Team News

Line-Up Lessons – Gameweek 29 – Part One

Arsene Wenger turns to Danny Welbeck as his central striker. Marco Silva opts for three centre-backs at Everton, while Antonio Conte shifts shape to mastermind a hard-fought victory at Stoke City.

Here’s the first instalment of our Gameweek 29 teamsheet summary outlining the trends and tactics on show and offer early insight into the likely lineups to follow the international break.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech (Ospina 38); Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny; Monreal; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Xhaka; Walcott (Giroud 65), Ramsey, Sanchez (Iwobi 78); Welbeck.

  • Arsene Wenger made two changes from the side that beat Lincoln City 5-0 in the FA Cup for the trip to The Hawthorns, with Nacho Monreal and Danny Welbeck starting in place of Kieran Gibbs and Olivier Giroud.
  • Monreal slotted in at left-back for the Gunners, while Welbeck operated as the lone striker in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Alexis Sanchez played on the left wing, then, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the No 10 role, leaving Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka at the base of midfield.
  • Petr Cech suffered a calf injury during the first half, and had to be replaced by David Ospina. Then shortly after the hour mark, Wenger decided to bring on Giroud for Theo Walcott. Giroud played as the lone striker, with Welbeck moving out onto the right wing. Then having played much of the match with an ankle injury, Sanchez was eventually replaced by Alex Iwobi in a straight swap for the final 12 minutes.
  • Following another abject performance, along with some fresh injury blows, Wenger looks set to make some changes for Arsenal’s next match against Manchester City. Gibbs could come into contention to replace Monreal at left-back if he recovers from a knock, while Ospina will be expected to start in goal if Cech is ruled out. Mohamed Elneny and Francis Coquelin could push for recalls in central midfield, while Mesut Ozil and Lucas Perez may come into the equation if they recover from hamstring and thigh injuries respectively. Sanchez’ availability is uncertain, so the likes of Iwobi and Giroud could also be considered for starting berths in attack.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, Left-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks, Attacking Midfield, Lone Striker

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Boruc; A. Smith, Francis, S. Cook, Daniels; Fraser (Wilshere 74), Surman, Gosling, Pugh (Ibe 90); King (Gradel 90), Afobe.

  • Cherries boss Eddie Howe made one change for the visit of Swansea City to the Vitality Stadium, with Andrew Surman returning from a one-match ban to replace the injured Harry Arter.
  • Surman started next to Dan Gosling in central midfield, then, in what was more of a 4-4-2 used by Howe, with King playing alongside Benik Afobe in attack.
  • Shortly after taking a 2-0 lead, Howe decided to bring on Jack Wilshere in place of Ryan Fraser. Wilshere played in the No 10 role behind lone striker Afobe, with King moving out onto the right wing. Max Gradel and Jordon Ibe were handed brief run-outs late on in place of King and Marc Pugh.
  • Following back-to-back wins, Howe won’t be expected to make many changes for Bournemouth’s derby trip to Southampton after the international break. Arter may well return to contention if he can recover from a calf injury, so he could push for a recall in place of Gosling. Given the form of King and Afobe, Wilshere may have to again settle for a place among the substitutes.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield

Burnley

Starting XI: Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Boyd (Brady 74), Barton, Hendrick, Arfield; Barnes (Vokes 63), Gray.

  • Sean Dyche named an unchanged starting XI for Burnley’s trip to the Stadium of Light.
  • The Clarets did line up in more of a 4-2-3-1 formation, though, with Ashley Barnes playing in a slightly deeper No 10 role behind lone striker Andre Gray.
  • Shortly after the hour mark, Dyche decided to bring on Sam Vokes for Barnes in a straight swap. His only other change saw Robbie Brady come on in place of George Boyd. Brady played on the left wing, with Scott Arfield switching over to the opposite flank.
  • Dyche has favoured Arfield on the left wing over Brady for the last two matches, but the Republic of Ireland international could push for a recall when Burnley entertain Tottenham Hotspur after the international break. Vokes appears unlikely to replace Barnes in the starting XI, but Steven Defour was fit to be named among the substitutes, so he may be an option in central midfield against Spurs.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Left Wing

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilucueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses (Fabregas 70), Kante, Matic (Loftus-Cheek 82), Alonso; Willian (Zouma 88), Costa, Pedro.

