Dugout Discussion

The Dugout Discussion – Sunday

Rounding off the weekend’s football are a pair of local derbies that look set to engender narratives at both ends of the table. A resurgent Queens Park Rangers outfit welcome league leaders Chelsea to Loftus Road in the lunchtime clash, before the Manchester clubs tussle for places in the top four in the late kick-off.

Queens Park Rangers play host to Chelsea off the back of a six-goal thriller at Villa Park last time out. The R’s netted seven times in their double Gameweek 31 – with Charlie Austin and Matt Phillips both surpassing the 20-point mark. They now face a tough task perpetuating that hot streak against a Blues side that’s conceded just three times in their previous four road trips. Eden Hazard’s quest for player of the year accolades continues apace as he searches for his fourth goal in five outings, while Didier Drogba is handed a rare start for the Blues as Loic Remy joins Diego Costa on the sidelines through injury – the Frenchman picked up a muscle problem during training yesterday.

The Manchester derby closes out the weekend’s Premier League action, with the Red Devils welcoming the Sky Blues to Old Trafford. Wayne Rooney is the form forward in the North West, having notched four in five starts once restored up front. In contrast, Sergio Aguero has been uncharacteristically out of touch in the second half of the season, drawing blanks in eight of his previous 10 starts. The output of these two strikers is likely to be vital to today’s end result and indeed, our assessment of their potential over the remainder of the season.

2,792 Comments Post a Comment
  1. denial
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If I hadn't had 2ft's I wouldn't have done Austin to Remy.

    FMFPLL etc.

    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ha. Top. Attention gained!

    2. Richd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah same. I'd have had to get Murray

      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Looks like I'll probably get Murray a week late instead

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          3 free transfer later eh?

          Not taking the mick. Same boat for me.

    3. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I was confident that Giroud would score so I held him for another week. Fine margins!

      1. denial
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I've found having the 2 frees a pain in the bum recently

      2. Tomeister
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        against a team that shut out spurs and city?

    4. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Same. Seemed to be the right move "on paper." Whaddya gonna do?

  2. Punty
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If I was running Chelsea I'd buy another winger that has goal threat and can create stuff.. Willian is just not a threat and they are all focusing on Hazard

    1. Boydinho
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      like salah or schurrle

    2. The Machine
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Willian is great for the team balanace. One of the main reasons they are si hard to break down

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Don't agree. Maybe in the big matches but we need more attacking threat while trying to break teams like QPR. Fergie has done it marvelously with Park in the past, who played in big games for very own that reason

    3. Saint & Reevesy
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Bale would do a job for them

    4. Test Eagles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Cuadrado?

    5. Jimbo123
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      To do that they would need a right back that can defend and doesn't think he is a striker.

      1. Ludo
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        This. Cuadrado deserves time though, I think he's perfect for that position.

    6. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Finally some sense on Willian. To play constantly for Chelsea and to have something like 3 goals whole season it too weak for top side team IMO. That is why I am saying all the time we need Walcott. Really hope we sign him in summer.

  3. Ron_Swanson
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Barton gives it away every time!

  4. Alan The Llama
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If Hazard isn't going to score, I hope Chelsea lose. Make things interesting.

  5. Saint & Reevesy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Fab should score there

    1. RÏɠBY
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      didn't want to damage his mask

  6. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Needs more Hazard this game....

    1. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He and Chelsea have been woeful.

    2. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      ....and Remy

  7. The Enlightener
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Crap game. Too many crap games in Prem this season.

    1. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Behave. 😆

      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Tis true! 🙂

    2. Rafabio
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      It's true, has made this FPL season pooh!

  8. Nico.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Feels more like watching QPR v Burnley

    1. Sif
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      There were goals in that.

  9. John t penguin
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Matic has looked poor for a while now
    Remember when he was raved about so much.

    1. Nico.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He's still undoubtedly one of the best DMs in the world...

      1. Rafabio
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Exactly and he's human. He's played total 90s unless he was banned/injured.

        No better DM in EPL ATM.

      2. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        After Coq. 😉

        1. Nico.
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          That's a ridiculous comparison 😛

          1. Wilshere Knowledge
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            I know... Coq is just so much better! 😉 😀

            1. 7shadesofsmoke
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              to be fair, on form alone I'd agree.

              Football is a funny old game

            2. Nico.
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Coq for Balloon d'Or... 😉

        2. Rafabio
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          LMAO 😉

  10. Heydudes13
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Thrilling first half.

    1. RÏɠBY
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      you spelt coma-inducing wrong 😉

  11. Test Eagles
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Time for an Ivanovic goal, Terry assist then Austin hat-trick?

  12. Cantona90
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Forgot to swap my captain on Sky Sports again.

    Can I swap to Ageuro now for the derby or will it not count?

    1. Alan The Llama
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Too late

      1. Cantona90
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Damn. Forgot quite a bit this season it's my first time playing Sky Sports FF. I usually remember my fantasy premier league game. Would probably be top of my league on SSFF if I didn't forget so often!

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

    You can just tell a QPR player will get sent off in this game. My bet is on Austin or Barton.

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      My one is on any Chelsea player !

