Team News
20 September 2016 1906 comments
James H James H
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United’s Marcus Rashford stakes a claim for another start by netting his second goal in three Gameweeks. Mauricio Pochettino rotates in attacking midfield after Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League match, while Nacer Chadli thrives in the central support role for West Brom.

After rolling out part one of Lineup Lessons yesterday, here’s the lowdown on the remaining 10 teams.

Man United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia (Mata 62), Smalling, Bailly, Shaw (Memphis 85); Fellaini, Pogba; Rashford, Rooney, Martial (Young 38); Ibrahimovic.

  • Jose Mourinho made three changes for the trip to Vicarage Road, with Chris Smalling, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial replacing Daley Blind, Jesse Lingard and the injured Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
  • Smalling partnered Eric Bailly in central defence, while Martial and Rashford started out wide for United, with the pair regularly switching wings. Mourinho started with a 4-3-3, with Wayne Rooney in central midfield, but changed to 4-2-3-1 after the break.
  • Martial’s afternoon only lasted 38 minutes, though, having suffered a head injury, while he also appeared to take a knock to his ankle. Ashley Young replaced him in a straight swap. Then shortly after the hour mark, Mourinho turned to Juan Mata, with the Spaniard coming on at the expense of Antonio Valencia. That change saw Young move to right-back, allowing Mata to operate on the right of the three advanced midfield positions. As a final roll of the dice, Memphis Depay was thrown on for Luke Shaw, who picked up a groin problem.
  • After a disappointing performance, Mourinho could ring the changes for the home encounter against champions Leicester on Saturday. Valencia may have just been substituted for tactical reasons and should keep his place, though Shaw is more of a concern – he could utilise Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo or even Young at left-back if Shaw fails to make it. Blind could return in central defence following a poor display by Smalling, though, while Mourinho may consider both tactical and personnel changes in midfield, with Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin all options to replace Marouane Fellaini and even Wayne Rooney should he consider using a 4-3-3 system. Ibrahimovic and Rashford should keep their places, with Mata, Young, Lingard and Mkhitaryan, provided he’s passed fit, options should Martial be ruled out.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Defence, Flanks,

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes: Barragan, Ayala, Gibson, Friend: Nsue (Nugent 60), de Roon, Forshaw (Clayton 83): Downing: Negredo, Ramirez (Fischer 70).

  • Aitor Karanka made three alterations for the trip to Goodison Park, with Marten de Roon, Emilio Nsue and Gaston Ramirez recalled in place of Adam Clayton, Viktor Fischer and the injured Cristhian Stuani.
  • De Roon partnered Adam Forshaw in central midfield in Karanka’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nsue playing further forward than we’ve seen so far this season on the right of the attacking midfield trio. Ramirez returned in the number ten role, with Stewart Downing stationed on the left wing.
  • With his side trailing 3-1, Karanka initially turned to David Nugent off the bench, with the forward replacing Nsue on the right in a straight swap. Fischer then came on in place of Ramirez in the number ten role with 20 minutes remaining, with Karanka’s final change seeing Clayton take over from Forshaw in the engine room.
  • With De Roon likely to take one of the two central midfield spots, there remains little to choose between Clayton and Forshaw for the other position. Clayton is a doubt for the weekend, though, after picking up a knock last time out. Stuani would appear set to come straight back into the side should he recover from a groin injury, with Nugent and Fischer other viable options in the advanced midfield positions. Calum Chambers could also perhaps be an option in central defence, although he may have to wait a bit longer for his chance.

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

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Romeu, Clasie (Hojbjerg 53); Davis; Long (Austin 53), Redmond, Tadic (Martina 80).