  • Antonio Conte was forced into making one change from the side that beat Manchester United 1-0 in the FA Cup, with Pedro coming in for the injured Eden Hazard.
  • Pedro started on the left of the front three, then, with Willian keeping his place on the right in the usual 3-4-3 formation. Nemanja Matic was again favoured over Cesc Fabregas in central midfield.
  • Conte’s first substitution saw Victor Moses, who was a slight doubt pre-match, make way for Fabregas with 20 minutes remaining. The Spaniard played in a more central attacking midfield position, as Conte moved to a 4-3-3 set-up. Cesar Azpilicueta shifted to right-back before the introduction of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kurt Zouma late on saw the Blues adopt a 3-4-1-2 formation. Zouma was stationed on the right of the three-man defence, allowing Azpilicueta to see out the match at right wing-back. Loftus-Cheek provided support to Costa up front.
  • The severity of Hazard’s calf injury was played down by Conte and, with the Blues now not playing for two weeks, he is expected to recover to face Crystal Palace. Conte has strong options out wide in Pedro and Willian though, in any case. The Palace home fixture could be more suited for Fabregas to start in central midfield, so Matic’s role could be under threat in that one.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey; Ward, Tomkins (Dann 83), Sakho, Schlupp; Milivojevic, Cabaye (Sako 87), Puncheon; Zaha, Townsend (Delaney 87); Benteke.

  • Sam Allardyce was forced into making one adjustment from the side that beat West Bromwich Albion 2-0 in Palace’s last match, with Jeffrey Schlupp starting in place of the injured Patrick van Aanholt.
  • Schlupp slotted in at left-back for the Eagles, then, who lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation. Andros Townsend, Yohan Cabaye, Jason Puncheon and Wilfried Zaha formed the four-man midfield behind lone striker Christian Benteke.
  • Allardyce’s first substitution saw Scott Dann take over from James Tomkins in central defence for the final seven minutes. Damien Delaney and Bakary Sako then entered the fray for Townsend and Cabaye. Delaney joined Dann and Mamadou Sakho to form a five-man defence, with Sako stationed on the right side of midfield in what was more of a 5-4-1 formation as Palace looked to hold on for the 1-0 win.
  • Following a third successive victory, Allardyce will be expected to name a similar side for their trip to leaders Chelsea after the international break. Van Aanholt remains a doubt for that match due to his ankle injury, but if he is passed fit, he could replace Schlupp at left-back. Other changes in personnel appear unlikely unless the Eagles boss considers a change in formation. If he looks at starting with three at the back, for example, Dann could push for a starting spot alongside Tomkins and Sakho.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Centre-Back

Everton

Starting XI: Robles: Coleman, Williams, Jagielka, Baines; Schneiderlin (Barry 30), Gueye: Davies (Valencia 76), Barkley, Calvert-Lewin (Funes Mori 56); Lukaku .

  • Everton manager Ronald Koeman made two alterations from the side that beat West Bromwich Albion 3-0 for the home encounter against Hull City, with Idrissa Gueye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin starting in place of Gareth Barry and Kevin Mirallas.
  • Gueye played alongside Morgan Schneiderlin at the base of midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation, while Calvert-Lewin operated on the left of the attacking midfield trio, with Tom Davies (No 10) and Ross Barkley (right) occupying the other two spots.
  • Koeman was forced into making an early change, though, after Schneiderlin picked up a calf injury. He was replaced by Barry in a straight swap. The Everton boss then decided to make a defensive-minded substitution with the Toffees holding a slender 1-0 lead, with Ramiro Funes Mori brought on for goalscorer Calvert-Lewin. That saw Everton switch to a 3-4-2-1, with Funes Mori joining Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka in the three-man defence. With 14 minutes remaining, Koeman turned to Enner Valencia, who replaced Davies in a straight swap.
  • Schneiderlin will need to be assessed ahead of the Merseyside derby after the international break, but if the Frenchman isn’t available, one of Barry or James McCarthy, should he recover from a hamstring injury, look the obvious replacements. Koeman could perhaps consider starting with a 3-4-2-1 at Anfield, so Funes Mori may be an option in the Everton boss changes system. The likes of Mirallas – who was absent due to the birth of his child – and Valencia could push for recalls in the attacking midfield positions, most likely in place of Calvert-Lewin.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield, Flanks, Attacking Midfield

