Scout Reports

Scout Notes – Champions League – Wednesday

Arsenal’s annual Champions League exit appears imminent following a chastening night in Bavaria, with a hamstring issue for popular Fantasy asset Laurent Koscielny merely compounding the misery.

Bayern Munich 5 Arsenal 1

An injury to defender Laurent Koscielny prompted a second-half capitulation of epic proportions as Arsenal were blown away by Bayern.

Alexis Sanchez had earlier given the Gunners huge hope that they could take the tie back to The Emirates with all still to play for when he finished with aplomb when his initial effort from the spot was saved.

But once Koscielny departed with a hamstring problem early in the second half, Arsenal’s resolve dissolved and three goals in ten chaotic minutes quickly followed.

The Frenchman has started all bar the first match of the season in the league for the Gunners. They conceded four that day – their worst defensive performance of the campaign until last night’s debacle.

The only crumb of comfort for the 16.9% of managers who own the centre-half is that he has until March 4 to recover as Arsenal will sit out Gameweek 26 because of Southampton’s involvement in the EFL Cup final. Those who were contemplating selling him, due to that blank and a Gameweek 27 trip to Liverpool, may well have had their minds made up by this latest set-back.

Kieran Gibbs – at 4.7 a cheap way into the Arsenal defence – was given back-to-back starts for the first time this season.

But Arsenal’s left side proved to be a rich source of attacking joy for Bayern all night and it would be no surprise if Nacho Monreal is returned to the starting XI in the league, if not for Monday’s FA Cup tie at Sutton.

Two regular midfielders, Mesut Ozil and Alex Iwobi, also failed to impress.

The 6.5%-owned Ozil has just three assists and no goals since Gameweek 15, while Iwobi (3.2%) has started the last nine league matches, providing two goals and a pair of assists.

Beleaguered manager Arsene Wenger has options in midfield and Iwobi, in particular, looks vulnerable either to a like-for like swap with Theo Walcott or a re-jig involving Sanchez moving back from his successful stint up front.

Arsenal’s post-Gameweek 27 schedule is generally a favourable one all the way through to the very end of April. But only the ever-reliable Sanchez currently inspires confidence in a team whose limitations were otherwise exposed by a ruthless Bayern.

The second leg with Bayern sits three days after the Gameweeek 27 trip to Anfield, although it’s surely unlikely that Wenger will allow that to influence his teamsheet and approach for the Liverpool clash.

Arsenal XI: Ospina, Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny (Gabriel 49), Gibbs, Xhaka, Coquelin (Giroud 77), Iwobi (Walcott 66), Ozil, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sanchez.
Subs not used: Cech, Monreal, Welbeck, Elneny.

454 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Where now for Arsenal?
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    Where now for Arsenal?

    Are their players in danger of falling down our watchlists- with arguably Alexis Sanchez now the only Gunner midfielder or forward worth drafting in?

    And what of their defence? With high price tags and minimal returns (only Koscielny graces the top 10 FPL pts scoring defenders) are they now poor options.

    What needs to change? What players should they bring in? Does Wenger need to leave?

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

      Just can't see Wenger "leaving". He will surely move upstairs - he's just so engrained in the fabric of that club now - he even oversaw the stadium development, right down to the colour schemes and dressing room layouts. He is Arsenal.

      For me, he goes upstairs, remains an influence and a young manager comes in - someone of Eddie Howe's profile.

      Just can't see a big name like Simeone coming in with Wenger's legacy still at the club.

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

        They might go for Howe but I fear that will be a David Moyes trap for them. They probably need a big name strong manager who got the respect and charisma to shake up the dressingroom and make them a team unit with strong collective mentality.

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

          That's not worked so well for united post moyes

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

        Bringing Eddie Howe in would be the most Arsenal appointment you could make. Young and unproven when they need someone with a winning mentality who is ready now. This has also been their approach to replacing big players over the last decade or so which has left them in the situation they currently find themselves in.

      3. SUPERMAN
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Ray Parlour was saying he believes Wenger will move to a French Club when he leaves Arsenal. Time will tell I guess.

      4. El Muñeco
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I disagree that he would move upstairs - I don't think a departure would be a clean break.