  • Southampton manager Claude Puel only made one alteration from the side that lost 2-1 to Arsenal for the visit of Swansea to St Mary’s, with Shane Long coming in for the injured Jay Rodriguez.
  • Long partnered Nathan Redmond in attack in Puel’s usual 4-1-2-1-2 formation, although at times it resembled a 4-3-3, with Dusan Tadic drifting to the right, and Long to the left.
  • With the match goalless after 53 minutes, Puel made a double substitution, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Charlie Austin replacing Jordy Clasie and Long in straight swaps. With 10 minutes remaining, Puel made a slightly defensive substitution in an attempt to preserve the 1-0 lead, with Cuco Martina replacing Tadic. Martina played at right-back, with Cedric Soares playing in front of him as a right-sided midfielder.
  • After picking up his first Premier League win, Puel is expected to name a similar starting XI for the trip to West Ham. With three goals in his last two matches in all competitions, Austin could replace Long in attack, while Hojbjerg is a viable alternative to Clasie in midfield. Rodriguez will also return to contention providing he shakes off a minor knock.

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

Stoke City

Starting XI: Given, Cameron, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Johnson, Whelan, Allen, Walters, Bojan (Diouf 68), Arnautovic, Bony.

  • Mark Hughes made two alterations for the trip to Selhurst Park, with Glen Johnson returning from injury to replace Erik Pieters, while Bojan started in place of Giannelli Imbula.
  • The inclusion of Bojan saw Hughes switch back to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the former Barcelona player flanked by Jon Walters (right) and Marko Arnautovic (left) in the attacking midfield positions. Johnson played in his usual position at right-back, with Geoff Cameron shifting over to the left.
  • Given the poor performance by his side, it was somewhat surprising to see Hughes only make one change during the match, with Mame Biram Diouf replacing Bojan after 68 minutes. That substitution saw the Potters end in a traditional 4-4-2, with Diouf stationed alongside Wilfried Bony in attack
  • While Stoke are on a terrible run of form, it doesn’t appear as if Hughes has many options in which to help reverse his side’s fortunes. Pieters and Phil Bardsley have failed to impress this season, leaving Marc Muniesa as the only other option in defence. Likewise, Imbula was dropped against Palace, with Charlie Adam perhaps another option to come into the side in midfield. Xherdan Shaqiri is still struggling to overcome a calf injury, and Hughes will be desperate for the Swiss international to be passed fit to face West Brom on Saturday.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield

Sunderland

Starting XI: Pickford; Denayer (McNair 90), Kone, Djilobodji, Manquillo; Kirchhoff (Khazri 79); Januzaj, Ndong, Cattermole, Pienaar (Watmore 63); Defoe.

  • David Moyes made four changes for the trip to White Hart Lane, with Jason Denayer and the fit-again Lee Cattermole replacing the injured Patrick van Aanholt and Jack Rodwell, while Didier Ndong and Steven Pienaar started in place of Lynden Gooch and Duncan Watmore.
  • Moyes opted for more of a 4-1-4-1 formation against Tottenham, with Adnan Januzaj, Cattermole, Ndong and Pienaar forming the four-man midfield behind lone striker Jermain Defoe. Jan Kirchhoff was stationed in front of the back four, which saw Denayer starting at right-back, with Javier Manquillo switching over to the left.
  • Moyes’ first substitution came just after the hour mark, with Watmore taking over from Pienaar on the left flank. Wahbi Khazri was then introduced in an attacking move by Moyes, coming on in place of Kirchhoff to operate in the number ten role in more of a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Denayer tiring in his first start for the club, Paddy McNair came on in his place for the final few minutes.
  • Earlier this morning, Moyes confirmed that Van Aanholt missed out on the advice of cardiologists following test results – the Dutchman has been included in the EFL Cup squad to face QPR but may not feature. Denayer and Manquillo did a relatively good job in the full-back positions, though, so they may keep their places in the side should Van Aanholt be unavailable for the home clash against Crystal Palace. Januzaj will serve his one-match ban in the EFL Cup, so he will be available to face the Eagles on Saturday. Moyes may consider moving to the slightly more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, which would give the likes of Watmore, Khazri and Gooch more of a chance to earn a starting berth. Jermain Defoe has been ruled out of tomorrow’s cup clash with QPR but is expected to recover from a minor knock in time for the weekend.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Kingsley (Rangel 46), Amat; Cork (Borja 81), Ki Sung-yeung (Montero 65), Fer; Sigurdsson, Llorente, Barrow.

