Team News
15 August 2016 1514 comments
James H James H
Share:

Our post-week analysis of the Gameweek team sheets gets underway this afternoon as we assess the lessons learned from Saturday and Sunday’s Gameweek 1 line-ups. We roll out the first of a two-part series today, with a further ten teams to follow tomorrow.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Bellerin, Holding, Chambers, Monreal; Elneny (Xhaka 67), Coquelin; Walcott, Ramsey (Cazorla 60), Iwobi (Oxlade-Chamberlain 58); Sanchez.

  • With centre-backs Per Mertesacker and Gabriel both out injured, Arsene Wenger handed a first start to summer signing Rob Holding against Liverpool, with Laurent Koscielny, Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud all left out following their Euro 2016 exertions.
  • Wenger kept faith in his usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Aaron Ramsey in the number ten role behind lone striker Alexis Sanchez. Theo Walcott (right) and Alex Iwobi (left) started out wide, while youngsters Calum Chambers and Holding formed the central defensive partnership. Francis Coquelin partnered Mohamed Elneny at the base of midfield for the Gunners.
  • After picking up a thigh problem, Iwobi was replaced by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain just before the hour mark in a straight swap, while just moments later, Ramsey had to be substituted after suffering a hamstring injury. The Welshman was replaced by Santi Cazorla, who slotted into the central attacking midfield position. Wenger’s final change saw Granit Xhaka handed his Premier League debut in place of Elneny in central midfield.
  • The extent of Iwobi and Ramsey’s injuries are yet to be discovered ahead of the trip to Leicester. Wenger revealed that Koscielny, Ozil and Giroud may feature at the King Power Stadium, although there appear no guarantees given the Frenchman is wary of the trio picking up an injury, as Ramsey did, due to less than ideal preparation. He could move Nacho Monreal into central defence should Koscielny not be risked, with Kieran Gibbs an option at left-back. Cazorla, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Xhaka will also push for starting berths.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Boruc; Francis, A. Smith, S. Cook, Daniels; Surman, Arter, L. Cook (Gradel 82); Ibe (Afobe 68), Wilson (Grabban 68), King.

  • Eddie Howe handed a Premier League debut to Lewis Cook, while club-record signing Jordon Ibe also made his first start for the Cherries as they hosted Man United.
  • Howe opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Lewis Cook and Harry Arter playing slightly in advance of Andrew Surman in central midfield. In attack, Ibe (right) and Josh King (left) flanked central striker Callum Wilson.
  • With his side trailing 3-0, How made a double substitution, with Benik Afobe and Lewis Grabban introduced in place of Ibe and Wilson. Grabban played down the right flank, while Afobe took over from Wilson as the central striker. Max Gradel played the final eight minutes, coming on in place of Lewis Cook, with the Ivorian playing on the left side of a four-man midfield, allowing King to partner Afobe up front.
  • After a disappointing performance, Howe could look to make a few changes for their trip to West Ham. Afobe and, in particular, Grabban made an impact off the bench, so they could push for starting roles, with Wilson perhaps looking slightly vulnerable. However, given that he scored a hat-trick against the Hammers last season, we’d expect him to retain his start. Nathan Ake may also come into contention should the Bournemouth boss look to shore up the midfield, with Cook possibly being at risk. Gradel is another who could earn a recall afer a lively cameo.

Current Status: Slight Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks.

Burnley

Starting XI: Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Boyd, Jones (Jutkiewicz 87), Marney, Arfield (Gudmundsson 76); Vokes, Gray.

  • Sean Dyche chose to leave summer signing Johann Berg Gudmundsson on the bench for the visit of Swansea to Turf Moor, with George Boyd and Scott Arfield preferred in the wide positions.
  • Dyche rolled out his favoured 4-4-2 formation, with Andre Gray and Sam Vokes starting in attack.
  • Gudmundsson was the first player called upon off the bench, replacing Arfield with 15 minutes to go. The Iceland international played on the right wing, with Boyd switching over to the left. Striker Lukas Jutkiewicz was thrown on for David Jones in the final stages as the Clarets pushed for a late equaliser.
  • Dyche could look to hand Gudmundsson his first start when Liverpool are the visitors to Turf Moor on Saturday, with Arfield or Boyd dropping to the bench. Burnley look poised to complete the signing of midfielder Steven Defour over the next 24 hours, so providing he’s fully fit, the Belgian could replace either Jones or Dean Marney in the middle of the park.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare (Kelly 90); Jedinak, Puncheon (Cabaye 77); Townsend, Lee Chung-yong (Bolasie 65), Zaha; Wickham.

