Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Middlesbrough vs Arsenal

After Diego Costa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic managed a single point between them at Old Trafford yesterday, all eyes are on Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal roll up to the Riverside in tonight’s final Gameweek fixture.

Recently shuffled onto the left flank, a run of three matches without a goal has knocked our confidence in the Chilean ahead of the Gunners’ double Gameweeks 36 and 37.

Indeed, only 5.9% have handed Sanchez the armband as he attempts to reclaim his spot as top scoring player in Fantasy Premier League, having been knocked off his perch by Romelu Lukaku at the weekend.

Tonight’s team selection looks to have handed Sanchez a change of role. To everyone’s surprise, Arsene Wenger appears to have set up with a 3-4-2-1 formation or even a 3-4-1-2, with Sanchez perhaps joining Olivier Giroud up front – a concern perhaps for the 91,000+ who sold the Chilean ahead of Gameweek 33.

Tonight’s encounter also gives us the chance to run the rule over the hosts as they prepare for a potentially profitable double Gameweek 34 against Bournemouth and Sunderland.

Both Victor Valdes and Ben Gibson currently sit second for transfers in among keepers and defenders since Saturday’s deadline, though in the four matches under new manager Steve Agnew, Boro have been somewhat hot and cold – keeping two clean sheets and conceding at least three times in the other two.

Valdes misses out this evening with a rib problem sustained at Burnley last time out – an injury kept under wraps until tonight: Brad Guzan claims the keeper’s jersey.

Sitting six points from safety, the Teesside team are in desperate need of wins now. Having failed to score in six of their last eight, though, most will likely steer clear of the hosts’ attack unless they can punish the Gunners this evening.

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

4,192 Comments Post a Comment
  1. L S P
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    not an almighty whinge because green arrow but my players scored 4 goals this GW yet only one received a bonus (Firmino - 3)

    :-/

  2. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Valdes probably gonna be my FT this week.

    What a waste of an FT.

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

      This 🙁
      Can only afford Hennessey too

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

        Guzan?

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

          Possibly but imagine if you did that and Valdes played!!

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

            Gulp!

    2. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      ..to Guzan

    3. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Well, he could be okay.

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

        Hopefully but tthink it could be a busted rib or something

  3. Martial Law
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Will Valdes play the DGW?

    1. Torres76
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      No ...

      1. Dirty Harry
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Has he even been ruled out?

      2. Sergeant Garcia
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        You've informed with Agnew?

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

    Can I see a show of hands for those who still think Ibra is 'essential' for the DGW?

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

      Not essential but good to have

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

      If you have keep but don't lose Lukaku or Kane in particular to get him

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

        This

    3. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on ML situations IMO

    4. Weasel Boy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I have Ibra and want rid but may as well keep.

  5. tractorboy1
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    0.4 ITB, no wildcard, 1FT
    Am 44 ahead of ML rival who has King

    Mignolet (Grant)
    Rojo BDavies Baines Chambers (GMac)
    Alli Zaha Siggy Firminho (Redmond)
    Lukaku Kane (Llorente)

    a) Save
    b) GMac/Baines -> Bailly
    c) Siggy -> Townsend/King
    d) Somethig with Llorente

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

    Anyone else think Negredo looked world class tonight?

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Serious?

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

      i'm way more tempted by him than Ibra for 34. Period.

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

    As it stands, I have 68 (-4) while my cup opponent has 63. What a close shave. Is sanchez going to get any naps?

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

      Probably sleep later.

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

      No, Ozil, Negredo and Ramsey

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

    Worst score anyone? 😉

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

      A 1-0 victory would have been pretty bad

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

    Is this worth a -4?

