Team News

Line-Up Lessons – Gameweek 34 – Part Two

Jose Mourinho rests Rashford among a raft of alterations. Raheem Sterling is benched once more only to replace a stricken David Silva, while Jack Butland returns between the sticks for the Potters. Change was in the Gameweek 34 air – and not all of it welcome.

Having published Part One yesterday, we now roll out the second instalment of our Gameweek 34 teamsheet summary, outlining the trends and tactics on show and offering early insights into the likely line-ups to come for the weekend.

Manchester City

Starting XI: Bravo; Jesus Navas, Kompany, Otamendi, Clichy; Toure, Fernandinho (Fernando 99), De Bruyne, Silva (Sterling 23) (Iheanacho 116), Sane; Aguero (Delph 99).

  • Pep Guardiola named the same side that beat Southampton 3-0 for the FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal.
  • The City boss once again favoured a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Fernandinho and Yaya Toure stationed at the base of midfield. Kevin De Bruyne, David Silva and Leroy Sane formed the attacking midfield trio, with Raheem Sterling having to settle for a place on the bench once again.
  • Sterling didn’t have to wait long to enter the fray, though, after David Silva was forced off with a knock. The England international played on the right wing, with De Bruyne taking over the No 10 role. Then during extra-time, Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero picked up muscular problems, meaning they had to be replaced by Fernando and Fabian Delph. Fernando slotted into central midfield, while Delph took over the No 10 role, with De Bruyne asked to lead the line as the “false nine.” Allowed to make a fourth substitution in the FA Cup, Guardiola introduced Kelechi Iheanacho in place of Sterling as City pushed to find a late equaliser.
  • The City boss revealed after the match that Fernandinho, Silva and Aguero will all need to be assessed ahead of Thursday night’s Manchester derby. If Fernandinho is ruled out, Delph or Fernando could start in midfield. Sterling looks set to earn a recall, particularly if Silva is unavailable. Iheanacho provides the main alternative to Aguero in attack, with Gabriel Jesus not expected to be fit enough to start against Manchester United, although he may have a chance of being involved. Guardiola could also rotate in defence, and particularly at centre-back, with Aleksandar Kolarov a possible starter, with John Stones another option if he can recover from a knock. Pablo Zabaleta provides an alternative at right-back, although Jesus Navas has been favoured in that position during the past month. Guardiola will then be expected to rotate again for Sunday’s trip to Middlesbrough with Jesus perhaps more of a factor in his thinking.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Right Wing, Lone Striker

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Young, Bailly, Blind, Darmian; Herrera, Fellaini, Pogba (Carrick 90); Lingard (Rashford 69), Martial (Mkhitaryan 79), Rooney.

  • Jose Mourinho made eight changes from the side that edged out Anderlecht 2-1 in the Europa League for the trip to Burnley. David de Gea, Ashley Young, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Marouane Fellaini, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney came in with Sergio Romero, Antonio Valencia, Marcos Rojo, Luke Shaw, Michael Carrick, Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Marcus Rashford and Zlatan Ibrahimovic making way.
  • Those changes saw Mourinho opt for more of a 4-3-2-1 formation, with Young, Eric Bailly, Blind and Darmian forming the back four. Herrera and Paul Pogba played just in front of holding midfielder Fellaini, with Jesse Lingard and Rooney in fairly central attacking midfield positions behind lone striker Martial.
  • Mourinho’s first change saw Rashford replace Lingard for the final 21 minutes, with Mkhitaryan coming on for Martial 10 minutes later. The Armenian took over Lingard’s attacking midfield role, while Rashford operated as the lone striker. Pogba was forced off with a knock during the final stages, with Carrick taking his place.
  • Mourinho looks set to rotate again for Thursday night’s Manchester derby and the home fixture with Swansea City on Sunday. Valencia and Shaw are the fresh options in defence, so they could return in the full-back positions against City, with Young and Darmian perhaps more likely to start against Swansea. Pogba will need to be assessed over the next few days, but if he is ruled out for Thursday night, Carrick could start in his place, allowing Fellaini to push slightly further forward. Mkhitaryan and Rashford are the fresh options in attack, although the performances of Martial and Rooney will have provided the United manager with food for thought.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Lone Striker

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Guzan; Barragan (Forshaw 23), Ayala, Chambers, Gibson, Friend; Downing, De Roon (Fabio 38), Clayton, Ramirez; Negredo (Gestede 80).

