634x258 Dugout Discussion
11 January 2015 4565 comments
Mark Mark
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Sunday delivers a trio of teams tussling for a top-four spot. Arsenal begin proceedings, with Arsene Wenger’s men seeking to recover from a damaging 2-0 reverse at St Mary’s: the Gunners host a dangerously unpredictable Stoke the Emirates.

Following that, it’s a Dutch Maestro face-off, as Man United and Southampton clash at Old Trafford. Louis van Gaal’s side will put their 10-match unbeaten run on the line against Ronald Koeman’s revived Southampton, buoyed by three wins in the last four.

Fantasy managers will be fixated on the returns of Alexis Sanchez against the Potters as he looks to take the opportunity to topple Eden Hazard atop the Fantasy Premier League midfield rankings. With just a single goal in the last six Gameweeks, another big Sanchez haul is overdue. We’ll also have an eye on Olivier Giroud – back from suspension and bidding to come into our Wildcard equation. Equally, Theo Walcott’s pitch time will be of keen interest – returns for the 8.9-priced midfielder could yet disrupt the template currently being formed.

Angel Di Maria is already part of that Wildcard template, with the Argentine expected to be handed a first start since Gameweek 12 when the Saints pay visit. His role and the impact on Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata is likely to occupy our analysis, while Southampton’s defence will also come under scrutiny against a United attack that’s fired 22 goals at Old Trafford.

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

  1. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    I really hope United Southampton ends up 1-1 with randomers scoring!

    1. beric
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Me too

    2. turd ferguson
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      randomers lol

      1. Hybrid.power
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Blind and Cork 😛

        1. turd ferguson
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          that would be nice!

        2. Lucy.
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Hope Corkie does get one but he won't be playing so that seems unlikely. Not quite fit according to RonnieK.

    3. Mile Plankton - Myth and Ch…
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Me too.

  2. Reedy
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Can't believe how deep Rooney is

    1. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      😆

    2. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      balls deep

      1. Mull
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        The PC term is Helms deep.

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

      Usually is

    4. RD
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Calm down he would have his runs nd score a brace 😉

    5. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Said the granny

  3. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Roma - Lazio what a game

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Some fan you are

      1. La Roja
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        😆

      2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Typical Arsenal fans innit

      3. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        I'm just watching during the break...

        1. Captain Shirokov
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          😉

  4. Mikeharbrw
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    LVG = same as moyes + 150 mil + spent..?

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      and 4th in the League and not 7th so what's your point?

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Pipe down your a hearts fan.

        1. For Fuchs Sake
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          What's that got to do with it?

          1. Hibbo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            Stop supporting two teams.

            You've more clubs than Tiger Woods.

            1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 11 months ago

              This

      2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Same points as him this time last year though.

    2. Rats Ass
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I think that's unfair. Moyes never lost to Southampton at OT.

  5. chrisjdgrady
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Shawncross is scum

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Has been for years

    2. SuperDunny - Used to be goo…
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      What a load of bollox. Arsenal could do with someone like him in their defence. Remember Martin Keown?

    3. Long Juan Silva
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      One of the best English CBs in the league. Would be playing for England if he wasn't with an 'unfashionable' club.

  6. megatronaldinho
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    LOL @ humanity

  7. Point Magnets
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    For everyone who was hating on me for putting Koscielny in my Wild Card team n persuaded me to take him out . i Hate your guts and despise u..

    1. ronmadpirlo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Shouldn't have listened

      1. Point Magnets
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        smh.. why oh why do i let others ignorance influence my decisions.

    2. Wouter
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      😆

    3. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Yes, always follow your own gut.

      I backed Ivan over Terry and decided to keep Baines.

    4. The ghost of a Pug's g…
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      You should hate yourself for being weak and easily swayed.

      Feeble human.

      1. RÏɠBY
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        😆

      2. Point Magnets
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Muzzle on u puney worthless dog

      3. Mílanista
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Genuine lol

    5. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Hating on???

    6. Scoredelario
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      So when you do well do you take any credit?

      1. Point Magnets
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        ridiculous question but yes.

    7. Clump
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      No hating on a Sunday.

      1. Point Magnets
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        No hating at all if Giroud makes up for it and gets me a brace 🙂 preferably with another 2 assists from Alexis

  8. Ash_195
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    The guy next to wenger in the picture above looks like bald brendan rodgers 😛

    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      That would be Steve Bould

    2. Jake Donahue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      You mean Steve bould

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Not really.