Hull City

Starting XI: Jakupovic: Elabdelloui, Davies (Grosicki 64), Maguire, Ranocchia, Robertson: Markovic (Elmohamady 86), Huddlestone, N’Diaye, Clucas: Hernandez (Diomande 82).

  • Marco Silva made one change from the team that beat Swansea City 2-1 for the trip to Goodison Park, with Curtis Davies earning a recall in place of Kamil Grosicki.
  • That saw Hull switch from the 4-3-3 initially used against the Swans to a 5-4-1, with Davies starting alongside Harry Maguire and Andrea Ranocchia in central defence. Lazar Markovic and Sam Clucas started out wide for the Tigers, behind lone striker Abel Hernandez.
  • With his side only trailing 1-0, Silva decided to make an attacking first substitution, with Grosicki introduced in place of Davies, seeing Hull move back to a 4-3-3, with Grosicki and Markovic flanking central striker Hernandez. The Uruguayan striker made way for Adama Diomande in a straight swap with eight minutes to go, while Ahmed Elmohamady replaced Markovic late on down the right flank to offer some protection in front of Omar Elabdelloui, with the visitors now down to 10-men at this point following the sending off of Tom Huddlestone.
  • With Hull hosting West Ham United after the international break, it’s likely Silva with revert back to either a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 system. He will be without the suspended Huddlestone, so David Meyler may earn a recall if the Hull boss opts for a three-man midfield. Grosicki should come back into the starting XI in either system, while Oumar Niasse will be available again after being ineligible to face his parent club. He could start either in place or alongside Hernandez in attack then. Davies appears likely to drop back to the bench, unless he starts in place of either Ranocchia or Maguire.

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

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Huth, Benalouane, Fuchs; Mahrez (Chilwell 87), Ndidi, Drinkwater, Albrighton; Okazaki (Musa 76), Vardy (Slimani 76).

  • Craig Shakespeare made one change from the side that beat Sevilla 2-0 in the Champions League for the trip to the London Stadium, with Yohan Benalouane earning a rare start in place of the injured Wes Morgan.
  • Benalouane started alongside Robert Huth in central defence for the Foxes, then, in what was more of a 4-2-3-1 formation used by Shakespeare. Riyad Mahrez (right) and Marc Albrighton (left) played either side of Shinji Okazaki in the No 10 role behind lone striker Jamie Vardy.
  • With 14 minutes remaining, Shakespeare decided to make a double substitution, with Ahmed Musa and Islam Slimani replacing Okazaki and Vardy. Those changes saw Leicester switch to more of a 4-4-2, although with West Ham pushing for a late equaliser, they were forced to play in fairly deep positions. Ben Chilwell then replaced Mahrez late on, offering protection in front of left-back Christian Fuchs, seeing Albrighton switch to the right side of midfield.
  • Morgan missed out due to a back injury but with the champions not playing again for two weeks, he looks to stand a good chance of recovering in time to face Stoke City after the international break. Providing Shakespeare has the same players to choose from, it appears unlikely he’ll make any other changes, having won all four matches he’s been in charge for with a very settled side.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence

Liverpool

Starting XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Matip, Klavan, Milner; Lallana, Emre Can, Wijnaldum; Mane, Firmino (Lucas Leiva 89), Coutinho (Origi 73).