    Siggy, Llorente

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

      obviously incomplete but anything that involves those two out will be worth a hit

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      You deserve -4 if you plan on keeping both 😉

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

      Yes

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

      Yeah

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

    Robles (Pickford)
    Alonso, Baines, Stephens (Fabio, Olssen)
    Sanchez, Eriksen, Alli, Coutinho, Zaha
    Lukaku, Ibra (Origi)

    1FT 0 ITB,

    A - Alonso, Coutinho, Origi > Rojo, De Roon, Kane -8
    B - Alonso, Baines, Origi > Rojo, Valencia, Benteke -8
    C - Alonso, Origi > Bailly, Benteke -4
    D - Origi, Baines > Benteke, Barragan/Chambers -4

    Thanks.

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

      D

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

    Any news on how long Valdes might be out for?

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

      Just wait I will be right back with an answer

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

        Sound

  12. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    If I didn't get Kane: Alexis (7) + Carroll (5) + Lukaku (C, +6) = 18 points
    Moves I did make: Kane (C, 24) + Townsend (5) - hit (4) = 25 points

    Hit paying off so far I guess.

    1. Here's Tom with the We…
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Well yes as you gained 3 points and got a double game week player in Townsend

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Gained 7 points. Worried about Alexis for the next two though.

      2. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Sorry 7

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

    Is Pogba likely to play both games in DGW?

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

      Yes

    2. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah!

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

      Yes, badly.

  14. The Gwk 37 Power Five
    Smurf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    What 5 man midfield are people planing for GW37?

    Hazard
    Sanchez
    Sane
    Other city mid
    Eriksen
    Ali

    And a fair few more. Seems very hard to fit them all in.

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

      Hazard Sanchez alli sane ward prowse..

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

        Hazard Sanchez Alli Sané King

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

          Me too, ideally with Kane + 2 of Lukaku Jesus Gabbiadini up front

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

      Sanchez Hazard Alli Son Sane

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard, Sanchez, Eriksen, Sane/KDB, Ndidi

    4. WE GO FOR IT
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard Sanchez Sane Alli/Erik, JWP(as the enabler)

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

      Looking like Haz, Sanch, Ali and Sane nailed in most teams.

    6. EDEN THE MAN
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Im going for Sanchez,Hazard,Alli/Eriksen,Sane,King

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

        Haz Sanchez Alli Sane King

    7. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      All depends on who's on the beach

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

        I think even Chelsea for example would want to carry on winning, firstly to seal the title and then to finish it off in style. Especially as their last home game of the season is GW37.

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

      Sanchez Haz Eriksen Sane Jwp

    9. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez is so expensive though, it kills the rest of the team. May get a slice of Ozil instead, looks better value.

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

        I actually thought of this question because I want Ozil in alongside Sanchez (don't laugh) but I don't know who I'd sacrifice.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          If you get Alexis you have to choose 1 of Aguero Zlatan and Kane, instead of two right? Doesn't seem worth it.

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

            I don't want Aguero because of Jesus and Agueros lack of explosiveness under Pep.

            I have Kane and will have Gabbiadini alongside him.

            Not interest in Zlatan either. Forwards I actually feel quite certain on, it's the mids that I can't decide who I can go without.

    10. Dušan Citizen
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez Hazard Alli Sane Ndidi hope

    11. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Part of our answers depend on whether we have used our wc. I have, so need to be selective in who I replace. Many others can do an overhaul.

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

        I've used mine and currently sit with Sanchez / Ali / Eriksen / Sane / Zaha

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

      Could be ozil instead of Sanchez

    13. nkhoughton
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard alli Alexis King/Albrighton Sane

    14. tm245
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Michu Walcott Mata Bale Fellaini

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

      Pool mid not backed by many interesting

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

      Sanchez Sane Alli King (someone at 7.2 or less)

  15. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Which one to do...

    A. Aguero -> Ibra & play Pickford
    B. Foster -> Valdes
    C. Aguero & Foster -> Ibra & DDG / Valdes (-4)

    AOA: Pickford (Foster)
    Valencia, Alonso (Davies, Baines, Mawson)
    Sanchez, Alli, Zaha, De Roon, Clayton
    Lukaku, Kane, Aguero

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

    is nyom a dead dodo now?

