[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
5 May 2012 2287 comments
Akers Akers
Share:

The Dugout Discussion opens for the oddity of a solitary Saturday Premier League fixture. With Chelsea and Liverpool Wembley bound this evening, we’re restricted to just one fantasy scoring opportunity. But, with over half of us backing Robin van Persie with the armband (if our Captain’s Poll is to be believed), then Arsenal versus Norwich is a game of huge significance. With mini-leagues hanging in the balance, let’s take a look at the team news to confirm whether or not our talisman starts…

Arsenal XI: Szczesny, Sagna, Koscielny, Vermaelen, Gibbs, Ramsey, Song, Gervinho, Rosicky, Benayoun, van Persie.

Norwich XI: Ruddy, Naughton, Ryan Bennett, Martin, Lappin, Johnson, Howson, Elliott Bennett, Hoolahan, Jackson, Holt.

Of course the Arsenal captain does start, and he does so in an unchanged Gunners line-up from the side that drew 1-1 at Stoke.

After a 3-0 defeat at home to Liverpool, Norwich make several changes with Grant Holt and Simeon Jackson leading the line for the Canaries.

The Dugout Discussion chatroom is open and can be accessed right here.

Akers Richard or Akers, as he is known, has been regularly haunting this site since July 2008. He is young and foolish, take what he says with a pinch of salt. Follow them on Twitter

2,287 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. VanDeRooney
    14 years, 6 months ago

    GO ROOONEY

    Open Controls
    1. Captain Shirokov
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Ok.

      Open Controls
    2. Nomar
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Where do you want him to go to?

      Open Controls
    3. tangtastic
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      WHERE TO?

      Open Controls
    4. @ImpressiveTackl
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Nah. I went RVP.

      Open Controls
  2. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
    14 years, 6 months ago

    any good bets available for the FA cup final?

    Open Controls
    1. Catastrophe
      14 years, 6 months ago

      I've gone £10.15 (max) on Liverpool to lift cup 3/1 and £10 on Terry anytime goalscorer (11/1)

      Open Controls
      1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
        14 years, 6 months ago

        nice thats good odds offered

        Open Controls
      2. little_wizard123
        14 years, 6 months ago

        I got the £8.12 on Liverpool and put £2 on Bellamy first goal at 13/1. Terry anytime seems a good bet though.

        Open Controls
        1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
          14 years, 6 months ago

          bellamy is a decent bet at 13/1. i'll wait to see the lineups, might take a punt on that if he starts.

          Open Controls
          1. little_wizard123
            14 years, 6 months ago

            I only did it as I've seen the teams. Wouldn't bet on first goalscorer otherwise! If you do it on PP, money back special if Suarez scores. I did it on betfair though...

            Open Controls
  3. Reacher
    14 years, 6 months ago

    That horrible little sod is still around Dennis wise on itv i thought he had been put down by now!

    Open Controls
    1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
      14 years, 6 months ago

      haha!

      Open Controls
      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        14 years, 6 months ago

        "If he had of fell over...", said Wise. And he is on national tv, too. Oh dear....

        Open Controls
    2. little_wizard123
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Two hour build up. I reckon about 30 minutes of adverts in this!

      Open Controls
      1. sp4tgo
        14 years, 6 months ago

        "the horror" ...

        Open Controls
  4. Nopli
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Cmon Blues. Win it for the 4th time in 6 years..........

    Open Controls
    1. Davido989
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Go sleep. Gerrard will lift the trophy bro 🙂

      Open Controls
  5. Jonah Takalua
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Sagna has a broken fibula and will miss the rest of the season and euro 2012

    Open Controls
    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Oh the Sagna I bought for a hit last night. Excellent!! 🙁

      Open Controls
  6. Call Me Old Fashioned
    14 years, 6 months ago

    5 live reporting that Sagna broken his fibula and out of Euro 2012...