        Where this leaves Arsenal is a huge question, no other club is structured in such a way whereby everything is so dependant upon one individual. A transition period may have been planned with a Wenger two year contract extension as Manager, but recent events make that unlikely - the fan vitriol is getting quite excessive for him to bear.

        I don't think Eddie Howe would work - it would go similar to Martinez at Everton. Thomas Tuchel at Dortmund looks like a shout, but a whole team of coaching staff, directors of football, replacement of the board, everything needs to happen. And Wenger hasn't completed made up his mind either I'm sure

        1. El Muñeco
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          * I do think a departure would be a clean break

      5. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Howe is overrated. What kind of manager doesn't play a player who is involved in 47% of Bournemouth's goals?

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

      Post-CL exit/end of the season is prime time to get Arsenal assets, as they convince everyone they'll be title challengers next season.

    3. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't consider any bar Sanchez and I'll be watching him in the Liverpool match closely. They're just gone mentally.

      That said, once that's sunk in they've tended to then have an end of season, pressure off run of form. So they're still very much in my thoughts for the doubles. Especially with 2nd to 6th so open.

    4. DanwiseTheBrave
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Is this just a copy and paste from the past 10 years?

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Wow. Is it just 10?

        1. soup natsi
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Invincibles were 13 years ago.

    5. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      In terms of what needs to change. It's just Wenger. Arsenal have very good players, there's no way for example their squad is worse than Chelsea's or Spurs. Difference is just the mentality, which comes from the manager.

      Arsenal have wasted the last four years in truth. It was obvious then Wenger had hit a wall.

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

      From a fantasy football perspective - no, they will prove to be a great option IMO. Arsenal always, ALWAYS, flop in February, Wenger out calls are made, then they go on a late resurgence and there's hope for next season. I'd say Sanchez has to stay in our teams and players like Bellerin and Ozil will come to the fore once more.

      Football wise, Wenger has to go as Arsenal don't look even close to winning the league. Coquelin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gabriel etc are not good enough. Iwobi is good, but not great, and is nowhere near CL quality at the moment. Gibbs, Monreal and yes, even Cech, are all distinctly average. There's been a lot of wasted money.

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

      No CL will only boost Sanchez stocks, I think. Iwobi seems to be a good pick as well. Not sure about his "nailedness", and no CL could potentially lead to more rotation in PL to keep players satisfied?

      Koscielny is injuryprone, and they can't defend without him. Kind of the same with City and Kompany last year, they only kept CS when he played. Makes their backline less attractive imo.

      Something wrong with their mentality. They tend to perform like mid-table teams who got nothing to play for do in the last gamweeks of the season (Like özil v Robben for that forst goal).

    8. Philman
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I have been one of Wenger's biggest fan over the years, but he surely has to go now. We are one dimensional, and the game has moved on, with high skill teams also deploying a high pressing game. Arsenal players are too pampered by the current regime and are easily bullied in game vs high quality opposition. Have you seen the stats of how much ground Arsenal players cover in a game? Shocking.

      If we don't change now, we will forever by in the same cycle of failure. I honestly believe finishing outside the top 4 may do us more good than harm.

      1. Dokdok666
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Have you got a link to said stat (of how much ground they cover) ?

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

      I don't think we should panic too much about their FPL value for now, only Sanchez is interesting us at the moment and it'll likely stay that way until the doubles.

      We probably shouldn't take too much note of the Bayern result, they'll be right back up for it against Liverpool and Sanchez is always fighting.

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

        If Kos is missing for the Liverpool game Mane could have a field day 🙂

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

      Sanchez has been the only gunner mid/forward worth drafting in all season 🙂

      Arsenal defence has been a no go for most of the season and even more so with their best CB missing

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

      Arsenal philosophy for too many years has been CL qualification & knock-out stages enough.
      They'll still do just enough to get a CL place this season.
      Wenger has to take the blame as to not getting a top-quality striker in. Sanchez isn't going to do against the top sides (PL or CL) what he can against weaker sides.
      Defensive mids haven't been good enough for a whileas well.
      Also you look at Arsenal recently and have to wonder where the leaders on the pitch are. Who is going to get the players together and sort them out during a game.
      Always look at Arsenal and feel they are lightweight.

    12. Philman
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      As for FPL, nothing has changed for me. I have only had Sanchez in my team over the last few months. Even when Arsenal had that great run recently from GW18, I had no interest in any of the players, and I am an Arsenal fan.

