the budget midfielders.

With the likes of Matt Phillips and Robert Snodgrass stepping up in form over Christmas, owners of both Allen (one goal since Gameweek 8) and Capoue (a single strike since Gameweek 5), will surely be considering their options over the FA Cup weekend break.

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

5,318 Comments Post a Comment
  1. C_G
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Do I need to WC?

    Dropped from 1.1k to 12k in the past four weeks.

    Got 1 Ft and 0.3 itb

    Grant Pick

    Alonso Holebas Brunt Valencia Amat

    Sanchez Eriksen Pogba Lallana Hojberg

    Ibra Rondon Costa

    1. Kevin Twine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      It depends who you wanna bring in/take out. Your team looks fine to me though.

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

      Why would you WC that?

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

      Nope..just sort out Holebas I guess

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

      Holebas -> Ake and it is fine

  2. Jayben23
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Pickford, Boruc
    Friend, Amat, Aké, Fonte, Alonso
    Hazard, Lallana, Sánchez, Fletcher, Zaha,
    Costa, Ibrahimovic, Origi

    1.1mil in the bank.

    Is it worth taking a -8 point hit for

    Origi >> Defoe
    Fonte >> Baines
    Zaha >> 5.9mil??

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

      No

  3. Jayben23
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Whats the chances of fonte not playing the next game week??

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

    Last night was rubbish for me, Benteke grrrrrrrrrr. How nailed do we think Giroud is? Can Wenger really drop him?

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

      He is nailed now, Wenger won't drop him in the form he is in

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Don't think he can drop him right now. But there are 9 days left for the next match so expect Ozil & Walcott to be fit.
      I really want to punt on Giroud.

      1. Siva Mohan
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ox & Iwobi would make way for Wally & Ozil

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

      Why not Defoe?

      Giroud won't be dropped he's on a hot streak now

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

      I've gone off Giroud. Yes he's done well but Arsenal look a better team with Alexis up top

  5. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Lallana & Rondon (Have Brunt & Phillips) to Stanislas & Giroud? (-4)

    Appreciate your thoughts!

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

      No, keep Lallana

      1. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Don't want to keep him I'll get Coutinho next week.

  6. Yome
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    So Simon Francis suspended for 3 games. Was that a violent conduct red card?

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

      Yep

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

        OK, a good excuse to jump on Baines train

  7. Kroosin'
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Is Barnes a nailed on option at Burnley ?

  8. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Carroll + Alonso >> Giroud + Ake (-4)

    Yay or Nay?

    1. -SB-
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nay

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

      Nope

    3. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      cheers.. last chance saloon for Carroll then

  9. -SB-
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Want to do Zaha > Stanislas but is his position in the team confirmed?

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

      Cant really say anything. If fit, he has got decent gametime but they have too many options in midfield

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

    Would you keep Ozil if he is passed fit?

    I can do something like this: Ozil and Anichebe to Cheapie and Luka for free.

    1. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Get Giroud over Ozil?

  11. Wardinator
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anichebe ------->
    a) crouch
    b) Barnes
    c) save ft and play Phillips (tot)

  12. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Took over my brother's acccount after helping him qualify for FPL Cup in GW 17
    3 wins and I have moved from 1.3 million to 372k with alonso and haz to go this week
    His 106+ TV helped but my account has higher TV and yet I'm on 205k and have been around this range all season
    The only difference is I tried a cheap third forward in his account (Campbell 4.4) and spread the money elsewhere especially defense playing Ibra and Kane/Costa up top
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/entry/334077/history

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

      Whats the trick to boosting your team value?

  13. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    What to do here gents?
    Grant
    Holebas Alonso McAuley
    Hazard Eriksen Sanchez Lallana
    Costa Ibra Rondon

    Jaku* Jones Amat Hojbjerg

    1FT & zilch ITB

    A) Holebas ➡ Ake
    B) Eriksen ➡ Alli/Cou
    C) Rondon ➡ Carroll
    D) Save FT
    E) Rondon Lallana ➡ Gru Phillips -4

    Leaning towards E

    1. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      E sounds good
      But Holebas needs to go too

    2. Birds of Prey
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      If you take a hit, it should likely be doing Rondon> Defoe

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

      D

    4. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I like E.

      Might do the same but getting Stanislas as I already have Philips.

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

      Im doing A, but E is also nice. Eriksen -> Coutinho when fit then?

  14. Nigawan
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Starting to run out of patience for Koscielny .. Who should I replace him with ?