    Open Controls
    1. Call Me Old Fashioned
      14 years, 6 months ago

      same leg that he injured at the Lane

      Open Controls
    2. RedNev
      14 years, 6 months ago

      That's terrible. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

      Open Controls
  7. Manani
    14 years, 6 months ago

    can u bet on assist?
    if so, where can u do it? which website?

    Open Controls
    1. Pat Mustard
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Request it off Paddy Power, i've done it before.

      Open Controls
  8. The EJJ
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Was feeling smug about not captaining RVP until the last 20 minutes of that game...

    Open Controls
    1. Reacher
      14 years, 6 months ago

      I am still fairly happy he should of had 5

      Open Controls
    2. Spike ⚽️
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Could have been worse. Definite pen ruled out !!

      Open Controls
  9. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 6 months ago

    From Twitter: Bacary Sagna has broken his tibia; same leg he broke earlier in the season. No Euro 2012 for him.

    Open Controls
  10. Davido989
    14 years, 6 months ago

    And we're in the 90 min of stoppage time. Seems as if we're heading for extra time. Wait a minute here's Gerrard, skips past Torres, nutmegs Lampard and shoots. GERRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRDDDDD YOU BEAUTY WHAT A HIT SON WHAT A HIT!!!

    😀

    Open Controls
    1. The EJJ
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Would love that!

      Open Controls
      1. Davido989
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Then Torres puts on a red shirt and celebrates with us!

        Open Controls
    2. Funkyav
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Gerrard OG again?

      Open Controls
    3. Nopli
      14 years, 6 months ago

      -100000
      See you in 3 hours time.... DROGBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

      Open Controls
    4. RedNev
      14 years, 6 months ago

      And we’re in the 90 min of stoppage time. Seems as if we’re heading for extra time. Wait a minute here’s Torres, skips past Gerrard, nutmegs Carragher and shoots. TOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRREEEEESSSSSS YOU BEAUTY WHAT A HIT SON WHAT A HIT!!!

      😀

      Open Controls
      1. Kanus hat trick
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Stoppage time. Torres...chance... ITV ad break

        Open Controls
      2. Davido989
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Carragher isn't playing today. Ha.

        Open Controls
  11. Goose
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Thank god Carragher isn't playing, had a feeling he might have done. I hope Downing plays like he did in the last final and not how hes done pretty much every other game this season.

    Open Controls
    1. A.
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Surprised about Henderson playing too tbh

      Open Controls
  12. Spike ⚽️
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Bad news for Sagna. Two breaks to the same leg could be career threatening 🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Pat Mustard
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Awful, poor lad.

      Open Controls
  13. Big_Andy_GAWA
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Guys, thoughts around this for GW38, if you would be so kind:

    Play M.Petrov (stoke)

    OR

    take a hit and sell Valencia for Mata or Silva ? (Am already gonna do Rooney --> Aguero, so will be for a hit.

    Thanks muchly.

    Open Controls
  14. Kanus hat trick
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Out of Arsenal hands but still odds on for a top 4 finish. Villa could get something off Spurs, City could well beat Toon who then go to Everton. Spurs host Fulham on the final day and they're no mugs. Arsenal just have to beat WBA, will be tough has we have zero form now. Also Munich are favorites to beat Chelski so there is still hope...

    Open Controls
    1. @ImpressiveTackl
      14 years, 6 months ago

      C'mon, admit it. You will be creaming your kecks if Spurs and Newcastle win their games tomorrow?

      Open Controls
      1. Kanus hat trick
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Yep, hopefully then their players will be doing the same next Sunday when chef Wenger intervenes with some pre match Lasagna!

        Open Controls
      2. Spike ⚽️
        14 years, 6 months ago

        🙂

        Open Controls
  15. Corrigan
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Talking of frustrating players and Fool's Gold again, Young is bad but I overlooked Nani who is in another league.

    Open Controls
    1. @ImpressiveTackl
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Benched Nani for his goal and THAT assist for Rooney's overhead kick in the derby last season. Frustrating.