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

    Repost:

    A) Amat Sanchez and Deeney -> Rojo Townsend and Ibra (-8)
    B) Sanchez and Deeney -> Zaha and Ibra (-4)
    C) Deeney -> Rashford
    D)Other

    Team is:

    Pickford
    Davies Chambers Fuchs
    Alli Siggy King Sanchez
    Kane Lukaku Deeney

    (Foster Mee Amat JWP)

    WC intact with 1FT and 0.1 ITB

    1. Game of Throw_ins
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      D) Deeney to Negredo

  18. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    How does Kun, llorente, McAuley to Ibra, Benteke, Gibson sound for a -8?

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

      Fine if you still have a wc.

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I do have my WC left!

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

      I wouldn't get rid of Kun for a hit. No guarantees Ibra plays/starts both games

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Need the money to upgrade Llorente to Benteke.
        Could also do McAuley, Llorente -> Friend/Barragan, Benteke (-4)

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

    How Boro played?

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

      Arsenal made them look decent.

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

        thanks

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

      they're so rubbish on the attack tbh. they had a couple of decent chances from set pieces but if the match was 200 minutes they would've lost anyway.

  20. TheBabyfacedAssassin
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Ibra essential for DGW? Not sure i've want to transfer out Kun.

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

      Not essential but I'd get him in

    2. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Maybe ok for free but not a hit imo

  21. I Have No Idea What I'…
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is Forster in for Caballero as my free transfer my best option?

    Jakupovic Caballero
    Chambers (DGW) Valencia (DGW) Bailly (DGW)
    Eriksen Zaha (DGW) Son Coutinho Sigurdsson
    Vardy Kane Ibra (DGW)

    £2.2M in the bank. Any suggestions?

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

    Walker or Toby > Bailly or Rojo

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

      Walker -> Bailly

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

      Walker > Bailly

    3. Sergeant Garcia
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Do you already own a MUN defender? Contemplating the same to double up.

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

        No mate, current defence is...
        Pickford Jaku
        Toby Walker Alonso Brint Amat

        1. Sergeant Garcia
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, would do Walker > Bailly in that case.

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

            Cheers

    4. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Toby for me. I think Trippier will get the odd match or two, while Toby isn't under any such pressure. (To be honest, I'd go Vertonghen and save a little money.)

      1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I think Toby is missing some goals this season, will he cram a few in before season ends? Maybe, I would keep Toby

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

    Looking to use my AOA chip next gameweek.

    Grant
    Valencia baines
    Alli eriksen king zaha firmino
    Lukaku Kane negredo

    Heaton yoshida robertson pieters

    Looks good?

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

      Most definetly

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

        Cheers

  24. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Pickford
    Alonso Davies Robertson
    Sanchez Alli Eriksen ZAHA King
    BENTEKE NEGREDO Lukaku

    Foster Pieters Holebas

    1 ft / 2.2 itb

    Planning to WC and BB 36&37

    A) drop one from front 8 ?
    B) what should be my priority transfer(s)

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

    Özil (34)
    Negredo (30)
    Xhaka (27)

  26. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Negredo 1st on my bench...

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

      Don't bother getting him if you're gonna bench him 😉

  27. 8ball
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Will Son continue to start?

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

      Yes

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

      He's surely nailed at the moment with the form he's in. I'm keeping him until I see otherwise.

      1. 8ball
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Whose place on the team has he taken?

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

      Hard to drop in present form

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

      He's a risk. Alli and Erikson aren't.

  28. Steirish
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Will friend start the DGW?

    1. George James
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wait on Fabio news. He looked boros best player until he came off

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

    gibson worth getting in for a hit if i already have chambers?

    assuming chambers starts

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

      Depends who you'd bench for him

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

        alonso at the mo

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

    How did Sanchez look tonight to those who watched?

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

      Poor-seriously considering getting rid

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

      Almost the only player consistently providing movement and looking to pass forward for Arsenal. The question is not whether Sanchez can improve, but whether the team can. It's looking unlikely in my opinion.

    3. Moosie the Staggie
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Unessential