  • Alan Pardew decided to leave Everton target Yannick Bolasie on the bench for the home clash against West Brom, instead handing a surprise start to Lee Chung-yong.
  • Lee operated in a central attacking midfield role in Pardew’s preferred 4-2-3-1 formation, flanked by Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha. Connor Wickham started as the lone striker, while Jason Puncheon was stationed next to Mile Jedinak in the double-pivot.
  • With the match goalless, Pardew turned to Bolasie with his first substitution, with the DR Congo international replacing Lee in a straight swap with 25 minutes remaining. Then, after falling a goal behind, Yohan Cabaye came on in place of Puncheon.
  • While Cabaye wasn’t fit enough to start on Saturday following his Euro 2016 exploits, the Frenchman should return to the starting XI for the trip to White Hart Lane on Saturday. That could see Puncheon being moved to the number ten role, with Lee perhaps dropping to the bench. James McArthur (knee) remains doubtful for the Tottenham clash and Bolasie has now departed for Everton.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield

Everton

Starting XI: Stekelenburg, Holgate, Jagielka, Funes Mori, McCarthy, Gueye, Barry (Cleverley 84), Baines, Barkley, Mirallas (Lennon 75), Deulofeu (Kone 67).

  • New Everton boss Ronald Koeman handed a debut to summer signing Idrissa Gueye for the home fixture against Tottenham, but Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman were ruled out due to heel and ankle injuries respectively.
  • The Dutchman opted for a 3-4-2-1 formation, with Phil Jagielka and Ramiro Funes Mori joined by youngster Mason Holgate in the three-man backline. James McCarthy was used in the unfamiliar position of right wing-back, with Leighton Baines on the opposite flank. Gueye joined Gareth Barry in central midfield, with Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas in central attacking midfield positions behind “false nine” Gerard Deulofeu.
  • Deulofeu was the first player to be sacrificed, as Arouna Kone replaced the Spaniard in a straight swap with 23 minutes remaining. Aaron Lennon then entered the fray in place of Mirallas, playing slightly wider on the left, with Tom Cleverley handed a brief run-out, replacing Barry in the middle of the park.
  • Koeman said after the match that Lukaku should be fit to face West Brom on Saturday, so either Deulofeu or Mirallas could drop out of the starting XI, with the former Barcelona player capable of dropping back into an attacking midfield role. New signing Yannick Bolasie offers further competition out wide or in a central support berth. While McCarthy performed well in an unfamiliar position, he could be vulnerable should Koeman change formations. Having had more time to build up his match fitness, Ashley Williams could be handed his Toffees debut at the Hawthorns, with Holgate appearing the most likely to make way.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Right Wing-Back, Attacking Midfield, Lone Striker

Hull

Starting XI: Jakupovic; Elmohamady, Livermore, Davies, Robertson; Clucas; Snodgrass, Meyler, Huddlestone, Diomande; Hernandez.

  • Caretaker Manager Mike Phelan had very few decisions to make given the lack of senior players available to him, but it was Jake Livermore, normally a midfielder, who was chosen to partner Curtis Davies in central defence as the Tigers hosted champions Leicester.
  • Phelan opted for a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Sam Clucas operating as the defensive midfielder. Robert Snodgrass (right) and Adama Diomande (left) started out wide, with David Meyler and Tom Huddlestone patrolling central midfield. Abel Hernandez led the line.
  • Given the lack of options off the bench, it perhaps wasn’t a huge surprise that Phelan chose not to make any substitutions.
  • With that in mind, and the fact Hull didn’t appear to pick up any injuries, it’s likely they’ll name an unchanged side for their trip to Swansea on Saturday. Shaun Maloney does offer a different option in the attacking midfield areas, but is probably unlikely to force his way into the starting XI given the impressive opening day victory.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Attacking Midfield

Leicester

Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson (Ulloa 83), Hernandez, Morgan, Fuchs; Mahrez, King (Amartey 68), Drinkwater, Gray (Okazaki 68); Musa, Vardy.

  • Claudio Ranieri was without the suspended Robert Huth, so Luis Hernandez was handed his Premier League debut, as was Ahmed Musa for the trip to the KCOM Stadium.
  • Musa’s inclusion in the starting XI meant Ranieri went with a 4-4-2 system, with the Nigerian partnering Jamie Vardy in attack. Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray started out wide, with Andy King filling the void left by N’Golo Kante in central midfield. Hernandez started alongside Wes Morgan on the right side of central defence.
  • With his side trailing 2-1, Ranieri made a double substitution after 68 minutes, with Daniel Amartey and Shinji Okazaki replacing King and Gray. Amartey took over in central midfield, while Musa moved to the left to allow Okazaki to support Vardy down the middle. As a final roll of the dice, Leonardo Ulloa was thrown on for Danny Simpson, but the Foxes couldn’t find a late equaliser.
  • Huth will be available to face Arsenal on Saturday after serving his suspension, so he should replace Hernandez at centre-back. Summer signing Nampalys Mendy wasn’t included in the 18-man squad on Saturday, but should he be fit, he could challenge King for a starting berth. Gray’s unconvincing display could see Musa switch to the left, with Okazaki behind Vardy, though Marc Albrighton could also come into contention for a starting berth.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Centre-Back, Central Midfield, Left Wing, Support Striker