  • Steve Agnew made two alterations for the trip to Bournemouth, with Calum Chambers and George Friend replacing the injured Grant Leadbitter, while Fabio, who also picked up a knock against Arsenal last time out, only making the bench.
  • Those changes saw the Boro boss switch from a 4-3-3 formation to a 5-4-1, with Chambers joining Ben Gibson and Daniel Ayala in central defence, and Friend returning at left-back. Stewart Downing (left) and Gaston Ramirez (right) started out wide in midfield.
  • Agnew’s plans were thrown into disarray after falling 2-0 behind and then going down to ten men following the sending off of Ramirez for two bookable offences. He immediately decided to make a change, with Adam Forshaw brought on for Antonio Barragan as the visitors switched to a 4-4-1 formation. Agnew was then forced into making a second substitution when Marten de Roon limped off with a knock. Fabio was brought on in his place, with the Brazilian playing in front of Chambers on the right side of midfield. The final change saw Rudy Gestede take over from Alvaro Negredo as the lone striker for the final 10 minutes.
  • Ramirez will miss Wednesday night’s home clash with Sunderland due to suspension, although he will be available to return for the visit of Manchester City to The Riverside on Sunday. Agnew may take the opportunity to switch to a 4-4-2 in the Uruguayan’s absence, with Gestede or perhaps Cristhian Stuani partnering Negredo in attack and Adama Traore starting on the right wing. Fabio or Chambers could start at right-back, and the latter is also an option to replace Ayala in central defence if Agnew reverts to a four-man defence. Either way, Barragan’s starting spot looks under threat. If De Roon is ruled out, Adam Clayton and Forshaw look the most likely central midfield partnership. Victor Valdes (rib) and Grant Leadbitter (hamstring) are both expected to miss out against the Black Cats.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, Defence, Central Midfield, Right Wing, Forwards

Stoke City

Starting XI: Butland; Johnson, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Shaqiri, Cameron, Allen, Arnautovic (Diouf 84); Berahino (Sobhi 77), Crouch.

  • Stoke boss Mark Hughes made three changes to the side that beat Hull City 3-1 for the trip to Swansea City. Jack Butland made his first start of the season in place of Lee Grant, while Joe Allen and Peter Crouch started at the expense of Marc Muniesa and Charlie Adam.
  • Those tweaks saw Hughes switch from a 3-4-3 system to a 4-2-3-1, with Saido Berahino stationed just behind lone striker Crouch. Allen joined Geoff Cameron in the double-pivot, and Ryan Shawcross and Bruno Martins Indi formed the centre-back partnership in the four-man backline.
  • Hughes made his first change with his side trailing 2-0, deciding to bring on Ramadan Sobhi for Berahino in a straight swap. The only other change saw Mame Biram Diouf replace Marko Arnautovic. Diouf joined Crouch in attack and Sobhi moved to the left wing as the Potters finished the match in more of a 4-4-2.
  • With the change in system failing to get a result, Hughes could consider moving back to 3-4-3 for Saturday’s home meeting with West Ham United. Muniesa is an option to join Shawcross and Martins Indi in central defence, with Glen Johnson or perhaps Diouf the choices to start at right wing-back. The central striker role would then be between either Berahino or Crouch. If he keeps faith with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2, there aren’t likely to be many changes, with Adam the main alternative in central midfield. Neither Diouf or Sobhi are likely to usurp either Xherdan Shaqiri or Arnautovic out wide. Hughes is expected to hand Butland another start in goal as the England international looks to improve his match sharpness, having been sidelined for over a year due to an ankle injury.

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

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Kingsley; Fer (Ki Sung-yeung 20), Britton (Borja Baston 85), Carroll, Sigurdsson; Ayew, Llorente (van der Hoorn 59).

