Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Middlesbrough vs Arsenal

After Diego Costa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic managed a single point between them at Old Trafford yesterday, all eyes are on Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal roll up to the Riverside in tonight’s final Gameweek fixture.

Recently shuffled onto the left flank, a run of three matches without a goal has knocked our confidence in the Chilean ahead of the Gunners’ double Gameweeks 36 and 37.

Indeed, only 5.9% have handed Sanchez the armband as he attempts to reclaim his spot as top scoring player in Fantasy Premier League, having been knocked off his perch by Romelu Lukaku at the weekend.

Tonight’s team selection looks to have handed Sanchez a change of role. To everyone’s surprise, Arsene Wenger appears to have set up with a 3-4-2-1 formation or even a 3-4-1-2, with Sanchez perhaps joining Olivier Giroud up front – a concern perhaps for the 91,000+ who sold the Chilean ahead of Gameweek 33.

Tonight’s encounter also gives us the chance to run the rule over the hosts as they prepare for a potentially profitable double Gameweek 34 against Bournemouth and Sunderland.

Both Victor Valdes and Ben Gibson currently sit second for transfers in among keepers and defenders since Saturday’s deadline, though in the four matches under new manager Steve Agnew, Boro have been somewhat hot and cold – keeping two clean sheets and conceding at least three times in the other two.

Valdes misses out this evening with a rib problem sustained at Burnley last time out – an injury kept under wraps until tonight: Brad Guzan claims the keeper’s jersey.

Sitting six points from safety, the Teesside team are in desperate need of wins now. Having failed to score in six of their last eight, though, most will likely steer clear of the hosts’ attack unless they can punish the Gunners this evening.

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

4,192 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pep says
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    As I'm relatively new on here, only started following the comments section since November, I'm wondering, at the start of the season, who was more highly owned in the community; Evans or McAuley and Coutinho or Firmino

    1. GreatCarragherReef
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      mcauley and firmino

      1. GreatCarragherReef
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        then cout started to perform and many got him in very quickly if i remember correctly

    2. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Evans Firm

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      McAuley & Firmino

    4. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I think it was McAuley because of Evan's injury record and Firmino because of his OOPness.

  2. bentekesrightfoot
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    anyone know the LMS safety score?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Not yet, high 50s probably.

  3. timPgoodwin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Is it worth taking a -8 to transfer Aguero, Carroll and Brunt for PvA, Ibrahimovic and Benteke?

    1. general_franco
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Will Ibra play both games?

      1. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        I think so, he has had his rest now. I also think the reasoning was tactical as Chelsea struggled with the pace of Lingard and Rashford.

    2. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Do the latter two if possible

      1. timPgoodwin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        For a -4? Cheers

  4. GreatCarragherReef
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    A) Llorente to Negredo/Benteke
    B) Alonso, Llorente ---> Friend, Ibrahimovic

    leaning towards b, if anything just to cover if ibra explodes

  5. Nazz
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    who is actually worth bringing in this week for the dgw?

    benteke looks unlikely to get much from those fixtures

    1. TaiwanHC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Benteke ftw

  6. Hairy Potter
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Tempted to have a punt on Downing for the DGW. Anyone know if he takes all corners and free kicks?

  7. TerryVenables
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Costa > Ibrah -4?

    1. TaiwanHC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Oh yes

  8. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Heaton Pickford
    Alonso McCauley Valencia Robertson olsson
    Siggy zaha Alli King Fletcher
    Kun Kane Lukaku

    1 FT 1.1 ITB
    WC available
    Suggestions?
    Selling siggy for sure! Willing to take a hit!

  9. Martial Law
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    RMT?

    Valdes (Pickford)

    Alonso Gibson Pieters (Mee Brunt)

    Alli King Zaha Siggy (Lanzini)

    Kane Lukaku Ibra

  10. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Didn't see second half as watching Broadchurch. Is Origi to Negredo an option or is Benteke still the one to get (if any)?

    1. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Great finale, I guessed the victim weeks ago 😀

  11. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Alli has 0 assists when comparing him in the comparison tool for current gw...?

  12. Pigeon
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    How much points did everyone get?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      58

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Actually 60. Not that it matters.

    2. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Many

    3. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      63

    4. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      59(-4)

    5. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      66

    6. Sonic Huth
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      68

    7. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      73. Kane should have boosted it though 🙁

    8. Pea Soup
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      72 plus any bonus from Sanchez... probably none though.

      1. Pigeon
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        He just missed out I think

      2. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        No bonus I think

        1. Pea Soup
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          Yes I know

    9. Dele
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      68

    10. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      67

    11. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      69

    12. SAY SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      76 -4

  13. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    vardy and siggy out for zlatan and zaha, for free?

    any reason not to?

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Leicester facing an Arsenal side that can't keep a cleanie and Siggy been so unlucky lately. It's a gamble. Could pay off beautifully or go horribly wrong

  14. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Will have this team at the moment for -4.. Anything else worth a hit?

    Hennessey*
    Valencia * - Gibson* - Alonso
    Zaha* - Coutinho - Firmino - Son
    Negredo* - Ibra* - Lukaku

    Heaton - Walcott - Mustafi - Nyom

    2.4 ITB

  15. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Anyone ditching Ibra?

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      I'm bringing him in? 😐

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        I'm sure there doubts as to whether he'll play both DGWs games though.

