Dugout Discussion
7 August 2016 3899 comments
Mark Mark
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The first competitive game of the domestic season warrants our first Dugout Discussion.

There is just so much on show to interest Fantasy Football managers, as Claudio Ranieri’s Leicester City clash with Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United under the baking sun of Wembley.

The form of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan will inevitably come under the closest scrutiny – the latter begins on the bench but Ibrahimovic starts; his display will surely be crucial to his burgeoning ownership levels over the next 24-hours.

But it’s dangerous to ignore Leicester.

Both Riyad Mahrez and Jamie Vardy are on Ranieri’s teamsheet as they bid to play their way into our day one thinking for the potentially profitable trip to Hull City. Again, their performances could change everything, forcing us back to the drawing board in a matter of hours.

It’s a fascinating scenario and a fitting taster to the season kick-off next weekend.

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

  1. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    I want Kun, Ibra, KDB and Hazard.. Maybe Sanchez too ... Can't afford them grr

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Get Kun, Hazard and probably Ibra

    2. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      i'm currently looking at Kun, Kane, Hazard & Sanchez & it isn't looking as bad as I thought it would

      1. Lebowski85
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Here's what I came up with....not sold on it though as it's not the most flexible use of funds

        Heaton / Foster
        Shaw / Byram / Souare / Naughton / Friend
        Hazard / Sanchez / Redmond / Ramirez / Capoue 
        Aguero / Kane / Grey 

    3. thattreblefeeling
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Kun Ibra and Hazard is enough for now

  2. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    This seasons Ibra is just a glorified Andy Carroll

    1. thattreblefeeling
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      leading a Jose front line, Drogba in his prime would be a more fitting compare, sleep on Ibra if you dare

    2. devils advocate
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Get your own material!!

  3. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hey fellas. I've got N. Taylor in my team for the opener but read quite a few pages back that he hasn't returned to training yet. Are there doubts about him starting? If so, who's a good bet to start in defence for the Swans?

  4. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Siggy or Tadic and Why ?

    1. andymck
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Tadic as Siggy hasn't played in pre-season.

    2. Exeter Gently
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      tadic, plays for the better team and more likely to play gw1 w iceland players maybe rester after the euros

    3. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      think I read on here Siggy not fit? (cant say for sure)

    4. Hurrikane
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Tadic

      -siggy may not play week 1 (hasn't played friendlies)
      -better team than swansea but still a focal point.
      -set piece+penalties possiblity

      nice user

    5. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      cheers all tadic it is then 🙂

  5. El-Kloppico
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Latest news on Terry and Lukaku anyone?
    Will they both start next week?

    1. Exeter Gently
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      think rom will, terry no idea, no news yet on the latter

  6. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys, what do you think of Baines/Coleman in defence pick? Great first 6 fixtures.

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Gone for RFM myself, saves me money.

      1. john25
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Think he's nailed?

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          I think so, plus shares my bday 🙂

    2. kennethrhcp
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Coleman was 2nd name on my team sheet (Aguero no.1)

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Stones is cheaper than those 2

      1. kennethrhcp
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Stones in there aswell for city def coverage

  7. Exeter Gently
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    personally, my team is so much more balanced without ibra in the front 3. its either him or kun imo with the lack of real mid priced striker options (musa?). balance is one of those often-used terms on this site, and while i agree its much easier to downgrade ibra than to shoehorn him in, i am wagering that the money not spent on him will improve any mid/def, leading to equal or greater points. just my two cents for anyone on the fence about this.

    1. Areid13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      thats what I was thinking, the only thing thats making me want ibra is the fact that if he does hit the ground running with his easy fixtures it will take some surgery to fit him in

    2. Lebowski85
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Fin?

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I agree with this. My team looks so much more balanced without Ibra. Plus I can always get him in with a simple -4.

      1. Les Majesteux
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        -4 is never simple 🙂

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Easier than a WC or -8.

  8. POZZY
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Tadic. Playing in his best position under the new manager.

  9. Dynamic Duos
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    think im nearly there, your thoughts please.

    Valdes Mandanda
    Walker McAuley Shaw Pieters Paredes
    Alexis Firmino Lamela Hazard Watson
    Carroll Kun Negredo

    thanks

    1. Exeter Gently
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      the first sanchez team ive seen so far, other than my own. looks good, although im not crazy about walker or lamela personally. otherwise it looks g2g

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks Firmino and Lamela to Mane and Deulofeu?

