Dugout Discussion

The Dugout Discussion – Manchester United vs Chelsea

After Roberto Firmino earned Liverpool the points at West Brom, our attentions now turn to Old Trafford as Manchester United entertain Chelsea in the 4.00pm kick-off.

The big news is that Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been named amongst the substitutes for the home side, with Jose Mourinho conceding that the veteran is “very tired” as he juggles his options ahead of the upcoming Europa League clash with Anderlecht.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also on the bench, though Antonio Valencia’s 15.7% owners can breathe a sigh of relief – he’s handed a first league start since Gameweek 30.

With a double Gameweek 34 against Burnley and neighbours City just around the corner, this afternoon’s match affords Fantasy managers the chance to cast an eye over Mourinho’s side.

Certainly, Ibrahimovic owners will be desperate for more than just a late cameo – he’s the second most captained player for Gameweek 33, with more than 621,000 handing him the armband.

Chelsea pair Diego Costa (7.9%) and Eden Hazard (4.3%) could emerge as differential captaincy picks, though United have been solid in front of their own supporters, conceding just twice in their last five at Old Trafford.

Indeed, that resilient record – allied with two goals in his previous nine appearances – goes some way to explaining why Costa was the most transferred out player last week, with over 121,000 owners looking elsewhere.

Marcos Alonso’s 15.9% owners are left cursing their luck, though, after the top-scoring defender in FPL was forced to withdraw prior to kick-off after picking up a knock in the warm-up.

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2,685 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lyonnais
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ibrahimovic blocking my 1st sub Capoue...
    This season really keeps on giving.

  2. ignis88
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone thinking of doubling down on Man U or Boro at the back for 34?
    Got Valdes, Gibson, Valencia (Robertson, Bavies) atm.

    Debating Gibson/Bailly -> Bavies for -4, as Rose is coming back and want Kane in the team (got Alli and Eriksen)

    Don't have WC

  3. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Origi > Benteke -4?

    1. jackhammer1
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Or rashford of you don't have Ibra

  4. Ibracadabra
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Surely all non Man United fans are looking for an Anderlecht win or draw / advance on away goals this Thursday.

    If that happens, we know Ibra is guaranteed to start both matches as Europa League will be done...

    Even though am losing 0.1m on Costa tonight I am adopting a wait and see approach.

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'm an Anderlecht fan for the day..i would have been anyway 😉

  5. EDEN THE MAN
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    ManUtd play 3 games in 7 days.

    He'll play Anderlecht for sure.

    Then it's a case of play him at City or at Burnley. City most likely.

    We should also notice that Burnley are very good at home defensively and recently held Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.

    ManCity go into the derby favourites also.

    1. Coen bros.
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'd play Rashford against City and Ibra against Burnley (but I'm not Mourinho 🙁 ).

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        How can you be so sure?

        Maybe today was his rest and he will play both league games??

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          This is what I'm hoping, should be well rested with the 3 game ban and today but who knows

        2. Coen bros.
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I think Rashford is more suited for teams with high-defensive line (ManCity) and Ibra - when you posses the ball and an opposite team doesn't attack.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Zlatan should play against a deep lying Burnley though. And while Kompany improves City's defence, we don't know by how much out of one game

  6. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Best Celebration?

    Alli & Kane / Son - Tot'shake
    Rashford & Lingard - Manc'shake
    Firmino & Can - Richard'shake

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Vincent Kompany

  7. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Chelseas last 3 fixtures are a thing of dreams especially if they haven't wrapped up the title by then

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

      Yep hazard captain dgw37

      1. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Last 4 even. All down to if they lose more ground over the next two gameweeks.

      2. Rock Papiss Cissès
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Him or Jesus TC

    2. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Everton and West Brom are Spurs best chance of Chelsea dropping four points .Wonder if Lukaku will be fired up for that one if he's on his way back to the bridge

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I think Koeman will get them fired up after getting humiliated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Everton still unbeaten at home this calendar year.

      2. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        West Brom are pretty useless.

        1. Jet5605
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          True but as a one-off they might be able to get fired up to play the role of party poopers.

