634x258 Dugout Discussion
26 April 2015 2794 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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Although Sunday beckons in just two Premier League fixtures, there are plenty of points at stake as four sides rich in Fantasy talent do battle. Everton play host to Manchester United in the lunchtime kick off, with the Red Devils looking to cast aside their defeat to Chelsea and snap the Toffees’ five-match unbeaten streak. Arsenal’s home clash against the Blues caps headlines the weekend’s action, with Jose Mourinho’s men all but securing the Premier League crown in the event of an Emirates win.

Everton welcome United to Goodison Park in search of their fifth victory in six outings. Roberto Martinez’s side have been particularly resilient at Goodison in recent weeks and have served up five clean sheets in the last six in front of their own fans, as Leighton Baines and Seamus Coleman make a late scramble up the Fantasy standings. United are now enjoying goals from midfield, with Juan Mata (three in four), Marouane Fellaini (two in five) and Ander Herrera (two in three) all contributing to the cause.

The team news from Goodison is significant for both sides. Everton hand a start to striker Romelu Lukaku after he saw action as a substitute in the win over Burnley last time out. Leon Osman also returns to the teamsheet as Kevin Mirallas and Arouna Kone drop to the bench. As for United, they are able to welcome back Daley Blind to the midfield engine room, allowing Wayne Rooney to shift to the attack against his former club: Radamel Falcao makes way.

Sunday’s main event promises to be a tight affair that could become attritional; Arsenal and Chelsea have both conceded just seven goals in their previous 12 matches and it’s fair to say that Jose Mourinho’s side will be containing the Gunners threat as a first priority. Arsenal have recorded eight straight wins since a 2-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur back in early February, with Olivier Giroud’s red-hot form (seven goals in as many starts) driving their success. With two goals and three assists in four league outings, Aaron Ramsey is showing glimpses of least season’s breakthrough star. Eden Hazard has delivered attacking returns in 13 of his last 17 appearances and promises to keep Arsenal occupied at the back.  

  1. Jax
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    3-0 lol

    1. AAC
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      That's what wrong with the current offside rules.

      1. inter the wild
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        three nil

  2. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Useless United.

    Title contenders next season? My hole.

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Getting way too ahead of themselves. Arsenal Chelsea much better. City will be better with Ancelotti too.

      1. Captain Shirokov
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        I think City and United will be around the same level but not title contenders

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          Depends on City's managerial situation I guess. Think Arsenal and Chelsea will contend for it next season

  3. Annie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    United are hopeless

  4. The Enlightener
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    A beat down up in Merseyside.

  5. Tangerine Army XI
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    .@Arsenal team to play Chelsea: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud #AFCvCFC

    1. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      More like it

  6. Costa in Wengerland
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Ohhhhhhhh
    myyyyyy
    GAWWWD

  7. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    That's dreadful

  8. ellelelle
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    third year running

  9. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Cheeky goal from Everton

  10. Jax
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    see no remy.

  11. deathorglory
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    This offside rule needs changed, it's a complete joke.

    Not a Man U fan btw.

    1. davies
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Why? He was onside and Lukaku didn't affect play. Smh.

      1. deathorglory
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        Of course he affected play, lol it's insane to claim he didn't.

        1. Hibbopotamus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 7 months ago

          I see your point, but I think whoever was marking Mirallas has to stay with him until he hears the whistle. I'm biased but still

          1. Hibbopotamus
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 7 months ago

            Or sees the flag, whatever

  12. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Bellerin vs Hazard

  13. Jimbo123
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Hazard upfront?

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Would be a waste imo. Probably Oscar?

    2. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Think so

  14. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    United still controlling the game I see.

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      They'd be 5 down if they weren't in such control. 😉

      1. Hibbo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 7 months ago

        They are bossing this today.

  15. chrisjdgrady
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Who up front for Chelsea??

    1. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Looks to me like they're playing the Spain 2012's 4-6-0 formation?

    2. Game of Stones
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Haz or Fab

  16. Richd
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Who's up top for chelski??

    1. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      False 9 - Fab or Haz?

  17. Captain Shirokov
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Haz up front?

  18. Scratch
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Hate United but surely that's offside, the rule is ridiculous

    1. Ryan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      As a United fan I think its a good rule. Fair goal

  19. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Good call on Ramires WilshereKnowledge

  20. Billy Gilmore
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Fabregas false 9?

    1. ellelelle
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      yes please

    2. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Think it could be this, he's played there for Barca

  21. copps
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    LOL

  22. Weasel Boy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Mertesacker you prat!!

  23. davies
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Bus = parked

    1. TuttiFrutti
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      parked = bus?

  24. Would an idiot do that?
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Its not over yet 😀

  25. Hibbo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Either Hazard Fabregas or Oscar up top for Chelsea.

    1. Charlie&TheLads
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      Eden I'd imagine.

    2. Duke Silver ☑
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 7 months ago

      I think Haz or Fabs would be wasted up top. I'd guess Oscar.

  26. I-Taught-Danny-Welbeck-How-…
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    That offside rule is a joke

  27. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    I feel sorry for anyone who believed that Costa would play. Ridiculous comments from Mourinho

  28. Nickofoz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Probably Fabregas false 9 I'd say

  29. Mull
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Well Baines to Moreno for a hit couldn't have worked out any better. 🙄

  30. Bøwstring The Carp
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 7 months ago

    Ugh, Hazard is going to clean up today 😳