    I already have Baines, Ake, Nyom, Kingsley 🙂

    1. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Keep

  15. Birds of Prey
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I just looked my keepers--thinking about dropping Foster for some ITB. Had him and Heaton all season. The best pair value would have been Heaton/Jaku for 8.5
    84 Courtois
    80 Heaton
    75 Foster/ Heaton
    71 DeGea
    65 Cech
    65 Foster

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

    Eriksen likely to rise in price?

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

      Drop*

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

        Morning TM - Can you please give me the link for the LMS page ? cheers

  17. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Bellerin was awesome v palace, what the hell happened? Gonna be generous and say it was the quick turnaround

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      carrying an injury

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

        Source?

  18. MOULACTICOS
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    What's the latest thoughts on Giroud? Will he be a regular starter for the next 5 games? Also considering that Ozil will return soon.

    I need to get rid of Origi, Giroud seem like the go-to-guy at the moment.

    I have Ibra Defoe and Origi at the moment

    Thanks!

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

      Look up the page

  19. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Best option?

    A) Rose
    B) Bellerin
    C) Baines
    D) VVD

    Appreciate your thoughts!

  20. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Morning!

    Currently got no idea what to do for next week.

    Was pondering Pedro or Gylfi to Phillips already last gameweek but never got round to it. Might as well keep Siggy now and maybe the same for Pedro too.

    Holebas and Pickford are also on the "sell" list but perhaps I should just wait and re-assess in a week's time?

    Got two free transfers. Annoyingly even lost one transfer on Monday as I missed the deadline by one minute.

    Cech Pick
    Alonso Lovren Chambers Pieters Holebas
    Sanchez Lallana Siggy Pedro Carrick
    Ibra Kane Defoe

    2 FT 0 ITB

    Comments?

    Thanks.

  21. C_G
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Holebas---> 4.9

    any suggestions?

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

      Get a 3.9er least he won't get booked 😛
      Ake

  22. GK
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Have the big 3 ruined the balance of my team or does the below look ok folks?

    Randolph
    Rose, Alonso, Ake
    Alexis, Lallana, Phillips, Stanislas
    Aguero, Ibra, Costa

    (Pickford)(McAuley, Clayton, Amat)

  23. Ease Off The Giroud Hype
    Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Think people need to calm down with the Giroud hype. Fpl wise he's done great but Arsenal were rubbish v West brom and rubbish most of Bournemouth. They a better team with Alexis up top and Wenger knows it

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Agree..however we know that Wenger sticks to players when they are on form...3 goals and 2 assists in last 3 starts

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

        He benched Giroud in just as good form after man u

        1. Mini Mane Mo
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          he wasn't getting his run of games then unlike now...injuries and illness to others plays a part....there's welbeck coming back as well

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      He's a good short term punt. Next 3 matches can't get better (swa, BUR, WAT)

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

        But Ozil and Theo been out. Very risky. He's a no brainer if nailed but its a big if imo

        1. Karan14
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Walcott Ozil Sanchez
          Giroud

          Could be a possibility?

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

            Defo but as I said it's all about whether Wenger thinks alexis up front is the best option

    3. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      This. A real dilemma but wenger is shooting himself in the foot not playing a front three of ozil, theo and Sanchez when fit. He'll surely revert to it, although I wonder if he'll stick with those three behind the French lug in these on paper easier fixtures.

      Giroud will never start a big game barring injuries

    4. facer
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I personally thought they looked the most balanced and fluid i had seen them this season against Palace. it's also worth noting that 48 hours turnaround means the players hadn't fully recovered. Bournemouth had an extra 24 hours and in terms of fitness this is significant. Can't see Giroud being dropped in the short term and the fixtures are superb during this period too

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

        Ironic then that Arsenal gubbed them in the last 20 mins

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

          aye, football can be an unpredictable game, no?...physiological traits and states don't dictate definitively, particularly when psychological factors come to the fore

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

            I'd love to punt on Giroud. Wait for team news I guess

        2. facer
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          also worth noting the intensity Bournemouth produced in the first 60 minutes...perhaps they were a little 'spent' during the last 20?

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

            Yep good point. Alexis just keeps going

        3. facer
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          by the way, love that word/phrase, 'gubbed' never come across it before 🙂 perfectly describes the last 20

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

            As a leeds fan I know plenty of words for gubbed

    5. Samurai Blue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I agree. Giroud is a good punt, but paying 8.6M for a player who's not guaranteed a place like Alexis (with Ozil and Walcott coming back) is not worth it imo. If you managed to get him for the past 2/3 weeks well done and keep him, but I'm not interested in getting him now for that price.