  • Francesco Guidolin only made one adjustment for the trip to Southampton, with Modou Barrow earning a recall in place of Neil Taylor.
  • Barrow operated as one of two attacking midfield players, along with Gylfi Sigurdsson, in a 4-3-2-1 formation.
  • After struggling somewhat at the end of the first half, Stephen Kingsley was replaced by Angel Rangel at half-time. That change saw the Spaniard operate in his usual position at right-back, with Kyle Naughton shifting over to left-back. After falling a goal behind, Guidolin turned to Jefferson Montero off the bench, with the Ecuadorian coming on for Ki Sung-yeung. That change saw the Swans switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1, with Montero (left) and Barrow (right) providing the width. The final substitution saw Borja Baston handed his debut for the Welsh side, with the Spaniard joining his compatriot Fernando Llorente in attack, leaving just Leroy Fer in central midfield.
  • Guidolin revealed Neil Taylor will start Wednesday night’s clash against Man City in the EFL Cup, and should he impress in that match, he could push Kingsley for the starting spot at left-back. Leon Britton provides an alternative in central midfield, while Montero may only come into the side should the Italian opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation from the off against the Citizens on Saturday. Borja is also likely to feature in midweek, and depending on how many minutes he plays, he could challenge Llorente for the lone striker role.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Midfield, Lone Striker

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Dier (Davies 77), Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Wanyama, Dembele (Lamela 74); Sissoko, Alli, Heung-Min Son; Kane (Janssen 87).

  • Mauricio Pochettino made two changes for the home encounter against Sunderland, with Mousa Dembele and Moussa Sissoko coming in for Ben Davies and Christian Eriksen.
  • Those changes meant Eric Dier dropped into central defence next to Toby Alderweireld, with Jan Vertonghen shifting over to left-back. Dembele partnered Victor Wanyama in the double-pivot in the usual 4-2-3-1, with Sissoko stationed on the right of the attacking midfield trio.
  • All three of Tottenham’s substitutions were injury related, with Dier and Dembele both withdrawn due to hamstring problems. They were replaced by Davies and Erik Lamela respectively. Then in the final five minutes, Harry Kane suffered what looked to be a nasty ankle injury, and was replaced in a straight swap by Vincent Janssen.
  • While Davies may have just been rested against Sunderland, Pochettino will hope to have Danny Rose available to return at left-back against Middlesbrough. It remains to be seen whether Dier and Dembele’s injuries were anything worse than just cramp caused by fatigue, but they certainly mean it’s more likely that Wanyama will keep his place in the starting XI, partnered by either Sissoko or Alli in central midfield should Dier and Dembele fail to make it. Janssen is the obvious replacement up front if Kane is ruled out with ligament damage.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Cathcart, Britos, Prodl, Holebas; Janmaat (Amrabat, 49), Behrami, Capoue (Zuniga 82), Pereyra; Deeney, Ighalo (Success 90).

  • Walter Mazzarri only made one change from the side that beat West Ham 4-2 for the home clash against Man United, with Sebastian Prodl coming in for the injured Younes Kaboul.
  • Prodl started alongside Miguel Britos and Craig Cathcart in the three-man defence, while Odion Ighalo was asked to play in an inside left position for large parts of the match, leaving Troy Deeney as the lone striker.
  • After suffering a shoulder injury, Daryl Janmaat had to be replaced four minutes into the second half, with Nordin Amrabat taking his place in a straight swap. Mazzarri then turned to Juan Zuniga off the bench, with the Colombian playing in midfield in place of Etienne Capoue for the final eight minutes. Isaac Success was handed a run-out late on, taking over from Ighalo in a straight swap.
  • Mazzarri will check on the fitness of Janmaat and Kaboul ahead of the trip to Burnley. If the pair are ruled out, Prodl should keep his place in the starting XI, which he could do even if Kaboul is passed fit, while Amrabat is the obvious replacement for Janmaat. Otherwise, the Italian will likely continue with the same side following consecutive victories.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right Wing-Back, Central Defence

West Brom

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans ,Galloway (Nyom 67); Yacob, Fletcher; McClean, Chadli (Morrison 75), Phillips, Rondon (Robson-Kanu 86).

