Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Wednesday

The extended Gameweek 34 continues with a big night that delivers three hugely anticipated matches.

There could barely be more Fantasy interest across the trio of encounters, with a scattering of key assets in action.

Firstly, Middlesbrough’s Alvaro Negredo, signed by 201,000 and backed by an improbable 155,000 (3.5%), will bid to improve on a dismal 2-point return from his first fixture when he faces Sunderland at the Riverside Stadium. A crunch encounter for both teams, there will also be keen interest in the Boro defence with Ben Gibson signed by 118,000+ ahead of Saturday’s deadline.

Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke was undoubtedly the weekend’s star performer with a brace at Anfield to provide his 506,000+ ownership with a 12-point return. Backed by 96,000 (2.1%) with the armband, he will look to build on that return in tonight’s encounter with Spurs.

But the title-challenging visitors will boast their own cast of key figures, with Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen supported by an army of Fantasy owners. Kane is himself backed by 244,000 with the GW34 captaincy.

Finally, at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal will host Leicester City as they bid to revive their top four ambitions having navigated to the FA Cup Final at the weekend.

The big news from north London is that Alexis Sanchez may just be restored to the central striker role, with both Danny Welbeck and Olivier Giroud benched – Theo Walcott comes in and could also be a contender for that position if Wenger retains the 3-4-2-1 system.

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

4,527 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Pep says
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    a) Holgate Stephens Eriksen Costa Benteke

    b) Stones Vert Hazard Gabbi Benteke

    c) Daniels Holgate Hazard Costa Anichebe

    d) any 2 defenders (bar Spurs) Eriksen, Gabbi, Benteke

    I needed to write this down.

    1. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      B

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

        Ya think your right. Cheers

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      B the best balance

  2. Thursday's press conferences
    dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Bottom of the page

    Today's club Press conference
    10:00 West Ham United
    10:30 Crystal Palace
    12:00 Southampton
    13:00 Hull City, Swansea City
    13:15 Burnley
    15:00 Watford

    1. boc610
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      edge of the seat stuff that

      southampton's could be belter

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Hahahahaha!!

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Cheers 😀

    4. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Ta

  3. JLAEST
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    After hours of trying to fit Kane/Costa/Gabbi or Kane/Jesus/Gabbi, decided to try out something different:

    A)
    Cech Pickford
    Alonso Clichy Gabriel Yoshida Holgate
    Hazard Herrera Alli Sanchez JWP
    Kane Gabbi Anichebe
    0.2 ITB.

    Anichebe will be benched anyways, only thing I expect of him are 4 points with BB on GW37.

    Alternative would be
    B)
    Cech Pickford
    Stones Huth Holgate Yoshida Holebas
    Hazard Capoue Alli Sanchez Ward-Prowse
    Kane Jesus Gabbiadini

    Thoughts?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Simply downgrade Alonso and Clichy and forget about the non scoring relegated Anichebe

      1. JLAEST
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        That gets me ~3ITB, which would give me space for a ~7.3 striker. Benteke?

      2. JLAEST
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        Or Rashford maybe?

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          This

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Yes! Don't pick Anichebe!! I always think about the amount of points strikers can score! Anichebe will score nothing!

      1. JLAEST
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        My argument for Anichebe was that he will be benched anyways, so he'll pretty much be a 3-4 point bonus on GW37 with BB.

    3. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      I support your Anichebe pick. Most likely a 4 pointer, but could easily grab a goal in one of those matches. I don't think there are many tempting, nailed options if you use the extra 3.0. Not good enough to warrant a 3.0 upgrade at least IMO.

      1. DJ1000
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        If someone like Jesus runs riot could score 20-25 points in a dbgw compared to Anichebe's 4. For me the game is about getting players in who could do serious damage.

  4. Pigsinblankets
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    So my PVA pick in GW33 hasn't really worked out... Thoughts on him? Cut losses or just leave for bench boost in GW37? No wildcard so every transfer is sacred.

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Cut losses

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

        Really? Would you not give home the Burnley game at least?

        1. Pigsinblankets
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          Think I might give it another week to ponder. Wanted to do Negredo to Gabbi first

          1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 11 days ago

            Give him this week, fingers crossed he gets a start

  5. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    best cheap striker for a 3-5-2 ?

    Looking at Anichebe but if i BB him in 37 i expekt 3 points or something.

    1. slamdunk
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      If you want a decent mid then i think anichebe is the way to go,what im thinking of doing but maybe coz my teams tv not great.

  6. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    If Sanchez didn't play act like a twonk, would Fuchs have been sent off? Is throwing a ball at someone's face more ok than throwing a punch? Seems like we're talking about the wrong issue here. As horrible as Sanchez' over exaggeration was, Fuchs is the one who needs punished.

    1. Smoky Johnson
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Yes. That throw-in is hideous. Fuch is the one who needs a gif for people to laugh at. Should be fined for that. Such an awkward move.