Liverpool

Starting XI: Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Moreno; Lallana (Origi 75), Henderson, Wijnaldum (Stewart 88); Mane, Coutinho (Can 70), Firmino.

  • Jurgen Klopp handed debuts to Ragnar Klavan, Georginio Wijnaldum and Sadio Mane for the trip to the Emirates, while Jordan Henderson and Adam Lallana were favoured in midfield over Emre Can.
  • Klopp rolled out the 4-3-3 formation. Henderson was stationed in the defensive midfield role, with Lallana and Wijnaldum operating slightly further forward. Philippe Coutinho (left) and Mane (right) flanked Roberto Firmino in the “false nine” role.
  • After suffering with cramp, Coutinho was replaced by Can with 20 minutes remaining. Shortly after, Divock Origi was introduced in place of Lallana, with the Belgian taking over as the lone striker, moving Firmino into a slightly deeper attacking midfield role. Kevin Stewart came on for Wijnaldum for the final few minutes to help see out the 4-3 victory.
  • Klopp revealed after the match that Coutinho suffered no injury, and the Brazilian should be okay to start at Burnley on Saturday. Alberto Moreno’s poor performance means James Milner could come into contention to start at left-back should the England international recover from a heel injury.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back

Man City

Starting XI: Caballero, Sagna, Stones, Kolarov, Clichy (Iheanacho 81), Fernandinho, Silva (Delph 64), Sterling, De Bruyne, Nolito (Jesus Navas 59), Aguero.

  • Pep Guardiola handed immediate debuts to John Stones and Nolito, but Nicolas Otamendi was only named among the substitutes having been struggling to overcome a tendon injury. Kevin De Bruyne was a slightly surprising inclusion given his late arrival back to pre-season following his Euro 16 exploits. In goal, Willy Caballero was preferred to England number one Joe Hart.
  • Guardiola started the match with a 4-1-4-1 formation, with David Silva and De Bruyne operating slightly in advance of Fernandinho in central midfield. Nolito (left) and Raheem Sterling (right) started high up the pitch, with Sergio Aguero the lone forward. Stones was partnered by Aleksandar Kolarov at the heart of the defence.
  • Nolito was the first player to make way, with the Spaniard being replaced by his compatriot Jesus Navas just before the hour mark. Navas played on the right wing, with Sterling switching over to the left. Shortly after, Fabian Delph came on in place of Silva, seeing City switch to more of a 4-2-3-1, with Delph sat alongside Fernandinho in central midfield, allowing De Bruyne to move forward into the number ten role. With the scores level at 1-1, Guardiola threw on Kelechi Iheanacho for Gael Clichy as the former Bayern Munich boss searched for a late winner.
  • Should Otamendi be fully fit, he may challenge Kolarov for a starting berth alongside Stones in central defence for Saturday’s trip to Stoke. Nolito had a fairly quiet match against Sunderland, so Navas may have the opportunity to earn a starting spot, while Fernando or Delph could provide additional bite in midfield against the Potters.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield, Flanks

Man United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw; Fellaini, Herrera; Mata (Mkhitaryan 75), Rooney (Depay 89), Martial (Schneiderlin 85); Ibrahimovic.

  • Jose Mourinho handed Premier League debuts to Eric Bailly and Zlatan Ibrahimovic for the trip to Bournemouth, but fellow new boy Henrikh Mkhitaryan was only named among the substitutes.
  • Mourinho used his favoured 4-2-3-1 system, with Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini at the base of midfield. Juan Mata (right), Wayne Rooney (number ten) and Anthony Martial (left) formed the attacking midfield trio behind lone striker Ibrahimovic.
  • With the match as good as won, Mourinho introduced Mkhitaryan, Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay off the bench during the final 15 minutes, with Mata, Martial and Rooney making way.
  • Both Chris Smalling and Paul Pogba missed yesterday’s clash due to suspension, but the pair will be available for Friday’s home encounter with Southampton. Both have had disrupted pre-seasons though, so it’s not a sure thing they’ll come straight into the starting XI. Daley Blind, and one of Herrera or Fellaini would appear the likely players to make way. Jesse Lingard missed the 3-1 victory due to a foot injury, but he could be available to face the Saints, so Mata’s starting berth reamains in doubt, with Mkhitaryan another option in that position.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Centre-Back, Central Midfield, Right-Wing

1,514 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    With me now.

    IBRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      TOTP. Beautiful.

      1. 4vets
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Jimmy Saville....

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Ello vets. Here to stay?

          1. 4vets
            10 years, 2 months ago

            I dip in and out due to noise here... will be here until FIFA 17, for sure!

            I hope you're doing well 🙂

            1. Somalion
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Sick of the sight of you already 😉

              1. 4vets
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Som! Great to see you here!!!!

                Oh.... those bad old days 🙂

                1. Somalion
                  10 years, 2 months ago

                  And you, Vets 😀

                  Ah yes, a simpler time in the days of yore!

                  1. 4vets
                    10 years, 2 months ago

                    Hopefully things will quieten down here and some decent chat can be had in the near future.

                    1. Somalion
                      10 years, 2 months ago

                      I hope so! Or we can all get drunk and stumble on here in the middle of the night.

            2. Lateriser 12
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Oh yes. Rather lovely.

              1. 4vets
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Good to hear... I think Ibra will help your cause...

    2. Mr. Grv
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Why the 12 ?

      1. 4vets
        10 years, 2 months ago

        He never gets up before 12

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Late Riser is because i always do well in the second half of an FPL season.

          😀 Last season proves it

    3. Dogba
      10 years, 2 months ago

      No Ibra, Kane the way. Did you see his stats for GW1!? I'm definitely keeping. He's got unlimited minutes pr attempt. Yay.

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I saw Ibra play. I can confirm i was wet.

        1. Dogba
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I can confirm I was hiding behind my couch most of the time, but yeah, he had a pretty good run-out!

          I'm usually way too stubborn in the beginning of the season, probably fall to the same doom this season, but I can't bring myself to ditch Eriksen/Kane regardless of the horrific showing on Saturday. Keeeeeeping faith!

        2. Worzel Gummidge
          10 years, 2 months ago

          If you seen him play how did you get wet? Looked average to me but I am not ruling out getting him in. It will take a lot more than a few touches and shot outside the box to get me wet. Not that easy 🙂

  2. Salah’s Sonnet
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Shameless repost, bottomed., not been on here since my sickening score of 42 so far haha!

    Anything worth changing here? or save the FT ya reckon? This will be my line up for GW 2.

    Forster
    Friend - Valencia - Stones
    Routledge - Alli - Tadic - Hazard
    Gray - Aguero - Ibra
    __________________________
    Jakup: Amat, Fuchs, Capoue

    Nothing in the bank.

    Opinions greatly appreciated.

    1. Whazza
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Save FT

    2. Odikostar
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Gtg

    3. Le _ Professeur
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Save my friend

    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers lads, makes sense to save, was bordering on Alli to Coutinho, but that's just point chasing, took me three seasons to realise that lol!
      There was always Alli's goal against Palace last season to keep me uplifted with him 🙂
      Thanks again 🙂

    5. Dogba
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Relax, all good, save 🙂

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers man, all good 🙂

  3. Enzo the Baker
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Sort by "Touches - Final Third" in Bowstring the Carp's GW1 threat table :

    http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/15589/

    One player is head and shoulders above the rest at the top. Encouraging viewing for owners - he really is pulling the strings and patience should pay off. He's also top 10 in "Touches - Penalty Area".

    1. The Sarjeant
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I much prefer his team mate.

      1. Enzo the Baker
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I have his team mate too but I'm considering a double up soon-ish

        1. The Sarjeant
          10 years, 2 months ago

          That could pay off.

          1. Enzo the Baker
            10 years, 2 months ago

            BTW enjoyed your Twitter table on OOP mids, great stuff!

            1. The Sarjeant
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks Enzo! 🙂

    2. Whazza
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Without looking, is it Tadic?

      1. Enzo the Baker
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I can neither confirm nor deny ... go on click through and have a look

    3. Dogba
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He is dominating final third touches.

      Encouraging for me to see #3 🙂

      1. Enzo the Baker
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah #3 is good viewing for owners too. Of course we're not surprised he is so high up, it's expected from him! 🙂

  4. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    10 years, 2 months ago

    LMS Stats for those near the safety score

    2855 entered, safety score = 35

    Scores
    40+ = 2415
    39 = 45
    38 = 77
    37 = 47
    36 = 64
    35 = 39

    1. Costa in Wengerland
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hazardous Hattiee coming

  5. Dasher0303
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Really want to do a transfer but not sure which and I got 1.0m itb.