  • Tony Pulis made two alterations for the visit of West Ham to the Hawthorns, with James McClean and Salomon Rondon coming in for Sam Field and Saido Berahino.
  • McClean started on the left of an attacking midfield trio in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nacer Chadli used in the number ten role behind lone striker Rondon.
  • Pulis made his first substitution after 67 minutes, with Allan Nyom coming on for Brendan Galloway. Nyom played at centre-back, with Jonny Evans moving over to left-back. Chadli was forced off with a knock with 15 minutes remaining, with James Morrison taking his place in a straight swap. Pulis’ final substitution saw Hal Robson-Kanu make his Baggies debut in place of Rondon for the final four minutes.
  • After his side’s most impressive performance of the season, Pulis may look to name an unchanged side for the trip to his former club Stoke City. Berahino does offer another option in the number ten role should Chadli be ruled out, but if the Belgian is passed fit, Berahino may again have to settle for a place among the substitutes. Chris Brunt stepped up his recovery with a run out for the reserves last night but is unlikely to be fit in time for the weekend after an extended period on the sidelines.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left Wing, Attacking Midfield

West Ham

Starting XI: Adrian, Nordtveit, Collins, Ogbonna, Masuaku (Fletcher 76); Kouyate, Noble (Feghouli 46); Antonio, Lanzini, Payet, Zaza (Calleri 46).

  • Slaven Bilic made two changes from the side that lost 4-2 to Watford for the trip to West Brom, with Havard Nordtveit and Angelo Ogbonna coming in for the injured Sam Byram and Winston Reid.
  • Nordtveit and Ogbonna slotted in at right-back and centre-back respectively, while Bilic once again used Michail Antonio, Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet in the three advanced midfield positions in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
  • Heading into the break 3-0 down, Bilic made a double substitution at half-time, with Sofiane Feghouli and Jonathan Calleri coming on in place of Mark Noble and Simone Zaza. The changes saw Bilic switch to a 4-1-4-1 system, with Feghouli on the right of midfield, allowing Antonio to move over to the left wing. Calleri replaced Zaza as the lone striker. After enduring a torrid afternoon, Arthur Masuaku was replaced by Ashley Fletcher for the final 14 minutes as West Ham continued to try and get back into the match.
  • Following successive 4-2 defeats, Bilic will be considering changes in almost all positions ahead of the visit of Southampton to London Stadium. Darren Randolph offers an alternative to Adrian in goal, while none of his defenders look assured of a starting role. Byram and in particular Reid could return should they recover from knocks, while Alvaro Arbeloa should be close to being fit enough to feature in the Premier League. Nordtveit is also an option in central midfield, along with Pedro Obiang, with Lanzini’s position perhaps in doubt should Bilic switch to a more solid 4-3-3 formation. Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio look the only two players certain of keeping their starting spots, with Calleri and Fletcher alternatives to Zaza in attack.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: All Positions

  1. Totti
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    plz i would love to help me in that dilemma
    A) coleman
    sanchez payet firmino snod capoue and forwards deeney aguero lukaku
    B) willimas
    sanchez sterling firmino antonio capoue and forwards deeney aguero lukaku

  2. Big Mac 24
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Balls, I thought that Aguero couldn't rise until after the suspension/flag was lifted 🙁

    1. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He won't rise after his flag is removed, that's on wednesday

      1. Big Mac 24
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Ok, well it's too late now as he went up last night and that .1 was key - I can still get him in but wanted to get him and Barry, who is locked in and seems to riding Everton's wave nicely. Now it'll be back to Hjölbjerg or another 4.5 I guess!

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Use FPLstatistics.co.uk mate and ignore flags. If they're due to rise/fall on there then likely they will.

      1. Big Mac 24
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I do and did, and saw his 102% at 1 this morning, I was just for some reason under the impression that players couldn't rise when flagged - guess i've never needed to consider it before and had that (Wrong) assumption in my head from something i'd misread once.

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Please explain how that's logical? He dropped 0.2 under flag so why wouldn't the opposite apply?