    6. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      his record (even as sub) warrants consideration. But I'd want to see how they start with ozil and theo back.

      also, the other consideration is that Giroud playing generally makes Ozil a much better option than he otherwise is.

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

      I am not getting him for 2 reasons:
      1) he is not nailed
      2) he is an idiot (goal celebration)

    8. Hungry Singh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Pretty sure that the front 3 isn't responsible for the defensive howlers that put them in that position.

      Bellerin mistake. Xhaka mistake.

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

        They were still playing very poorly, if they didn't make errors at the back it would have been a very unconvincing 0-0 for most of the game.

    9. pax888
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Couldn't agree more and not just saying that as a Sanchez owner!

      If Arsenal are EVER going to win the league again they need Sanchez up front.

      Yes granted Giroud is scoring goals but if effects the flow and fluidity of the team.

      They would have beaten Bournemouth yesterday with Sanchez up front and Oxlade=Chamberlain on the wing with Giroud on the bench.

      But instead Giroud is a hero for getting them a 3-3 draw with Bournemouth.

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

      He was was assured of starts he would be a great differential but I think once theo & oil are back the giroud bandwagon will be derailed. For those who got him once it was a anounced theo was injured then that was a good move but I don't think it's wise to get him now. I've gone from Ihenacho to origi & lesson learnt is go with assured starters, so for either it's defoe or 3-5-2 with just costa & ibra

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

        *If he was assured of starts

  24. VirusintheMind
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Need 11 points from Alonso + Rose to beat my gw20 fpl cup contender... Hoping for a 0-0 clean sheet...possible?

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

      Why not hope for a goal

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

        Yeah that will also do.. 🙂

  25. Bellerinmondo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Was there some news on tekkers post-match? I see he was flagged and now flag is lifted

    1. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      flag still there no? shoulder injury

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Flag still there. Shoulder injury. He looks so bad anyway. Worst transfer I've made all season getting him in and I've done it twice. He's pathetic.

      1. Mini Mane Mo
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        same here...both time he missed penalties...shipped him out immediately as he didn't look interested

  26. FIRMINOLOOKGOAL
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    GW 21

    Grant
    Vertonghen Holebas Ake
    Haz Lallana Alexis Snody
    Defoe Zlat Kane
    (Pickford Philips Brunt Amat)

    1FT 1.2ITB

    A. Save
    B. Defoe -> Giroud
    C. Holebas -> Daniels/Mustafi/Chambers
    D. Pickford -> Hennessey/Valdes/Heaton

    Any thoughts for improvement? Cheers!

  27. AK ⭐
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Mkhitaryan and Kone to Chambers and Alli for a hit?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Why taking Mkhitaryan out? Looks a decent move, just wondering.

      1. AK ⭐
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure he is immune to rotation and Spurs have great fixtures and are in a very good form. Scary to not own a single attacker.

        1. The Hindu Monkey
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah if you have no spurs cover you certainly need some

  28. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Got to shift my car crash front line of Benteke and Victor.

    What combination of Rondon, Negredo, Wilson, Carroll and Gray?

    Thanks!

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Gray & Rondon (if no Phillips)/Negrado

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

      Might just hold tekkers. Still got good fixtures. Last night was a hammer blow though

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Don't think his fixtures are that good next three. Good again after that but anything could change by then. It's more how bad he's playing. He had to do something last night for me. His first half performance was disgraceful.

    3. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Wilson and Rondon for the fixtures

  29. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    with Feghouli's (and West Ham's appeal pending) suspension, Antonio would move back to wing and Carroll to start upfront.. right?

    1. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah. Carroll will start up front anyway, just needed a rest.

  30. Football Weekender
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Heaton, Robinson
    Brunt, A.Smith, Pieters, Chambers, Amat
    Sánchez, Hazard, Firmino, Phillips, de Roon
    Agüero, Costa, Carroll

    1FT
    £0.8m ITB

    Providing no injuries I think I'll be saving my transfer next GW. Is there anything I need to address here?

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

      De Roon to Stanislas?

      1. Football Weekender
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I can see where you're coming from but I'm happy with De Roon as 5th mid given that I play 3-4-3.

        Thinking if there was a move it would be in defence but not sure what!

    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Smith to Daniels or perhaps Baines

      1. Football Weekender
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I was all set on Smith being the one to go but now Francis is suspended I think Smith will be starting for the next two.

        I'm considering Baines but don't like the look of City at home next.