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. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    guzan ftw

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

    I think Mark really needs to speak to fpl towers about tweaking thier joke of a bonus system. Players get rewarded fpr making 2yard square passes whereas the likes of Sanchez get -bps for looking for those killer through balls and trying to make things happen.

    Xhaka ended up on 1 bonus whereas Sanchez who scored one and had a big hand in the second not even in the top 5.

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

      Agreed, players like zaha and mane take a hit because they take players on. At least give more points for successful take ons and through balls.

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

        Creating chances = bps.

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

      Agreed. I like it when a player comes on for 5 mins and scores to get 3bps. Total garbage

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

      Yes the system is a little flawed but no system is perfect. There is a set of rules that players are awarded BPs in the BPS for. This eliminates any disputes and uncertainties. Just accept it and move on

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        How about a system where only my players get points ? 😉 .

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

        Just accept it and move on. Sounds really weak and pathetic. When something is flawed you try and make it better. The current system is better than previous but can be tweaked to be made better. Progress. Evolution. Something you seem to lack. Just keep following the herd.

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I think you are being a little harsh . I think he was speaking about the fact that the only way everyone will be satisfied is if they create a system where everyone gets 3 bonus points for all their players . I think your argument is weak you can't give bonus points for almost doing something . The man in the stand system was even more flawed .

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Well said Adam.

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

            Cheers Adam, yes that is my point, the BPS is black and white, no questions about it.

            Bringing in variables that are influenced by opinion is a grey area and will only make the situation worse

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

          Give up. Just because your player missed out on a point or 2. It's a stupid game. Called 'Fantasy Football'. You're not going to progress in life through this game. Grow up mate!!!

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

    Would you start king or Downing?

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

      King

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

        Thanks buddy. I'm at risk of getting sucked into this DGW madness.

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

      King!!

  4. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Bench Eriksen or Sanchez?

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

      Neither but E if you have to

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I know.

        People don't realise what a mind F this GW has become for benching headaches now that alot of us have turned our 5th mid into Zaha.

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

    Looks like 55 will be the safety score.
    38 out and 57 left.

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

      Hallelujah!

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

      59 🙂

    3. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yes got 58. Oh that's right. I'm out .

    4. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers, still going strong!

    5. E25
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      It's been fun :'(

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

        🙁

  6. Espen8
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Carroll + Alli + Baines --> Zlatan + Townsend + Barragan (-8) ?

    1. Lizard Lips
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      no no NO!

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

    Get Bailly or Gibson? Already have Valencia and Chambers

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

      Bailly cause 2 doubles and decent gw35 fixture

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

    GW34, who wins?

    A - Coutinho +4.
    B - Benteke.

    Ta.

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

      A

  9. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    is jesus a real threat to agueros dgw minutes or are people just panicking?

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

      Real threat.

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

      If Jesus is fit then its a case of Kun being a threat to Jesus' minutes!

    3. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      he was playing when fit instead Aguero, so it can happen again... i would like to see him playuing. would be a good replacement for Benteke

    4. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The same Jesus that took Kun's place in the team?

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I just cant see it given the form aguero is in at the mo....its putting me off tho

    5. Magic Bean
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      When is Jesus back?

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

      How is he progressing?

      My understanding was he will be fit for the final. Will he dislodge Aguero or partner him?

      Sergio has been better.

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

      Jesus walks!!!

      There are articles showing him dancing in the street

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

      I think Kun gets dropped as soon as Jesus is fit. It's just Pep.

  10. Egyptian Giza
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    kinda weird seeing Troopz happy and smiling.

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

      Is that one of these Arsenal lads?

      1. rainy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yep, one of the Fan TV regulars

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

      Not a fan of Troopz he does my nut thinking everyone's his family.. I find DT quite funny though. Angry fed up man but in a entertaining way

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

    Just out of curiousity, has the game updated new chips ever? Or were there AOA BB and WC to begin with?

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

      This is the 2nd season with these chips.

  12. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Potential bench boost in GW34 of:

    Heaton v Man United (h)
    Alonso v Southampton (h)
    Mawson v Stoke (h)
    King v Boro (h)

    Do we think it's potentially viable to play it this week?

    I've looked at a wildcard team in GW37 and I think it's tough to make one I'd like with all players for a bench boost!

    1. Lizard Lips
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Awful idea. GW37 is perfect for the BB, WC during GW35 for it to be introduced in GW36 as you can't WC during GW36 and then press BB for GW37!

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

        Have you tried putting together a wildcard side for 37?

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

          Bravo Hennesy/Pickford
          Alonso Vertongen Clichy PVA Yoshida
          Sanchez Hazard Alli Sané King
          Kaku Kane Anichebe

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

            Decent.

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

            So, the bench here is Anichebe, King, PVA, Pick? Two single GWers and doubles for Anichebe and Pick isn't an unreal upgrade.

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

              Pick isnt but he's got 2 games to gather save points, 1 more game than Heaton.

              PVA plays HUL

              Yoshi has a double with poor fixtures but what can you do for do

              Anichebe has a double and good fixtures and hasn't looked half bad since his return. Has twice as long as a sgw bench fodder to score a goal. In theory, it's a good better option

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

                No, I mean compared to Andy's single GW bench. Forgot he already TCed. I'm BBing this week to save TC for 37.

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

                  It's not an unreal upgrade but it definetly has more potential. If you want to TC in 37,maybe this is the week to BB

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

              Why would I play Yoshi over King in GW37? He plays BUR

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

                Obviously assumed DGW players are in your XI. And the SGW players are your bench.