  8. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Robles (Pickford)
    Alonso, Baines, Stephens (Fabio, Olssen)
    Sanchez, Eriksen, Alli, Coutinho, Zaha
    Lukaku, Ibra (Origi)

    1FT 0 ITB

    A - Origi, Alonso, Robles > Benteke, Bailly, Valdes -8 (6 x DGW)
    B - Origi, Alonso, Robles > Benteke, PVA, De Gea -8 (6 x DGW)
    C - Origi, Robles > Negredo, Valdes -4 (5 x DGW)
    D - Origi, Alonso > Benteke, Bailly -4 (5 x DGW)

    Thanks.

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Origi & baines to Benteke & Bailly

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Not enough funds, 0 ITB hence Origi, Alonso > Benteke, Bailly.

    2. mchugho
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      D) I would say out of those.

  9. C_G
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    gtg? took a -4 already for this

    Jaku

    Bernardo Gibsom Valencia

    Alli Townsend Firmino Siggy

    Lukaku Kane Costa

    Grant Alonso Holgate Carroll

    1. C_G
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Gibson*

  10. VFORVANDETA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Have Zaha Valencia and Gibson for Dgw.Need a couple more? 0ft 1.1itb

    Grant
    Alonso Valencia Gibson
    Alli Eriksen Zaha Siggy
    Kane Kaku Kun

    Heaton Bertrand Yoshida T.Caroll

    1. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      no

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not for hits.

    3. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks.Planning to do Heaton/Grant to Valdes for hits.

  11. jackhammer1
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Valdes
    Valencia Holebas Gibson
    Sane Erik Alli Zaha Sanchez
    Kane. Ibra

    Pickford. Barnes Fuchs stephens

    1ft

    A. Save
    B. Ibra to Rushford
    C. Ibra to Tellers
    D. Anything else

    Cheers.

    1. jackhammer1
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Rashford Tekkers*

  12. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Guess the Ibra TC is now on the backburner ?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Too risky

  13. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    As much as I love Rashford, I don't think he'll be as effective against a deep defensive line. Nearly all lower table teams that play United, particularly at Old Trafford, camp deep in their own half. It makes it difficult to run in behind. Those are the games where Zlatan is needed to break them down. If I had to make a guess, Zlatan will start against Burnley, even after Anderlect.

    All of this could be nonsense, I have no idea, I'm mainly basing this on Football Manager experience 😆

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ibra is better away from home than at home.

      At home against teams in the Top 8: 3 goals in 4 games
      At home against teams outside the Top 8: 4 goals in 10 games
      Away against teams in the Top 8: 3 goals in 4 games
      Away against teams outside the Top 8: 8 goals in 9 games

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Makes sense

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The only game Zlatan wasn't played by Jose before today was against Arsenal, who love their high line right?

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        He was banned v Arsenal

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Ah, thank you. Missed that part of the season!

    4. Diva
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      😆

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Football Manager experience is a real qualification, right? 😆

        1. Here's Tom with the We…
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I think Zlatan will play both, still don't know if I'll get him or not

        2. Diva
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yep! You can apply for jobs with that! Good to see you back GB. Have you had a word with Cheese?

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Thank you! Yes I have 🙂

            1. Diva
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Good man! 🙂

  14. UnitedFan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Do we think Chambers will start both games in DGW34?

    1. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      If he is fit, he will start

    2. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Been out for a while, lack of fitness may mean only one start.

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This is what I'm worried about

        1. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          He's a risk. Can't afford Gibson? He's most nailed for both.

          1. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            I can, but already have Chambers through this injury. Wouldn't mind the double-up but I now fancy Bailly. So the question is whether to get Gibson or Bailly in for Baines, but whether Chambers plays both games is important. Now I'm thinking I should just get Bailly as I don't see Boro keeping a cleanie away to Bournemouth and so it wouldn't matter if Chambers doesn't start that game and instead start at home to Sunderland. Also a better long-term move to have Bailly too with another DGW. Your thoughts?

  15. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Wonder how those who have WC'd are feeling now as many will have Ibra ready for the DGW's

    1. Diva
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Fine. Que sera sera...

  16. Jay_
      7 years, 1 month ago

      --------------DDG---------------
      -Alonso Valencia Mustafi-
      Sanchez Alli Eriksen Zaha
      ---Kane Lukaku Negredo---
      -------------------------------------
      Caballero JWP Holgate Yoshida

      1 FT, 3.2m ITB. Don't really know what to do. Only BB left.

      A) Lukaku > Ibra
      B) Holgate > Gibson
      C) Save FT
      D) Something else?