  • Head coach Paul Clement made four changes for the home encounter against Stoke City, with Stephen Kingsley, Leon Britton, Tom Carroll and Jordan Ayew starting at the expense of Martin Olsson, Jay Fulton, Ki Sung-yeung and Luciano Narsingh.
  • Kingsley started at left-back, with Olsson missing out due to a minor hamstring problem. Britton was stationed at the base of a midfield diamond, with Leroy Fer (right) and Tom Carroll (left) on the sides, leaving Gylfi Sigurdsson at the tip of the diamond. Ayew joined Fernando Llorente up front.
  • Clement was forced into making an early change after Fer suffered a dead leg. Ki took over from the Dutchman in a straight swap. Then with his side holding a slender 1-0 lead, the Swansea boss decided to bolster his rearguard, bring on Mike van der Hoorn for Llorente. Van der Hoorn joined Federico Fernandez and Alfie Mawson in central defence, leaving Ayew as the lone striker in front of the midfield diamond. The tiring Britton made way with five minutes remaining. Borja Baston was brought on in his place as the Swans finished the match in a 5-3-2 system, with the Spaniard joining Ayew up front.
  • As the change in formation paid off for Clement, he could decide to stick with the midfield diamond for Sunday’s trip to Manchester United. Fer will have to be assessed this week after picking up that dead leg, but Ki is an able deputy in central midfield. Jack Cork could be available to return at Old Trafford if he can recover from an ankle injury in time, although the impact made by Britton last weekend doesn’t necessarily mean that Cork will earn a recall. Similarly, Olsson will need to be checked this week, with the Swede expected to return at left-back in place of Kingsley if passed fit. Ayew’s impressive performance should increase the chances of Clement opting to continue with two forwards, although the Ghanaian is equally capable of operating down the right flank.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Midfield

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Dier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Trippier, Wanyama (Nkoudou 80), Dembele, Son Heung-min (Walker 68); Eriksen, Alli; Kane.

  • Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino made two changes from the side that beat Bournemouth 4-0 for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, with Kieran Trippier and Victor Wanyama starting in place of Kyle Walker and Ben Davies.
  • The coach switched from a 4-2-3-1 formation back to 3-4-2-1, with Trippier operating at right wing-back, and Son Heung-min in an unfamiliar role at left wing-back. Wanyama joined Mousa Dembele in central midfield, while Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli were stationed in central attacking midfield roles behind lone striker Harry Kane.
  • With the score at 2-2, Pochettino decided to bring on Walker in place of Son, with Walker operating at right wing-back and Trippier on the left. Then after falling behind, the Spurs boss rolled the dice, bringing on Georges-Kevin Nkoudou for Wanyama. Nkoudou played out wide on the left, leaving only Dembele as a defensive-minded midfield player for the final 10 minutes as Tottenham looked to get back into the match.
  • Up next for Spurs is tomorrow night’s trip to Crystal Palace before a North London derby against Arsenal on Sunday. Pochettino’s selections will ultimately depend on formation. Given that Arsenal have also played with a three-man defence in their last two matches, he may well roll out the 3-4-2-1 against the Gunners. The Son experiment at left wing-back was not convincing, so Davies could start in that fixture, with Danny Rose (knee) still expected to be unavailable. The South Korean could start against Palace, perhaps on the left wing if Pochettino opts for a 4-2-3-1. In that formation, Dier may be an option to replace Wanyama, given that the Kenyan has only just returned from injury. Walker and Trippier could continue to share minutes at either right-back or right wing-back.

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

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Janmaat, Prodl, Britos, Holebas (Zuniga 87); Amrabat (Success 67), Cleverley, Doucoure (Okaka 73), Capoue, Niang; Deeney.

  • Hornets head coach Walter Mazzarri made one adjustment for the trip to Hull City, with Miguel Britos returning following his two-match ban to replace Adrian Mariappa.
  • Britos partnered Sebastian Prodl in central defence in what was an otherwise unchanged side, with Mazzarri keeping faith in the 4-3-3- system.
  • With his side trailing 1-0 to 10-man Hull, the Watford boss decided to bring on Isaac Success in place of Nordin Amrabat in a straight swap on the right of the front three. Shortly afterwards, he introduced Stefano Okaka for Abdoulaye Doucoure in an attacking move. The visitors switched to a 4-2-4, with Okaka joining Troy Deeney as a central striker. Juan Zuniga took over from Jose Holebas at left-back for the final three minutes.
  • Mazzarri has had a fairly settled starting XI of late, and despite the defeat at Hull, that isn’t expected to change drastically for the home clash with Liverpool next Monday. Valon Behrami provides a possible alternative to Doucoure in central midfield, while Success and Okaka may challenge for starting spots in the front three. Craig Cathcart (knee) and Younes Kaboul (hamstring) remain doubtful, so changes in defence appear unlikely.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks

West Ham United

Starting XI: Adrian; Collins, Fonte, Reid; Masuaku, Fernandes, Nordtveit, Kouyate (Cresswell 79); Lanzini, Ayew, Calleri (Sakho 62).