      1. Big Mac 24
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        It's not, I was wrong!

  3. FDMS All Starz
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Hazard won't drop to 9.9 this week guys, you can calm down however he may drop on saturday night though.

  4. Shirokov(c)
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Can't wait for both Ibrahimovic and Hazard to score this week as I get rid of them both.

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      This.

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard won't ibra will

    3. _Gunner
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully Ibra will

  5. Bleach †
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    RP
    What do you reckon, how will Kun affect KDB's points? Thinking of having them both and then KDB → Alexis next week

    1. Worzel Gummidge
        9 years, 2 months ago

        KDB wont be as prolific IMO. He will play a little deeper IMO. I think Pep asked him to get forward more in Agueros absence to help the team but that is just my view. Depends if you think the fact he only got big returns in Agueros absence is coincidence or not.

        1. Bleach †
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          tbh I think it rather is, but still could assist Kun and vice versa, not keen on Sterling

      • Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Depends whether he drops deeper as he was before Kun's suspension.

      • Big Mac 24
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Could he not possibly stay higher up with Nolito missing next 3?

    2. cheese XL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Any opinions on this WC team please?

      Jaku
      Kosc Lovren Williams
      Sanchez Payet Firmino Bolasie
      Kun Lukaku Rashford

      Pickford Capoue Holbas Amat

      1. aleksios
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Looks solid

    3. DASHING FC
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      In a dilema with my WC team...

      a) Walker + dirt cheap defense (4.5 + 4.5 + 4.5 + 4.0)
      Sterling Firmino Sanchez Antonio Capoue
      Kun Lukaku Deeney(Ighalo/Austin)

      b) Walker Baines Valencia Kelly Amat
      Firmino(Sterling) Sanchez Antonio Redmond(Snoddy/Bolasie/Townsend/Chadli) Capoue
      Kun Lukaku Benteke/>7.6

      c) Walker Valencia Baines Evans(Kelly) Amat
      Firmino Sterling Sanchez Antonio Capoue
      Diomande Kun Lukaku

      Really struggling as to where i should compromise. Either my defense for strong midfield and good strike force + cheap striker, OR sacrifice in my midfield for a mid-priced mid and strong strike force(Tekkers), OR sacrifice in my strike force (Diomande).

      Any advice??

      1. Big Sum
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        a

        1. DASHING FC
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Any reason why?

      2. aleksios
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        i would do a

        1. DASHING FC
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Why?

      3. Fpldonny
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Iv personally gone the diomande route as none of the 6/7 strikers are really convinving me. Lookin at 3 5 2 for the next 5 games with capoue as 5th mid

        1. DASHING FC
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Strong fixtures for Watford in next 5 GWs but i don't think i would play Deeney/Ighalo + Capoue. Also have a gut feel to go 3 5 2 for the next 5.

    4. aleksios
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      On wc:
      a)Cech-Mane-Lukaku-Costa
      b)Foster-Alexis-Zlatan-Deeney
      already have Firmino if helps.
      thanks all.

      1. LC1
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Very tough.. I'd go with B.

      2. Speédy
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        easily b,but go jakupovic for foster

    5. Fpldonny
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Lanzini worth a punt over Antonio for the next few? Good ppg last season

      1. Pacer.
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Payet is probably worth the investment over both those. When West Ham are forced to tighten up you who'll be over the free kicks

      2. Fpldonny
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Id actually love payet but just cant find a way of doing it atm.

      3. FDMS All Starz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I see lots of rotations happening for West Ham next game, I only see payet and Antonio as a nailed on starter

        1. Pacer.
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Antonio is not nailed. He's been benched and moved before and they have serious defensive problems

          1. DASHING FC
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            He will still score from defense 😉

    6. Dacra
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Zaza hat trick on Sunday.

      Definitely happening, I'm not just delusional because I didn't take him out of my team before he dropped twice..

    7. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      The Costa>Aguero Conundrum..

      Costa is in great form and I'm very happy with 18 points in two games. However I'm not going to captain him vs Arsenal. Aguero plays Swansea, and very few in my ML have the funds to bring him back hit-free. An Aguero captain haul this week could really upset the applecart!