      I think all we need to do now is monitor how recent performances affect Sanchez. Hopefully he still gives 100%, so he continues to be a top FPL asset. At least we will have a few GWs to judge if we sell now.

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

      Only winner Arsenal have in that team is Sanchez who has the heart of a bear.The rest are weak mentally and look rudderless when things go wrong.Ozil is an absolute shadow of himself.The manager and owner are to blame,if they have low aspirations this must filter into the players minds and its showed more and more over recent seasons.If Wenger stays i think they will struggle to get the big signings they need and Sanchez will leave.Fair play if playing for top 4 is all they want to achieve but the fans want more and so do the top players.

      1. Philman
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I have been saying for a number of weeks now, I don't even think Arsenal will finish top 4. I am amazed that we are still in the top 4 at the moment.

      2. pompeyfan
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I have to take issue with these statements about there only being one 'winner' there.

        Mustafi, Mertersacher & Ozil literally won the last world cup.

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

          Well they arent playing like "winners" right now.Mert doesnt even start,Mustafi looks dodgy at the back and Ozil is like a ghost.When i say winner,i mean winner mentality and thay arent showing it.

          1. pompeyfan
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            fine. I'm using the actual definition of winner, whereas you and many others just use the subjective version that suits the points you want to make.

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

              Depends what you class a "winner" as.I class it as somebody with a big will to win,somebody that doesnt give up when things arent going for them.

    14. weaver93
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      IMO..

      It depends, IF they have the funds available to compete,
      at the highest level..

      Also, the number of injuries they suffer, needs to be addressed,
      ie training methods..

      I feel Arsenal need a change in Manager, to be more physical, and a more pressing game..

      Simeone would be a good choice, but would he come?

    15. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Moved out of Arsenal some time back. Did own Kos and Theo but they are just too iffy. Got punished for not owning Sanchez last week but he's that bit more than Hazard which means I can't have two of Kane/Ibra/Costa at any one time.

    16. Clifford☯
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      FPL wise, I don't think many of us have any Arsenal player in our squads except Sanchez so nothing needs changing.

      Football wise- Wenger's old style of play,tactics don't do enough nowadays and he needs to go but it looks like he has dissolved into the club now so I doubt that'll happen.
      Allegri coming in would definitely make things interesting.

    17. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The downfall of Arsenal began when Wenger tried to replicate Barcelona when the invincibles all moved onto pastures new.
      Midfield destroyers like Viera, Petit and Gilberto were replaced with players of a smaller stature like Fabregas, Rosicky, Flamini and Denilson. This was the birth of the soft under-belly still present at Arsenal today.

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

      We don't have these debates when other teams lose

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

        It's the nature of the loss that causes the debate, they completely collapsed when Koscielny left the pitch.

    19. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Incidentally, who would Arsenal fans even want if Arsène was to leave?

      Ralph Hasenhüttl - a man who's worked wonders these past two years & at two polar opposite clubs, playing a different brand of football with each?

      Thomas Tuchel - who's under pressure & reportedly has differences in opinion with the guys in the back?

      Lucien Favre - doing well at Nice?

      Someone else? I would list Julian Nagelsmann - the guy who has transformed a team of relegation-battlers into Champions League hopefuls in one year. He's just 29 years old though.

      1. Polaris - The Mortal Coil
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Hasenhüttl is the one who'd intrigue me the most. No idea if possible though as RB Leipzig don't 'need' to lose anyone. More on his achievements...

        Starting with Bavarian club Ingolstadt - a promoted team expected to struggle. Hasenhüttl immediately transformed them into one of the best defensive sides in the league, with Marvin Matip a standout player. Eventually achieving a mid-table finish, before moving on.

        *It took roughly a month into this season for Schanzer fans to realise just how big a loss Hasenhüttl would be. They've already changed manager twice since, and are scrapping against relegation.

        Then onto the East - RasenBallsport Leipzig. Another promoted team, but a totally different prospect. Quickly financed through the leagues, and with Ralf Rangnick as director, expectations were much higher for him & the talented crop of players at his disposal. A challenge for European places within 3 years was expected iirc...

        Hasenhüttl spent ~€50m on more youngsters aged 19-21 (Keita, Werner, Burke) & fine-tuned RBL into a fast-paced attacking side that press with intensity. They've been Bayern's biggest competition all season and were unbeaten until mid-December - a record for a promoted team.