  • Hammers boss Slaven Bilic made four changes for the visit of Everton to the London Stadium, with Adrian, Winston Reid, Havard Nordtveit and Jonathan Calleri replacing Darren Randolph, Sam Byram, Robert Snodgrass and the injured Andy Carroll.
  • Those changes saw Bilic switch from a 4-2-3-1 system to a 3-4-1-2, with Reid joining James Collins and Jose Fonte in the three-man defence. Edimilson Fernandes (right) and Arthur Masuaku (left) took up the wing-back roles, with Cheikhou Kouyate and Nordtveit in centre midfield. Manuel Lanzini was stationed in a central attacking midfield role behind the front pairing of Andre Ayew and Calleri.
  • Bilic decided to take off Calleri just after the hour mark, with Diafra Sakho taking his place up front in a straight swap. The only other change saw Aaron Cresswell come on for Kouyate for the final 11 minutes. Cresswell played at right wing-back, with Fernandes moving into the middle of the park.
  • Bilic will have Byram and Mark Noble available for Saturday’s trip to Stoke City as both players will have served their suspensions. The duo’s return means that the West Ham manager could consider switching back to a four-man defence, but perhaps only if at least one of Snodgrass (knee), Sofiane Feghouli (knock) or Carroll (groin) are passed fit to boost his attacking options. If he decides to keep faith in the 3-4-1-2, or change slightly to a 3-4-3, Byram could play at right wing-back, with Noble joining Kouyate in central midfield. Cresswell offers an alternative to Masuaku at left wing-back although the Frenchman has been outstanding of late. One of Ayew, or perhaps Sakho, could lead the attack if Carroll remains out as Calleri failed to take his chance to impress. After keeping a clean sheet, Adrian looks set to keep his place in goal at the expense of Randolph.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs/Wing-Backs, Centre Midfield, Flanks, Forwards

1,093 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Alonso!

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      CS + goal please

  2. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Not seen any football over the weekend. What's up with Aguero?

    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Went off in extra time with a muscle problem - I reckon fatigue but Pep spoke post-match and said he will need to be assessed with Silva. Both trained solo on Monday and are expected to be okay.

      1. barracuda
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Good C choice Mark, green arrows?

      2. Sess!
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Silva being fit not good as a sterling owner. Sterling hugely frustrating at the moment but only one more week before wc.

      3. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers ole chap.

      4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I thought it was more a knee in the back? Got it in first half and was struggling a bit

      5. Clucas
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Congrats for all the work you're doing with FFS and also for your OR, Mark. 🙂

    2. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      he should be fine. nothing serious.

  3. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Choose one:

    a) Negredo > Gabbi / Benteke -4 (bench Siggy)
    b) Siggy > Sane -4 (bench Negredo)
    c) play one of Siggy/Negredo

    1. barracuda
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      A

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Gabbi or Benteke?

        1. barracuda
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Tekkers till the end

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C, save hits for next week or so

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        WC 36

    3. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      C he could easily score Vs a tired united

  4. kennethrhcp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    morning lads, WC activated... any help/thoughts greatly appreciated!!! Chasing in money leagues (approx. 40points to cash)

    Cech, Pickford
    Luiz, Clichy, Bailly, Vertonghen, Holgate
    Sanchez, Hazard, Sterling, Sane, Pedro
    Gabbiadini, Defoe, Giroud

    1. StoichkovFPL
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Def is beauty
      Pedro > King
      Giroud is a big risk imo

      1. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        and Kane is a must

    2. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      no kane or alli? they'd be firing for the title

    3. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sterling/Sane - "pep"
      Pedro - no fan with Willian blooming
      Defoe /Giroud- ok but punty

      *Too much on defense
      *Shocking lack of Spurs

    4. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      That's the sort of frontline you should be using your WC to get rid of.