      Open Controls
      1. Corrigan
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Nearly did that. The themed question for THAT week was "play Nani or Tevez"

        Last season, Nani was Mr Reliable. This season, he's been a nightmare.

        Open Controls
        1. @ImpressiveTackl
          14 years, 6 months ago

          Exactly. I played Tevez. What a United fan I am 😯 Nani is our Walcott. Fantastic player on his day, idiot the rest of the time.

          Open Controls
          1. Corrigan
            14 years, 6 months ago

            One of those calls that just melts your head until you accept to just toss a coin.

            I didn't take a hit for RVP or Rooney. It's been troubling me all week and now I'm disturbed.

            Open Controls
    2. Spike ⚽️
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Thought about bringing him in but too many posts stating he might be on bench. Rooney got my vote in the end

      Open Controls
    3. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      haha now we're talking, took two of maybe 4 hits all season to get him in, never got anything

      Open Controls
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Fantasy Football Rule No.1:Don't take a hit for a defender.
    Vermalean,rot in hell !!!

    Open Controls
    1. Kanus hat trick
      14 years, 6 months ago

      He'll get a brace next week

      Open Controls
    2. Corrigan
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Try captaining Vermaelen. Twice. Versus avl and QPR. V QPR he came off early when there was a clean sheet.

      Next season 2-3 >6m defenders and then a couple of cheapies. No hits or FTs unless there's injuries. Changes in the WC.

      Open Controls
  16. China Mag
    14 years, 6 months ago

    I gambled on rooney, as the rival I am chasing had RVP. Was looking like a title winning decision after 70 mins, but pretty much evens by the end. I would happily take 3rd place and a guaranteed spot over winning my mini league, so absolutely buzzing! Beating city tomorrow is a massive ask. But at least now we know it is all in our hands!!

    Open Controls
    1. stilicho
      • Has Moderation Rights
      14 years, 6 months ago

      It's only in your hands if you gain about 12 goals in GD over the two games.

      Open Controls
      1. @ImpressiveTackl
        14 years, 6 months ago

        True. They still need Spurs to slip up.

        Open Controls
      2. China Mag
        14 years, 6 months ago

        4th is in our own hands at least. Or am I missing something? But yes, I guess the champions league final takes qualification out of our hands if we don't finish 3rd!

        Open Controls
    2. @ImpressiveTackl
      14 years, 6 months ago

      You can beat them. Why not? Get out there and show the league why you are where you are.

      Open Controls
      1. udit
        14 years, 6 months ago

        +1, You don't beat United 3-0 if you aren't good enough

        Open Controls
      2. Pap Le Cissier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        14 years, 6 months ago

        I agree. It's a big challenge but possible. I think.there's also a lot more pressure on.city to get the result. For me it all depends on the defence and mid keeping their discipline and shape.

        Open Controls
      3. China Mag
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Absolutely. I wouldn't be buzzing so much about tomorrows game if I didn't think that we can win it. 3-0 against man utd proves that. And that was without barfa and dave. But it will take an absolute superhuman effort to beat a man city team that need to win in order to stay in the title race (pretty much). But then we will have 11 superheros out there tomorrow, so why not?

        Open Controls
        1. @ImpressiveTackl
          14 years, 6 months ago

          You don't get enough respect for what you have done this season. Don't let all this season's work be in vain though. Be professional and give it your all to finish the job.

          It will be an epic game.

          Open Controls
          1. China Mag
            14 years, 6 months ago

            Cheers. I agree. I think most people think we have fluked it to be where we are. But if you actually look at it player by player, we deserve to be where we are. Krul, Collochini, Tiote, Cabaye, Barfa, Jonas, Dave, Ba (at least first half of the season) have all been immense. Then pardiola has done an incredible job, in making sure that our bit part players (who aren't anywhere near the level of the first choice 11) haven't allowed the standards to drop.