        1. Exeter Gently
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          sound like good options yeah, mane less likely to start than delo imo, but maybe check with some of the pool supporters on here and they prob know more than i about that

          1. Dynamic Duos
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            I am LFC fan, Mane will start most games, he is the power and pace we have been missing and can fininsh.

            1. Exeter Gently
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 8 months ago

              so him over firmino then? asking re my team

              1. Dynamic Duos
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 8 months ago

                lets see your team?

                1. Exeter Gently
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 8 months ago

                  foster/jaku
                  valencia/williams/morgan/mccauley/friend
                  alexis/haz/firmino/capoue/redmond
                  kun/musa/gray

                  1. Dynamic Duos
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 8 months ago

                    i like it, very similar, maybe i should go 5.5m 5.0m 5.0m def aswel.

                    1. Exeter Gently
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 8 months ago

                      team?

                      1. Dynamic Duos
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        yeh your team is good.

                      2. Exeter Gently
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 8 months ago

                        no, your team...

  10. Areid13
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    whats the deal with tadic? he's a good player but doesn't get too many points and has a new manager. He hasn't scored in preseason either, have I missed something?

    1. Hurrikane
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      157 in 2200 minutes? Not bad.

      1. Areid13
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Does it look like he'll play a lot more this season?

        1. Hurrikane
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          I'm not as up to date with Southampton as other on here but have gathered the general consensus is yes, from what I've read he's going to be key for saints this season.

        2. Hurrikane
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          be wary of redmond though, may challenge tadic if shows enough form

          1. Areid13
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            yeah I read that Redmond started up front once or twice so could be one to consider

        3. devils advocate
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          His first couple seasons he was always carrying a slight injury that meant his minutes had to be managed as it was an injury he could play on with but could have become worse if pushed. This was the only reason he played reduced minutes.

          He has said in a recent interview that he's now apparently over the injury so can now play on without any problems.

          Expect him to be nailed on and play more often this season.

          1. Areid13
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            cheers, I think I'll give it a couple of weeks to see before buying

    2. Bunk Moreland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      He does get a lot of points.

      1. Areid13
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        he finished 13th in mids with other 7.5s ahead

    3. Pepereina Pizza
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      he scored half his points in 2 matches last season. I'm exaggerating, but he doesn't tend to produce consistently.

      New manager, new system, Pelle+Mane gone = I'll wait and see before buying. There are surer things for 7.5m. Arnautovic is a better choice, IMO. Nailed on, stable team. Fixtures not great, but he's consistently a top mid scorer.

      1. Areid13
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        thats what I was thinking but there seems to be a lot of tadic fans on here so was wondering what all the hype was about and doesn't seem like there's any real explanation

  11. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Front3 looks good but is my midfield too lightweight?

    Hazard - Firmino - Redmond - Ramirez
    Aguero - Costa - Vardy

    1. Areid13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      not a fan of firmino or ramirez, downgrade costa to gray and upgrade those two

    2. Exeter Gently
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      i had the same problem until i downgraded one of my front 3. its a tough call

    3. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks both 🙂

  12. Mark-O
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    There goes the wastage of Aina

    1. Hurrikane
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      He going to play? Sorry haven't been following Chelsea but heard Terry got hurt

  13. reason17
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Rate my team please /10 🙂

    Foster - Heaton
    Terry - Valencia - morgan - friend - taylor
    Hazard - eriksen - Tadic - Bolasie - fletcher
    Aguero - Vardy - Gray

  14. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    anybody know why didn't tadic play ?

    1. Blurryface
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Didn't he?

  15. BilalM
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    After watching some of the pre-seasons I came up with this.

    Heaton/Foster
    Valencia/Friend/Walker/Francis/Pieters
    Willian/Townsend/Sigurdsson/Mane/Capoue
    Carrol/Ibra/Aguero

    What do you think? Get Hazard in?

  16. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    An MEN writer tweeted this lol

    "Coaching staff are hugging Mata. Mata is actually having a go at Mourinho. Having to be restrained. #mufc"

    1. FPL Maldini
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      What?

    2. Cecil The Lion
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mourinho is a d1ck

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I despise Mourhino

  17. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    bottoms...

    All kane+Kun+vardy owners list your team.

    1. Konig Luther
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      don't think there is one with that

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        cool.

        Then I will be the only one.