    2. Cantona90
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Drogba with an elbow.

  14. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Ivanovic needs to attack more..

    1. Rafabio
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      And stop b!tching about everything.

  15. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Cuadrado plays fantastic on Salah position. #bench

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      We need to bring back KDB

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

        This

      2. Rafabio
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        100% this.

      3. Coaly
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        We don't

  16. Alan Hansen's Emu
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What's a better combo fot DGW? I already own Hazard + Willian:

    A) Sturridge + Henderson/Coutinho

    B) Sturrdige + Oscar

    My dilema is, Chelsea are a better team, but have tougher fixtures... Thoughts?

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

      A, easily. And wtf do u have William?

  17. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If you have 2FT for GW33 who would be your picks for one game only, given you have a GW34 WC. Already have Silva and Aguero, so currently thinking Baines/Murray/Lukaku...

    1. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Lukaku is an injury doubt, and Burnley will likely park the bus and try to grab a draw. Baines and Murray are both excellent picks though.

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

      Murray and Coleman
      Or
      Bolasie and lukaku

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Murray, Yaya, and puncheon are on my short list of gw33 punts before gw34 WC.

      1. ellelelle
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Ozil to Yaya

        or

        Giroud to Murray/Sturridge/Kun

        Not sure what I'll do yet. Probably decide tomorrow night.

  18. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If you had to guess, what do you think the points difference would be between this -

    Murray (WBA, HUL)

    or

    Boyd(eve) Giroud(CHE)

    Just deciding whether it could be worth bringing in Murray for a hit, will be bringing Giroud back at some point so it may even cost me -8 in the end.

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

      20

    2. Ludo
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd expect Murray to score at least once, if not more, Boyd to blank. And Giroud to probably blank.

      -4, maybe worth the risk. -8, no.

  19. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Mourinho out.

    This is boring and disgrace. 0 Chances for a half against the worse defence together with Leicester in the league . .. .!!!

    1. Nico.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      We need to sub you in for Drogba, Daniel 🙂

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      🙄

    3. You Must Be Jokin Ere
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Mourhino lost his Mojo a few years ago. There are plenty better managers than him in the PL

    4. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      😀

    5. Arrow Marked Drogba
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Its a derby, classic english derby at that, high intensity, physical and of course when players are up for a game its not going to as easy to hold on to the ball under high pressure!!however players will tire and the game will open up!

    6. Heydudes13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      #loyalty

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Anyone disagree?

        1. Heydudes13
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Well you're looking like you're gonna win the double so I probably think he should stay.

    7. jernej93
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Only special manager can waste such a big advantage on top of the league table 🙂

      1. Nico.
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Judging by the quality of the other teams, I'd say it's highly unlikely even if we do drop points

  20. RÏɠBY
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    so i keep forgetting to ask
    what's all the 42's about.. yaya or hitchhikers guide to the galaxy?

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Tribute to member Doosra who is recovering in hospital

      1. RÏɠBY
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        blimey! fingers crossed he gets out soon

  21. Jimmers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    So if either Fabregas or Matic get a YC today they will get a 2 game ban. Therefore it would be in their interest to get a second yellow and a red which is only a 1 game ban. The threshold for YC ban goes up to 15 after today. Correct?

    1. Think
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yup but one of them will be yc

      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        The 2 yellows are counted as a red

    2. RÏɠBY
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      yes
      fab has tried to keep out of everything probably because of his mask

  22. Think
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Is Remy really injured?

    1. Rafabio
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

      1. Think
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I thought of jose mind game

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yeh. Should be back next week.

    3. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Well Chelsea would hardly prefer to go into a match with only one available striker.

  23. Mr Arsenal
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If Chelsea don't win this and then don't beat Man U at home, then it'll be squeaky bum time against AFC....

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal for the title. They deserve it IMO

      1. Mr Arsenal
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        On current form not impossible..

        Then John Terry would get on the bus with us to parade the trophy across North London.

  24. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    How long is usually this muscle injury, like Remy has? One game ?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      It's just a kick. You'd have to be a right softy to be out longer than a week.

  25. Holmes
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Lovely game!

  26. Rafabio
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Oscar --> Cesc if Cesc survives the ban.

  27. ellelelle
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    The only way this week could get any worse for me is if Sturridge plays a blinder tomorrow.

    So it will probably happen! Murphy's Law. GW32 Law.

  28. LeicesterA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    So, Remy being out means I'll have Fellani off the bench.

    Makes the Manchester Derby more exciting, so meh, not too fussed.

  29. Lyonnais
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do with this team ?

    Krul (TOT)
    Terry (MUN), Clyne (stk), Dawson (cry)
    Hazard (MUN), Silva (WHU), Eriksen (new), Mane (stk) / Boyd (eve)
    Remy* (MUN), Aguero (WHU), Kane (new)

    Planned to save the FT and do Hutton + Eriksen + Mane ---> Skrtel + Henderson + Coutinho -4 for the DGW.

    But the Remy injury changed everything 🙁
    Think I have to get rid for Murray.

  30. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Looking on the bright side Chelsea has 100% tackles success in the first half. Nice on Jose, just buy players tacklers . Game is won on tackles. No need to score !!!!