            Open Controls
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Vermalean was a mistake for a hit to me.
      Struggling to keep my No.1 status in country.
      🙁

      Open Controls
      1. Hello. Yes, This is Dog
        14 years, 6 months ago

        you dont live in nepal though do you?

        Open Controls
          14 years, 6 months ago

          I do.
          Why?

          Open Controls
          1. @ImpressiveTackl
            14 years, 6 months ago

            You're not THEE Navin Sapkota from Nepal are you?

            Open Controls
              14 years, 6 months ago

              I have my team linked.
              What's strange?

              Open Controls
      2. China Mag
        14 years, 6 months ago

        I almost brought in big verm for a hit. Really proud of myself for resisting the urge. NEVER TAKE A HIT FOR A DEFENDER!! (unless its a DGW, or you can't field 3 defenders)

        Open Controls
    3. Kanus hat trick
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Only around a 100 pt lead would be safe going into the final day. Almost anything can happen and there tends to be big results. Chelsea beat Wigan 8-0 a couple of years back. You could Captain Aguero and he could get 5 goals and rival could C RVP or Rooney and they do nothing- thats a 40 odd point swing on its own

      Open Controls
  17. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    14 years, 6 months ago

    just got in, thank god i went out, rvp captain didnt turn out to be the fail it was heading for, verm was tho shame. still 20+ points from 2 players, ill take that

    Open Controls
  18. Sarnab
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Arsene Wenger confirms that Sagna has broken Fibula! :'(
    will miss the Euros!

    Get well soon Bacman!

    Open Controls
    1. beric
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Bad luck Bacary. Get well soon indeed

      Open Controls
    2. Kanus hat trick
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Best RB in the league..when fit

      Open Controls
  19. super zlatan
    14 years, 6 months ago

    I love u rvp. 🙂

    Open Controls
  20. udit
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Neutrals who are you supporting? The scousers or Chelsea?

    Open Controls
    1. super zlatan
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea. Fuking hate the pool

      Open Controls
      1. Call Me Old Fashioned
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Going Blue for the day too Zlat

        Open Controls
    2. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Chewls.

      Open Controls
    3. Bad Pen
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea, my Dad supports them so... good enough for me. Besides, I think RDM and his team deserve a reward for all their hard work towards the end of this season.

      Open Controls
    4. Somalion
      14 years, 6 months ago

      I actually would have liked to see Pool win it but Dalglish has destroyed all of that. Don't really care now but a Torres winner would be delish.

      Open Controls
    5. China Mag
      14 years, 6 months ago

      I really don't know. There are no redeeming features about either teams. Though I probably hate chelsea less.

      I absolutely despise kenny dalgleish after what he did to newcastle. So I guess that's as good a reason as any to support chelsea.

      I actually still have a soft spot for andy carroll, so I wouldn;t mind him getting a couple of goals in a defeat!

      Open Controls
    6. @ImpressiveTackl
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea.

      Open Controls
    7. beric
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool, F*** Chelsea.

      Open Controls
    8. RÏɠBY
      14 years, 6 months ago

      chelsea for the simple reason it will be two fingers up to brovamabitch (and any other wealthy owners that think they know about football)

      Open Controls
  21. SneakyPete
    14 years, 6 months ago

    whts chelsea team for FA final ?

    Open Controls
    1. Captain Shirokov
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Not out yet, I think.

      Open Controls
  22. Simon March
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Today's game backs up the theory that the last 2 GWs are not about defenders! All money and TF should go on having the strongest forward line possible IMO.

    It might sounds almost too obvious to say but, with the new BP system, this game is more about goals than ever before. Cheap or goal-scoring defenders, a goal-scoring midfield and forwards - Being on set pieces even seems to matter less now. Next season, from my team is going to be all about goals!

    Open Controls
    1. @ImpressiveTackl
      14 years, 6 months ago

      9 games to go. Bit early to start drawing conclusions.

