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. Park the bus
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    After Europa league game, tempted by Sterling and Bellerin to Mktryn and Bailly / Rojo. Thoughts? Got Ibra too so really backing MU...

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

      3x man u might be overkill

      1. Park the bus
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Would wildcard in 35 so 1 week only

    2. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Alternative is to do Macauley to Darmian and not spending 4 points

    3. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Tempted. Mkhitaryan played really well against chelsea

      1. Smoky Johnson
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Are u stoned? He didnt even play.

        1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          That was his point.

    4. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Bailly move only for me. Cannot see Mkhit starting both games particularly if ManU go through

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

    Jaku, Pick
    Valencia, Chambers*, Davies* Maguire, Holgate
    Alli, Sanchez*, King, Zaha, Davies*
    Ibra, Lukaku, Kane

    Best option?

    A - Chambers, Davies -> Friend, De roon (AoA)
    B - Davies, Sanchez -> Rojo, Hazard
    C - Davies, Sanchez -> Friend, Pogba

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

    Sitting on 56. Probably out of LMS 🙁 knew I should have gone with the herd and brought in Kane!

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

      Find out soon.

  4. We Will Klopp you
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Re the AOA debate: chips are supposed to have the potential to boost your points tally whenever played, change a gameweek, triple captain and bench boost fit that criteria having a far higher ceiling than AOA as few will have a third forward that goes big, plus the other two won't potentially take points away (unless you somehow picked 4 players to bench boost who all got sent off). It's a nothing chip.

    Replacement chips to consider imo, with potential names included are:
    1. Two captains better than one chip - Captain and vice captain scores both being doubled.
    2. Auto captain - highest scoring player automatically captained.
    3. Third wildcard
    4. After the fact chip - Benched player subs in for lowest scoring player

    1. Park the bus
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Think 4 would only work in retrospect (I.e could do after games finished but before bonus added??). Another wildcard no way. Other two are good ideas.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yep that would be the best way to do 4, can't see any other way tbh

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Thinking it about it a bit more a retroactive chip isn't gonna work, would have to play it before the gameweek begins

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Or just remove chips all together.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Nah, chips make the game more interesting but AOA is the only chip I don't like, like I said it's a nothing chip

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

      I thought you didn't like 1?
      2 and 4 could be good. Don't think 3 is necessary, 2 is just right imo

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        No I said I didn't like the idea where you can play a chip which picks 11 players from an entire team, I said I did like the the captain and vice captain both scoring double idea

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

          My apologies then sir I mis read. All have to be played before deadline I take it?

          1. We Will Klopp you
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            No worries and yeah, all have to be played before the deadline bar 4, which I was thinking could be played before bonuses are added but it could work before gameweek starts - If you have a benching headache just play the chip.

            1. We Will Klopp you
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Thought it through and definitely play 4 before the gameweek begins, any chip which you can retroactively play is a non starter

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

      2 x WCs and thats it!

    5. GGMU11
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      2 is too easy, takes all decision making out of it, 4 is a better version of 2, wouldn't mind that.

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

        Well no not really as you still have to decide when to play the chip

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yep, for instance, let's say all players in your team blank

    6. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Where does it say chips are there to boost points tally?

      I want chips that can be used as tools.
      AOA is just that type of chip and is the only one I'd like to stay

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        AOA is rubbish because you not only have to have a cheap mid/striker come in for you and get attacking points but you need the defender who was going to play for you to fail and not get a cs.
        Theres better ideas for it, its like they ran out of ideas and just shoved that in.

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          This

      2. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        The other chips they included suggests so, bench boost and triple captain, why would they include a regressive chip? They either thought AOA would help at the time or they just threw it in as they couldn't think of anything else.

    7. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I like option 1, hate the others tbh.
      No way should there be a retrospective chip imo.

      1. We Will Klopp you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Thought it through and it could adn should be played before the gameweek begins, would only apply to outfielders

    8. GGMU11
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The only chip apart from WC that I like is bench boost, as it is a reflection of building a good bench and doesn't guarantee you anything. Triple C is too much, and aoa is useless.

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

        Why is TC too much?

        1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          nah triple captain, bench boost and wild cards are all good. Just AOA to get replaced with something useful
          Chips give trailing people hope, false hope. But hope none the less 😀

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

        I hope AOA isn't useless I'm playing it this week! Lol

        1. We Will Klopp you
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Lol, good luck but I will warn you, 99% of the time when it's logical to play the AOA something unexpected happens to make it pointless

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

            I know but this week I can do Barnes to Negredo for free and not play Pieters or Brunt who doesn't have a game

    9. Max City
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I don't mind to have any of these idea replacing the AOA chip.

      My reasons are firstly any chip can be used just once and secondly all FPL players will have them all, meaning this keeps the game fairness for all.