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Both were in the wrong

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        While I dont ageree with what Sanchez done he had to hit the deck to show the severity of it. Fuchs gave him a bust lip and should have been sent off. Sanchez booked for overexagerating but the only reason he done it is because he wanted Fuchs (Rightly) sent off

        1. UnitedFan
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          Agree with your thoughts on those sanction for each 🙂 Still no excuse for play-acting though

          1. Kings of Lyon ★
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 11 days ago

            Agreed i am 100% against play acting but its Fuchs that has no excuse for his actions. The papers and the media are blowing up opver Sanchez while Fuchs is getting away with it. Bloody madness

            1. UnitedFan
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 11 days ago

              Agree

        2. Niemi
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          Should he be sent of though? Didn't watch it live, but looked like it was a throw in? Are there any rules against stuff like that? If a kicked the ball in a players face from a free kick or open play (seemlingly deliberate), is that a bookable offense?

          1. Niemi
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 days ago

            Not saying I like what Fuch's did, it's very un-ethical at least. Just not sure if there are any rules against stuff like this.

            1. UnitedFan
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 11 days ago

              I think he should have gotten red yeah. Intentionally harming someone, no matter how soft it might seem

          2. Big Mac 24
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 11 days ago

            Wasn't fabregas sent off against West Brom for picking a ball at brunt from 20 yards away? Direct throw-in to the noggin is just as bad so should be a red card, yeah. If you go by the rules at least - I thought both instances are funny and should just be punished by yellows!

            1. Niemi
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 11 days ago

              It's different though. Fuchs start the game again with a throw-in. Fabregas kicks the ball into Brunt's head while the game is stopped.

        3. Pasqualinho
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          I'm sorry - but attempting to get an opponent sent off has no place in competitive sport and should be eradicated from the list of 'legitimate' tactics. Players do it because they are only (at the very worst) risking a booking for simulation. Ban 'em, I say - that'll put a stop to it.

          1. Kings of Lyon ★
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 11 days ago

            I do not agree with simulation my point is that Fuchs should have been sent off for the action. If Sanchez stood his ground then there would have been no punishment by the ref. Is that right?

            1. Pasqualinho
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 11 days ago

              Fuchs should maybe have been sent off - at least a booking. But I despise what Sanchez did much more.

          2. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 days ago

            Agree with bans for simulation. No other way to eradicate it. And they'd need to be lengthy too. It's in the players hans whether they get them or not

            1. Pasqualinho
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 11 days ago

              It doesn't necessarily have to be lengthy - a one-match ban should do it. As long as there's a clear message to the players that they will not get away with it then they will stop doing it. At the moment they know that it's worth the risk, as the punishment is negligible at worst.

              1. UnitedFan
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 11 days ago

                I think a one-match ban is nothing for players, especially if they are winning a penalty or getting someone sent off

        4. QPRUTD
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          The lip thing is unrelated to the Fuchs throw in though. It was a separate incident involving Robert Huth.

    3. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      If Fuchs was smarter he'd ignore Sanchez, focus, give 100% for the best throw-in in his life which may ended up an assist and help his team to equalize. Both acted stupidly but all I care about are 3 points for Arsenal.

  7. kalmoffit
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    If Arsenal get anything at Spurs will we even see Hazard in wk36?

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      GW36 probably, PL will still mathematically be alive but both games in GW37 would he very unlikely if the titles settled.

    2. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Good question that
      He could be rested if and when they wrap up the title.

      I'll be monitoring this.

      1. PlayPercentage
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        Chelsea play Friday night and Monday in GW37.
        There could be rotation, especially if the Friday game goes well.

  8. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Liverpool have confirmed they will have new crest in their jersey.
    They will wear this jersey for 2017-2018 season

    https://mobile.twitter.com/lfc/status/857509252101017604

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Thought the crest would have had broken bottles in it.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        FC Big Stand 😉

  9. Tshelby
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    0.0 ITB
    1FT

    Valdes, Heaton
    Yoshi, Cahill, Valencia, Baines, Davies
    Coutinho, Son, Alli, Zaha, Obiang
    Kun, Lukaku, Benteke

    No wc left..
    Thinking of doing :
    Kun, Luk, Son -> Kane, Costa, Sane (-8)

    Y/N?

    This would mean that it would be very hard to fit Sanchez in some how later on..

    Better moves to be done?

    1. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Anyone?

    2. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Keep Kun v Boro unless Pep says Jesus might start. Lukaku to Costa probably not worth a hit this week. Maybe just Son to Sane for now

      1. DJ1000
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        Yep keep Kun this week. Costa better in gw36

      2. ANON.
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        Or save and next week do Son + Kun to Sanchez + Gabbi

        1. Tshelby
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          Cheers!

  10. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Who would have thought De Roon would be a DGW star, especially after limping off against Bournemouth.

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Not me anyway, I benched him 😎

    2. Sponge-worthy
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      I had him and I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw his name as a scorer.

    3. Bobby_Baggio
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      He was my AOA player although my 3 other defenders got 9, 6, 6 so bad call from me

    4. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      He and Gibson saved my day!!!

