Team News

Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 21 – Part Two

Aitor Karanka trials a three-man defence for Middlesbrough’s match at Watford. Mark Hughes reverts to four at the back as Peter Crouch continues to impress up top for Stoke, while Jay Rodriguez drops back to the bench as Southampton lose at Burnley.

Having published Part One yesterday, we take a look at the remaining ten teams for signs of personnel changes and tactical tweaks with one eye already focused on Gameweek 22.

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian (Fellaini 76), Herrera, Carrick (Rooney 46), Pogba, Mkhitaryan, Ibrahimovic, Martial (Mata 65).

  • Jose Mourinho only made one adjustment from the side that beat West Ham United 2-0 for the home encounter against Liverpool, with Anthony Martial starting in place of Jesse Lingard.
  • Martial started on the left in the 4-1-4-1 formation favoured by Mourinho of late, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan keeping his spot on the opposite flank.
  • But after heading into half-time 1-0 down, Mourinho decided to introduce Wayne Rooney in place of Michael Carrick. That change saw United switch to a 4-2-3-1, with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba stationed in central midfield, while Rooney played in the No 10 role. Martial then made way for Juan Mata shortly after the hour mark, with the Spaniard playing on the right of the attacking midfield trio, and Mkhitaryan on the left. Then as a final roll of the dice, Marouane Fellaini came on in place of Matteo Darmian. That change saw Fellaini play in a support striker role behind Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with Rooney moving to the left wing, while Mkhitaryan dropped to left-back.
  • Mourinho has a wealth of options to choose from in the wide positions, and while Mkhitaryan looks to have moved himself to the top of the pecking order, the likes of Rooney, Lingard, Mata and Marcus Rashford could all challenge Martial for a starting berth. Unless Mourinho starts with a 4-2-3-1 against Stoke City on Saturday, Carrick appears likely to keep his place in the side, despite a sub-par performance on Sunday. United’s frailty at set-pieces may see Chris Smalling push for a start in central defence to help deal with the threat from the likes of Peter Crouch and Ryan Shawcross.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Flanks

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes; Bernardo, Chambers, Gibson; Fabio, de Roon, Leadbitter, Forshaw, Friend; Stuani (Gestede 65), Negredo.

  • Aitor Karanka made five changes for the trip to Vicarage Road, with Victor Valdes, Bernardo Espinosa, George Friend, Grant Leadbitter and Cristhian Stuani replacing Brad Guzan, Antonio Barragan, Adam Clayton, Adama Traore and Gaston Ramirez.
  • Those alterations saw ‘Boro line-up in an unaccustomed 3-5-2 formation, with Bernardo, Calum Chambers and Ben Gibson forming the three-man defence. Fabio and Friend played as wing-backs, with Leadbitter and Adam Forshaw playing in advance of holding midfielder Marten de Roon. Stuani partnered Alvaro Negredo in attack.
  • Karanka only made one change, handing a league debut to Rudy Gestede in place of Stuani for the final 25 minutes in a straight swap.
  • ’Boro host West Ham on Saturday, so if Karanka does stick with the 3-5-2, he may consider handing a start to Gestede alongside Negredo in attack. Clayton may push for a recall, in either the 3-5-2 or a 4-1-4-1, while if the ‘Boro boss does revert to a four-man backline, Bernardo looks likely to be the obvious casualty. Traore and Ramirez, providing the latter recovers from a knee injury, could return to contention if Karanka reverts to 4-1-4-1.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks, Forwards

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric, Yoshida, van Dijk, Bertrand; Romeu, Ward-Prowse; Hojbjerg, Tadic (Rodriguez 68), Long, Redmond (Sims 80).