      I could sell Ibra but with Stoke looming I'm happy to sit tight. Hopefully I can save my FT next week and sort Ibra and Haz the following week if needs be.

      1. Fpldonny
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Iv ditched Ibra for now, utd look in disarray and he looks poor imo. Very snatchy with his finishing.

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          This +1

    8. rnrd
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I know CHadli is playing for WBA but his display last WE? his rush for the last goal in counter attack and the two away game to come (with possible counter attacks) look quite appealing to be honest

      1. Pacer.
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Always love the players who dominate teams and Chadli looks like every bit the main man at West Brom. With penalties under his belt he looks an excellent option. I jumped straight on him.

      2. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        He's already peaked. Accept that you missed it 😉

        1. Big Mac 24
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Will as long as peaking is at 21 points and not a goal and 2 BAPS for 9 I guess he's still got something in his locker!!

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

          Best thing about Chadli is WBA are cack at scoring goals, so he's going to hog the BPS with a single goal on numerous occassions

          1. Big Mac 24
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Is a fair point too

            1. Big Mac 24
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Worth a two week in form punt, but after that it's CITY, Pool, SPURS then Leicester!!!

              1. Pacer.
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Only Spurs are really managing to shut up shop. City are leaking a goal a game, Leicester are a bit unpredictable and you'd always fancy Liverpool to concede. i agree they're not the ideal fixtures, but following his performance and fixtures against Stoke and Sunderland I think he's a stand-out in the bracket

    9. ASAP Rocky
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Should I WC this lot? 5.0 ITB.

      Foster - Jaku

      Stones - Valencia - Amat - Friend - Baines

      Antonio- Lamela - Hazard - Redmond - Capoue

      Lukaku - Iheanacho - Ibra

      1. ASAP Rocky
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Meaning should I play my WC with this average team?

      2. Bleach †
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Redmond needs to go for sure

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          He looked really good on Sunday, should have scored and was wrongly given offside for an assist - I know points are the name of the game here but OOP and will explode (manager backed him in this position so no rotation risk). I'm keeping as a 4th.

      3. Clump
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        You could probably fix that with a hit if you have a ft.

      4. Fpldonny
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe just iheancho and lamela/redmond > aguero + cheaper mid?

        1. ASAP Rocky
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          How about Ihenacho > Aguero, Hazard > Firmino? (-4)

    10. Zky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Who should I replace Mirallas with?
      I probably need money left to get Agüero soon, having Benteke, Ibra and Lukaku at the moment...

      2.2 ITB

      1. Bleach †
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Antonio? Snod? Chadli?

        1. Pacer.
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Snodgrass and Chadli. Both point hoggers. Antonio could disappear off the radar for several reasons

          1. Teddy Steddingham
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            What are the reasons he might disappear?

            1. Pacer.
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              He's an excellent, versatile player, and they have serious defensive problems. He capable of doing a better job than some other players, and even if he's not moved his defensive responsibilities could get greater. It does seem unlikely he'd be benched again as he was last season though.

              I'd just much rather field a player around which play revolves or who has a lion's share of set pieces.

              1. Teddy Steddingham
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                All of that makes sense. Trying to justify not bringing him in when all my competitors have him and he keeps banging in the goals!

                1. Pacer.
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  It's definitely a risk because he's currently been not just a prolific goalscorer, but probably their best player. But it's balanced by risks to ownership.

                  I'm going with Chadli and Snodgrass. Chadli is surely nailed to play in his position, has penalties and has Stoke and Sunderland coming up. Snodgrass takes absolutely everything for Hull and has a few goals in him too. If they score, he'll likely return points.

                  Definitely an enticing differential to not play Antonio

              2. Patio Kev
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                "I'd just much rather field a player around which play revolves or who has a lion's share of set pieces"

                That's your opinion then fine, you make sure you pick players like Tadic that ticks many of those boexes.

                Personally I prefer to field a player that scores me the most points in which case Antonio wins hands down.