  • Jurgen Klopp made one change for the trip to the Etihad Stadium, with the fit-again Roberto Firmino replacing Divock Origi.
  • The Brazilian returned to the “false nine” role for the Reds in the 4-3-3 system, flanked by Sadio Mane (right) and Philippe Coutinho (left) in attack. Ragnar Klavan kept his place in central defence, with the fit-again Dejan Lovren having to settle for a place among the substitutes.
  • Klopp’s first substitution saw Origi brought on for Coutinho in a straight swap for the final 17 minutes. The Belgian did switch over to the right flank soon after entering the action, though, with Mane moving over to the left. With Liverpool appearing happy to take a point, Klopp brought on Lucas Leiva for Firmino late on, seeing Liverpool switch to a 4-5-1. Lucas joined Emre Can and Georginio Wijnaldum, Adam Lallana and Origi in midfield, with Mane moved to a lone striker role.
  • Following a good performance, Klopp may well consider naming an unchanged starting XI for the Merseyside derby after the international break if Jordan Henderson remains out with a foot injury. Klavan has now started the last three matches, and may have done enough to keep his place ahead of Lovren in central defence.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield

Manchester City

Starting XI: Caballero; Fernandinho, Stones, Otamendi, Clichy; Toure (Sagna 65); Sterling, De Bruyne; Silva, Sane (Fernando 83), Aguero.

  • Pep Guardiola made just two changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday night, with Nicolas Otamendi and Yaya Toure starting at the expense of Bacary Sagna and Aleksandar Kolarov.
  • Otamendi partnered John Stones in central defence, with Fernandinho moving to right-back for City. Toure was stationed in the defensive midfield role, with David Silva and Kevin De Bruyne playing just in front of the Ivorian in the 4-1-4-1 system.
  • Guardiola’s first change saw Sagna brought on for the tiring Toure just after the hour mark. The Frenchman played at right-back, with Fernandinho moving into the defensive midfield role vacated by Toure. The City boss also made a tactical switch, with De Bruyne moving out to the right wing, seeing Raheem Sterling drift into a more central position. Guardiola then introduced Fernando for Leroy Sane late on, seeing City switch to a 4-2-3-1.
  • Guardiola continues to make changes in defence, with John Stones probably appearing the most likely to retain his place for the trip to Arsenal after the international break. The likes of Kolarov, Sagna and Pablo Zabaleta could all push for recalls elsewhere in the back four. Toure may keep his berth in the defensive midfield role, although Fernandinho could push for a start in that position.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Defence, Central Midfield

1,425 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Got the scores pre hits for 1350 teams out of 1656 in the FFS Cup

    78 before hits needed and that's not including another 306 teams.

    73 pre hits needed for the Members Cup.

    Still a week of entries to go also.

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Scarily high

    2. dark91
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Looks like 82 won't gaurantee me an entry !!

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        I got the same, fingers crossed

        1. dark91
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          They should take us since we were the 1st 2 to reply to TM's post 😉

          1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            Sounds like a plan

    3. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Than my 82(-4) will be too low...

    4. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Damn. Gonna be tight for the Members Cup with 72. No way I'll make it for the FFS Cup I think haha.

    5. Lecky Legs FC
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      I have 77 no hits that's me out then right?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Hits should drop it a bit so you may be fine.

        1. Lecky Legs FC
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Phew good would like to make a few rounds at least like.

    6. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      That'll be me out then. I'd have scored higher if I'd taken no hits and saved a transfer 🙂

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        That might not be completely true, probably would have scored the same but no hits

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Good work with the streaming Andy. 🙂

    7. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      😎 will qualify most likely although its scarily high for sure

    8. Lawrø
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Wow... do many people join after the deadline?...

      1. Lawrø
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        If I go out due to that Mawson own goal... 😆

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          I lost my ML last year because of Smalling's OG 😆

          1. Lawrø
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            That Smalling OG is FFS folklore 😆

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Not many should enter now.