  • Claude Puel made three alterations from the side that lost 3-0 at Everton for the trip to Turf Moor, with Ryan Bertrand, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Shane Long coming in for Sam McQueen, Jordy Clasie and Jay Rodriguez.
  • Bertrand slotted into his usual position at left-back, while Hojbjerg joined Oriol Romeu and James Ward-Prowse in the three-man midfield. Long operated as the central striker, flanked by Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic.
  • Puel made his first change after 68 minutes, with Rodriguez brought on for Tadic. The substitute played as the central striker, with Long moving out to the left. With 10 minutes remaining, Puel introduced Josh Sims in place of Redmond on the right of the front three as Saints looked to find a late equaliser.
  • Saints face a midweek FA Cup third round replay against Norwich City, and also have an EFL Cup semi-final second leg against Liverpool to consider over the next week or so. We could be set to see some rotation against Leicester City in the league on Sunday, then, with Cuco Martina and McQueen viable starters in the full-back positions. Ryan Bertrand and Virgil van Dijk are now both doubts to face the Canaries, which may even force a recall for want-away Jose Fonte. Meanwhile, Clasie, Harrison Reed and Steven Davis, providing he recovers from a knock, are alternatives in central midfield. Rodriguez is likely to return as the central striker against the Foxes, while Sims provides another option on the flanks.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Flanks, Central Striker

Stoke City

Starting XI: Grant; Johnson, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Adam (Afellay 68), Whelan; Shaqiri (Ngoy 88), Allen, Arnautovic; Crouch.

  • Mark Hughes made two changes from the team that beat Watford 2-0 for the trip to the Stadium of Light, with Glenn Whelan and Xherdan Shaqiri replacing Mame Biram Diouf and the injured Jon Walters.
  • Those changes saw Hughes switch from a 3-4-2-1 to a 4-2-3-1, with Shaqiri on the right of the attacking midfield trio. Whelan started alongside Charlie Adam at the base of midfield for the Potters.
  • With 22 minutes remaining, Hughes brought on Ibrahim Afellay in place of Adam in a straight swap. The Stoke boss then handed Julien Ngoy a brief run-out late on in place of Shaqiri.
  • If Hughes sticks with the 4-2-3-1 against Man United on Saturday, the only area where he may look to tweak his starting XI is in central midfield, with Afellay and Giannelli Imbula viable alternatives to Whelan and Adam. With Diouf away at the Africa Cup of Nations, it’s less likely he’ll switch back to a 3-4-2-1.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield

Sunderland

Starting XI: Mannone; Love, O’Shea, Djilobodji, Van Aanholt; Borini, Denayer, Rodwell, Larsson; Januzaj; Defoe.

  • Sunderland manager David Moyes was forced into making one adjustment from the side that drew 2-2 against Liverpool for the home clash against Stoke City, with Jason Denayer coming in for Didier Ndong, who is participating in the AFCON.
  • Denayer started alongside Jack Rodwell in central midfield for the Black Cats, in what was more of a 4-4-1-1 formation used by Moyes. Sebastian Larsson (left) and Fabio Borini (right) started out wide, with Adnan Januzaj playing “in the hole” behind lone striker Jermain Defoe.
  • Perhaps due to the long list of absentees, Moyes decided not to make a substitution, despite going into half-time 3-1 behind.
  • Unless either Steven Pienaar (calf) or Victor Anichebe (hamstring) are passed fit for Saturday’s trip to the Hawthorns, Moyes doesn’t look to have too many options to freshen up his starting XI unless he turns to youth. If either player is available, it could be either Larsson or Januzaj that drop to the bench. Billy Jones and Javier Manquillo are viable alternatives to Donald Love at right-back.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Left Wing, Forwards

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Kingsley; Cork (McBurnie 70), Ki Sung-yeung; Dyer (Fer 55), Sigurdsson, Routledge; Llorente (Borja Baston 70).