                1. Pacer.
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  Obviously it's more complicated than that, and you choose those players with some discretion. Ergo I don't and haven't owned Tadic or Ozil. I'm just saying that given a choice between a player who is nailing all the opportunities coming to him, or a player who is laying on chances for the whole team, and they are taking them, and who also has set pieces (e.g. payet) i would go with the player who has a much greater number of chances to achieve attacking points.

                  Tadic has always been a bit inconsistent

        2. Zky
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks!

          Yes Chadli is already in there since his last performance and upcoming fixtures, Antonio is a bit of a gamble I think as the team around him is not performing very well.

          Thoughts on Pereyra?

    11. Cocky Spaniel Alves
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Here goes, three WC options:

      A)
      Cech
      Clyne Baines Holebas
      Sanchez Firmino Sterling Antonio Capoue
      Agüero Lukaku

      Jakupovic Friend Amat Diomande

      B)
      Pickford
      Lovren Coleman Holebas
      Sanchez Firmino Sterling Antonio
      Agüero Lukaku Deeney

      Jakupovic Capoue Friend Amat

      C)
      Cech
      Lovren Williams Holebas
      Sanchez Firmino Sterling Antonio
      Agüero Lukaku Deeney

      Jakupovic Fletcher Amat 4,0

      Which one would you prefer?

      1. Big Sum
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        B or C

      2. DASHING FC
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        a

    12. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Any interest in Jansen with Kane out? I feel like this is the week if so, Boro do not look good.

    13. Daywalker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Best midfielder for 7.0 or less?

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        can you not stretch to Antonio?

        1. Daywalker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Already in the team. Got Capoue, Antonio, Sanchez, Sterling.

      2. makaveli123
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Lallana if you can afford 7.1m. Decent picks under 7.0m:
        Bolasie, Pereyra, Townsend.

      3. Pacer.
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Chadli

        It's only going to be a bandwagon because it's blindingly obvious. Did it for Spurs as a bit-part. Will dominate at WBA

        1. Baines on Toast...
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I do feel the flag has stopped people cottoning on...he's against Stoke next after all...

    14. makaveli123
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Never forget: Mark Hughes' volley in Man City training.
      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6LvYRab2U8

    15. Dacra
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Any of the other 17 Zaza owners in the entire world on here?

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Feel your pain, nearly got him on WC punt. went Benteke instead so im not exactly a genius myself!

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Sold him before both falls

    16. Mordor F.C.
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Janssen now that Kane prob will be out for a while?

    17. razmo
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hi All, had a decent start (286 points) and only made 3 transfers in 5 weeks so far so happy that I got my initial selection right.
      I have two free this week but am seriously considering playing a wildcard...what do you think is the right thing to do?

      a) Hazard and Ibra > Aguero and Firmino (Free)
      b) Hazard and Ibra and Ozil > Aguero and Firmino and Sanchex (4 point hit)
      c) Wildcard with endless opportunities!

      Current team is:

      Forster Jaku
      Friend, Stones, Evans, Baines, Shaw
      Townsend, Ozil, Hazard, Redmond, Janazaj
      Lukaku, Ibra, Negredo

      Thanks in advance!

      1. Bleach †
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        IMO if u want to WC, you should do immediately when new gw starts, so you could get price-risers in at first

        1. razmo
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I don't disagree and perhaps bad planning but it wasnt even in my head until I really started to think about alternatives I wanted to get based on upcoming fixtures

          Feel like I need more City, Watford, Arsenal and Liverpool coverage.

      2. Clump
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Don't WC with 2 FT.

        1. razmo
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Also fair, but is it worth taking a hit? Dont feel like I end up with a particularly strong team for this GW

          1. Clump
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            A -4 gives you a mini wildcard. There's not that much wrong with it!

    18. Genovoze
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Guys which 5th ultra cheap (4.4) mid is the best option?

      A. Fletcher
      B. De Roon
      C. Whelan
      D. Coquelin

      My thoughts:
      Fletcher has the highest ownership (10.5%) so he can drop again. However, he has this 1 extra point potential.
      De Roon seems nailed...
      Whelan has the fixtures but no form. Also nailed.
      Coquelin has the 1 point CS potential as well.

      Of course they will most probably never play in any fantasy team but who knows.