        1. Lawrø
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Should scrape through then, cheers

    9. Paul
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      And again here like LMS I will miss out due to 1 point..
      One of those season!!!!

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

      Cruise

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

        lol 1 good gw

    11. McQueen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Is there still a way to join in?

      1. DanwiseTheBrave
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        This, how do we enter?

    12. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      I got 78. Nice

    13. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Confused what before hits and after hits mean. Does the 78 include hits or does it not? I would think 86(-8) is 78 after hits and 86 before hits?

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        The qualifying score is after hits, net score.
        TM's estimate is before hits so cut off score should lower.

        1. fedolefan
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          That's great. I scored 74 this week without hits. So, really need that qualifying score to be lower.

    14. leo_messi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      82(-4) it will be very close

    15. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      No chance with 61 then

  2. greghammer95
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    GW37 alternative strategy...

    Bench DOWNGRADE.

  3. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    As I can't do Llorente Carroll to Costa Vardy, would you consider Carroll Siggy/Mane to Vardy Hazard ??

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

      Siggy and Mane are better options than Hazard so no

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Think so just scrolling options 😉

    2. Baz
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Just llorente/carroll to costa/vardy. Do the one transfer

      1. Baz
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        I'm looking at the exact same transfer and captaining whichever of Costa/Vardy I buy

        1. Atimis
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Yah that's the way

      2. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        May also get Kun 😀

  4. nkhoughton
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    When you have your ML rival in the head to head league on GW37 could be a very good or bad week that

    With him no longer having a WC could smash him with a bb

  5. bobbysmith76
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Do I need to WC? Tried using AOA this week and it backfired with the Hazard injury. 1FT; 0ITB

    Grant (Foster)
    Baines McAuley Pieters (Amat Friend)
    Hazard Sanchez Eriksen Mane Lanzini
    Lukaku Llorente (Deeney)

    1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      AOA is a poor chip anyway can do more harm than good

    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      No need to wildcard I would potentially try to transfer some funds from mid to attack though

    3. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Wait for Sanchez and Hazard injury updates first.

  6. liiusions
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Which option do you prefer:
    A) Alli(bur) and captain Siggy (MID)
    B) Hazard(CRY) (c) and obviously not captain Siggy

    Got Eriksen fwiw

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      A

    2. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Both involve a transfer?

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

        It's basically Alli in and captain Siggy or Hazard in and captain him

        1. mojoindojo
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          B

    3. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      B probably I wouldn't cap siggy

  7. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Play Coleman(liv) or Mawson(MID)

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

      Coleman, big chance for an assist at least

    2. Sweetboi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Mawson. Goal threat and Boro (H) is the best defensive fixture of the season.

    3. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Mawson

    4. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Mawson

    5. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Thanks!

  8. sammy777
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    So who's the leading candidate for a TC in the upcoming DGW's?

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Gestede.

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

      Coinflip

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      DDG

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

        Dont see MU getting a clean sheet in either game tbh.
        Valencia yes ,attacking threat , DDG nahhh

  9. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Any Palace fans here? How good has Sakho been? 🙂

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Im not a fan. But I have been watching. Hes on beast mode right now.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        when he's on form, he is brilliant. It seems he was only previously rated by some liverpool fans

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          I could never understand why he got so much flack. When I watched him he was perfect for liv. Sure he made some mistakes , but the way he was being protrayed you'd think he was calamitous palmer-esque

    2. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      It's no surprise, Sakho was always good for Liverpool, it was off the field issues which led to him not playing.

      Pundits are quick to say he's 'dodgy' but if you watch him regularly you soon realise he's actually very decent on the ball, always passing forward into midfield and of course he's 100% committed for 90 minutes every game.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        People see his awkward style and think he's a clumsy fool but he was great for us when he was injury free. We would have kept a lot more clean sheets with him and Matip as our CB's

        1. Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Exactly! It's that awkward style and those long legs that make the casual observer think he's a clumsy fool but he's far from that. Hope he continues to do well at Palace.