    Foster
    Valencia Friend Amat
    Hazard Firmino Lamela Redmond
    Aguero Vardy Gray

    Heaton Stones VVD Fletcher

    Considering transferring VVD for McAuley or Evans and then Vardy for Ibra.

  6. Whazza
    10 years, 2 months ago

    City Watch ‏@City_Watch 34 s
    City Watch Retweeted
    Gimnàstic have announced the sale of defender Pablo Marí (22) to Manchester City. He will next join Girona on loan.

    1. Ayew Serious
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not interested in the gymnastics tbh

      1. Sponge-worthy
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Funny.

      2. Whazza
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😀

  7. Dogba
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hey! I'm afraid this has been asked a million times, but there seems to be something new about the way prices change (or in the case of this season, doesn't change). I can't remember going two days in the first GW with no price changes, is that correct or am I looking at the wrong sites?

    If it's correct, is there some sort of thread/topic discussing this? I feel like I've missed something 😀

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It normally takes a few days for the 1st changes. People expecting changes Sunday morning was a bit optimistic.

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Really? TWO full days and not a peep? I guess there was no proper bandwagons on Saturday, but still... feels quiet... a little too quiet.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Coutinho at 84K is getting there.

      2. The Sarjeant
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Plus no ones really stood out apart from Coutinho, but then everybody thought he was injured.

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

      Coutinho could well change tonight.

    3. MesQueUnClub
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho will go up tonight.

  8. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    any changes required? benched redmond with the website crash 🙁

    foster jaku
    friend valencia stones pieters kone
    hazard redmond firmino townsend feghouli
    kun ibra gray

    A: feghouli (depending on today) >> capoue....initial plan was to rotate redmond/feghouli
    B: firmino >> coutinho
    C: firmino + townsend >> mahrez + gaston (-4)
    D: gray >> negredo
    E: save FT

    1. The Sarjeant
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Definitely E.

    2. Gatsby
      10 years, 2 months ago

      E

      and await further developments.

    3. Mullets Rule
      10 years, 2 months ago

      E. Certainly no hits needed. Options B and D are just points chasing.

  9. Every Dog Has Its Day
    10 years, 2 months ago

    How is Dressage a sport? I'd rather have Horse Racing in Rio tbh

    1. Ayew Serious
      10 years, 2 months ago

      There is loads of fast Irish horses. Let's make it happen

    2. Cecil The Lion
      10 years, 2 months ago

      reverse cowgirl?

      1. Ayew Serious
        10 years, 2 months ago

        This

    3. Dr Dream
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm amazed any "sport" that involves animals doing tricks is still allowed.

      1. Ayew Serious
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Aren't most of the sports humans doing tricks

        1. Cecil The Lion
          10 years, 2 months ago

          This. A lot of the gymnastics is actually just that. Diving as well. None of it looks like 'sport' tbh

          1. Long Juan Silva
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Nonsense! Did you watch the rings final?! The upper body strength is astounding

            1. Cecil The Lion
              10 years, 2 months ago

              'A lot of...'

              1. Long Juan Silva
                10 years, 2 months ago

                None of it is.

          2. The Sarjeant
            10 years, 2 months ago

            If it involves judges, it's not really a sport.

            1. Cecil The Lion
              10 years, 2 months ago

              I'd definitely make boxing an exception for that rule but generally agree

              1. Ayew Serious
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Forgot about that. And other fighting sports

                1. Cecil The Lion
                  10 years, 2 months ago

                  Yep

              2. The Sarjeant
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Yeah but with that you can sort of tell who the winner is. And judges aren't always used to decide the winner.

                1. Cecil The Lion
                  10 years, 2 months ago

                  At least we agree Boxing and other fighting sports aren't to be included in your generalisation 🙂

                2. Long Juan Silva
                  10 years, 2 months ago

                  Oh yeah because there's no telling who wins the others. The judges just pick a name from a hat

                  🙄

                  1. The Sarjeant
                    10 years, 2 months ago

                    With the rings thing, I had no idea who was gonna win. I doubt many viewers would either.

                    1. Long Juan Silva
                      10 years, 2 months ago

                      Wow was one embarrassingly ignorant statement not enough for you?

                      1. The Sarjeant
                        10 years, 2 months ago

                        How was it?

            2. Ayew Serious
              10 years, 2 months ago

              I'll second this.

            3. Dr Dream
              10 years, 2 months ago

              I've always found it a little at odds for sure.

        2. Dr Dream
          10 years, 2 months ago

          I suppose they are....but the key word there is "humans"...

          1. Ayew Serious
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Humans are smart animals

            1. Dr Dream
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Aye. Smart enough to be doing it of their own free will...