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        harsh but fair 🙂 looking @ value & I think they'll score well but ya I need a better front 3

    5. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      cheers lads! I knew I left it too light on Spurs attack... back to drawing board! Damn their expensiveness 🙂

      1. Sess!
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I'm a sunderland fan mate and honestly don't bother with defoe. He's looked hungry all season but last couple games you can tell he's had enough.

        1. Kryten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          What's your thoughts on Pickford next two games and clean sheet potential out of interest

          1. Sess!
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            I'd be surprised if we keep a CS again this season. Tomorrow is a our best chance if we do. He should always be good for save points at least.

            1. Kryten
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Appreciate the info

        2. greghammer95
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks for this Sess! Was considering a one week punt as he did well for me earlier in the season. Will leave him be.

    6. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Start again.

      1. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        cheers, will do

  5. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    What's Kanes EO this GW?

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      EO?

      1. Sjaugen
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Effective ownership. Usually refers to top 10k

        1. Sess!
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          As they say, you learn something new every day. Cheers.

          1. Olee
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            This

      2. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Effective ownership

  6. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I think the best,for us FPL managers,will be,Che to draw vs Sou & Eve,Spurs to win both their 2 next games and MU to beat MC,so the last GWs to be a "take no prisoner" battle.

    1. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      As a pool fan il be hoping for a city win Thursday, the rest of that is fine by me though!

    2. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      From my point of view would like a city win so I can completely disgard Man U assets.

  7. Sjaugen
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I've started to draft a WC myself 🙁
    a/ Firmino & Lukaku
    b/ Hazard and Jesus

    Could be a huge DGW trap to ship out a/

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      B

      1. Olee
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        B for sure imo

  8. MarkoSD
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    repost
    from 35 till end, what is better?

    Cech monreal
    Or
    foster monreal
    or
    cech clichy

    1. DJ1000
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      That's a tough one. A or B. Not sure Clichy will start both games.

  9. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Kane, Alli and Eriksen, looked at individually, are some of the best players in FPL. Each one with a titanic total score and PpG. Spurs are scoring goals for fun at the moment, and show no signs of slowing down!

    Is there any reason not to get all 3 in a WC?

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      None at all. I's what I keep saying. Spurs all the way.

      Why risk City picks when they play on Thursday and then on Sunday. We have no way of knowing who plays and when.

    2. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      It's an absolute no brainer for me. I don't see the sense in getting someone like sane over either alli or eriksen. Sane is a great choice but no way he's a better option than those two.

    3. TooDifficuIt
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      hazard maybe

    4. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      All great options.
      I stupidly sold Alli in gw27, but I've made up some ground with Son.
      Now I've sold Son 🙁

    5. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      My biggest concern is they'll self destruct like last season when the title is out of reach.

    6. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      41 shots on target in the last 6, with United/Everton next best all the way down at 30.

      They are in a league of their own offensivly 😯

    7. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Good point, only bin one of the MIDs if funds are scarce for Sanchez.

    8. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      No

    9. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Big Sam will stop 'em 🙂

    10. Phreak4piano
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I have all 3, no WC, and I'm going to swap Eriksen or Alli for Hazard this week.

    11. Giroud's Beard
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez has 2 consecutive DGW
      Hazard has great fixtures right to the end.
      The only way to get those 2 along with the Spurs pair is by either having a massive TV, or being too light in the front / back.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Is Sanchez worth the price if you aren't captaining him in the DGWs? There seem to be better captain options that week.

        Ozil looks to gaining form, perhaps aided by the formation change. Could be an option?

    12. Shifty
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I have all 3 and i really don't like the idea of shifting any of them on WC :/

      Just look at this weekend vs chelsea. 2 goals, all 3 were involved.

  10. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Atkinson refereeing the Manc derby. Is that penalty lover or am I confusing him with Dean?

    1. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Mike Dean is the pen crazy one.
      He even got "demoted" for a stiff this season for some awkward red cards and pens

  11. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Van Aanholt or Daniels ? I will wildcard for 36 so maybe a 1 week punt ?

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      The van aanolt who is currently warming the bench?

    2. Mini Mane Mo
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Daniels

    3. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Daniels.