    4. NissA
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I see a bit of resemblance between the eyes and big nose.

    5. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Bould statement

  9. chrisdale98
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Tadic worth a punt? Using wildcard and I want him and a soton defender

    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      He scored at the theatre of dreams, he could score anywhere. Essential imo.

    2. John Obi Wan Mikel
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Nope, if you take away 23 point haul not worth the 7.7 price when theres chadli etc

    3. Dempsey
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      yeah go for it 100%

    4. megatronaldinho
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      maybe. but i wouldn't. so many mids i'd have over him. had him for a while and besides that HUGE haul he did very little

  10. Ginkapo FPL
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Given as a goal. End of discussion.

    The so called "rules" are that the press association do whatever they feel like.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Press association have sanchez capt

      1. chrisjdgrady
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        lol

    2. Billy Gilmore
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Would it have gone in had Begovic not touched it after the post? Yes. Therefore it's a goal. Simple.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Its not that black and white

        1. 1966 was a great year for E…
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          If he tipped it onto the post and it was rolling away from the goal, then hits the keeper and goes in, that's an OG.

          If he tipped it onto the post and it was rolling towards the goal, then hits the keeper and goes in, that's not an OG.

          1. Gaz Downright
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            this

        2. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          It is for every other OG.

        3. diz
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          It actually is

      2. Comment removed. Please refer to our terms and conditions on posting comments.

        1. Billy Gilmore
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Because it was already halfway across the line and rolling further over...

          1. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            Don't Think so Billy, tough to call, but watch again.

            1. Billy Gilmore
              • 13 Years
              10 years, 11 months ago

              How does it come off the post and be halfway across the line? By heading towards the stands. Simple physics.

  11. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    FILOSHOFEE

  12. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Now there's a small quick break: Downing + Zabaleta > Sanchez + Wisdom 2FT yay or nay?

    1. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Why do u wanna get rid of Downing before hull game?

      1. Your Mum's Athletic
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Because Sanchez is killing me, more important

    2. Calm
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Do it. You need Sanchez. Downing, although i love the guy, hasn't been in brilliant form and blanked recently in games similar to the Hull one

  13. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Shrek booked?

    1. Woy of the Wovers
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Shrek 2 on BBC1.

    2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Manchester palace theatre on now tickets going fast though so act quick

  14. Solenya
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    For everything he is, Di Maria is not a very intelligent footballer.

    1. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      The elitist Acqua & some of his friends will tell you he's miles better player than Hazard 'cause Hazard hasn't won anything big in his career.

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Hahaha 😀

      2. Solenya
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Hazard > Di Maria, no qualms about that.

      3. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        🙂

  15. Timtastic03
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    AdM RvP upfront

    1. Curves in Alderweireld Plac…
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      dial up?

      1. Barnsley FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Brilliant

    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Lovely stuff 🙂

    3. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Keeping Costa?

      1. Timtastic03
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Haven't decided, leaning towards no

        1. Christina.
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Ta

  16. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Why didn't I captain Sanchez?

    1. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Because you chose not to.

      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Why did I choose not to?

        1. Breadbin
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Stupidity/carelessness/not being from the future. One of those.

  17. Make United Great Again
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Simple rules of football guys.

    If the players shot is off target, and a deflection diverts it back on target it's an own goal.

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Now tell me, does this apply to the Sanchez free kick?

      NO

    2. mgrea
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      The post is off target.

      1. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Not if the keeper tips it onto the post.

      2. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        this is correct

    3. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      What goal does this apply to?

    4. Concrete
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Not rules. They're laws

  18. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    I really enjoyed the Arsenal game, quick tempo, direct, lovely skills...all that stuff. This UTD game on the other hand is just a bit rubbish...

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Both teams look like they will be happy with a draw

    2. Punty
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      It's so much worse than the Liverpool-game when everyone here were complaining

    3. Solenya
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Stoke away and Southampton away are literally the same as well.

    4. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Rooney and Mata put their foot on the ball, look up then float it out wide. Rosicky and Cazorla keep it moving with quick passes and one-twos. I know which I prefer to watch...

      1. Dr Dream
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Me as well...

    5. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      These games are made for defenders...

  19. Lucy.
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Not a game for the neutrals.

    1. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Or anyone actually.

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Saints fans?

        1. Lucy.
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Nope, I'm a Saints fan and I was pretty bored 😛

      2. Not Irish
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Filoshofee

    2. ronmadpirlo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      As a neutral with none of these players I'll take this. A saints goal or Wilson goal would be nice though

    3. BRONALDINHO
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Try owning ADM, you'll scream angrily at the TV every few minutes

  20. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Just seen the post blaming the captains poll for incorrectly captaining Hazard.