  • New Swansea head coach Paul Clement made two changes from the side that beat Crystal Palace 2-1 for the home encounter against Arsenal, with Stephen Kingsley replacing the injured Neil Taylor, while Nathan Dyer earned a recall in place of Jay Fulton.
  • Those changes saw the Swans switch from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1, with Gylfi Sigurdsson restored to the No 10 role. Kingsley slotted in at left-back, while Dyer operated on the right of the attacking midfield trio.
  • Clement made a tweak 10 minutes into the second-half, with Leroy Fer introduced in place of Dyer. The Dutchman initially moved into the No 10 role, forcing Sigurdsson onto the right wing. Then, with 20 minutes remaining, Clement brought on forwards Borja Baston and Oliver McBurnie in place of Jack Cork and Fernando Llorente. That saw the Swans move to a 4-4-2, with Ki Sung-yeung and Fer combining in central midfield.
  • With the Swans facing a trip to Anfield on Saturday, Clement may adopt a more defensive approach. He could revert to a 4-3-3, with Dyer the most likely to drop to the bench. One of Fulton, Leon Britton or Fer may then be brought in to bolster the midfield, with Sigurdsson and Wayne Routledge perhaps flanking Llorente. New signing Luciano Narsingh may recover from a calf problem to come into contention, though, while Clement is likely to hand new boy Martin Olsson a spot at left-back. There may also be a small chance of Sigurdsson playing as a “false nine,” as he has done in a couple of away matches already this season.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen (Davies 64); Walker, Wanyama, Dembele (Winks 82), Rose; Eriksen, Kane (Son Heung-min 88), Alli.

  • Mauricio Pochettino unsurprisingly named an unchanged starting XI from the one that beat Chelsea 2-0 for the home fixture against West Bromwich Albion.
  • The Tottenham boss stuck with the 3-4-2-1 formation, then, with Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli starting in central attacking midfield roles behind lone striker Harry Kane.
  • Pochettino’s first substitution was an enforced one, after Jan Vertonghen picked up an ankle injury, forcing him to be replaced by Ben Davies in a straight swap. Harry Winks and Son Heung-min then came on during the final 10 minutes in place of Mousa Dembele and Kane in straight swaps.
  • Vertonghen is expected to be ruled out for Saturday’s trip to the Etihad, and perhaps for an extended period of time, so Davies or Kevin Wimmer may slot in alongside Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier in the three-man backline. Pochettino could also consider switching back to a 4-2-3-1, with Son perhaps the most likely to force his way into the side.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes (Pantilimon 66); Kaboul, Prodl, Britos; Kabasele, Capoue, Behrami (Cleverley 76), Holebas (Zuniga 89), Doucoure; Deeney, Okaka.

  • Hornets head coach Walter Mazzarri only made one alteration for the home clash against Middlesbrough, with the fit-again Stefano Okaka replacing Adlene Guedioura, who’s gone to the AFCON.
  • Okaka joined Troy Deeney in attack for Watford, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue operating slightly in advance of holding midfielder Valon Behrami in the 3-5-2 formation. Christian Kabasele played at right wing-back for the Hornets.
  • Mazzarri’s first substitution was an enforced one, with a knock picked up by Heurelho Gomes meaning he had to be replaced by Costel Pantilimon. Tom Cleverley was then handed his second Watford debut, following a previous loan spell, replacing Behrami in a straight swap, before Juan Zuniga was handed a brief run-out late on in place of Jose Holebas at left wing-back.
  • While Watford did keep a clean sheet at the weekend, there still might be a chance that Zuniga pushes for a recall at right wing-back in place of Kabasele for the trip to Bournemouth. Cleverley could be afforded a start in central midfield, while Odion Ighalo and Jerome Sinclair provide alternatives in attack.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right Wing-Back, Central Midfield, Forwards

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Brunt (McClean 53); Chadli (Robson-Kanu 61), Yacob, Fletcher, Morrison, Phillips (Field 90); Rondon.

