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
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Why do I still have ozil?

    1. Nomar
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Sanchez too expensive?

      1. how now brown cow
        10 years, 5 months ago

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

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Hope never dies?

    3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      10 years, 5 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, 5 months ago

      You love me! 😀

  2. Jøssy ⭐
    10 years, 5 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
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Cresswell

      1. Jøssy ⭐
        10 years, 5 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 ⭐
        10 years, 5 months ago

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

    2. Shearer & Sutton
      10 years, 5 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 ⭐
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Kagawa-san-mia
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Le donkey bring on welbeck

  4. Bubz
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. the axolotl
      10 years, 5 months ago

      wibbly iwobbly wonder

  5. Pariße
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Yedlin a clear handball as well. 1-1

  6. Every Dog Has Its Day
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Jazz!
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Of course.

    2. how now brown cow
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Wait snd see if he starts the next 3.

      1. NobleBlackman
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Best advice ever

  7. Wilshere Knowledge
    10 years, 5 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
    10 years, 5 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
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Iwobi hasn't missed any sitters.

    2. Syd.
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Cheer up 🙂 🙂

      1. Fred54
        10 years, 5 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.

  9. Ayew Serious
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Arsenal defence Bps... Wtf Bellerin

    Kosc 13, Mert 10, Bellerín 2, Monreal 11

    1. Syd.
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He only gets baps for attacking

    2. drughi
      10 years, 5 months ago

      strange

    3. Jazz!
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Lol

    4. KOLASINA(C)
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Well, Bellerin has disappeared in this game.

    5. Hobolicious
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

      1. RÏɠBY
        10 years, 5 months ago

        nice header to defoe

    6. Eden Hazardous
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I own Koscienly and Mannone 😎

    7. George Sillett
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

    8. Bubz
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He's been awful tbf

    9. Meinhoff
      10 years, 5 months ago

      wtf he almost assisted that Defoe shot for a handball

  10. Duke Silver ☑
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Ozil reaching Berbatov levels of laziness.

    1. I Member
      10 years, 5 months ago

      lmao wat?

    2. ralfb
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He always was to the end of the season

  11. Danno - Emre Canada
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

  12. tm245
    10 years, 5 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
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

      1. tm245
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Nice haul, massive differential as well.

    2. Fred54
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

    3. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I have Fuchs (c) this week.

      1. tm245
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Very bold, good luck.

    4. NobleBlackman
      10 years, 5 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

  13. George Sillett
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone seen Giroud stand up at all this game ?

    1. Syd.
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Saving himself for Euro 2016

  14. Jazz!
    10 years, 5 months ago

    DDG
    Smalling PvA Rose Cresswell
    Alli Payet Firmino
    Kane Carroll Defoe

    Think that'll be my GW37 team ...

    1. puhd
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Looks good

  15. puhd
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Syd.
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Get rid of Coutinho

      1. puhd
        10 years, 5 months ago

        For -4?

    2. I Member
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Surely Coutinho goes before Ozil.

    3. Jazz!
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Definitely Coutinho out first.

    4. puhd
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Ok, Coutinho it is! Thanks lads.

      1. puhd
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Might sell for Fabregas

  16. Ibracadebruyne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 5 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, 5 months ago

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

    2. puhd
      10 years, 5 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.

  17. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
    10 years, 5 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, 5 months ago

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

  18. ralfb
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Hazard or payet for dgw? Already have lanzini

    1. Jazz!
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Payet.

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      10 years, 5 months ago

      meeeeeech

    3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      10 years, 5 months ago

      big meeeeeech

    4. VS10_
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Fabregas would be my Chelsea pick.

    5. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 5 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, 5 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

  19. Swan - Villa Proud
    10 years, 5 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!
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Wait and see if Mertesacker has a shocker second half

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      10 years, 5 months ago

      oooo tough one. who are your other strikers?

      1. Swan - Villa Proud
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Kun and Kane.

        1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
          10 years, 5 months ago

          yh then do mitro > defoe!

    3. HurriKane
      10 years, 5 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
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

  20. KOLASINA(C)
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Blue Moon Evolution
      10 years, 5 months ago

      C

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      10 years, 5 months ago

      A

  21. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    10 years, 5 months ago

    9(-8) that's a relief 😉

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        10 years, 5 months ago

        😆

      2. HVT
        10 years, 5 months ago

        So much this 😉

    2. Rolls-Royce
      10 years, 5 months ago

      11(-8) 😎

      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Show off...

  22. Blue Moon Evolution
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Swan - Villa Proud
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Sahko->Cresswell

    2. boredjames
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Both have to go and both have to come in

      1. Sjaugen
        10 years, 5 months ago

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

        1. Blue Moon Evolution
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Sounds good.

        2. boredjames
          10 years, 5 months ago

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

      2. Blue Moon Evolution
        10 years, 5 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
        10 years, 5 months ago

        This. I'm doing both for both.

  23. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Sjaugen
      10 years, 5 months ago

      He has looked terrible in previous games. Stay clear IMO

    2. Blue Moon Evolution
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

      Doubt it.

    3. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

  24. Sjaugen
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Arteta
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes!

      1. Sjaugen
        10 years, 5 months ago

        One price movement and I'm priced out

  25. Coffee-Geek
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    3 instant points

    My biggest haul of the week.

  26. HVT
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Sjaugen
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Did I miss a joke?

      1. HVT
        10 years, 5 months ago

        The joke is on us Sahko and Gabriel owners SJ

        1. Sjaugen
          10 years, 5 months ago

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

          1. HVT
            10 years, 5 months ago

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

            1. Gnu
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              10 years, 5 months ago

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

  27. melvinmbabazi
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 5 months ago

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

    1. Bubz
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Not really no

    2. Bazzalona
      10 years, 5 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
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Not really. Better than many other results though.

    4. Shearer & Sutton
      10 years, 5 months ago

      I'm not.

    5. Fred54
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

  28. Bazzalona
    10 years, 5 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
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Bold prediction.

      1. Bazzalona
        10 years, 5 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, 5 months ago

      Sherlock, is that you?

    3. HVT
      10 years, 5 months ago

      OMG!
      You should play this professionally 😉

    4. Davido989
      10 years, 5 months ago

      LAAARRRYYYYY

      1. Larry Legend
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Hello?

    5. Royal5
      10 years, 5 months ago

      🙂

    6. TeamSteam
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 5 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
        10 years, 5 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
          10 years, 5 months ago

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

          1. Bazzalona
            10 years, 5 months ago

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

  29. FPL Daniel
    10 years, 5 months ago

    Any chance finishing 0:0?

    1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        10 years, 5 months ago

        Haha

    2. Arteta
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes.

    3. Ayew Serious
      10 years, 5 months ago

      Yes Daniel. Obviously Daniel

    4. Fred54
      10 years, 5 months ago

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

      1. Laurel and Vardy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 5 months ago

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

  30. Pipermaru
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 5 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
      10 years, 5 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
        10 years, 5 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…
          10 years, 5 months ago

          Those pesky arms

          1. Bazzalona
            10 years, 5 months ago

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

    2. Fred54
      10 years, 5 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.