    3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Still surprised Liverpool let him go

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Klopp deemed him disruptive and damaging to the dressing room. Late to training and always clowning around. Klopp had enough. His liverpool career is over but whoever gets him ,will be getting a top CB

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Ah, makes more sense now. Maybe he just had the wrong manager.....:)

      2. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Klopp fell out with him because of his antics off the pitch. Was pretty much first name on the team sheet under Klopp. Very sad and frustrating considering our CB's now.

    4. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      He's been as good as expected. Quality CB.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        yep 😉

  10. GE
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Intially thoughts: Tempted to do Coutinho and Diomande -> Zaha and Vardy (-4)
    Good idea?

    My team will be:
    (0.8 itb)

    Heaton
    Coleman/Valencia/Baines
    Mane/Alli/Siggy/Antonio
    Costa/Lukaku/Vardy

    Bench: Jaku, Chambers, Robertson, Zaha

    1. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      You aware Antonio not in England squad - hammy gone looks like 3-4 weeks.

      1. Sweetboi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        This

      2. GE
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Could Antonio and Diomande -> T. Carroll and Vardy (-4)?

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      I like the moves except for the bit that involves Zaha

  11. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    I was not suprised by fixture announcements for 34 except I though the watford dgw would be there also. Once again making me question Diomande to Deeney?
    Yes or no for a hit a few nice fixtures on the way and would give me option to rotate King Llorente and Deeney in a front 8.

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

      Also considering Deeney . Some great fixtures , could pay and just 1 hit to get rid

    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      I like it, Deeney is a bit underrated I think

    3. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Thanks I really don't look the like of these dgws don't think nany will be getting more than 4-5 assests
      Problem with Gettinf Deeney is getting Ibra becomes a real problem with nothing ITB
      No Ibra crazy talk? With those dgw fixtures if it was not Ibra We would not consider this for that much cash.

  12. merin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    How would you free up cash to get Valencia and/Ibra?

    Jakupovic Grant
    Alonso Walker McAuley Smith Mawson
    Sanchez Mane Alli Sigurdsson King
    Costa Lukaku Llorente

    FT: 0, ITB: 0.2

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

      Mane to cheapie, Llorente to Ibra, McAuley to Valencia?

      1. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Thanks!

        Any suggestions for the cheapie?

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

          De Roon/Capoue/Oviedo.... Pick anyone who has a Double (if WC not available). Otherwise T. Carroll will do the job

          1. merin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            The cheapie has to cost 3.8m or less for those loves to work :/

    2. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Wait for news and sanchez to hazard and kaku to ibra?

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Nothing without a lot of hits. May need to stagger over a few weeks.

    4. Ridcully
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      How about—

      Llorente to Barnes

      Costa to Ibrahimovic

      McAuley to Valencia

      1. merin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Good suggestion!

        Got 0.4m left after those moves

  13. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Anyone tempted to WC now and still have a GW37 BB plan in place?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Hell no

    2. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      No

    3. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      I've done it. Though after receiving all this news I do slightly regret it. Think the better game is to WC 35/36. Depends on the state of your team now too.

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

        Retract , now

    4. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Squad looks fine so I'll probably wait for gw33 or gw36

    5. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Too many uncertainties

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        You are probably right regarding injuries.

    6. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Now ? Are you crazy !

    7. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      I am, and have, but it seems I'm in the minority on here!

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        How's your current draft looking mate? I'm slightly clueless ATM haha.

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Sanchez and Gabbi injury news are really important though.

        2. Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Valdes, Pickford
          Alonso, Valencia, Vertonghen, Yoshida, Friend
          Hazard, Alli, Firmino, Sigurdsson, Pedro
          Lukaku, Vardy, Barnes

          I'd be playing 3-5-2 and my transfer for GW31 would be Hazard to Sánchez if fit. Would also be looking at Vardy to Ibra in GW34 so a midfield transfer in 32/33 to facilitate that.