  • Tony Pulis was forced into making once change for the trip to White Hart Lane, with Jonas Olsson coming in for the injured Jonny Evans.
  • Olsson partnered Gareth McAuley in central defence, while Chris Brunt shrugged off a back problem to start at left-back for the Baggies in what was more of a 4-5-1 on the day, primarily due to Tottenham’s dominance.
  • Pulis had made a slight tactical tweak at half-time, switching to a 3-5-2 and replaced Brunt with James McClean on 53 minutes. The latter took over at left wing-back, then, with Nacer Chadli, and then Matt Phillips playing at right wing-back following the introduction of Hal Robson-Kanu, who played alongside Salomon Rondon in attack. Sam Field was handed a few minutes late on in place of Phillips.
  • If Pulis sticks with his favoured 4-2-3-1 against Sunderland on Saturday, he appears unlikely to make many changes to his starting XI. Evans remains a doubt due to a calf problem, while the Baggies are still waiting for international clearance for Allan Nyom to be available to play. Brunt will have to be checked due to an ongoing back issue, so Brendan Galloway may be on standby to fill in at left-back. Robson-Kanu has impressed in recent weeks, and could push for a starting place either out wide in the 4-2-3-1, or alongside Rondon if Pulis considers changing to a 3-5-2 or perhaps a 4-4-2.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Defence, Flanks, Forwards

West Ham United

Starting XI: Randolph; Collins, Reid, Ogbonna (Byram 46); Antonio (Fletcher 89), Noble, Obiang, Cresswell; Feghouli, Lanzini (Fernandes 87); Carroll.

  • Slaven Bilic made three alterations for the London derby against Crystal Palace, with James Collins, Mark Noble and Andy Carroll returning in place of Havard Nordtveit, Cheikhou Kouyate and Dimitri Payet.
  • Collins slotted in alongside Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna in the three-man defence, while Noble partnered Pedro Obiang in central midfield in the 3-4-2-1 formation. Carroll played as the lone striker, supported by Manuel Lanzini and Sofiane Feghouli in the central attacking midfield positions, while Michail Antonio started at right wing-back.
  • But with the match goalless at half-time, Bilic made a tactical change, with Sam Byram introduced in place of Ogbonna, seeing the Hammers switch to a 4-2-3-1, with Antonio joining Feghouli and Lanzini in the advanced midfield positions. With the match won, Bilic handed brief run-outs to Edimilson Fernandes and Ashley Fletcher in place of Lanzini and Antonio.
  • After winning 3-0 following the formation change, Bilic may look to start with the 4-2-3-1 against Middlesbrough on Saturday. Byram could start at right-back, then, with one of either Collins or Ogbonna partnering Reid in central defence. Antonio would then start in an advanced midfield position alongside Lanzini and Feghouli.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Defence

859 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard : "I go on the pitch and I try to enjoy it. I do not look at statistics, I do not look at goals."

    In other words: Sell me in FPL.

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Did he say at start of season how he wanted to score more goals.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not necessarily, just means he won't force an action for the sake of stats i.e. SiTB

      1. Chris_White
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I wasn't being completely serious

        1. Ha.
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Oh.

  2. Chris_White
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    BREAKING: Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen's scan reveals he has suffered ligament damage. #SSNGQ

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Minimum two months according to reports

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      injury is always bad news. hope he will return earlier

    3. Winks Club
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      This reduces the temptation of getting in Rose/Walker, at least for me. In addition to slightly weakened clean sheet potential, Spurs are far more likely to roll with the good-old 4-2-3-1, limiting the fullbacks' attacking threat

  3. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Sorry for RP but don't know what to do.
    If Evans is out I must take a hit to field 3 defenders (Ake > Chambers) but due to Ake price drop tonight is it worth to do it now to avoid loosing 0.1 without waiting for press conference?

    1. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Wait

      Always wait

    2. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Sell now, Ake aint gonna start games for Chelsea

    3. Toure The Route
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I would wait

  4. AFC49
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with this team? Already used FT. 1.3 ITB

    Grant
    Alonso Chambers Brunt
    Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Phillips
    Ibra Giroud Defoe

    Heaton Pieters de Roon Kingsley

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud to Lukaku?

      Chambers to Baines?

      Otherwise GTG strong

      1. AFC49
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Was thinking Pieters to Baines. Not sure if its worth a hit though.

