Team News
4 October 2016 929 comments
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Heung-Min Son starts up front as Spurs end City’s unbeaten record. Michail Antonio leads the line for West Ham before shifting to the flank, and Alvaro Negredo drops to the ‘Boro bench for the first time.

After rolling out part one of Line-up Lessons yesterday, here’s the take on the remaining 10 sides…

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Bailly, Blind; Herrera (Depay 83), Pogba; Lingard (Martial 67), Mata (Rooney 67), Rashford; Ibrahimovic.

  • Jose Mourinho named an unchanged starting XI from the one that beat Leicester City 4-1 for the visit of Stoke City to Old Trafford.
  • Ander Herrera was again the preferred partner for Paul Pogba at the base of midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation, while Jesse Lingard (right) and Marcus Rashford (left) continued in the wide positions.
  • With the match goalless, Mourinho turned to Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial off the bench, with the pair replacing Juan Mata and Lingard for the final 23 minutes. Rooney took over the number ten role, while Martial played on the left wing, meaning Rashford switched over to the opposite flank. After Stoke’s equaliser, Memphis Depay was thrown on as a final roll of the dice, replacing Herrera. Depay played on the right wing, with Rashford moving into a more central role next to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, leaving Pogba and Rooney in central midfield.
  • The Herrera and Pogba combination in the middle of the park struggled to impress, but with Mourinho not appearing to have much faith in Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin, only Marouane Fellaini appears to offer a viable alternative. Martial’s goal means he could push for a recall, perhaps in place of Lingard. Luke Shaw missed out due to illness, but Daley Blind has performed well over the last two matches and could keep the starting berth at left-back for the trip to Anfield in Gameweek 8. The pace of Sadio Mane may mean Mourinho considers handing a recall to Shaw, however.

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

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Friend; Stuani, Forshaw, De Roon, Downing; Rhodes (Negredo 68); Fischer (Ramirez 59).

  • Aitor Karanka made three alterations for the trip to West Ham, with Adam Forshaw, Viktor Fischer and Jordan Rhodes starting in place of Adam Clayton, Gaston Ramirez and Alvaro Negredo.
  • Forshaw played alongside Marten de Roon in the double-pivot in Karanka’s usual 4-2-3-1 system. Fischer took up the number ten role, while Rhodes operated as the lone striker for ‘Boro.
  • Fischer’s afternoon only lasted 59 minutes, though, as he made way for Ramirez in a straight swap. Karanka’s only other substitution saw Negredo take over from Rhodes in attack for the final 22 minutes.
  • The ‘Boro boss continues to rotate Clayton and Forshaw alongside De Roon in midfield, but Forshaw put in a strong performance at the London Stadium and may keep his spot in the side for the home clash against Watford. Fischer and Rhodes were handed rare starts on the weekend, with the former hoping for further pitch time after supplying the assist for Christhian Stuani’s opener. Adama Traore could also get a look in should Karanka continue to shuffle his pack in the attacking midfield positions.

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

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster, Soares (Martina 27), Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Davis, Tadic (Long 71), Redmond, Austin (Ward-Prowse 83).

  • Southampton manager Claude Puel named an unchanged side from the one that beat West Ham 3-0 for the trip to Leicester City.
  • He again stuck with the 4-3-3 formation, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Steven Davis playing in front of holding midfielder Oriol Romeu, while Dusan Tadic (right) and Charlie Austin (left) flanked central striker Nathan Redmond.
  • Puel was forced into making an early substitution, though, with Cedric Soares forced off with a foot injury. Cuco Martina took over at right-back for Saints, with Puel’s next change seeing Shane Long replace Tadic in a straight swap for the final 19 minutes. The final substitution saw James Ward-Prowse replace Austin with seven minutes remaining in a slightly defensive move, with Ward-Prowse playing in a deeper role on the left as Saints looked to hold on for a point.
  • With Southampton on a good run of form, Puel isn’t expected to make many changes for the home clash with Burnley after the international break. Martina will step in at right-back should Soares be ruled out, while Ward-Prose and Jordy Clasie offer alternatives to Hojbjerg in centre midfield, although neither player seems likely to earn a recall at this point.

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

Stoke City

Starting XI: Grant; Johnson, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Cameron, Whelan; Shaqiri (Bardsley 90), Allen, Arnautovic (Walters 77); Bony (Crouch 77).

  • Mark Hughes named an unchanged starting XI from the one that drew 1-1 against West Brom for the trip to Old Trafford.
  • Erik Pieters kept his starting spot at left-back, while Geoff Cameron again partnered Glenn Whelan at the base of midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Joe Allen stationed in the central attacking midfield role.
  • After falling a goal behind, Hughes turned to Jon Walters and Peter Crouch off the bench, with the pair replacing Marko Arnautovic and Wilfried Bony in straight swaps for the final 13 minutes.
  • Given Stoke again put in an improved performance, Hughes could well name an unchanged starting XI for the home clash against Sunderland, providing there are no fresh injuries over the next 10 days. Giannelli Imbula appears unlikely to earn a recall in central midfield, while Hughes may remain patient with Bony in the lone striker role. Crouch, Walters, Mame Biram Diouf and Bojan are all viable alternatives, though.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Lone Striker

Sunderland

Starting XI: Pickford; Manquillo, Kone, O’Shea, Denayer; Kirchhoff (Van Aanholt 56), McNair (Rodwell 72); Ndong, Watmore, Khazri (Gooch 90); Defoe.