  11. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Really need another blank from Rashford. Not gonna happen is it?

  12. Bobby_Baggio
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Nice 23 points on my bench which wont be coming on 🙁

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      It seems this was the week for bench boost 🙁

      1. Bobby_Baggio
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        Who would of known - saving mine for GW37 so still hope.

        1. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          Good chance of getting more than 23 then with 4 DGW'ers on bench.

    2. Viprin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      21 pts here 🙁

  13. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Which one? Sanchez's lack of form concerns me. He hit the bar yesterday in fairness but Ozil would have had that assist.

    1) Stephens + Sanchez
    2) Koscielny + Ozil

    1. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Depends on the rest of the team really

  14. ANON.
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Firmino or Coutinho for this week only?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      flip a coin

    2. Tshelby
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Firmino

  15. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Already had to panic and go Negredo -> Gabi due to the risk of price changes. Now I'm concerned I have no City cover, worth taking a hit for it?

    1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Neither were at risk of rising/falling

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 days ago

        Well that makes me feel foolish. Was sure there was going to be a mass selling of Negredo

        1. Gnu
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 11 days ago

          Still a sound move if not a no-

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Look at fpl statistics to see likelihood of price rises. Nothing at present.

  16. The60ftoctopus
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    I put Ayala in. Absolutely fuming. 5 mins off a clean sheet.
    I hope Middlesbrough now get relegated.

    1. Klopp's Kids
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      chill

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Low blow

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      In return, I wish you major FPL disappointments. (Ayala was a terrible choice by the way, 4.8 doesn't play, bench fodder).

  17. slamdunk
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Please rate my WC team..any suggestions welcome

    Ddg/pick

    Alonso/Monreal/Holgate/Stephens/Yoshida

    Haz/Sanchez/King/Alli/Sane

    Gabbi/Kane/Anichebe

    0.2m left over

  18. boombaba
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Stephens and bravo

    Or

    Benaloune and Forster

    ??

  19. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Pulled a 30 point lead in the ML after last night, hoping for a quiet one from United as he has: Rashy (C), Valencia and we both have Aguero.......

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Well done. I gained36 points on mine. I've got Blind tonight

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      I made 30 pts on my main rival but played bb. Have De Gea and Valencia to come tonight.

  20. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Is it worth getting in Pickford for the rest of the season? Other goalie is Jaku.
    Valdes -> Pickford + 0.5 seems a decent sideways transfer.
    Pickford has DGW37, SWA (CS?) + ars (save points).

  21. Mikey44
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    If you could sign any player with next gameweek only in mind, who would it be?

    Team:
    Jak Grant
    Baines Nyom Valencia Gibson Lenihan
    Alexis Alli Son King Carroll
    Lukaku Kane Benteke

    Looking for a 1-week punt before I tear my team up for the wildcard. Looking at Bertrand, Tadic, Coutinho/Firmino, maybe even Martial/Rashford depending on who starts tonight. Uninspiring options tbh, any help appreciated.

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Sane

  22. Smoky Johnson
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Anyone else going Alli Eriksen Kane vs Arsenal?

    1. Viprin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Can't see why not

    2. President Giggs
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Very tempted, kinda want Hazard and King for Siggy and one of Eriksen/Alli though.

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      No Maybe just Kane or one of them with Kane

  23. FPLord
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Don't wanna take a hit this week as I'm going to WC in GW36. What do you think is better this week?

    A. Siggy > King (bench Negredo)
    B. Negredo > Gabbi (bench Siggy)

    1. Viprin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      A

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      A

    3. boogle
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      I have the exact same dilemma - I'm leaning towards B as I might captain him too

  24. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Who else would have been better off if you didnt make any transfers? I would have played Baines and would have had Aguero tonight. I fell into the trap so easily!

    1. Viprin
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      I would have played de Roon

  25. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Suggestions guys? 2FTs, No WC, 2,5 ITB.

    Henn / Pick
    Alonso Bailly Yoshi (Vert, Gibson)
    Haz Alli Cou Zaha (JWP)
    Kane Lukaku Benteke

    1. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Lukaku to Gabbi maybe

    2. FPLord
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 days ago

      Zaha > King

  26. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    0-1 Valencia goal!Anyone with this?

  27. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Pickford / Jakupovic

    Alonso / Azpilicueta / Stones / Valencia / Stephens

    Sanchez / Alli / Coutinho / Zaha / Townsend

    Kane / Lukaku / Gabbiadini

    A : Lukaku & Townsend > Anichebe & Hazard ( -4 )
    B : Lukaku > Costa ( Free )
    C : Other suggestions
    D : Save

  28. Hman
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    What is peoples views on Walcott for arsenal attacking coverage?
    Too much of a risk?

  29. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Does Shano still post here?

  30. President Giggs
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 days ago

    Went from a gameweek rank of 3m+ to 125k yesterday, and an OR of 57k to 24k. Got Bailly and Rashford to play, reckon i'll hold onto that top 25k rank?