    You can use the captans poll to your advantage too. I deliberately made the opposite call because Sanchez was only on 6% and it was a great opportunity to rise in rank.

    1. Mr. Grv
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I donot even trust the poll.

      1. copps
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        nah its actually very good. most weeks it comes good

        1. Mr. Grv
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          you can vote multiple times

          1. MadridistaRants
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 11 months ago

            You can't vote multiple times with one account. It counts only 1 per account

    2. RubeRx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      well done gran, exceptional pick

    3. ronmadpirlo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Good point

    4. A Defender's Nightmare
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I like Mark more.

    5. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Apparently 6% of the top 10k captained him as well, so it's obviously a good sample for what people will actually do.

      1. Granville
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        How much of that top 10k vote in the poll? I reckon a high proportion.

        1. 1966 was a great year for E…
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah, FFS is too popular these days...

    6. Efan Ekoku Pops
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      The 'Rate My Team' tool has Sanchez as the best captain option; although I ignored that.

      1. Efan Ekoku Pops
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        *had

        1. Granville
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          There you go. I don't there there was much between the captaincy options tbh, that's why it shocked me that he was only on 6%.

  21. Kevin Twine
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    How many players do you have playing today?

    1. Gooner97
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Alexis and Shrek

    2. Declan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Alexis

    3. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      2

    4. Viper
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      1 Sanchez

    5. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Walcott, Debuchy, ADM and RVP. So possibly one 🙂

      1. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Ha, good luck 🙂

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

      Debuchy
      Sanchez
      ADM
      DDG

      1. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Nice.

      2. Kevin Twine
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        De Gea could rack up a few points today

  22. Scoredelario
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Will be fun next season when Rooney is classified as a midfielder in fpl

    1. Timtastic03
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      And AdM/Sanchez as strikers?

      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Sanchez a striker in SKY this year. 🙁

        1. Reedy
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Is in FFE too.

        2. Timtastic03
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Guessing that makes it really complicated to allocate your budget with him Kun and Costa

        3. Somalion
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Opens up another mid spot 😉

    2. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Why?

    3. ronmadpirlo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      They would factor that into his price

  23. For Fuchs Sake
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Smalling, Shaw, Blind, Carrick, Rooney, Mata, Di Maria, van Persie.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Very nice. Come on RVP!

    2. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Blind straight back in! Surprising

    3. For Fuchs Sake
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Back 3 of Jones Smalling and Carrick?

      1. For Fuchs Sake
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Or 442 Jones Smalling Valencia and Shaw?

      2. FPL Maldini
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        FFS WHERE IS FALCAO?!?!?!

        1. For Fuchs Sake
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Injured

  24. Your Mum's Athletic
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Thanks for all the comments, top 3k without Sanchez, could be so much higher with him, Downing + Zabaleta > Sanchez + Wisdom 2FT and am happy

    1. Jaffalicious! #SomosCubanos
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good!

    2. ronmadpirlo
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Terrible Downing has Hull at home next

  25. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    How much is gardos?

    1. Cesc, Drogs & Rock and …
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      3x a Magicarp.

    2. Declan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      4.8

  26. All Out Attack
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Any suggestions for a 5.2 defender?

    1. Wouter
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Toby

      1. OptimusBlack
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        Who is Toby ??

        1. All Out Attack
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          toby alderweireld

      2. All Out Attack
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        I already have Bertrand. But I'll consider doubling up.

    2. t4thomas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Jones

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Debuchey

  27. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    So Mangala isn't suspended although he got his 5th yellow card?

    1. Prime
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      indeed, threshold is 10 now.

    2. mipola
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Threshold extended to 10 after Jan 1st.

      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        technically after Dec 31st... if you see the difference

        1. mipola
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 11 months ago

          Alright.

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      The threshold was raised to 10 yellow cards at the beginning of January.

    4. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks. Love to hear that. Would have to take a hit for defender 😀

  28. Le Limpar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    With so many good attacks to want to 'cover' - Utd's combination of having too many players to pick from, most of which are over-priced plus their lack of creativity - makes things easier in FPL. Just ignore altogether. I haven't owned a Utd player all season I don't think... And still in top 500.

  29. Somalion
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    Aldi done.

    Hope it's only a Lidl injury 😉

    1. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      BRAVO !!!....

      1. Somalion
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 11 months ago

        I feel dirty all over...

  30. Ginkapo FPL
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 11 months ago

    All aboard the Hoovield mobile

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      I think I'll just walk thanks.

    2. Hamstergod
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 11 months ago

      Own Goal legend