    4. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      the whole things crap,just a mix up of boring individual sports,roll on sunday when its done...

  10. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So my girlfriend met my folks today. I can confirm it went rather well.

    1. Ayew Serious
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Told you not to worry 😀

    2. La Roja
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Does she know that you visit fantasy scout websites and post "ladies" yet?

    3. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      How long have you been going out?

      1. thattreblefeeling
        10 years, 2 months ago

        2 years

        1. Lateriser 12
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 2 months ago

          How did you know?

          1. Cecil The Lion
            10 years, 2 months ago

            We all do. Your girlfriend's a friendly lass

      2. thattreblefeeling
        10 years, 2 months ago

        she was only released friday

    4. Every Dog Has Its Day
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Is she single?

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😛

    5. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Ibra?

    6. 4vets
      10 years, 2 months ago

      GF... Late Riser... 12".... oh!

    7. Mr. Grv
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Wait till your parents tell all your embarrassing stories

  11. Cecil The Lion
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Capoue first on my bench if Oscar no-show

    1. Dogba
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think you will be disappointed... or well, not really, Oscar from the bench to outscore Capoue 🙂

      1. Cecil The Lion
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I'd rather Oscar starts tbh

  12. Dogba
    10 years, 2 months ago

    So there's not really any choice of captain this week either, right? Anybody considering doing something crazy? 😀

    1. Every Dog Has Its Day
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen.

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheeky. I was toying with a Kane (c), but I'll stick with The Big Dog.

    2. Frank Black
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm either captaining Roberto again or going for Kun. Nothing too complicated.

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I'm so annoyed I didn't go with Firm over Eriksen... hopefully I will be less annoyed after next GW, but I'm afraid it'll be the opposite 😐

    3. Enzo the Baker
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Is it that obvious ? I think most are split between Kun and Ibra, with Kane also a good option.

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Poll is pretty close actually.

        I don't have Ibra, but Aguero's stats were great. Really great.

        1. Dogba
          10 years, 2 months ago

          By that I mean great compared to the other big hitters, not great compared to his own best, which is probably right around the corner 😉

          1. Enzo the Baker
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Haha right, I was looking at his minutes per chance and its ridiculously good, even by his standards.

            1. Dogba
              10 years, 2 months ago

              He's the man! Hard to overlook.

              Check out Ibra's stats... especially notice the "shots in box" category 🙂

              1. Enzo the Baker
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Wow thats terrible 😛 fair enough.

                I realize I'm biased as a utd fan but for me Ibra passes the eye test - he created an easy 1 v 1 for Rooney against Boruc, he's a great target for Valencia, even Mata was trying to pass to him before he scored and there were times Ibra should have shot instead of passing, he's on direct FKs and maybe pens.

                And inspite of all this he still got 9 points with full BPS. I think he might be one of those conventional-stats defying players ..

    4. Whazza
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Firmino if Studge is out

      1. Whazza
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Kun if he rests tomorrow

    5. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard.

    6. Mullets Rule
      10 years, 2 months ago

      My crazy captain choices always fail. Probably just keep it safe and do Kun away to Stoke.

      Maybe Hazard captain away to Watford if he blows up today.

    7. The Cisco Kid
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mane or Sanchez... Still not decided...

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Sanchez 😮 Really? I'd be a little turned off after the weekends showing. Mane looked proper, wonder what he's been doing for the pre-season, it's crazy.

    8. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Llorente 😉

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

    Rooney looks like he is in love in the picture.

    1. Somalion
      10 years, 2 months ago

      He's gazing at Zlatan's luscious head of hair.

    2. Ayew Serious
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Mata is giving Martial quite a shady look

    3. Sponge-worthy
      10 years, 2 months ago

      And zlat looks like he's shoving martial away..

  14. Rostah
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Hey all, competing in a 3 team draft league and contemplating my transfer for this week, any suggestions of players that are worth bringing in before someone else gets them? Here's my team + the players the other teams have

    Foster Jaku
    Valencia, Stones, Ivan, Friend, Lenihan
    Hazard, Mane, Redmond, Ayew, Capoue
    Vardy, Aguero, Gray

    Forster, Valdes, DDG, Pickford
    Shaw, Williams, Mori, Kone, Monreal, Bellerin, Alder, Fry, Daniels, Parades
    Payet, Kante, Ramsey, Oscar, Martial, Mahrez, Wijnaldum, Pogba, Lingard, Dier
    Ibra, Negredo, Kane, Iheanacho, Batshuai, Deeney

    As it stands I'm thinking of either saving my FT or else one of Lenihan->Amat | Gray->Rondon

    1. Mullets Rule
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd hold the FT.

      I briefly considered bringing in Amat for Parades (who didn't pkay for Watford), but I think saving a FT is more valuable then using it on my 3rd bench player.