        1. L S P
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          it's not

        2. Dele
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Good shout.

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      nice team. monitor giroud situation

    3. Dele
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard > Alli
      Giroud > Lukaku

      1. AFC49
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Happy to take a -4 but not -8

        1. Dele
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Sorry just seen FT has been used. Monitor Giroud and wait for next week.

          Or... Get Baines in.

  5. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg?

    Grant
    Alonso Baines Rose
    Alli Sanchez(v) Lallana Hazard Phillips
    Costa(c) Defoe

    Heaton McAuley Mee Anichebe 0.3itb

    1. AFC49
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nice team

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Ta!

    2. Dele
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Whats your team value?

  6. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else considering Ben Davies after this weekend? £4.7m and the most suited replacement for Vertonghen imo playing left side of their back 3. Could be an absolute steal.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Will see how they line up. Could be a good Holebas replacement.

    2. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Could be, but I'd still have Rose/Walker for the extra with their current setup.

      1. Scratch
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I'm thinking Rose / Alonso / Baines plus a second cheap route to the Spurs defence.

        1. Chris_White
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah makes sense

        2. #Swish41
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          That looks good!

        3. Ha.
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          But then would you play 4 at the back?

          1. Scratch
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Sometimes. With Phillips, Snodgrass and De Roon, playing 4 defenders isn't an issue

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Wait and see in case they switch back to 4 at the back.

    4. SC not pearls before swine
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Probably worth waiting a week to make sure he's the guy. You have to expect Manchester City will be able to score at home.

      1. SC not pearls before swine
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        "After this weekend"

        missed that my bad.

    5. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      surely Wimmer comes in if they stick with 3 at the back.

      1. Scratch
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Davies is the better play imo. He plays that exact role for Wales too.

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

          Came on in that position ehen Vert went off too

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Wimmer wasn't on the bench

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

              Still though, got a feel for it with different personnel than Wales

  7. #Swish41
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    A. Keep Aguero
    B. Kane
    C. Costa

    ...to go with Ibra and Defoe...

    Cheers

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

      Kane

    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm keeping because I'm trailing if he gets going could really help

      If I were winning I'd sell

    3. #Swish41
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks both - interesting rationale Robe, I am currently leading and leaning to B...

    4. Toure The Route
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Would do B if your leading then

  8. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Origi and Ake have to go.The plan is to downgrade Hazard to Pedro/Antonio and invest in Lukaku and Baines(-8). Would happily wait until after Hull, but price changes can be massive.
    Please give me your price prediction for these players this GW: Origi, Ake, Hazard (-0,5?) and Lukaku, Baines, Pedro (+ 0,5?).
    Wait or take the -8 hit?

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

      Wait till Hull game.

  9. VFORVANDETA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg or Giroud to Lukaku? Have 1ft 3.2itb

    Heaton
    Alonso Coleman McAuley
    Sanchez Hazard Lallana Phillips
    Zlatan Defoe Giroud

    Grant Adam Ake Kingsley

    1. Ben the Mee
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Seeing as you already have Sanchez I'd go Lukaku and his tasty fixtures.

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

          Just worried have no Spurs cover.

          1. Ben the Mee
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Maybe Hazard can become Erikson if hes still allergic to points after this GW

      • KISSES
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Need that Costa drop tonight.

        1. Pasqualinho
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I think you may get it

          1. KISSES
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            It allows me to do Aguero and Snoddy to Costa and Eriksen.

            1. Pieterke30
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Would be great moves indeed

            2. ZeBestee
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              am in a similar situation to you.

        2. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Me too, crossing all my fingers until tomorrow morning

        3. Simon Says...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Oh he dropping for sure

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            I'm not so sure. The news he trained is everywhere

      • Ben the Mee
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Had Costa since GW 1 at 9.5. Sold him yesterday cos I was sure he was on his way out. I hate this game.

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            The longer you've had him, the longer you should have held.

          2. #Swish41
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Ouch. I would say you should have held given he could only drop 0.1 more, but hindsight is a wonderful thing!