    20. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez is the only Arsenal player worth getting/keeping from a FPL perspective.

      The team needs complete overhaul. Too many average players in the squad and not enough steel. Wenger's time is surely up. Eddie Howe will be a good young manager to bet on in the long-term, but it could mean 2-3 years of outside top 4 finishes .

    21. FrankieTheGent
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      TBH, with all the great options this year, Sanchez has been my only Arsenal player. I think I'll ride out the GW26 * 28 blanks, hope Liverpool can oblige and then with decent fixtures and double he's essential.

      It's difficult to know how much is the players and how much the manager.
      Put Arsene in charge of Spurs and do they win the league or put Pochetino in charge of Arsenal and do they win the league?

      One root cause, I think, is in the transfer market is needed. Mustafi; Xhaka; Elneny; Perez. Cech was a gift from a rival !
      They've been very poor in this respect.
      Perhaps they need fresh ideas of how to build a team with the character to compete.

    22. President Giggs
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      From an FPL perspective, the only Arsenal player anywhere near my team all season has been Sanchez and I imagine that won't change with the wealth of attacking defenders available and not wanting to double up upfront on an unreliable team.

      From a non-FPL perspective, Arsenal fans irritate the hell out of me. Do they really think that replacing Wenger will make them into a team that consistently pushes for the league and champion's league? The competition is just too great. Sanchez and Ozil will leave, I don't think that they're willing to spend as much money as the Manchester clubs, and they'll be looking at Europa league places at best for a few seasons.

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

        Apologies - didn't mean to irritate the hell out of you for supporting a football team.

        i'll try to do better next time.

    23. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Kroenke needs to sell to Usmanov. Simple.

    24. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      They'll finish the league strong, get top 4 and their supporters will start saying that next year will be their year.

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

      Arsenal supporters must understand that a giant scum sucking reptile owns their club. Kroenke's franchises are horrible. With Kroenke as the majority owner the NFL's Los Angeles Rams have logged 8 consecutive losing seasons. His NBA Denver Nuggets have reached the conference final once, never the NBA finals, in 16 years. His NHL Avalanche won the Stanley Cup in 2001, his first year, with a team he inherited but have been mired in mediocrity ever since. As long as he makes his millions winning doesn't matter to this chump... you will never win with Kroenke, he is the worst.

    26. ChristoBisto
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Robert Peston's take on it was interesting. He says the owner chap doesn't care about winning things, he is a sports entrepreneur who owns teams to make money. They took a big financial risk moving from Highbury to Emirates and Wenger has managed for years to maintain a level of performance that gives high revenues while limiting spending. Wenger is a fantastic business manager in other words. So the owner bloke will never push him out because he ticks all the boxes in his mind. Disconnect there between owner and fans who really pay for it, but that's business. Fans want to win things obviously. Peston thinks Wenger would have to independently decide to leave, which he might. But the big boss won't sack him.

  2. Philman
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Nothing has changed for me. I have only had Sanchez in my team over the last few months. Even when Arsenal had that great run recently from GW18, I had no interest in any of the players, and I am an Arsenal fan.

    I think all we need to do now is monitor how recent performances affect Sanchez. Hopefully he still gives 100%, so he continues to be a top FPL asset. At least we will have a few GWs to judge if we sell now.

  3. The Hindu Monkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Thousands of people have transfered Rondon for Gabbiadini. Costing him a price loss as sits, ineptly, in my team.

    Now I know Rondon has done knack all in 5 matches.

    But you know, he does actually have a game next week. Unlike Gabbiadini.

    Clowns.

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

      I think the way fixtures are displayed on FPL isn't helping those looking at Gabbiadini. Unless you spot that it says GW27 you can see why people think they have a fixture next

      1. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        it's more the app which just lists a players next fixture rather than a blank

        but even so, it's not hard to check...

    2. boc610
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      get out of the scout bubble!not everyone uses this site,casuals don't overthink it like we do,they have him for the next game.we should stop laughing at them

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

        No we should laugh and enjoy it...