      1. Rostah
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Good shout. I'm a fan of my full squad being able to play but at this early stage the extra FT is definitely more valuable!

    2. sirmorbach
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'd most definitely save it

      1. Rostah
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers guys, been tempted to dump Lenihan more than anything but it doesn't look like he'll drop in value anyway so I'll give it another week anyway and probably dump him then with an extra FT

  15. zalar88
    10 years, 2 months ago

    hey guys. could you help me select team for gw2 ?
    heaton,foster
    stones,friend,valencia,amat,kone
    hazard,tadic,lamela,firmino,capoe
    kun,vardy,gray

    should i make some transfers?
    who should I put on the bench?

    thanks a lot.

    1. 4vets
      10 years, 2 months ago

      How about you manage your team?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Why don't you make me guv ? 😉

        1. 4vets
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Because I like to win 😉

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Jog on mate 😉

            1. 4vets
              10 years, 2 months ago

              In all honesty, I've missed this stuff 🙂

              1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Glad to have you back 🙂

    2. Enzo the Baker
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like the team picks itself - bench Heaton, Capoue, Stones, and .. maybe Koné ? Save FT and Kun captain

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        +1

  16. BB-8
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Have a bad feeling that Oscar will be benched 🙁

    1. Whazza
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't

    2. La Roja
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Oi

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        La Roja, how's it going? Off to a good start?

        1. La Roja
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Nah, 45 pts and Oscar to go 🙁

          And you?

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            10 years, 2 months ago

            43 with Hazard and Ayew . It's a marathon not a sprint 🙂

            1. La Roja
              10 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah agreed

          2. Dogba
            10 years, 2 months ago

            Oscar is not the worst differential to have today!

            Good start here by my standards (I didn't break 1 mill until GW10 last season), at 50 points with Hazard and Ayew to go.

            Looks like I'll be able to save FT too, that's a first, unless something crazy happens today or midweek.

            1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
              10 years, 2 months ago

              So I just need my Ayew to outscore your Ayew 😎

              1. Dogba
                10 years, 2 months ago

                Challenge accepted!

    3. Cecil The Lion
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Capoue 🙂

      1. BB-8
        10 years, 2 months ago

        3rd on the bench for me. Doesn't matter anyway. Think he'll come on if he doesn't start

  17. Whazza
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Jack Butland ‏@JackButland_
    on the way back from London after a great meeting with the specialist, lots of positives and should be back very soon!

  18. Lovren an elevator
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Who makes way for sturridge when he's fit?...or is sturridge no longer nailed?

    1. That Was Easy!
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I'm thinking the latter, especially if they keep smashing in goals.

      1. Lovren an elevator
        10 years, 2 months ago

        My thinking too, hence the question. The front 3 have to all be nailed surely, and so they'll have to play there, playing 3 behind sturridge leaves the midfield a bit weak imo. Plus lallana and Wijnaldum were great together, then you still have to fit in hendo and can....not to mention Milner potentially....seems like no room for sturridge?!

    2. Dogba
      10 years, 2 months ago

      With Sturr it's like worrying who makes way when Chelsea buys Messi. I wonder if Sturr will ever be 100% fit again 🙁

    3. Dr Dream
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully Klopp will realise he doesn't need to carry a passenger anymore.

      1. Lovren an elevator
        10 years, 2 months ago

        I do think klopp is losing patience with him....he clearly wants a first team plan A and sturridge forever getting injured is messing it all up for him

    4. Sponge-worthy
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Firmino out, just like everyone is doing with their teams. 😉

  19. That Was Easy!
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Members:

    Where has the Big Chances statistic gone under Goal Threat? Seems a big stat to do away with.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      10 years, 2 months ago

      BC column?

  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Knee Jerking is at an all time high, who is going to be the latest bandwagon after tonights game?

    I am expecting Oscar or Moses

    1. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Im ready for hazard show 😉

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Hazard below 20% ownership is crazy. Gogo!

        1. Sponge-worthy
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Amazingly high.

          1. Sponge-worthy
            10 years, 2 months ago

            I mean kante ownership is high.

    2. BB-8
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I hope you're right 🙂

    3. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah.

      These knee jerks include a fair bit of wildcard transfers too I'd imagine.

    4. Sponge-worthy
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Assist for kante and there we go.

      1. Dogba
        10 years, 2 months ago

        😀 Kante ownership is such a joke.