  5. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Very happy with my team ATM but sub decisions are tough. I'm actually tempted to play Maguirover Alonso and am currently playing along aheadif De Roon

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wow sorry.
      * King ahead of De Roon

      Valdez
      Valencia, PVA, Alonso
      Hazard, Alli, Son, King
      Ibra, Kane, Lukaku

      Pickford, De Doon, Maguire, Amat

      1. Park the bus
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        That bench is not nice

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          What would you change?

      2. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        its good, toss up between Alonso and Maguire IMO, both can get attacking points and both equally likely of conceding

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I'm kind of thinking Southampton are more likely to score tbh but Alonso with more chance of attacking returns it's tough. What do you make of King v De Roon

      3. Cheltnamshire LaLaLa
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        i have an identical bench and front 3. also cant find a spot for de roon over sanchez, alli, king or zaha for next week. currently have maguire in my team ahead of alonso

        1. Cheltnamshire LaLaLa
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          very tricky decisions. the other guy i could bench is Bavies but spurs are best defense in the league!

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah tough choices alright. I think I'd play both Alonso and Maguire over Bavies next week

            1. Cheltnamshire LaLaLa
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              its tricky - will likely rest on contes press conference if he says alonso is back fully firing.

              i wouldnt bench any of your midfield for de roon

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

    I'm thinking chances of Ibra (bur, mci) -4 to beat Lukaku (whu) are pretty slim considering rotation and fixture difficulty. Thoughts?

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wouldn't do it for a hit

    2. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Very difficult. I'm sticking with Kaku

    3. MTPockets
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I'll do it for free. Not for a hit.

    4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Transfers this week are most likely...
      Jaku to Valdez
      Sterling to King
      -4

      Jakupovic
      Valencia / Davies / Alonso
      Alli / Sterling / Sigurdsson / Zaha
      Kun / Kane / Lukaku

      Heaton / Maguire / Stephens / T. Carroll

      1ft, 1.1itb, WC and BB available

    5. Smurf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Bailly likely to play all games from now until the season end? Mainly trying to establish if he will likely play both games in each of Man Utd's DGW's?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah, I think so, he's first choice. So in Valencia and he's been given a couple of games off though, so rotation will happen even with first choice defenders. It helps that Smalling and Jones are out.

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

          Thanks. You think he's more nailed than Rojo if one of Smalling/Jones return?

          1. Moosie the Staggie
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            No.
            The lack of another rightsided centre back is the only reason Bailly won't be rotated.
            If Smalling or Jones come back then he is at risk.

            1. Moosie the Staggie
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Rojo has in his favour that he can play full back too.
              Can't see two of Blind, Shaw, Darmian or Young playing that often, if at all

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

      Hold Zlatan!

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

      Keep Aguero or bring in Ibra for the DGW?

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I'm keeping Kun and going without Zlatan.

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

      Valdes back next week? How serious is the injury?

    9. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      So many posts I have seen buying Valdes. He is injured according to Scout Tweets at home page and not played today.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah I jumped the gun for sure yesterday

    10. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The guy on top in my country has zero DGW34 player and has already use his second WC. "Only" 64 points to the top. So you´re telling me there is a chance...

      1. Yellin' in my Ear
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yep. 37 is where it can best be achieved.

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

      *Bottomed
      Gtg or something more?
      Jacupovic
      Vertonghen Gibson Valencia
      Eriksen Sanchez Siggy Zaha
      Lukaku Benteke Kane
      Pickford-Clayton Brunt Yoshida
      0ft 0.1itb

      Thanks

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

        Gtg who's your captain?

    12. dark91
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Early thoughts on this?
      Willing to take a hit

      Valdes/Heaton

      Baines Valencia Pieters Smith Amat

      Sane Sanchez Alli Firmino King

      Lukaku Kane Origi

      1. dark91
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        0.3 itb

        1. Yellin' in my Ear
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Origi and Baines to Tekkers and Boro def (Friend maybe)?

          1. Yellin' in my Ear
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Although leaves you a weak 35 defence, maybe Kelly instead?

            1. dark91
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              I can do Baines + Origi to Benteke and PVA
              But i don't like Palace's fixtures that much

    13. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Exact money for Pickford and Baines to Bailly and Hennessy. Worth a -4?
      Have Valencia and Gibson and no other DGW players.

    14. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Early thoughts on below?

      Grant
      BAILLY Olsson Bavies
      Eriksen Alli Sanchez ZAHA
      BENTEKE Kun Lukaku

      Jaku McAuley* Hojbjerg Amat

      3.2m ITB & 1FT

      A) Kun Bavies ➡ Kane Rojo -4
      B) McAuley ➡ Rojo/PVA
      C) Kun ➡ Ibra
      D) Kun McAuley ➡ Rojo Ibra -4

      1. MTPockets
          7 years, 1 month ago

          D. Nice TM template.

          1. La Roja
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            TM?

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

              Local magician.

              Announces LMS and stuff like that. Surely you've seen him seeing as he never leaves the place.

        • FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I like A I think Kane is essential and I never say that. As long as they are hunting Chelsea I can see them scoring 3goals a game

          1. AccountAnt80
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            They were chasing towards the end last year and as soon as it was out of reach Spurs went to pot, 11 yellow cards in one game if I remember rightly.

            1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              they wont do that again

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

        Need to get llorente out, either of these look appealing?
        A) Llorente ---> Benteke/negredo
        B) Llorente, Alonso ---> Ibra, Friend

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Both look decent

      3. KLOPPS GLASSES
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Planning ahead for GW36 and 37....
        A) Walcott
        or
        B) Redmond

        1. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Sané

      4. Jambot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Why has Alonso not been auto subbed?

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

          not updated yet

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

            I hope so but I have seen all other auto subs some other than him in rival teams just not Alonso I have Maguire waiting on the bench

            1. Pep says
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Be patient man

            2. Pep says
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Busiest time of the week for the monkeys in Asia

            3. Max City
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Lucky u, I did put Maguire on my 2nd bench behind King.. Zzz..

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

                Play 4 at the back??

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

        Should I bb for Jaku, Eriksen, Naughton, Yoshida If im using tc on 37?

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Any WC left?

      6. Ten Season Wonder
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        THREE THINGS HERE GUYS:

        1. Any other decent DGW mids i should consider?
        2. Is it worth bringing in Zlatan at the cost of surgery?
        3. Thinking of bringing in Gibson, for who?

        Current team: (5 DGWers) - 1.7m

        Pickford
        VALENCIA - PVA - Alonso - B.Davies
        Alexis - Dele - ZAHA - DE ROON
        Kane - Lukaku

        Subs: Foster; Walcott, Baines, Carroll.

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          If you have WC still and planning on using it in 36 than a united mid could be a decent punt. Depends how much surgery I'd get him in for Carroll if possible. Defence is solid I wouldn't for a hit.

      7. VDiesel26
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Heaton
        Davies Alonso Valencia
        King Hazard Coutinho Alli Sanchez
        Lukaku Kane

        Jakupovic Olsson Anichebe Stephens 2.7m ITB 0 FT

        Any DGW players worth getting for a hit or good to go?

        1. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Good to go, I like your team. Focus on a strong defence for 37 if you're BB'ing, front 8 is what I'm looking to have

      8. Pep says
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Who would you rather have from GW36 onwards being mindful of gw37BB

        a) Firmino Sané and Tekkers
        or
        b) Hazard Firmino/Sané and Anichebe

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

        What option looks best?

        A: for -4
        Heaton
        Valencia - Chambers - Gibson/Bailly
        Sánchez - Alli - King - Zaha
        Kane - Lukaku - Negredo

        B: using only FT
        Heaton
        Valencia - Chambers - Gibson/Bailly
        Sánchez - Alli - King - Siggy
        Kane - Lukaku - Negredo

        C: playing AOA
        Heaton
        Valencia - Chambers
        Sánchez - Alli - King - Siggy - Zaha
        Kane - Lukaku - Negredo

        1. Buck The Trent
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          C

        2. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          A and B are the same. AOA

          1. Pep says
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            My bad, missed Siggy to Zaha

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

          A

        4. Hoofedgod
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          A

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

        Who to bench from this lot?

        Coutinho, Alli, Eriksen, Sanchez?

        Ta.

        1. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Who's 5th mid and 3rd striker? AOA?

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

            AOA already used, 5th mid Zaha, strikers Ibra, Lukaku, Benteke, thanks.

            1. Pep says
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              You've got yourself into a predicament there. Liverpool facing a Palace with no Sakho.

              I'm finally seeing a valid use for AOA

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

                This...really wish i had saved now!!

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

          Coutinho for me

        3. Sterling is £11Mill..…
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          there is no good answer to that. Sanchez? Coutinho?

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

            Looking like Cout i guess?

      11. Buck The Trent
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Sell Kun (MUN mid) or Lukaku (whm CHE) for Ibra ?

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

          Kaku - away form terrible

          1. pablo discobar
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Might want to check Lukaku`s record v West Ham. Its ridiculous

            1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              9 goals, 4 assists in 11 appearances

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Neither

      12. Hoofedgod
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Which of this would you do?
        2FT , 2.7 itb (current spurs - Alli,Son,Walker)

        Transfers:
        A) Walker -> Gibson
        B) Lukaku -> Kane
        C) Vardy -> Ibra
        D) Origi -> Tekkers

      13. Blue Moon Rising
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        We expecting Hazard to start next Tuesday?

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

          Yes unless injured

        2. Moosie the Staggie
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Any reason why he wouldn't?

      14. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I dont think I will get Zlatan, but the problem is if you dont get him this round who are you going to captain in gmw 35?

        1. Pep says
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Gw35? Kane or Tekkers

        2. dunas_dog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Benteke