          3. TheSteel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Theres no guarentee he will play, let alone start.

        • bejzu
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Will Sturridge play vs Swansea?

          1. Pieterke30
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Doubt it.

            My guess is Klopp will start Firmino up front with Coutinho and Lallana alongside him

            1. bejzu
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              What I fear. I don't want to part with my midfielders.. But want to transfer a Liverpool player in for the Swansea game.

              Hazard has potential to be placed upfront if the Costa issue continues.
              Sanchez same if Giroud is still injured..

              Tough one.

          2. VFORVANDETA
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Origi will start.

            1. bejzu
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Don't like him much, but I might have to take a punt on him

        • Misery Loves Kompany
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Am I absolutely bonkers to be considering Ibra > Costa -4?

          It's a log off and go lie down situation isn't it....... isn't it?!?

          1. Chris_White
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Step away from the computer.

          2. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Yes, goodbye.

          3. Hybrid.power
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Ehhh...what

          4. Misery Loves Kompany
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Cheers folks, not sure what I was thinking.

            It's this dry January nonsense, plays havoc with a mans logic.

        • Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Best striker for 8.5 apart from Defoe?

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            N/A

            1. Hybrid.power
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah...it's looking like that

              1. Ha.
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                It's a lottery really. Best you can do is go with fixtures and change fairly regularly.

          2. Misery Loves Kompany
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            At the minute, probably Crouch!

            But yeah, seriously, nobody.

        • tripper05
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Rate my WC Team please..
          Heaton Jak
          Walker Jones Chambers FunesMori Love
          Sanchez Hazard Philips Stanislas Leko
          Aguero Zlat Defoe

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Kane/Costa over Aguero and upgrade defence

          2. Hybrid.power
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Needs Chelsea defense imo. Not sure I'd have Aguero or Hazard if I was wildcarding right now

          3. Sancidino
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Kane instead of Kun and use the money to upgrade defence

            1. Ha.
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Echo

            2. Sancidino
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              I replied first 🙂

          4. liiusions
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            You have watched City and Aguero the last few games right?

            No chance Aguero would be near my team if I were on a WC

          5. Pacer.
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            ditch Aguero and rebuild. He WILL hit big points sooner or later, no doubt, but how many weeks will be blank in between and have you the nerve to captain him week in, week out until you hit that jackpot. Zlatan, Kane, Costa, Defoe, Lukaku. Just no need

            And have you seen how little time he's actually in the penalty area?

            Not in the box
            average form and team form
            rotation risk
            most expensive player in the game
            low ownership

            1. tripper05
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks guys. I've taken out chambers, Phillips and aguero for Monreal, countinho and lukaku. Risk not having a Chelsea defender but arsenal have kinder fixtures!

        • Viper
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I'm pretty set on doing Kun -> Kane this week (Form + price)

          This leaves me with this scenario, which one looks best?

          A. Holebas -> Koscielny with my 2nd FT this week

          B. Save 2nd FT. Holebas -> Rose the following gwk

          C. Save 2nd FT. Lallana -> Eriksen the following gwk

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            C

        • AFC49
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Who to play this GW?

          A.) Grant (MUN H)
          B.) Heaton (ARS A)

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            B

          2. Viper
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            B

            1. Viper
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              He'll probably make 43 saves

          3. Winston.
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            B

        • Sancidino
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Cortouis Pickford

          Alonso Daniels Amat Cedric Jones

          Sanchez Hazard JRodriguez Lallana Phillips

          Giroud Zlatan Anichebe

          1 Ft 0.3 ITB

          What do you think? G2G? Thanks!

        • Boomerang V
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Who will score more points from now untill end of season:

          1 - Azpi vs. Alonso ?

          2 - Rose vs. Walker ?