      2. The Hindu Monkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I'm not laughing. I'm angry they've cost me 0.1 on a player I'm only keeping for two more games 😉

        1. boc610
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          The difference for me is a casual would look at rondon or Matt Philips and go well he's not done anything,why would I keep them.we find excuses.i should have dumped Philips ages ago yet I persist ,a leaf out of their book wouldn't be so bad at times

          1. Dre
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            You're advocating a transfer for a team that do not play in the league, but have a cup final in which he could get injured, because they are "casuals" (which is a term I hate anyway).

            Doesn't make sense to me.

  4. boc610
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Robben is the best winger to have played the game in last 20 years,maybe of all time.basically has one move yet no one can stop it

    1. Super Silva Haze
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ryan Giggs.

      1. jiGGidyJ1
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Lol

    2. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hard to disagree. I think in terms of out and out wingers, certainly inverted ones, he has been without peer.

      Given his injury record he could have achieved even more as well.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I do love that one move. I've been watching it forever. Didn't he knock out Man U in the quarters with that move like 12 years ago?

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

      True, everyone knows what he is going do do. Really predictable, yet so effective.

    5. pompeyfan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      he also has the highest win percentage of any player ever to have played in the PL.

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

        Higher than Rodwell?

  5. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Quick Poll:

    A) Costa and Morrison
    B) Gabbi and Mane

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

      A

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      A

  6. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Morning all. Shouldn't have logged in, I've recorded the game but Ha, they are just awful.

  7. Super Silva Haze
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Decided just to bench Zlatan and Sanchez. Am I making a mistake here ... should I bring in Aguero or Costa for Zlatan ? 2fts btw.

    Grant
    Baines Alonso Brunt Pieters
    Alli Philips Zaha Capoue
    Kane Lukaku

    Pickford Alexis Zlatan Amat.

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

      Aguero doesn't have a game either! And he'll probably blank 28.

      Costa - maybe, but wait til after the cup games. I'm just going to bench Zlatan and Sanchez personally.

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah think that's the best thing to do. Too much hassle buying back. Plus I still have wc so can bring in Kun for triple captain dgw when that happens. Cheers mate.

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

          Be careful with your wildcard timing. You can't play your triple captain in the same gameweek that you use your wildcard. So you'd have to wildcard GW30 for example if you wanted to triple captain someone in gameweek 31.

          1. Super Silva Haze
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah mate that true. Thanks for the advice.

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Ha. Why would you bring in Aguero?

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I forgot about his blank haha.

    3. The Hindu Monkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      perfectly decent team, but if you have 2 free i would be inclined to move one on for Hazard or Costa

      or ship Amat whilst you can, that way you won't waste the free

      1. Super Silva Haze
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah that's the plan. I am really tempted on doing Zlatan to Costa an saving the other one. Will wait till after cup matches. Cheers.

  8. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Nobody has spoken about villa ronka recently

    1. Philman
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The guy is a legend, what else can be said 🙂

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

      About his McCauley of the bench points? 😉

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

        Sometimes you speak about him, sometime he is just in your mind..

    3. MTPockets
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Still holding Sanchez/Ibra.

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Not too many price changes this week to be worried about.

      Looks like Sanchez & Ibra will/have dropped only once before the FA Cup fixtures are done. And the obvious replacements Costa & Hazard have/will only rise by 0.1.

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

        What about Mane?

        1. Karan14
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          It's a trap!

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

            Mane or Hazard ? 😉

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

      Just saw Insigne's goal from last night. Poor keeping from Navas in terms of positioning, but a great first-time finish nonetheless.

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

        Ok.

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

          Are you a child?

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

            Me?

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

      Best third striker in a 352? It's Barnes or crouch right?

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

        Whoever plays in gw28.

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

          I mean long term, blanks aside.

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

            If youre not considering blanks/dgw, u should delete ur fpl account.

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

              A snarky gravless wonder. Big surprise.

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

              Who are you?

      2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Carroll? Apart from being permanently flagged that is.

        1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Sorry just realised you basically mean benched striker

      3. CL4PTRAP
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I've gone Barnes. 3-5-2 means cheapest "playing" striker. Otherwise the concept is a little confused. 5th mid must be a solid shout for games almost every GW and only when necessary for a tough fixture for mid and/or a really brilliant purple patch of form and fixtures from fwd would you swop it around.