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

                  Nah, King would have to start over Yoshi I feel.

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

        Its not an awful idea. Perfectly viable and may do it myself. As will alot of other elite managers.

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Seems legit. Cheaper, nailed options helps.

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

      All at home too wow! You know my opinion on this 😉

      DO IT!

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

      I'd only do so if I still had TC for Kane / Sanchez in 37.

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

      I'm half thinking the same. Currently have
      Grant swa
      Mawson STO
      Siggy STO
      Britos hul
      with 1 ft. Could tidy it up easy for a hit but I still think 37 looks better.

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

      Pity Chelsea can't keep cleanies anymore. Double defence would be good for 37

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

      Doing the same. My bench will be:

      Pickford (mid)
      Mawson (STK)
      Robertson (WAT)
      Carroll/Ayew (EVE)

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

      Definitely do it!

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

      If I hadn't have seen your bench I'd have called it crazy but you have a great bench for a boost..id be very tempted

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

      Good chance of being the right choice, but bench boosting with 4 double gameweeks is much more enjoyable.

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

      Only downside is they could all very well blank and leave you with 8 or 9 pts. But then the same could happen in 37 so..

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

      Show me the 37 WC team

  13. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    might have to have a sgw cheap enabler in 37............. jaku or hennesey?

    1. Team Zissou
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Jaku

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

      Hennesy against HUL.

  14. Ham S
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    For next week....
    A) Negredo
    B) Benteke

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

      Don't like either. Hope you got a wc after but I'd take negredo over tekkers

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

      Let's be honest, if it weren't for the double gameweek, you'd probably NEVER bring either one of them in, lol. 😛

      I guess Negredo cause of the better fixtures and the fact he's involved in, I believe, over 50% of their goals.

  15. Mo Mané No Problems
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Soton have 5 games the last 3 GWs. Replace King with a Soton player after GW 34/35?
    A. King ---> JWP
    B. King ---> Redmond

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

    A - Davies & Sanchez -> Rojo & Hazard? (-4)
    B - Davies -> Friend
    C - Chambers & Tom Davies -> Friend & De Roon

  17. Team Zissou
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Hi guys,

    Do you expect Friend to be back nailed on now?

    I know nothing about Borough..

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

      If Boro stick with 4 at the back and Fabio is out then he should be.

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

      I think it's more a case of whether he can stay fit.

    3. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'd hope so ! We've missed him

    4. Il Papera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, especially as Fabio was forced off injured, I have the feeling his season will be over.

    5. Team Zissou
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Great, thanks guys

  18. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    think gw rank has updated....

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

      It has, sadface

  19. Awesomeness
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Any advice about what to do with this?

    Grant
    Valencia Alonso Walker
    Alli Sanchez Hazard Coutinho
    Lukaku Kane Carroll

    Do I need to get Zlatan in? If so, how?
    (1FT. 0.2 ITB)

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

      Carroll > Rashford if avoiding Ibra

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

    (a) Lukaku > Ibra tonight (exact cash)
    (b) Or wait and see what happens on Thursday in Europa and take a hit to do Sanchez + Origi > Townsend + Ibra

    Thanks

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

    GW rank updated

  22. laGan1n1
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    gw rank 2,985

    nice 1

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

      Fantastic!

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

      Wow, congrats fella! 🙂

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

      Nice work - looks like you are heading for best ever finish!

    4. Geoff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Huge!

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

      Well played man. See you played triple captain Kane, worked well.

    6. laGan1n1
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      ty guys, love you all

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

    Autosubs in 🙂

  24. Mickey Tyrion™
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Townsend or Zaha?

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

      Zaha I think

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

      I have Zaha but starting to think Andros is a better shout now. Playing very well lately and lower ownership.

  25. Espen8
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Carroll -> Negredo (-4) ?

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

      Would you play Carroll otherwise?

      1. Espen8
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Probably yes

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

          Boro needs goals so probably.

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

    Gibson or Valencia/Bailly? (Have no MID or MANU def) Cheers

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

      Bailly

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

      See how Thursday goes.

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

        yeah good point

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

      If ManU eliminated from EL then Valencia otherwise Bailly

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

      Cheers all

  27. E25
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    What to do with this lot?

    Heaton Jaku
    Valencia Alonso Brunt Pieters Yoshida
    Haz Sanchez Alli Ward Prowse Sterling
    Kane Lukaku Barnes
    1FT 0.1ITB

    A) Alonso -> Gibson
    B) Sterling -> Zaha
    C) Alonso, Sterling -> Gibson, Zaha (-4)
    D) Alonso, Lukaku -> Gibson, Ibra (-4)
    E) Alonso, Sanchez, Barnes -> Gibson, Zaha, Ibra (-8)
    F) Other suggestions...?

    Still have all chips to use which was the original reason I wanted to get Ibra in for TC before rotation worries... Thanks in advance chaps.

  28. Espen8
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    How is Alonso? Would be lovely if he missed the Southampton game

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

      Should be fine to play FA Cup.

  29. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    G2G GW 34?

    Decided to carry forward my transfer.

    Pickford
    Alonso Pieters VanAaholt X2
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen Zaha X2
    Origi Kane (C) Lukaku

    Forster Holgate Sane Brunt

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

    Play 3 of these lads:

    Alonso
    Baines
    Gibson
    Maguire
    Fabio

    Thanks!

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

      depends if Alonso and Fabio are fit doesnt it? why don't you ask nearer the time?