          Thanks

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Rolonso

          2. Hybrid.power
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Alonso, the other is 50/50

            1. Winston.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              this

          3. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Alonso
            Walker, just, but its very close

        • Hybrid.power
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          My team for this week is:

          Foster (Sun H)
          Daniels (Wat H), Baines (Cry A), Brunt (Sun H)
          Sanchez (Bur H), Stanislas (Wat H), Hazard (Hul H), Eriksen (Mci A)
          Defoe (Wba A), Ibra (Stk A), Costa (Hul H)

          Subs: Pickford, Smith, Amat, Fletcher

          I'm thinking of just leaving it hoping for the best, while saving a transfer. The Costa situation is doing my head in though.

        • Oggle22
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          2FT but we're to use them?

          Cech
          Alonso Ake Lovren
          Lalana Antoni Erik Sanch Philips
          Ibra Kun

          Subs: Pickford Jones Pieters Anichebe

          Finding it so hard to part with Kun and don't know why at the min!

          1. Yellin' in my Ear
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Anichebe to Crouch is nice and easy (I did it last week), or Ake to a Middlesbrough defender if you don't think he'll play

            1. Oggle22
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              I usually play 3-5-2 so would need to drop a midfielder to play crouch or trust him with Ibra to get more points than Kun

        • New Post
        • Yellin' in my Ear
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Assuming all fit, how's it looking for this week (hoping to role FT):

          Heaton (Pick)
          Alonso, Baines, Bellerin, Evans (Walker);
          Hazard, Sanchez, Phillips, Eriksen, (De Roon);
          Costa, Ibra (Crouch)

          Still on Sanchez captain but may change depending on pressers. Ta.

          1. GGMU!!!
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Good to go. And very impressive team value!

            1. Yellin' in my Ear
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Cheers 🙂

        • VFORVANDETA
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Have 2.3 itb atm.Should i take hits to bring Ake out? Any suggestion?

          Alonso Coleman McAuley Ake Kingsley.

          1. Yellin' in my Ear
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            No need this week, play first three

        • UnitedXCI
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Grant Foster
          Baines Alonso Walker Holebas Jones
          Lallana Phillips De Roon Alli Sanchez
          Ibra Defoe Costa
          0FT 0.6 ITB
          A) Costa -> Kane
          B) Costa -> Lukaku
          C) Save

          1. ***00tennis***
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Wait for Fridays presser....... >>

            Costa>>Lukaku or

            C) Save

        • Total Foot 5 - romario 11
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          best use of ft? thnx

          1 -4 Defoe + A.Smith > Crouch + Alonso
          2 -4 Defoe + A.Smith > Gray + Alonso
          3 save ft

          1. ***00tennis***
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            defo 3

        • The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Nothing itb 1FT
          Foster
          Baines,Rose,Daniels
          Sanchez,Alli,Pogba,Phillips,Stanislas
          Ibrahimovic,Lukaku,

          Grant,GiroudChambers,Pieters

          What to do with this motley crew?
          Save?

          1. ***00tennis***
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Save as nice team
            >>look to Pogba>>Coutinho

            Not keen on any Utd MIDS even though fixtures good...Ibra is enough MUN

            1. The 12th Man
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks I was even thinking of downgrading a Pogba further so I can get Kane in.

              1. ***00tennis***
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Pedro an option but don't fancy him much after Hull(H) but guess for that you'd need to downgrade him to at least a 6.9>7.9 or less (Lallana etc)
                Giroud>>Defoe
                Lukaku>>Kane

                1. ***00tennis***
                  • 7 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  It omitted Pogba>>7.9 or less......

        • EL_FENOMENO
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Why is everybody ditching Hazard but favoring so strongly Costa now that he's back. They are both on par with points. Haz has pens,he's nailed and a more explosive potential. Costa has a temper.

        • skodaole2
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Bench one of

          A) Sigurdsson(liv)
          B) Stanislas(WAT)
          C) Alli (MCI)
          D) Crouch(MUN)
          E) Coutinho(SWA), dont know about his mins hence his presence in the question.

          Sig is the obvious choice due too poor form, but LIV's defence and pen taking makes it difficult to choose.

          1. ***00tennis***
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            D) No question

            Coutinho will probs play 70mins