Dugout Discussion
24 April 2016 944 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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In the first of two Premier League contests this afternoon, Sunderland invite Arsenal to the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats secured their first win in seven outings last time out, while the Gunners will look to extend a six-match unbeaten streak.

Despite ranking sixth for attempts (59) across their last four matches, Sunderland recorded just four goals, registering the fifth-worst shot-conversion rate (6.8%). Further bolstering the visitors’ clean-sheet prospects, Sunderland place joint-fourth-bottom for goals (17) and bottom for big chances (12) in home ties. On the flip side, only five teams have conceded fewer goals on their own turf than Sam Allardyce’s troops.

Arsenal were one of the league’s dominant attacking forces in their last four outings, charting joint-second for goals (10), top for shots inside the box (49) and second for shots on target (29). Moreover, no side has amassed more goals (32) and shots inside the box (164) on their travels than the Gunners. From a defensive standpoint, Arsenal surrendered the fewest big chances (zero) over their last four fixtures and boast three clean sheets in five.

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  1. how now brown cow
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Why do I still have ozil?

    1. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sanchez too expensive?

      1. how now brown cow
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Wildcarding at present. Will be gone unless 2nd half hattrick.

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Hope never dies?

    3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      i've big the biggest ozil supporter but i cut ties with him yday and got sanchez. when its time, its time!

    4. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      You love me! 😀

  2. Jøssy ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    While the game is slow...

    Hart - Gomes
    Bellerin - Fuchs - Sakho - Gabriel - Simpson
    Sanchez - De Bruyne - Payet - Alli - Lanzini
    Aguero - Kane - Sturridge

    0.0 ITB

    My priority looks like one of the following:

    A) Sakho > PVA
    B) Gabriel > Kirchoff

    What do you think? Any alternatives?

    1. ralfb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Cresswell

      1. Jøssy ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I'd love to, but don't have the budget for any more than what I'm selling, which is:

        Sakho: 4.7M
        Gabriel: 4.3M

      2. Jøssy ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Unless I decide to pull the plug on KDB, which I'm really not sure about.

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A this week. I'm thinking same move

      Maybe also B after next week if Gabriel does not play againts Norwich.

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

    Ball is going up to giroud who just falls down every time

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

      Le donkey bring on welbeck

  4. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Might get Iwobi in. Most dangerous Arsenal attacker by miles today

    1. the axolotl
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      wibbly iwobbly wonder

  5. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Yedlin a clear handball as well. 1-1

  6. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Are we now certain that Gabriel is no longer nailed on?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Of course.

    2. how now brown cow
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Wait snd see if he starts the next 3.

      1. NobleBlackman
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Best advice ever

  7. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Soccer Guy ‏@usasoccerguy 2m2 minutes ago
    Murdersoccer hand kicks the ball in his own danger box zone but the referee thinks he's the goal tender and says 'nice hand denial buddy'.

    😆

  8. Fred54
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Iwobi scores for fun, I buy him, misses sitters.
    Lanzini scores for fun, I buy him, misses sitters.

    Always the way.

    1. Worzel Gummidge
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Iwobi hasn't missed any sitters.

      • Syd.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Cheer up 🙂 🙂

        1. Fred54
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Well I should be more positive given I'm having a decent end to the season, but in the season of casual picks, it would be nice if some diffs paid off.

    2. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Arsenal defence Bps... Wtf Bellerin

      Kosc 13, Mert 10, Bellerín 2, Monreal 11

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

        He only gets baps for attacking

      2. drughi
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        strange

      3. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Lol

      4. KOLASINA(C)
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Well, Bellerin has disappeared in this game.

      5. Hobolicious
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        His passing has been horrible today. Not surprised. Not sure I have seen him do anything particularly good so far...

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

          nice header to defoe

      6. Eden Hazardous
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I own Koscienly and Mannone 😎

      7. George Sillett
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        How many BPS points do you get for catching the ball ?

      8. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        He's been awful tbf

      9. Meinhoff
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        wtf he almost assisted that Defoe shot for a handball

    3. Duke Silver ☑
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ozil reaching Berbatov levels of laziness.

      1. I Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        lmao wat?

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

        He always was to the end of the season

    4. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Does Giroud just fall on his back? Put my player Wellbeck on please Wenger for all our sakes!