  12. Individual
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Such a beautiful microcosm of the impact fpl can have on you that I was mildly annoyed that Barragan might lose his place for the Sunderland game! Who would give a flying one otherwise haha

    1. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I can see the boro v sunderland game being a non entity. 0-0 or 1-1 being the likely outcome.

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Hoping a dead mans kick from Negredo with a hattie.

      2. Individual
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Well i largely avoided boro, just stuck Barragan in on my wc in 32 ahead of the short term MID BUR game (got my cs) and hoping he plays in this dgw.

        If he starts i want the 0-0, if he doesn't the 1-1 hehe 🙂

      3. greghammer95
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed, but to his point (Besides you on this site), no-one else would give two poos.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Over time I adapted, becoming a casual player on weekends, shrugging off poor scores as if the game is unimportant. It becomes infinitely more fun, and less frustrating.

      But we all know how important the game is really, and secretly it always there, infested in my psyche, waiting to strike with it's barbed tendrils.

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        + missing 'is'
        it's -> its*

        Couldn't ignore them...

        1. Individual
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          After my own heart.

      2. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I'm similar these days to be honest.

        I put a lot of time into FPL - on FFS, Scoutcast, streaming and Tweeting about it all the time but I don't let it affect me as much these days. If I get a bad score so be it.

        I'll still aim for those DGW player highs and not worry about the sensible moves 🙂

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Yep, it's much more fun that way. Not to mention more psychologically healthy! 🙂

          1. Individual
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            Haha yes, i try, but my ml is so competitive and full of arch rivalry and intrigue it's hard to not get involved 🙂

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      0-0 would be rather lovely as a Pick and Gibson owner.

      As for the sentiment - its ridiculous but true. The amount of times I've been in a bad or indeed good mood leading to questions from the wife but been too embarrassed to explain myself - getting kinda hard to hide!

      1. Individual
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Haha my girlfriend has perfected the eye roll and mutter about "silly boys" under her breath. She gets more happy about it if I'm on for winnings from my ML and cuts me some slack, but most weekends I'm taking an inordinate amount of wees to check the scores haha

  13. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    I really hope hazard gets a hattie and no Chelsea cs, having a horror week with a feeble 9(-4) so far

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Wow you got many left to play?

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Quite a lot but none of my players have returned more than 2 pts thus far and I captained one of them

  14. greghammer95
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    To the above post, how is everyone doing so far this week?? I guess with popular picks on here such as Siggy, King & Coutinho doing well, not to mention Benteke. There are some good scores?

    25(-4) here with 9 to play (Negredo captain). Never considered Benteke instead so not too upset with this,

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      21 only, not many players left as compared to others... Valencia, Bernardo, Henn, Clichy, Eriksen, Sanchez, Kane.

    2. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      30 pts with 11 to play. Gambled and played WC as have a big gap to close on ML leader. Negredo (c) fail but Benteke came up with the goods

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      22 with 4 played and captain to come.

    4. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      47(-4) 8 to play

    5. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      21 (-4).
      10 left to play though, so just getting started 😉

    6. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      32 (-4) with 9 to play. Decent.

    7. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      42 (-4). 9 to play. Pleased with that - mostly tek points of course.

    8. Kloppen Schloppen
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      23 with 8 to play plus captain.

  15. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Prices aside,

    what would your mids look like for next season?

    Mine

    Eriksen Hazard Alli Coutinho King

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Alli, hazard, Sanchez messi (Liverpool to sign in a straight swap for Lucas)

      1. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        🙂

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Messi isn't a mid.

        1. Kryten
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Well he will have to play him there because grezimen and suarez will be playing up top (straight swap for origi and studge)

    2. Live Lad
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I will somehow fit Sanchez in. The price difference will be less.

      1. Champ
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        A reliable captain option for sure

    3. Baz
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez over king

    4. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      1 or 2 of them could leave.

  16. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Sorry for the repost. Have to put it under the new article.

    WC draft for 36, BB 37. No City scares me but very difficult to fit them in. Lukaku can be Jesus in 37.

    DDG, Pickford
    Alonso, Monreal, Yoshida, Holgate, Vertonghen
    Sanchez, Hazard, Alli, King, JWP
    Kane, Kaku, Anichebe

    Should I start with Cech in 36 and get DDG in 37? Please help me with the team.