          I'm still positive about it despite the negativity on here!

          1. Jazz!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            Fair play, solid team. 🙂

            1. Football Weekender
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 10 days ago

              Cheers mate, I think I've got a good plan in place but as we know an injury here and there could blow it all up!

          2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            That looks very much like mine ATM

            1. Football Weekender
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 10 days ago

              Are you looking at 3-5-2 as well mate? I'm waiting on Gabbiadini for 3-4-3. If he's not fit I'll be going 3-5-2.

    8. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Cheers all. Might have a look at it but it seems too tricky to do well.

    9. Qubit
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      If Gabbi was fit i probably would have. Now i think ill wait. I doubt i will wait until 36 though.

  14. Cocky Spaniel Alves
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Should I wildcard now over the international break with the dgw's announced?

    (Haven't even looked at the dgw's themselves yet)

    Pickford Foster
    Baines Coleman Alonso Lovren Pieters
    Mane Alli Siggy Pedro Carroll
    Lukaku Costa Llorente

    1 FT

  15. Colonel Klink
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Is Welbeck the lone striker now? As the article says, it's up for grabs, but is he leading?

  16. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    (If don't own) Vardy & Mahrez are ones to consider now to bring 'em in your team?

    1. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Vardy more so, it seems

    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Vardy has hit some form, not sold on Mahrez

  17. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Man Utd have 9 games in April. Even Valencia and Ibra would need a rest.

    1. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      But ibra is a god? He doesn't need rest

      1. makaveli123
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Correct. The rest needs Zlatan.

        1. Colonel Klink
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          The calendar needs Zlatan.

      2. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        his ban is giving him a rest.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Ibra probably won't get rotated much, but Valencia may get a rest or two.

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        This is good point worth noting.

  18. boc610
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 days ago

    Kun (c) arsenal anyone??

    expecting gunners to be torn to pieces

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Don't own him but would be considering it if I did. Costa and Hazard are the safe options but Aguero and Vardy look good too.

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Costa is a safe bet, but would you C Haz? Far too inconsistent for my liking (FPL point wise that is )...

  19. Jay_
      7 years, 10 days ago

      Who's the most nailed Boro defender, after Gibson?

      1. Jazz!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        No idea haha. Hoping Chambers is back after the break.

      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Whoever is injury free at the time I think.

      3. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Chambers. When he's back.
        The others seem to be getting rotated by starting and by position right now. Injures aren't helping

      4. Jay_
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Thanks lads, can't believe Gibbo is 4.9 still.

          1. Jazz!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            Annoying. 🙁

        • Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Chambers and Friend will be back in the team when fit. Should be back for the DGW.

      5. SWANCK
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        So LEI have a DGW next GW?

        Or am I mistaken.. they play on the 1st & 4th?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          2 separate GWs - everyone is playing twice on/around those dates

        2. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Only a few days between GW30 and GW31. No DGWs.

      6. Pedram
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        When should we use our wildcard ?

        1. Jazz!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Whenever ya want lad.

        2. dhamphiir
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          When your team needs

        3. makaveli123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          GW 38

      7. Knowledgeable meerkat
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Just got in from work, so apologies if this is a repeated or silly question

        I see that gw34 has a DGW confirmed for man Utd, palace and boro. Are there any other teams that could join this list in gw34?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          No - that's it

        2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Previous article in the announcements if you have not seen it mate

      8. United10
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        What would you do here? Thanks!
        Valdes, Jaku
        Alonso, Coleman, Brunt, Pieters, Kingsley
        Mane, Alli, Lanzini, King, Carroll
        Aguero, Lukaku, Defoe
        1FT 3.0 MITB

        1. Assisting the assister
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Brunt> Valencia

          1. Sweetboi
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            This

        2. Space Monkey Mafia
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Zip for the minute. Brunt to Valencia for the dgw and maybe aguero to ibra again for the dgw.

