[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
26 December 2014 5523 comments
Paul Paul
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After Chelsea strode six points clear at the summit with a 2-0 win over West Ham at Stamford Bridge this lunchtime, we now have a further nine matches on offer today.

Eight of those encounters take place at 3.00pm. Burnley slipped back into the bottom three last weekend and now face a Liverpool side that are hinting at shoots of recovery following a switch to 3-4-3. Raheem Sterling and co. face further scrutiny by Fantasy managers in light of the Merseysiders’ superb schedule.

Southampton have Dusan Tadic, Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama back for the trip to Palace, though of that trio, only the Frenchman starts, with Tadic and Wanyama amongst the subs. Graziano Pelle is edging back to form with two goals in his last three and, with some tough fixtures ahead, the Saints will be keen to kick on from last weekend’s convincing 3-0 win over Everton.

Speaking of the Toffees, Roberto Martinez will be desperate for a response after a disappointing display last time out. Leighton Baines has a chance to boost his stock after serving up five straight blanks, whilst Romelu Lukaku has four goals and an assist in his last five home starts ahead of the visit of Stoke. Kevin Mirallas shrugs off an ankle problem to return to the XI.

Tottenham head to Leicester looking for a third straight league win under Mauricio Pochettino. Harry Kane has earned plenty of new investors over the last few days after netting in each of his last three in all competitions, whilst in midfield, Christian Eriksen has returned 13 points in two of his previous three away appearances.

Man United have a host of attacking options all vying for our affections as Newcastle roll up to Old Trafford. Robin van Persie and Radamel Falcao lead the line once again and Wayne Rooney is looking to score in front of his own fans for the third successive appearance. There’s no Angel di Maria for United, though, after he sustained another injury in training – Juan Mata retains his starting role once again.

Sunderland’s recent defensive displays have seen the likes of Costel Pantilimon and Santiago Vergini arrive on Fantasy radars. The Black Cats have four clean sheets in six and host a Hull side with a meagre two goals in their last nine, whilst further up the field, Adam Johnson’s goal and assist in the last two suggests he’s starting to find his form.

Gylfi Sigurdsson and Wilfried Bony both return as Swansea host Villa at the Liberty. With the Ivorian soon to depart for African Cup of Nations duties, Christian Benteke has the chance to step up as a potential replacement – the Belgian has two goals and an assist in his last four and has some excellent fixtures to follow.

Man City roll up to West Brom looking for a seventh straight win. As we saw last week against Palace, the champions still have the weaponry to cope without their first-team strikers, with David Silva, Yaya Toure and Samir Nasri looking key for Manuel Pellegrini’s side. The City boss rotates his full-backs once again, though, as Pablo Zabaleta and Aleksander Kolarov are replaced by Bacary Sagna and Gael Clichy.

In the 5.30pm kick-off, Arsenal will fancy their chances against a QPR side that have lost all eight of their road trips to date. There’s no doubt Santi Cazorla and Olivier Giroud are the form options for the Gunners, with Captain Poll favourite Alexis Sanchez notching just once in six appearances since a change of formation forced him onto the flank. Harry Redknapp’s side have scored a mere three goals on their travels, and for all his impressive home form, the odds are stacked against Charlie Austin grabbing the goals again.

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  1. Golaso
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez you did not just do that. Now you have to score a hatrick. Fssssss

  2. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Why Giroud takes

    1. 1314
      • 11 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      it's sanchez don't scare me..

  3. Stephen - Robot Daniels
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    LMAlexis

  4. Chambo
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    omfg

  5. Hurri Kane 42
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Was Howard subbed out @ half time coz he has played only 45 mins ???? If yes why??

    1. Kagawa-san-mia
      • 14 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      injury

    2. Waynoo
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      injured

    3. Perthite
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Looks like it. Didn't see it, so unsure as to why.

    4. Hurri Kane 42
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Ok thanks

  6. Egg Fried Reus
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Yes Sanchez you beast!!!!

  7. FPLEL
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Giroud will def be on the next pen then? 😛

  8. synyster626
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Not feeling as bad doing Sanchez > Santi now Lmao

  9. walkman666
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    He telegraphed a slow shot. You'd think Sanchez was in debt to bookies with that pathetic attempt.

  10. Citizen kano
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    sanchez hahaha

  11. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    My bt connection is down

    Snow

    1. Stephen - Robot Daniels
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Should have got Sky

      1. Jax
        • 16 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        lol

  12. Waynoo
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    *opens the vodka

  13. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    People bringing in Zaba as a replacement for Baines - be prepared to be annoyed often. Last 3 game weeks Zaba has played once.

    I have him, I feel I'm allowed to be frustrated.
    The fixtures are great yes, but that means game time for Sagna

  14. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Why not Giroud take that ?
    You twat 🙁

  15. amol
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Unlucky Sanchez captainers

  16. MJ6987
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Isn't that the first pen he's ever taken in a competitive game apart from the World Cup pen shootout?

  17. Black Knights
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    That was funny.

  18. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Hahaha such an anticlimax 😆 Brilliant

  19. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Forum meltdown

    1. MJ6987
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Nice captaincy by you

  20. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    omg, I have Sanchez captain but also have Green...

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Better off than most so

  21. JayBomb
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    I feel sick.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      See the doc

  22. Vasty Deep
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    what is that, -2 for pen miss?

  23. @ocprodigy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Yep, Cazorla back on penalties.
    Please tell me Sanchez now blanks, that'd be amazing.

  24. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone captain sanchez by any chance?

  25. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Been watching Sanchez since he played for Cobreloa in Chile. He has always been a notoriously bad PK taker. Missed one in the WC as well.

  26. Crouching Tiger
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez (C) megafail. Rooney VC...

    1. Total Foot 5
      • 12 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      mercy. got dcosta vc. same here w sanches C

  27. AH 🙂
    • 11 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Alexis Misses Peno

    *Opens vodka and bag or doritios'' :')

  28. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Sanchez you complete tit

  29. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    Unlucky cazorla owners

    1. JWF
      • 16 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      I've captained him 🙁

    2. ktk_interista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      Why? You mean Gru owners.

      1. Kagawa-san-mia
        • 14 Years
        11 years, 3 months ago

        caz takes pens thats why

        1. ktk_interista
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          11 years, 3 months ago

          Gru is ahead of Caz when both on the pitch. Arteta is the no1 of course

  30. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    11 years, 3 months ago

    there goes my cup tie 🙁

    1. 7shadesofsmoke
      • 13 Years
      11 years, 3 months ago

      always time for a mini revival