      Open Controls
      1. Simon March
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        14 years, 6 months ago

        that's why I said 'backs up' rather than 'proves' 😉

        Open Controls
        1. @ImpressiveTackl
          14 years, 6 months ago

          Touché. You could be right, lets see. I did agree with sentiment of your second paragraph.

          Open Controls
  23. CallumH
    14 years, 6 months ago

    I'm on 41 points.

    Open Controls
    1. Somalion
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Is this a team a joke?

      Open Controls
      1. Somalion
        14 years, 6 months ago

        *Is this team

        Open Controls
    2. Smarty Pants
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Great score! And you have Anelka to play! Gonna be a week to remember.

      Open Controls
      1. CallumH
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Danks mate

        Open Controls
        1. Captain Shirokov
          14 years, 6 months ago

          🙄

          He's being sarcastic.

          Open Controls
          1. CallumH
            14 years, 6 months ago

            Thanks, captain obvious

            Open Controls
    3. Captain Shirokov
      14 years, 6 months ago

      But you are 2 millionth in the world.

      Open Controls
    4. beric
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Hang on.. You started in GW29, and have Anelka, Townsend and Smith in your team?!?

      Open Controls
  24. Grounderz
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Rooney MUST NOT score. I'm chasing points in my H2H league and on a semi-finals in the other classic league. Opponent captained Rooney instead.

    Open Controls
  25. Nopli
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Points prediction for my team:
    RVP : 26
    Jelavic : 13
    Pog : 8
    Sess: 5
    Petrov : 8
    Evra : 15
    Caulker: 2
    Terry: 6
    Mata: 6
    Valencia: 12

    100 possible 🙂

    Open Controls
    1. unoaime
      14 years, 6 months ago

      15 for Evra? No chance.

      Open Controls
    2. Captain Shirokov
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Not a chance 😆

      Open Controls
    3. Kanus hat trick
      14 years, 6 months ago

      200's possible but it won't happen. 50 is also possible... anythings possible

      Open Controls
    4. Andy1
      14 years, 6 months ago

      How can you have 12 for Valencia, 15 for evra and 2 for caulker?

      Open Controls
      1. Kanus hat trick
        14 years, 6 months ago

        They lose 6-1 but Caulker gets a BP and assist!

        Open Controls
    5. udit
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Shirley u should have captained evra then!

      Open Controls
    6. F is for
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Pog will get you 2 and Petrov will get you 5. Evra isn't going to get an assist or goal. 😉

      Open Controls
    7. Tin of Directors
      14 years, 6 months ago

      15 for Evra????
      BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

      Open Controls
  26. Piggs Boson
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Is there a Facebook page for PaddyPower that alerts you to the specials? Can someone comment a link?

    Open Controls
    1. beric
      14 years, 6 months ago

      http://www.facebook.com/#!/paddypower, i think if you like them, the offers come up on your wall 🙂

      Open Controls
      1. beric
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Hmmm... that link looks weird, just search paddypower, its classed as a 'company'

        Open Controls
  27. super zlatan
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Rvp for the three baps or is he under threat by a canary?

    Open Controls
    1. Kanus hat trick
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Would a robin beat a canary in a fight?

      Open Controls
    2. mouldy_uk
      14 years, 6 months ago

      Should get them, 2 goals, plenty of shots (most on target), plus stayed on until the end

      Open Controls
      1. super zlatan
        14 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers mouldy

        Open Controls
    3. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      14 years, 6 months ago

      under threat id say, but i hope he gets 3, thats 6 much needed points for me

      Open Controls
  28. exammy
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Southend going up as it stands, come on ! 😀

    Open Controls
  29. Kanus hat trick
    14 years, 6 months ago

    Points prediction for my team for the first GW of next season: 86

    Open Controls
    1. Nopli
      14 years, 6 months ago

      100 for me. Higuain scoring a hattie . 😉

      Open Controls