        1. GoonerByron
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          Hmm.. Maybe Rashford or Benteke then?

          1. Weasel Boy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 28 days ago

            Benteke would certainly be a safer ootion

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Why would anyone do that?

    3. SuperMane Returns
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Ibra has Swans in GW35....jackpot!

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Europa?

  16. FPL Emu
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    I have three Middlesbrough players for the DGW

    None of them are going to play now.

    Some luck

    1. GreatCarragherReef
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      valdes, fabio and who?

      1. FPL Emu
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Gestede.

        At least he's out of the team for other reasons. But still.

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Valdes and Fabio could be OK for the dgw, no?

  17. Sergeant Garcia
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Negredo or Tekkers for the DGW?

    1. BadgersBoys
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Tekkers

  18. EDEN THE MAN
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Bottomed
    Pick 2 on Wc

    A)Alli
    B)Eriksen
    C)Hazard

    A or B

    A)Gibson(-4) (Opens up third Spurs slot for Harry)
    B)Save

    Any response would be greatly appreciated

  19. BadgersBoys
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Will Chambers play next week? Or do we not have a clue??

    1. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      He'll play.

      1. BadgersBoys
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        I like your confidence.

    2. FPL Emu
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Probably not. Ayala played pretty well. Barragan should be dropped though, he might come in there, but not where he fits best. Hopefully Fabio can snatch that spot

      1. BadgersBoys
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Thanks. Will need to monitor the Fabio situation then

    3. GreatCarragherReef
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      straight in imo, barragan, chambers, gibson, friend

  20. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Boro are a rubbish team. The only teams they have beaten this season are Bournemouth, Swansea, Sunderland and Hull.

    1. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      They play Bournemouth and Sunderland in the DGW.

      1. FPL Emu
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Perfect. I have Valdes, Fabio and Gestede. Should be some good points.

        Wait

    2. InSaneMan-e
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      You should mention that Borough have 2 of those 4 teams in the next gw...

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Probably finishes 5 or more out.

  21. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Valdes crocked?

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Yup

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        FFS.
        Thanks

  22. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Would you prefer Gibson or a Man u defender for GW34?

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Think I'm going to go Gibson rather than doubling up

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Dont have either, would you still advise Gibson?

        1. GoonerByron
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 28 days ago

          Man U, Valencia I think!

          1. _Ninja_
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 28 days ago

            Think he'll play both in 34?

    2. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Man u

      1. _Ninja_
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Cheers, which one would you go for?

  23. InSaneMan-e
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Bit of a report, sorry!
    Friend back has ruined my plans for AOA. Had him all season but sort of forget about him. Have the ultimate bench headache now. 0.5 ITB, 1 FT. Need some help please.

    Pickford (Heaton)
    Valencia Rojo Friend (Olson, Holgate)
    Sanchez Firmino Alli Zaha Siggy
    Ibra Llorente Lukaku

    A) Llorente-->Negredo, and bench Siggy
    B) Llorente +Siggy-->Negredo/Benteke+Townsend, and
    i)AOA, bench Friend
    ii)bench one of the big boys, probably reluctantly Alli
    C) Other

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      A

      1. InSaneMan-e
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Thanks! Hoping siggy doesn't punish

  24. Sterling is £11Mill..…
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    I suggest anyone who doesnt have him brings in Negredo tonight and sticks triple captain on him, you wont regret it. World class performance tonight against a well drilled and disciplined Arsenal

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      World class, hmm. No thanks

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Bring him in for Kane, Lukaku or Ibra? Cheers.

    3. Nazz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      trying to justify your transfer lol?

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      What a fabulous idea. The Arsenal defence is indeed renowned .

    5. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Done.

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        You would have more in your bank if you had!

    6. BadgersBoys
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      World Cl.... Really?

    7. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      The shrooms have kicked in then?

      1. BadgersBoys
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Can't see the shrooms even distorting that to make it look like a wc performance. Must be something harder

    8. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      The general conclusion appears to be that you have been smoking something very strange.

  25. TerryVenables
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Gibson or Rojo?

  26. Sonic Huth
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Heaton
    Gibson**-Valencia**-Davies
    Sanchez-King-Alli-Zaha**
    Vardy-Luka-Benteke**

    Jaku Siggy-Mawson-Maguire
    1.2 ITB

    Any advice on moves appreciated

    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Vardy to Ibra.

      How much you priced out if that? Do you have a wildcard?

  27. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Pick one:

    1. Llorente, McAuley -> Benteke, Barragan (-4)
    2. Llorente, McAUley -> Negredo, Gibson (-4)
    3. Llorente, Kun, -> Benteke, Ibra (-4)
    4. Llorente, Kun, McAuley -> Benteke, Ibra, Gibson (-8)

    1. Corona Macallan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      1

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 28 days ago

        Cheers! 🙂

  28. Corona Macallan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Play gabbi or de Roon?

  29. Lizard Lips
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 28 days ago

    Heaton Pickford
    Friend Valencia Alonso Bavies Yoshida
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen Siggy Fletcher
    Aguero Lukaku Barnes

    Missed price rises on Saturday to do Kun and Fletcher to Zlatan and Zaha. Now got exact money for Heaton Kun Fletcher to Valdes Zlatan Zaha -4. Obviously want to wait but Zlatan going to rise soon and price me out again. Do I make the moves or wait and find something else?

    1. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Valdes out...not worth the risk

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 28 days ago

      Wait
      Valdes injured