    5. tm245
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone have much success with differential captains?

      I went for Firmino this week over Aguero and Kane and it made me wonder when the last time a less than mainstream pick has worked for me. Just wondering if I am even using the selection properly or if it is more luck than I give it credit for.

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I captained Fabregas this week. Not much success other weeks though.

        1. tm245
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Nice haul, massive differential as well.

      2. Fred54
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Generally for me, going against the grain usually gets me burnt.

      3. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I have Fuchs (c) this week.

        1. tm245
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Very bold, good luck.

      4. NobleBlackman
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        It could've paid off if Klopp went for the false 9 like a lot of people thought he would. That's why they're gambles

    6. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Anyone seen Giroud stand up at all this game ?

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

        Saving himself for Euro 2016

    7. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      DDG
      Smalling PvA Rose Cresswell
      Alli Payet Firmino
      Kane Carroll Defoe

      Think that'll be my GW37 team ...

      1. puhd
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Looks good

    8. puhd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ozil out for Who?
      Current front 8:
      Sanchez, Ozil, Payet, Alli, Coutinho
      Carroll, Aguero, Defoe

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

        Get rid of Coutinho

        1. puhd
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          For -4?

      2. I Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Surely Coutinho goes before Ozil.

      3. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Definitely Coutinho out first.

      4. puhd
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Ok, Coutinho it is! Thanks lads.

        1. puhd
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Might sell for Fabregas

    9. Ibracadebruyne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Best 5th defender for remaining GW's (4.8 itb)?

      A. PVA

      B. Moreno

      C. Cathcart

      D. Morgan

      E. Other

      1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        PVA. i would say moreno but he's a rotation risk whether we like it or not

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

        I think Leicester will keep lots of cleanies, so Morgan. PvA has a DGW and attacking potential, he is defnitely a good option too. Moreno will get rotated.

    10. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      migs

      fuchs alderweirld koscielny

      alli payet sanchez coutinho

      sturridge kane aguero

      subs - josh king fosu-mensah targett

      what do i do about coutinho and my bench???? pls help

      1. NobleBlackman
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        that's one mean team, maybe swap coutinho for firmino

    11. ralfb
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Hazard or payet for dgw? Already have lanzini

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Payet.

      2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        meeeeeech

      3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        big meeeeeech

      4. VS10_
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Fabregas would be my Chelsea pick.

      5. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Payet.

        All this talk that Hazard will "want to impress on the transfer market" or ":finish with a flourish" is bunk. The top players don't think that way. They know what their worth on the market and so do teams and their agents. He could blank the rest of the season, and PSG would still throw money at him.

        1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          he cost too much to even consider that risk. hehas literally dont nothing all season after being the best player last season. beyond me whats happened to him. stay well clear

    12. Swan - Villa Proud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Which is the prioirty this week?

      A) Mitrovic (CRY)->Defoe (sto)
      B) Gabriel (NOR)->Cresswell (wba)

      Thinking B. Whichever I don't do this week, I'll do in GW37

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Wait and see if Mertesacker has a shocker second half

      2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        oooo tough one. who are your other strikers?

        1. Swan - Villa Proud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Kun and Kane.

          1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            yh then do mitro > defoe!

      3. HurriKane
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        A. westham cant keep cs at the moment. they rely in their attack to win

        meanwhile sunderland could do well against porous stoke defence

      4. HVT
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Depends if you can play 3-5-2 imho.

    13. KOLASINA(C)
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Move to make:
      A) Ozil -> Sanchez
      B) Coutinho -> Firmino
      c) Sakho -> PVA

      1. Blue Moon Evolution
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        C

      2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        A

    14. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      9(-8) that's a relief 😉

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        People who humble brag should be banned ↑↑↑ should be banned

        1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          😆

        2. HVT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          So much this 😉

      2. Rolls-Royce
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        11(-8) 😎

        1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Show off...

    15. Blue Moon Evolution
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A.Which one to ship off?Sakho or Gabriel?
      B.WHich one to bring in?Cresswell or PVA?

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Sahko->Cresswell

      2. boredjames
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Both have to go and both have to come in

        1. Sjaugen
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Just keep Gabriel at 4.3 on the bench for the rest of the season?