    1. The Left Duke #3
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Sane & Jesus (if fit) for Lukaku and King maybe if you want DGW City players?

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks! A bit short of cash for that but can downgrade one of the defenders to let's say Morgan.

    2. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Cech has better fixtures in GW37.
      Team looks good.

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks! I like Arsenal in 37 too but United is tight at the back in general.

  17. Kryten
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    So who's the best WC goalkeeper from now to end of season my money's on Forster just because of games

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Has three tough fixtures though.

    2. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I'm going Pickford for value and save points

  18. willgriggsonfire
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Hi all!
    What are your thoughts about Blind. Thinking of getting him in place of Valencia.
    With no CB currently available apart from Bailly, Blind looks most likely to start.
    Has the attacking threat and gets the bonus points too.

  19. Olee
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    No WC left, thinking I might play AoA next week, when all my defenders, apart from Yoshi+Valencia, have hard games.

    Heaton
    Valencia-Mustafi-Chambers
    Eriksen-Alli-King-Sanchez
    Kane-Benteke-Rashford

    Randolph-Holgate-JWP-Yoshida
    1FT-2.8ITB

    Thoughts? Plan is to play BB in 37 as everyone else.

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Nice.
      I know people don't usually prefer GK as a transfer but I'd get Pickford/Cech over Randolph.

      1. Olee
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I agree, Randolph will have to go. But is there really a good reason to do it before GW 36/37....concidering Heatons nice games?

      2. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I think you can do it with 2FT before the DGW36.
        Benteke+Randolph can go for DGW players.

        1. Olee
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Benteke plays Hull at home in GW37, dont think I wanna swap him for a DGW player.

  20. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Some early thoughts for gw35 team would be great.

    - is it worth doing -8 for
    Negredo ------> anichebe
    Tarroll --------> arnautovic

    Jaku(heaton​)
    Alonso-bavies-maguire-pieters(holgate)
    Alli-hazard-firmino-king(tarroll)
    Lukaku-Kane(negredo)

    1. Baz
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      no not worth -8

    2. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not for -8.

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Cheers

  21. Kryten
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    How much would messi cost if he was in FPL?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      20m

      1. Kryten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        5 4m defenders i reckon 13.5

    2. Viprin
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      13m imo

      1. FPLtfs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Surely more than Aguero? 13.5 I'd say.

    3. Sess!
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      £15m

    4. Cesc's old mullet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Considering he has 35 goals and 16 assists *on average* on the last nine seasons, I'd say even 15m is too low a price for him.

  22. Moose™
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    WC 2.0

    DDG Pickford

    Alonso Monreal Yoshida Kone Holgate

    Sanchez Hazard Alli Eriksen King

    Kane Benteke Gabbi

    No City coverage.

    Will get Jesus in GW37 by upgrading Benteke and downgrade Monreal.

    Pull the trigger?

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Yeah, team looks good.

      1. Moose™
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers Will.

        The only concern for me is Triple Up on Spurs attack.

        But, they are not a rotation risk. Sane is a great option, still, you never know with Pep.

      2. willgriggsonfire
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I don't think they're a risk given their form.

  23. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is King worth getting as a 5th mid if you have the bench boost ready to go? Or is spending 6.0m a little too much for a 5th?

    I could promote him to a 4th and spend money elsewhere but not really a fan of any of the lower budget 5th mid options, and I feel a strong 5th will be important in the closing GWs, even ignoring the benefits of the BB.

    1. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      He still has 4 great fixtures. Can outscore a DGW mid in those games.

    2. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      His fixtures are too good to be ignored
      Plus he is in hot form

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I'm getting him either way. Just wanted to know whether he should be a 5th or 4th mid.

        Could save a lot of money making him 4th, but lose the bench strength for the BB.

    3. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I've been struggling the same, 6.1 now is too much for a 5th.

  24. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Pick one

    A) -8
    Alli-firmino-Hazard-Sane-King
    Lukaku-Kane

    B) current
    Alli-firmino-king-hazard
    Lukaku-kane-negredo*

    Might replace negredo to some one week punt for a hit

    1. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Regredo --> Gabbi!