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

      I'm hoping Carroll

  21. Sponge-worthy
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Them damn lineups! I need them now..

    1. Whazza
      10 years, 2 months ago

      calm your spongy titties

  22. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 2 months ago

    FPL should gives us season stats in terms of how many Cleanies, Goals and Assists our FPL team has gotten so far.

    1. Ayew Serious
      10 years, 2 months ago

      anewpla.net/fpl

    2. Cecil The Lion
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I typed the following before my other rather juvenile post got (rightly) deleted:

      Just joking mate. You've gotta expect this kinda banter if you're going to mention your wife/gf on a football forum. I'm sure she's a lovely girl

  23. That Was Easy!
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Can someone please let me know why there's not a "Big Chances" stat for individual players now? A very helpful stat...

    1. The Sarjeant
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's there when creating your own stats table.

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

      In the members area?

      1. That Was Easy!
        10 years, 2 months ago

        http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/player-stats/forwards/goal-threat/

        Just remember it being there last year, I suppose it's quite easy to create my own. Cheers.

    3. Sjaugen
      10 years, 2 months ago

      It's still there mate

  24. Oooof
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Got Ibra, Kun and Vardy.

    Considering a Vardy GW2 captaincy.

    Foolish?

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal will not leak 4 goals every week

      1. La Roja
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Yes we might concede 5 for a change

        1. Hy liverpool
          10 years, 2 months ago

          😀

        2. Jigger & Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 2 months ago

          🙂

      2. Oooof
        10 years, 2 months ago

        True, play safe with big Zlat or Mr. Goals?

        1. Jigger & Pony
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Kun safest option

    2. Sponge-worthy
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I would say yes. Foolish I mean.

    3. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      More like brave.

    4. Oooof
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers everyone.

    5. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Not at all. Could easily have had two last week and I think they will get over their first week hangover at home.

      1. BananaNose Maldonado
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 2 months ago

        That said. I'll be going Aguero 🙂

  25. The 12th Man
    10 years, 2 months ago

    H2H league.
    Me - Azpi + Hazard

    Opponent - Kante + Fabregas + 3 points

    Who wins?

    1. Oooof
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You, I think.

    2. The Sarjeant
      10 years, 2 months ago

      You.

    3. Grand Thibauto
      10 years, 2 months ago

      On paper, you!
      Azpi conceding and Chelsea scoring from an Oscar goal and you know the winner

      1. The 12th Man
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Let's hope so.

  26. Aurora Borealis?
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Here's my team for GW2.

    Foster
    Stones/Shaw/Evans/Friend
    Remond/Hazard/Mahrez/Bolaise
    Augero/Ibra

    Subs: Fletcher/Gray/Morgan

    Was thinking Morgan to Williams, but know know if that's a waste of a FT.

    Appreciate any advise.

    1. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Save FT

    2. JÆKS ⭐
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Would play Gray over Evans

      No need for double wba cover against Everton. Liverpool's defence is far from solid

  27. Hy liverpool
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Coutinho(c) over kun / Vardy as I don't have kane or ibra isn't a bad idea .right?

    1. Jazz!
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Don't see him scoring a brace again.

      1. La Roja
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Ever?

      2. Ayew Serious
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Lol, Jazz you're obviously just trying to keep him as a differential captain

        1. Jazz!
          10 years, 2 months ago

          Shhh, don't tell em that. 😉

          1. Hy liverpool
            10 years, 2 months ago

            😀

    2. Kolarov Fpl Legend
      10 years, 2 months ago

      nope

    3. Dogba
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho (c)? Put down the keyboard and take some deep breaths friend.

      1. Hy liverpool
        10 years, 2 months ago

        Lol

    4. Enzo the Baker
      10 years, 2 months ago

      High risk high reward I guess. Why not just go Kun depending on how tomorrow's UCL qualifier goes

    5. BananaNose Maldonado
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Let's see if he plays first. Cramps can turn into strains very quickly. I could see him getting the week off if there are any concerns, given Pool's depth at that position.

  28. Kolarov Fpl Legend
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Deulofeu > Ramirez , if he is not nailed. And to boost the bank...

    1. Hy liverpool
      10 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. But after next two games as we won't know before bolasie play and Everton sign new striker

    2. Dogba
      10 years, 2 months ago

      I think I'd rather have Deulofeu the next GW... and I would -definitely- have Deulofeu and an FT next GW.

  29. Everyday im Schneiderlin
    10 years, 2 months ago

    Any transfers need doing here or stick? Thinking of downgrading someone to do long to defoe?

    Degea
    Williams stones valencia
    Firmino mahrez lamela redmond
    Long aguero zlatan

    Jaku capoue amat kone

  30. Whazza
    10 years, 2 months ago

    No Fabregas.

    Kante will start.