    7. Roberto Baggio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Is Lukaku fit ? I am thinking of lukaku(c)

      Rest of the team
      Heaton
      Baines Coleman Alonso brunt chambers
      Phillips ALLI eriksen
      Lukaku(c) Barnes

      Sub : Sterling ZLATAN Sanchez jaku

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

        Surely play Jaku over Heaton?

        1. Roberto Baggio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Maybe . Since I have Barnes and that way there is some kind of hedge in case of penalty kick

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

            Hull are home and Burnley's defence isn;t great away

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

        I am also going Lukaku c. Sunderland at home is too good to ignore.

        1. Roberto Baggio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yes and Sunderland has weak central defence

          1. Roberto Baggio
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            The flag bothered me somewhat

    8. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Mmmm...After my many various rants and posts last night about Ozil's pathetic pressing I thought i'd read what the papers had to say about him.
      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/02/15/this-much-we-know-gameweek-25-5/?hc_page=1#hc_comment_15061970

      This one even uses the same words
      https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/2876767/mesut-ozil-summed-up-arsenals-dismal-display-with-his-pathetic-pressing-against-bayern/

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

        Ozil is very much a luxury player. Has real quality, no doubt, but he only plays well when the team as a whole play well. Not the sort of player to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and lift everyone. As an Arsenal fan, if we get a good price for him I'd take it.

        1. Roberto Baggio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          So you are saying Arsenal is S*** , hence Ozil is S***. If OZIL goes then Arsenal will stop being S***?

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

            No. It only works for when they play well. For example, if Arsenal are generally playing bad, you'll never see Ozil as the one player who isn't.

        2. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          He's quality with the ball but that's only half the game (roughly). I'm seriously struggling to think of any player in the prem that is worse when not in possession.

          Right now i think he probably tops that list tbh.

          I love Arsenal, and in particular Sanchez, but they can't continue to carry a player like Ozil. He's killing them.

          1. Adama Arnald
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Claudio Bravo?

        3. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Not sure where he'd go in this country...well not big club wise anyway.

          Chelsea, Liverpool, City, United, Spurs ?.....I really don't think any of those clubs would touch him with a barge pole with all that strolling around he does. He probably needs to go elsewhere.

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

            Agreed. Probably PSG if we're talking Europe, though I'm sure loads of Chinese clubs will come circling.

      2. InSaneMan-e
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        This happens to loads of quality players.
        Problem is, Wenger needs to be able to drop him consistently until he gets his act right
        In a game like this, it's like 10 vs 11 due to his lack of contribution

    9. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Really want to use Ibra and Sanchez in 27 and hence thinking of not transferring them out.

      GW 26 team looks like this:

      Jaku (Pickford)
      Holebas, Alonso, McCauley, Fernandez (Valencia)
      Eriksen, Phillips, Mirallas, N'Diaye (Sanchez)
      Lukaku (C) Costa (Ibra)

      Good to go?

      Thanks

      1. Diego Costa
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Perect.

      2. Diego Costa
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Can Deeney scores against West Ham...?

        1. Roberto Baggio
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          It just takes one foul inside westham box

      3. Basil1977
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        How bad is the Mirallas injury? If Mirallas is out and you have Ibra and Sanchez on the bench you had better hope the other XI play

    10. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Who to play

      De Roon v Palace (A)
      or
      A. Smith v WBA (A)

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

        DeRoon

      2. Roberto Baggio
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        De roon . No risk of point deduction if team concedes many goals

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

        A for me, every time i watch Boro i see him getting a chance or two to score

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

      Which hull defender would you get?
      A. Maguire
      B. Robertson

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

        A, should score soon going by stats

      2. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I have A

    12. Diego Costa
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Taking Deeney will be risk or not...? ( WHU ) ( A )

    13. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hmm. I really really wish I could just bring in Mané for the next 2 but the (very likely) blank is annoying in 28. Only have about 5/6 non blankers too ...

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

        I only have six non-blankers at the moment too, might get another in though not sure. I think i'll be happy enough with 6. I don't want to get players in from those teams for the sake of it, when they mightn't eve have any potential for after the blanks

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          True, I'm certainly not aiming for 11. Can't be a high scoring week. I think I have 6 in the Everton WBA game alone 😆

          1. Jigger & Pony
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            This. As long as you have Lukaku, Siggy and one of Baines/Coleman you will be around the GW average score. Everything else is punty.