          1. Blue Moon Evolution
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Sounds good.

          2. boredjames
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Na. Both have DGW's. Both attacking.
            Worth the hit

        2. Blue Moon Evolution
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          If Sakho gets a green flag from Liverpool,then he'll have a DGW.That's why I'm leaning towards keeping him.

        3. Volley127
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          This. I'm doing both for both.

    16. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Khazri looks lively. Might transfer out Iwobi for him for 37.

      1. Sjaugen
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        He has looked terrible in previous games. Stay clear IMO

      2. Blue Moon Evolution
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        He does but does he have the consistency to keep it going?

        Doubt it.

      3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Khazri has good technique. Decent player but can do stupid things more often than not. Dont invest

    17. Sjaugen
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Sakho/Coutino ➡ PvA/Fabrebas 0.0ITB sounds good?

      1. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yes!

        1. Sjaugen
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          One price movement and I'm priced out

    18. Coffee-Geek
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Got quite a thrill when my 3 Arsenal players completed a minute.

      3 instant points

      My biggest haul of the week.

    19. HVT
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Looks like I'll be getting Smallings OG for Gabbys no show 🙁

      1. Sjaugen
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Did I miss a joke?

        1. HVT
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          The joke is on us Sahko and Gabriel owners SJ

          1. Sjaugen
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Got Smalls Sakho and Gabs myself.
            And I'm on a -8 this week 😐

            1. HVT
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              Same here, can't believe we will both be autosubbing in a Utd OG 🙁

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

                Pretty sure the cup games still don't count. 😉

    20. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      if u have Bellerin and Sanchez would you be happy with a 0-0?

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

        Not really no

      2. Bazzalona
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I'd be ok with it but not overly happy. It would be 12 from 3 arsenal.....average

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

        Not really. Better than many other results though.

      4. Shearer & Sutton
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I'm not.

      5. Fred54
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Got Bellerin and PVA. 0-0 PLEASE!!!

    21. Bazzalona
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Could be wrong, but i think this will be a low scoring week.
      Too many rotations, not masses of goals (but no clean sheets either).
      Kane captain looking better and better touch wood

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

        Bold prediction.

        1. Bazzalona
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I might be way out i just don't see many big points coming this weekend (cue 3 from mahrez)
          Kane could blank too but as he plays last its looking better till then.

      2. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Sherlock, is that you?

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

        OMG!
        You should play this professionally 😉

      4. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        LAAARRRYYYYY

        1. Larry Legend
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Hello?

      5. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        🙂

      6. TeamSteam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Ayyy captain obvious slash hindsight is here. I could be wrong but i think Sunderland-Arsenal will be goalless after the first 45 with 45 minutes to come in the second half.

        1. Bazzalona
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I'd rather sanchez or iwobi get a couple to be honest.
          Not hindsight really i wanted to captain sturridge but couldn't be sure he'd play.
          Chickened out of that one

          1. TeamSteam
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Im just trolling because i thought you were too. With a statement like that i kinda wish you were.

            1. Bazzalona
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              Sorry no i wasn't. Just not much happening so far is there

    22. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Any chance finishing 0:0?

      1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yes there's a chance as it's currently 0-0.

        1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Haha

      2. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yes.

      3. Ayew Serious
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yes Daniel. Obviously Daniel

      4. Fred54
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Got Bellerin and PVA. 0-0 PLEASE!!!

        1. Laurel and Vardy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Kos and Bells here, don't mind another 2:0 with Sanchez brace 🙂

    23. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Don't you guys think referees should be giving penalties for handballs like these from first half, on regular basis, consistent?...not leaving anything for subjective feeling, hand is hand after all, just my opinion

      1. TeamSteam
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        No, i dont. Reason being that there has to be some form of intent or unatural position. If its just blasted into another players hand from 1 meter away and then awared pens for that, then people will obviously try to abuse that.

        1. Bazzalona
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I agree. Getting silly now - i'd just like to know where you are supposed to put your arms? Someone blasts it at you its gonna hit something.

          1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Those pesky arms

            1. Bazzalona
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 11 months ago

              I find it ironic they talk about 'unnatural' positions as if looking like you're in riverdance is perfectly natural

      2. Fred54
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Then you'd just get players deliberarely shooting at defenders hands in crowded boxes. Don't laugh, in professional sport they turn evey inch into a mile. That's why we have simulation, e.g. turning a dive into a foul.