      2. The Road Dogg
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Valdes Jako

        Friend Terry Valencia Kone Amat

        Mane Tadic Lamela Ramirez Capoue

        Kun Kane Vardy

        1. Christina.
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          nice

    2. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      ..................Foster
      ....Valencia Souare Friend
      Hazard Firmino Oscar Capoue
      ......Aguero Kane Vardy

      Jak Holj 4.0 4.0

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        2 x 4m's

        😯

        1. Christina.
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          ...2 x 4.5m's

          1. Optimus.
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 8 months ago

            it's not ideal but Capoue playing no.10 I think

        2. Optimus.
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Do it every season having no funds tied up on the bench making it easier to jump on bandwagons

    3. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      I may do it.

      But I'm tempted to start with Vardy and switch to Kane in GW 2.

      Vardy's fixture get tougher and allows one extra big hitter in midfield.

      Moreover, Kane vs Everton in GW 1 doesn't scream points to me.

  18. Kizza_10
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    What's the best starting 11 ?

    A.
    Heaton
    Morgan Shaw Baines
    Lamela Hazard Mahrez Bolasie
    Gray Aguero Kane

    B.
    Forster
    Pieters Morgan Shaw
    Lamela Sanchez Hazard Bolasie
    Vardy Aguero Gray

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A with Ibra over Kane

    2. Areid13
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. Silva’s Left Nut
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      B

  19. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Did Jose say why Mkhitaryan only played a couple of minutes?

  20. FPL Maldini
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Who to get?

    A) Firminho

    B) Silva

    1. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Definitely A for starting status security

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mane ?

  21. Pepereina Pizza
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    You have to feel for Juan Mata. What bad luck for him. He's a classy guy with uncommon talent. He should be the centerpiece of a team winning trophies, IMO.

    United in a management backwater for 3 seasons, then the worst possible drama queen appears from nowhere. I think I'd rather play in China than work for Jose.

    Disgusting pantomime drama from Mourinho. Good luck with that, United fans. The meltdown countdown has begun.

    1. Fergietime
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mata had a knock?

      1. Pepereina Pizza
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        that's a likely story, if mourinho's telling it.

        Do players that come off with knocks turn around to ask questions after they're subbed off?

        IMO Mourinho is goading Mata into requesting a transfer. I'd have done it the moment i heard the news.

        Here's hoping that Mata scores a gamewinner against United before he retires. I want Jose to choke on some irony.

        1. Fergietime
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          BT Commentator said it was a knock, Mourinho said he took him off because he was the smallest on pitch lol

    2. Cecil The Lion
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Mourinho is toxic

      #IamJuan

  22. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Berahino starter or still unsettled?

    1. rjcv177
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      VERY unsettled

  23. rjcv177
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Good afternoon.

    Too light in mid?

    Haz, Lamela, Townsend, Redmond, Routledge
    Kun, Ibra, Gray

    thkx in advance

  24. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Can someone please rate my team out of 10?
    GK: Foster

    Def: Van Aanholt,Walker,Shaw

    Mid: Tadic,Bolasie,Hazard,Ayew

    Forward: Aguero, Gray,Ibra

    Bench:Heaton, Friend, Fernandez,Watson

    If Ayew leaves Swansea then I will replace him. Also,will rotate Heaton and Foster according to fixtures

  25. Jar Jar Winks
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Hows this looking

    4.5 4.0

    Bailly Terry Evans Kone Leni

    Tadic Deulo Hazard Lamela 4.5

    Musa Aguero Ibra

    1. dhamphiir
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Terry is injured

  26. Ludo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Matt Targett onto the radar for early wildcarders.

    Bertrand still isn't back, and WAT and SUN in the first three games.

    Plenty of onus on the full backs to get forward with Puel's diamond, too.

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      When is Bertrand expected back

      1. Ludo
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        "Ryan Bertrand’s minor injury means he hasn’t figured in pre-season at all, and won’t be considered to face the Hornets."

        From the local paper (Southern Daily Echo). So doesn't look long term.

    2. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      (4.5m)

    3. Cecil The Lion
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Bertrand still on holiday?

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 8 months ago

        Injured. Not a big injury i think

        1. Cecil The Lion
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 8 months ago

      Good to know. What's his price?

  27. Total Slotball
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    How does this look? Any advice welcome!

    Mandanda - Mannone
    Valencia - Terry - Friend - McAuley - Friend
    Hazard - Firmino - Tadic - Townsend - Capoue
    Aguero - Vardy - Gray

  28. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    First stab. Any feedback on this lot?

    Foster, Heaton
    Shaw, Walker, Friend, Soare, Kone
    Martial, Deulofeu, Townsend, Tadic, Capoue,
    Aguero, Kane, Long

  29. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 8 months ago

    Mane or Firminho?