  25. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Jesus hit the ground running, but I think given Aguero's resurgence and tight race for top four I think he is one for next season now.

  26. The Overthinker
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    How well can i finish from here? What should be the strategy?
    what rank is achievable from this stage?
    Which players should i target?

    Current Rank : 351115

    Chips left : AOA, BB, WC.

    1. Baz
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      200k probs. You'll have to break the template as when everyone has the same WC team even if you smash it you won't move anywhere in the rankings.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        I can already see the template by people who are WC'ing this week.

        By next week, the number will definitely increase

        I am targeting to go with 3 each Southampton and Arsenal players and also looking at some differentials.

        Think i left it too late to jump the ranks

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Avoid 3 Saints and go with only couple of Arsenal. More potential and chance to gain some ground

          1. The Overthinker
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 11 months ago

            4 out possible 6 is what you are saying?

            1. Holmes
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 11 months ago

              Yep, target 37.

    2. willgriggsonfire
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      I think the Scoutcast will help you greatly in strategizing.

    3. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      100k is achievable if you were lucky there will be a lot of people with no chips or wc

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Do you think chips would matter that much?

        With template all around

    4. Moose™
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Same situation, just my rank is 230k, still targeting top 100k.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        How are you planning to do it?

        1. Moose™
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          Get 15 nailed on players.

    5. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Hey mate

      Thinking 100k might be possible to scrape in to. You really need to land the wildcard and BB combo (probably 36 WC, 37 BB, 38 AoA).

      But there's reasons to be optimistic:
      1) lots of dead teams still (think people with Costa (c) all season) in the reckoning above you that you can win out against using your chips properly
      2) superior knowledge of how to deploy chips to maximise your impact
      3) linked to 2 and kind of related to 1, a lot of casual players (11:25am on Saturday kind of folk) who won't see the DGW coming and plan for it properly, meaning they will get subsumed by your score.

      It might be tight, but try to deploy it all effectively and it'll be OK. In the short term, you need to take calculated risks (e.g. Tekkers (c) next week or something) to try to climb a bit to set yourself up!

      Hope that helps!

      1. The Overthinker
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers individual​.

        Agree with all the 3 points

        Most important point is taking calculated risk. Need to bring in players with immediate returns and captain choice should be successful

        1. Individual
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          No worries mate. I tend to specialise in rescuing my season / late assaults on my MLs as I just cannot get the start off any year I play. But I won out after a 80 pt deficit last year, and clawed back a similar amount the year before to take it to the final day (bloody Scott Dann!) so I do have experience in getting it back from a poor position!

    6. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      you just need to have a one or 2 differentials captains that will work... the problem is get that

  27. weaver93
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Just been reading Puel's comments regarding Austin's recovery..

    "Southampton's joint top scorer Charlie Austin, who suffered a shoulder injury in December, is set to feature in the season-ending under-23 fixture at Manchester City on May 5.

    "His (Austin) first training session will be on Thursday with the group and, after, it's important that he finds again his level and all his quality," Puel added.

    IF Gabbi can stay fit, could be joker in the pack..

  28. Individual
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Still thinking of the uniqueness of being an FPL player / borderline addict...

    Has anyone experienced the advantage of being able to talk in detail about the performance of clubs and certain players that they don't support nor have any connection with when meeting a fan of said club, purely based on what you know about fpl? Just happened to me at the water cooler and found myself talking about Niang's impact at Watford... Lol

    1. Rover
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Happened to me last year with Klose and Norwich because somehow I had him for his goal and couple of clean sheets this time of the year.

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 11 months ago

      Not with a fan, but people are generally amazed at how I know who minor bench players are at the lower clubs. I need to be more careful and hide my addiction more... http://i.imgur.com/lVlPvCB.gif

      1. Individual
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 11 months ago

        Haha man, my knowledge of cheap players meant I could talk about Tom Carroll's impact with a Swansea fan at the weekend despite never having seen him play! Though he does have the highest voice I've ever heard if you ever catch an interview with him

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 11 months ago

          😀

  29. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Day 3: Lovren is f****** s***.

  30. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 11 months ago

    Is Holgate a good defender IRL?

    He's up against Hazard this GW, who may well be my captain if you say Holgate is crap 🙂