          1. United10
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            was thinking this. cheers!

          2. United10
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            also thinking of bringing Sanchez in soon. Still WC to play

      9. TooDifficuIt
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        would you do kun/cout > vardy/alli ?

        1. Sweetboi
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Just Cout > Alli if possible.

          1. TooDifficuIt
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            i can't unfortunately

        2. Assisting the assister
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          If you're chasing - worth a punt

        3. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          I would coz they are my top targets atm. Plenty here understandably wouldn't though

          1. TooDifficuIt
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            i would like to keep kun honestly

        4. dhamphiir
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Just do Coutinho to Alli

        5. Space Monkey Mafia
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Story checks out for both moves after the international break imo.

        6. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          As said just Cout-Alli

          1. potatoace
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            He cant. Ya big noob!

          2. TooDifficuIt
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            maybe baines > fabio/5.0 def, and keep kun ?

            1. potatoace
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 10 days ago

              Yeah why not. Baines to Gibson
              Not fabio though he's just filling in.
              If you can wait there may be news on chambers before next gw. He's due back by then and is 4.3

      10. Football Weekender
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        I was all set on bringing Pedro in after the international break but Willian's performance at the weekend now has me unsure... Seems to be 50/50 between those two starting against Palace?

        1. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Yep. Tricky. Pedro was good this weekend too

          1. Football Weekender
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            Games on the 1st, 5th and 8th... could see some rotation there.

        2. dhamphiir
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          I would pick Pedro over Hazard and Willian

        3. I Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Pedro has started 8 of the last 9 league games. I'd say he's the favourite to start, especially with Willian returning from South America (I assume he's in the Brazil squad).

          1. Football Weekender
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 10 days ago

            Yeah he's in the squad so hopefully that'll be a factor. I think we might see some rotation in GWs 30, 31 & 32 though with all the games in such quick succession.

        4. TooDifficuIt
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          if you bring pedro you will always be worried that he won't start

      11. Assisting the assister
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        So will everyone bench boost in GW37 now?

        1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Most probably will

      12. c10™️ ⚽
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        mawson 4.5
        coleman 6.0
        brunt 5.1
        maguire 4.4
        pieters 4.6

        Whom to transfer out? For VALENCIA(5.8) i hv 1.6itb 0ft.

        1. Sweetboi
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Brunt

        2. Space Monkey Mafia
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Brunt. Tricky fixtures. Blank in gw 34.

        3. Oven Glover
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Brunt

        4. Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Brunt out.

        5. c10™️ ⚽
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Thank you Lads!!

        6. c10™️ ⚽
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          So, it will be like this..

          Coleman Valencia Mawson

      13. Assisting the assister
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        So do Southampton have 3 DGW's?

        1. dhamphiir
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          2

        2. Football Weekender
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          No. Two. One in GW35/36 and the other in GW37.

        3. Assisting the assister
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Thanks yep v Man U and Arsenal - both at home. Cheers

      14. jai1212
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        I really suck at managing when it comes to DGWs, so need help

        Jaku/Foster
        Baines/Clyne/Brunt/Friend/Britos
        Sanchez/Mane/Siggy/Antonio/Forshaw
        Lukaku/Costa/Carroll

        1FT and 1.5 itb

        Was thinking Brunt to Valencia
        Any suggestions

        1. Crow
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          Yeah do it

        2. The Head-Ake
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 10 days ago

          I wish I could help you but I suck just as much. Possible moves:

          1) Brunt to Valencia
          2) Luk/Costa to Ibra
          3) Clyne to Sakho (although congested fixtures)
          4) Antonio to Eriksen/Alli

      15. Oven Glover
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 days ago

        Had a look at my keepers fixtures and I'm not liking the look of it. Is this team descent enough to "waste" a FT on a keeper?

        Grant (Hennessey)
        Mee Robertson Alonso (Baines Brunt)
        Firmino Coutinho Sterling King (Carroll)
        Kun Vardy Lukaku

        I want a Spurs mid but with Burnley away I think it can wait. Also want Brunt out for Cahill perhaps. 2.2 ITB.