            1. Jazz!
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Yep, and hopefully getting the (c) right.

              1. Jigger & Pony
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                Indeed. Most will go Lukaku(c) so actually not much downside (or upside) in captaining him - irrespective of what score he delivers. You will be much better set up to reap the benefits in GW27/29.

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

            Haha, thats not ideal. I have 3 WBA, 2 Everton, and Siggy. Might get a Hull defender in but Evans and Chambers are the only defenders I'd consider dropping for one. Evans plays in 28 anyway and Boro are generally solid so Chambers could be handy more long-term after the blanks. Other defenders are Alonso, Walker and Baines

          3. tisza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            problem is (i have 3 West Brom as well) that normally you'd be looking to bench West Brom for away games.
            Really poor returns away from home.
            1st 2 transfers for GW29 will be West Brom players going.

        2. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah but if you have 9+ it's a great advantage and then wildcard coming up to the dgw

      2. Dre
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Sanchez > Mané for me

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Same ere I reckon. Maybe Hazard but Sadio tempts me more.

        2. TOBY1
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I did this yesterday. Will get him back but Mane was too tempting for now

        3. Lawrø
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          The problem for me is when I get Mane I won't want to take him back out again... so the question is who do I drop for Sanchez? Don't want to drop Alli or Sigurdsson... Phillips is the obvious candidate but it leaves my team unbalanced... hmmm

          1. Dre
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            I'll be looking to lose Eriksen and keep Mané

          2. Wetdream
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Probably bin Alli eventually depending what he does gw 26 and 27.Bring Sanchez back for Phillips gw29.Leave me a midfield of Sanchez,Mane,Siggy and Snoddy.Will have Kane for Spurs attack.Cant have everybody !!

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

      It's just unbelievable how Arsenal can get to the last 16 in the CL 7 consecutive years and never be able to cause an upset to a bigger team. Depsite not being favourites in all these games, it's statistically remarkable that's happening. Like there's a strick bottom and top line of their abilities. How can a team with one of the biggest budgets in the World bottle every crucial game they play in and go to Allianz Arena like they're a Championship team looking to not get hammered too much, but expecting they probably will, so their legs shake to an extent they're unable to kick a ball. Rabiot was MotM against Barcelona for me, a 21 year old offered himself to take the ball from his defenders and transfer it to the attackers. He's able to do that because he's been given encouagement from the manager and is hungry to make the difference himself. Who stepped up for Arsenal yesterday, who but Sanhez wants the ball in this team? They made it look like the margin between Bayern and Arsenal is as big as between Arsenal and Sutton. They even sh*t their pants against Hull in the first couple of minutes of the FA Cup final 2 years ago. The team has changed completely in these 7 years, guess what hasn't? This is getting too embarrassing.

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

        Can't disagree with a word of that, I fear our clubs generally could end up all the same. The press/media have been hammering it home about England for decades now that we are simply not good enough. And the same could very well happen to our premiership sides if we ain't careful. An inferiority complex, teams freezing as soon as they set foot on the pitch with these sides..

        I find it incredibly frustrating when our sides under perform (as Arsenal did) because that then adds fuel to the fire that we're total garbage in comparison which I think rubbish.

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

          Indeed. Financially they're above all and they tend to freeze in Europe (in the last couple of years at least). Almost all of them underperform and some of it probably comes from the fact domestic success is more appreciated than European in England in comparison to other countries like Spain, Germany, France etc.

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

      I am looking a plan for having 11 players in gw28 something will cost me -8 until then but its worth cause many of these players have good fixtures in gw29-30-31 and generally i can move them without hits.So i think its worth to take some hits to have 11 players in gw28.Any thoughts?

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

        Not worth it. I don't even think there's 11 decent assets from those teams you'd want in your at once. Definitely wouldn't take hits. No need to field 11 really, 6 minimum will do imo

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

          This. Also, we're not even sure we'll need to make any hits, not all should come through.

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

          Agreed. 6-8 is the sweet spot I feel.

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

          Sorry i forgot to wrote that i will have 11 players if Spurs loose from Fulham.If they don't i'll have 9 players.Again imo i think its worth to take 2 hits for Snoddy and Liorente/Ayew or Caroll

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

            I personally don't think it's worth it, but if you really feel it, do it.