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Save
        Cpt Negredo
        GTG

        1. Jay_
            7 years, 1 month ago

            If he plays tomorrow, I think I will. It's on him atm mate 🙂

        2. VFORVANDETA
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          B

        3. Diva
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          B

        4. Jay_
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks lads, sorry was having me afters

        5. JLAEST
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Valdes (Jaku)
          Bernardo Davies Valencia (Fernandez, Yoshida)
          Alli Coutinho Hazard Tadic King
          Ibra (C) Lukaku (Crouch)
          0 FT, 0 ITB.

          Good to go? Thinking about Ibra TC, but not too sure after today's rotation. Also thought about doing a -8 for Crouch>Negredo, but just don't see the points coming.

          1. Pep's Money Laundry
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Save your TC for gw36 and sanchez

            1. JLAEST
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              I was planning to wildcard on GW36 and BB on GW37 (planning to have 14 DGW), hence the need to play TC before. Another option is to wildcard on GW35, TC on GW36 and BB on GW37.

              1. Here's Tom with the We…
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                I think Tadic to Zaha could be worth a hit.

                That's what I'm doing wc 35 TC 36 BB 37

        6. Jet5605
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          As a Sanchez owning non-Ibra owner, should I wait until tomorrow night before deciding on this week's two transfers or even wait until after Anderlecht?

          1. Legomane
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            This stage of the season with so many options I'm leaving transfers as late as I dare..

          2. diesel001
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            After Anderlecht IMO

        7. Legomane
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Sup with Alonso, jobby cascade?

          Valencia off the bench, first time I think I've ever had a return off the bench!

        8. FPL Virgin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I hate Chris Brunt.

          1. Diva
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Hatred leads to the darkside.

          2. Legomane
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            More than McFlukey?

          3. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Got me loads of points a few months ago but tosh of late..

          4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Not as much as I hate Adam Smith...2 games off my bench in 2 weeks..total.score = -1

        9. Flynny
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          If you were to bring in one dgw defender, who would it be?

          A...bailly

          B....rojo

          C...gibson

          Thanks

          1. Legomane
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Gibson

          2. Dyslexia Untied FC
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Bailly

        10. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Panamanian footballer Amilcar Henriquez, who played 75 times for Panama, shot dead in Panama City...Blimey....

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            That's one part of the world you don't even stare at somone when you walk past

        11. @FPL_liverbird (liverpoolfa…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Done Deal! GW34 lineup

          Heaton
          Alonso, Gibson, Friend
          Coutinho, Alli, Eriksen, Zaha
          Kane, Rashford,Lukaku

          Subs: Jako,Siggy,Baines,Ake

          Thoughts?

          1. MTPockets
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Rashford is optimistic.

          2. ituura
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Is there any article for advice when to use all the chips and wild card? Can't choose when to use what. Ideas?

          3. FCSB
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Jaku
            Valencia Gibson Alonso
            Zaha Alli Eriksen Sigurdsson Coutinho
            Ibrahimovic Lukaku

            Heaton Origi Olsson McAuley

            1 FT, 1.4m ITB

            What to do???

            Cheers

            1. VFORVANDETA
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Origi >Benteke/Negredo

            2. jackhammer1
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Heaton to Valdes or save.

          4. Bruno Bruno!!
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            What to do? Currently have 3 double gameweek players.

            Valdes | Pickford
            Alonso Valencia Alderweireld | Evans Amat
            Hazard Alli Zaha King Sanchez
            Kane Carroll | Anichebe

            1FT and 1.3m ITB

          5. KUNingas
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Vardy ->
            A) Kane (have Alli)
            B) Ibra (only Valencia from ManU)

            1. VFORVANDETA
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              B

          6. Olee
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Who should replace Walker in this defence? (Making room for Kane, and have Eriksen/Alli)

            Walker*-Valencia-Yoshida-Chambers-Holgate

            Dont have WC, so will hopefully be for the run-in!
            A) PvA
            B) Mustafi
            C) Azpilcueta
            D) Another (in that case, who?)

          7. Chucky
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            baps out

          8. Heavy Data
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Got exact funds for lukaku to ibra. Now I'm not sure. Does everyone think he'll play both games after being rested today or maybe I should bring in Rashford or tekkers. Bloody hell.