      1. lasmons
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I went with Carrick at 4.3. Haha, it was the only way to get in Kun without ruining my team.

    19. Bleach †
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      RP
      on WC and getting Antonio should be a no-brainer, but I think he's been to good and now starting to blank, no?

      1. Clump
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I own him and am slightly concerned. Bilic has to change the way W Ham play. Not sure if it'll have an impact on him.

      2. M.M.A
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        if he blank son will be a good choice

    20. Stockport Hatter
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ok so I took a 4 point hit for this week to get Kun back, is it worth 8 to get De Bruyne in for Sanchez or not?

      my team:

      Heaton/Jak
      Shaw/Mcauley/Williams/Amat/Smith
      Capoue/Barkley/Sanchez/Firmino/Antonio
      likaku/Kun/Benteke

      1. Norfolk&Chance
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        i think you know...but No - dnt do it.

        1. Stockport Hatter
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I think you're right

      2. Speédy
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        get sterling for barkley if u hav d funds

        1. Stockport Hatter
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          For an 8 hit?

          That said, I don't have the funds. i think I should run with what I have for this week on reflection.

          Thanks anyway.

    21. Andrew
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      List in order of importance to have in a WC team assuming Aguero is a no brainer

      KDB, Sanchez, Hazard Costa Lukaku, Ibra, Firmino

      1. Genovoze
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Sanchez-Lukaku-Ibra-Firmino

      2. Norfolk&Chance
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Firmino
        Sanchez
        KDB
        Lukaku
        Costa
        Hazard
        Ibra

    22. FERDINANDISWORTHTWOINTHEBUS…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Stones/Firminho or Lovren/Sterling?

      1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        #1

      2. El Patron
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Would have neither Stones or Lovren.
        Firmino over Sterling.

    23. El Patron
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Do you guys think Rashford will start from now on?

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Not sure. Especially as mkhi is bound to return eventually, and he is a better winger than Rashford so I can't see mourinho keeping Rashford on the right.

        1. El Patron
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          That sucks 🙁

    24. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Bottomed...

      Thoughts on this front 7:

      KDB Sterling Antonio Firmino Sanchez
      Aguero Deeney

      1. Norfolk&Chance
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        yammaan. Looks good.

      2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Nice. But I think lukaku will outscore sterling. Therefore I would do sterling to a 4.5M mid (de roon) and then upgrade your 3rd striker to lukaku....

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I currently have capoue so have no need for a cheaper mid as had him from the start at £4.5m. Maybe makes sense to keep him and get lukaku rather than firm, sterling or sanchez. I remain unconvinced by Lukaku though.

      3. El Patron
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Three City players is overkill. Sterling -> someone else.

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I'm not sure it is. They look awesome and sterling is a steal at his price.

      4. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Whoops I've been bumped up top. Ignore this one and look up.

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Oh just ignore the top one.

    25. razmo
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Repost from page before as quickly got lost...

      Hi All, had a decent start (286 points) and only made 3 transfers in 5 weeks so far so happy that I got my initial selection right.
      I have two free this week but am seriously considering playing a wildcard...what do you think is the right thing to do?

      a) Hazard and Ibra > Aguero and Firmino (Free)
      b) Hazard and Ibra and Ozil > Aguero and Firmino and Sanchex (4 point hit)
      c) Wildcard with endless opportunities!

      Current team is:

      Forster Jaku
      Friend, Stones, Evans, Baines, Shaw
      Townsend, Ozil, Hazard, Redmond, Janazaj
      Lukaku, Ibra, Negredo

      Thanks in advance!

      1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Think I'd go B
        But wait on news of Shaw

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          B looks good

    26. Cooper123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Got a sudden case the chills about removing Ibra, and am currently trying to shoehorn him in alongside Aguero, Lukaku, Sanchez, Firmino... probably best just to cut loose.

      1. Supersonic
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I currently have Aguero Luk Sanchez Firmino and Ibra in my team.. Obviously making a few sacrifices in the midfield.. If Sanchez doesn't perform then spread his cash through the mids a bit

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

        It's possible with Capoue as 4th mid and quite a cheap defence