[sbu_large_image] Dugout Discussion
16 August 2015 5914 comments
Mark Mark
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With mid-price assets continuing to deliver, Sunday’s fare finds three of the genuine title contenders in action, allowing us to assess the form of a series of heavy-hitters.

Arsenal get things underway with their visit to Palace and that’s followed by the titanic clash as Man City host Chelsea at the Etihad.

The Gunners arrive in South London off the back of a shock 2-0 reverse to West Ham. They can, however, take comfort from the fact that they are unbeaten in twelve matches at Selhurst Park but will be wary of a Palace side that boasts an array of weapons at their disposal. Alan Pardew’s Eagles enjoyed an impressive away win at the Norwich on the opening day and will be looking to build on that by improving home performances – they have lost half of their 10 home games under Pardew’s reign. The Gunners, meanwhile, turn up having won five of their last six away trips.

The tea-time encounter is, on paper, a classic. Chelsea go into the match still licking wounds from an opening day roughing-up by an impressive Swansea and will be without Thibaut Courtois as a result of his second-half red card in that 2-2 draw. City’s preparations could not have been better – they strolled to a 3-0 win at West Brom on Monday night and, arguably, were the most impressive side on show in Gameweek 1 with David Silva, in particular, dazzling in midfield.

Mourinho will be wary of City’s confidence and is expected to settle on the back foot in a bid to catch City on the break with pace – he can take confidence from the fact that his side are unbeaten in their last four against Manuel Pellegrini’s side. On the flipside, the Chilean will point to a recent home record which states seven straight wins, delivering six clean sheets.

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

5,914 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. jmcclory123
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I wildcarded. You did this Walcott, Rooney, Kane and Sakho? Does anyone think I've been foolish, yeah? I'm sitting third bottom in my league.

  2. The Raging Bull
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Very impressed with Cabaye, might do Henderson > Cabaye

  3. JÆKS ⭐
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Cabaye on all the set pieces it seems?
    Cazorla not really involved in anything

    1. Gamst - Up (?) the Rovers
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Cabaye steals Arsenal's set pieces?

  4. Green Arrow
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Why did I even consider starting the season with Walcott? Giroud has provided such dependable service over the past three years. Sigh. Hindsight.

    1. floydy_floyd
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Giroud the most under rated player on this site.

      Walcott perhaps the most over rated

      1. DameCorp
        11 years, 2 months ago

        This

  5. Zeeco
    11 years, 2 months ago

    I would just go mental if mert scores a header!!!!

    1. Breadbin
      11 years, 2 months ago

      What about a kick?

  6. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    11 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy racking up the saves

    1. festerme1983
      11 years, 2 months ago

      how many is he on?

      1. Cristi@no R7
        11 years, 2 months ago

        2

  7. Saniul
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ozil is playing in more advanced positions than Gru 😯

  8. Belsunz
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ozil assist.

    1. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Dial up?

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Again??

    3. Breadbin
      11 years, 2 months ago

      😆

  9. festerme1983
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Aside from walcott etc good to see arsenal playing with fluency

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

    This is going to get painful. Goal up and I've got sanchez and cazorla. I can hardly bear to watch

    1. Would an idiot do that?
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Things look good for you no? Arsenal on top

    2. The Raging Bull
      11 years, 2 months ago

      relax, Alexis will score. Imminent.

    3. Thick Of It
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I would eject Caz asap

  11. Ridgewell's scores
    11 years, 2 months ago

    .gif, Vine, clip of Giroud's goal?

    1. meerlight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Certainly worth watching

      1. Ridgewell's scores
        11 years, 2 months ago

        I'm watching, need a link for a friend who isn't.

  12. Bubz
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Not even fussed if Sanchez scores or not, he has already shown that he is well worth the long term investment

    1. Saniul
      11 years, 2 months ago

      This. Getting Sanchez even if he is subbed off after 45, with a YC...

    2. bacary lasagna
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I care because he's my captain

      1. Bubz
        11 years, 2 months ago

        Fair enough

  13. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Arsene is probably a touch biased towards Gru due to his heritage.

    1. Breadbin
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Good one.

  14. Greenbackbøøg…
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Sanchez wasteful

  15. Saniul
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Sanchez free header.... oops

  16. The Machine
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Rubbish header from sanchez

  17. OPTA FPL
    11 years, 2 months ago

    ---------Cabaye (box2box)------McArthur (DM)--------

    Bolasie---------------------Puncheon----------------------Zaha

    Right?

  18. Ally - Killie Til I Die
    11 years, 2 months ago

    How is Ozil playing, besides the assist?

    1. Bubz
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Well

    2. The Machine
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Very good

    3. Breadbin
      11 years, 2 months ago

      I want to know too (I own him but never watch football).

    4. Ally - Killie Til I Die
      11 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks folks

  19. Ginkapo FPL
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Those fixtures. Ighalo in for Bamford!

    Now do I want Payet or Ayew next week that is the question.

  20. 50 Shades Oshea
    11 years, 2 months ago

    no giroud is doing well wenger will start walcott...

  21. The Light Knight
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Wardinho!!!!

  22. Would an idiot do that?
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ward!

  23. Billy Gilmore
    11 years, 2 months ago

    WARDINHOOOOO

  24. Shrimp On The Barb
    11 years, 2 months ago

    aand cya clean sheet.

  25. Royal5
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Wow. Nice header Alexis 😆

  26. amol
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Ffs

  27. The Chosen One...
    11 years, 2 months ago

    LOL

  28. SW6
    11 years, 2 months ago

    Wardinho!

  29. 50 Shades Oshea
    11 years, 2 months ago

    ward strike son

  30. Venom Snake
    11 years, 2 months ago

    OMG ward