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

        I'd say hit is worth it if you want that player for at least 2-3 games after GW28...if you can't field 11 a hit is basicly costing you only 2 pts.

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

          There's absolutely no need to field 11 in GW28 though

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

          Exactly.Snodgrass for example will be one player i'll take with a hit.I will start him gw 29-Leicester(H) and gw 30-Hull(A).

    16. Now That's A Team
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I've got rid of Tom Heaton for Eldin Jakupovic as Tom Heaton has a run of 4 away games. But is that risky and i am also think of replacing Lee Grant with Jordan Pickford. This is my team Hull for game week 26 who do you think?

      Jakupvic

      Coleman Walker Baines Brunt

      Phillips Sigurdsson Mane

      Costa Defoe Lukaku

      Subs Grant, Sanchez Yoshida

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

        Looks ok. Leave Grant as it is.

    17. lordkippe
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      What to do here ? Can see many people talking about nyom/Phillips being a gametime risk. That leaves me with pretty bad bench options

      Jakupovic

      Alonso - Coleman - Baines - Nyom
      Hazard - Sigurdsson - Antonio - Phillips
      Kane - Lukaku

      Heaton - De roon - Pieters - Ibra

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

        I'd do Nyom to Brunt if you have an FT. Two sweet home games coming up.

      2. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Philips is a risk?? Just looking for an excuse to be honest to dump him

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

          Ive had him for a long time and would not transfer him out. Just mentioned I saw many postes talking about him or nyom being at gametime risk with evans back

          1. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Doubt Evans puts him at risk

    18. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      So many days until FPL continues 🙁

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

        But only a few days until we have something new to talk about 🙂

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

          So far away you are, yet so close you seem. We are but stars in the sky burning, fading, ceasing to exist.

    19. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Heaton

      Alonso Coleman Brunt Holgate*

      Sims* Alli Eriksen Philips

      Lukaku(C) Carroll

      Pickford Ibra Sanchez Valencia

      2FT's £1.5M ITB

      Any suggestions on Holgate and Sims, happy with the rest, might even do heaton to Jaku along with sins n Holgate out

    20. Basil1977
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Anyone got any news about the injuries and playing minutes to these players getting worried about fielding XI players next week,

      Carroll
      Lukaku
      Francis
      Mirallas
      Stanislas

      Already got Sanchez and Ibra both have blanks have got 2FT to solve issues.

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

      Whos the one footballer you would love to meet?

      For me has to be c Ronaldo. So humble, down to earth and seems like a great laugh.

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Lol

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

          Dis.

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

        Honestly, Kante. Such a harmless personality. Just goes about his work on the pitch and humble off of it

      3. Basil1977
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Footballers from the 60's, 70's and 80's would be top of my list.

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

          Frode Kippe, such a club legend

          1. Basil1977
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            2 games for Liverpool

      4. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Zizou and Ronaldinho and Kaka

        1. tm370
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Zidane, Xavi, Pirlo and recent Everton legends Baines, Coleman and Cahill 😀

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

        Not Paul Pogba or Paul Scholes.
        The likes of Terry, Lampard, Beckham have to be high on this list.

      6. BROOKLYN GOONER
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Wojciech Szczęsny always seemed like he'd be good for a laugh, puckish sense of humor. Theo Walcott seems very bright--think he'd provide good conversation.

    22. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      If Chelsea beat Wolves in the L16 and the BBC decide to show their QF on a Friday night, CHE vs WAT might not be a Blank in GW28. @BenCrellin

      Let's just assume Chelsea beat Wolves this weekend. How likely do you think this is?

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

        I'm not qualified to answer... all I know is this would make the Hazard vs Mane decision a lot easier 🙂

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yep, it sure would 😀 I wonder how long it will take them to make the decision.

      2. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        10%

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Why so low?

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

      60%

    24. screamer73
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Maguire or Robertson?

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

        Maguire

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Not an easy one, but Maguire looks much more of a goal threat.

    25. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Is Philips a risked being dropped guys?? Someone on here said there was concerns on minutes???

      Should I be worried or ok for this week?

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Tough to say, just stick with him for now

      2. TOBY1
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I want to ditch him for morrison or snodgrass but with GW28 I should use those free transfers for my some of my other blanking players.

        1. @fpl_phenom
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Me too ! Can't wait for gw 29 to get back to normal transferring