  • David Moyes made five changes for the home clash against West Brom, with John O’Shea, Jason Denayer, Paddy McNair, Duncan Watmore and Wahbi Khazri coming in for Papy Djilobodji, Patrick van Aanholt, Lee Cattermole, Steven Pienaar and Adnan Januzaj.
  • Moyes again decided to deploy a 4-3-3 system, with Watmore and Khazri flanking central striker Jermain Defoe in attack. McNair and Didier Ndong played in front of holding midfielder Jan Kirchhoff in the middle of the park, while O’Shea and Denayer slotted in at centre-back and left-back respectively.
  • An injury to Kirchhoff saw Van Aanholt introduced off the bench, with the Dutchman replacing Kirchhoff 11 minutes into the second half. The substitute was fielded as a left wing-back in a 3-5-2 set-up, with Khazri stationed on the opposite flank, leaving Watmore alongside Defoe. Jack Rodwell then entered the fray in place of McNair in the engine room for the final 18 minutes. Lynden Gooch came on as a late substitute in place of Khazri.
  • After Van Aanholt impressed off the bench in a more attacking role, Moyes may consider switching to wing-backs to utilise the Dutch international strengths going forward. Moyes has options in midfield should Kirchhoff, Cattermole and Pienaar be available, with Rodwell another who could come into the reckoning to start at Stoke after the break. Jordan Pickford withdrew from the England under-21 squad once again due to a thigh problem, but the injury isn’t thought to be a serious one.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, Full-Backs/Wing-Backs, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Rangel, Van Der Hoorn, Amat, Naughton; Fer (Fulton 73), Britton (Ki Sung-yeung 63) Cork; Routledge (Barrow 63), Borja, Sigurdsson.

  • Francesco Guidolin was forced into making one adjustment for the home clash against Liverpool, with Borja Baston coming in for the injured Fernando Llorente.
  • Borja started as the lone striker for the Swans, in what was once again a 4-3-2-1 formation used by the Italian. Liverpool’s dominance in the second half meant that Wayne Routledge and Gylfi Sigurdsson were forced into having to play very wide on the right and left flanks, making more of a 4-5-1.
  • Shortly after the hour mark, Guidolin introduced Ki Sung-yeung and Modou Barrow off the bench, with Leon Britton and Routledge making way. Barrow came on in a straight swap, while Jack Cork moved into the defensive midfield role, with Ki and Leroy Fer in slightly more advanced positions. Fer was the final player to make way as he began to tire, and was replaced by Jay Fulton in a straight swap for the final 17 minutes.
  • The departure of Guidolin and Bob Bradley’s appointment now puts the Swansea line-up in flux. Several positions in the starting XI could be up for grabs, with the likes of Neil Taylor, Ki and Jefferson Montero, in particular, hoping for a chance to shine under the new manager. However, Lukasz Fabianski, Jordi Amat, Fer and Sigurdsson all appear likely to hold onto their starting spots for the Gameweek 8 visit to Arsenal.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: All Positions

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose; Wanyama; Sissoko (Dier 72), Alli (Nkoudou 86), Eriksen, Lamela; Heung-Min Son (Janssen 90).

  • Mauricio Pochettino made two changes for the visit of Manchester City to White Hart Lane, with the fit-again Danny Rose replacing Ben Davies at left-back, while Erik Lamela was recalled in place of Vincent Janssen.
  • Pochettino continued with his new 4-1-4-1 formation against City. Heung-Min Son moved into the lone striker role in Janssen’s absence, with Lamela (left) and Moussa Sissoko (right) starting on the flanks. Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen played in central midfield, with Victor Wanyama stationed in the defensive midfield role.
  • Pochettino’s first substitution saw Eric Dier replace Sissoko with 18 minutes remaining. Dier slotted in next to Alli in central midfield, with Eriksen moving out to the right. Georges-Kevin Nkoudou and Janssen were handed run-outs late on in place of Lamela and Son. Nkoudou played on the left wing, with Lamela moving infield, while Janssen took over as the central striker.
  • After an impressive performance, Pochettino may choose to name an unchanged side for the trip to West Brom in Gameweek 8. Dier and Mousa Dembele, providing the latter recovers from a hamstring problem, can offer different options in centre midfield, though. Should either player earn recalls, Sissoko or Lamela’s starting berths would be in doubt, with Eriksen likely to keep his place either in a central role, or out wide. Son’s form appears to guarantee his start up front.

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

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Holebas, Prodl, Kaboul, Zuniga; Amrabat, Behrami, Capoue (Guedioura 79), Pereyra; Ighalo (Success 58), Deeney.

  • Walter Mazzarri made two alterations from the side that lost 2-0 at Burnley for the home fixture against Bournemouth, with Juan Zuniga and Younes Kaboul coming in for the injured Craig Cathcart and Miguel Britos.
  • Those changes meant a change in formation for the Hornets, with Mazzarri opting for more of a 4-3-3 system. Zuniga came in at right-back, with Kaboul partnering Sebastian Prodl in central defence. Roberto Pereyra and Etienne Capoue started on the right and left respectively of defensive midfielder Valon Behrami, while in attack, Nordin Amrabat (right) and Odion Ighalo (left) flanked central striker Troy Deeney.
  • It was Ighalo who was the first player to be substituted by Mazzarri, with Isaac Success taking his place in a straight swap just before the hour mark. Watford’s only other change saw Adlene Guedioura take over from Capoue in central midfield for the final 11 minutes.
  • Mazzarri’s selection for the trip to Middlesbrough will depend on whether he sticks with the 4-3-3, or reverts to his favoured 3-5-2 formation. Cathcart and Britos’ groin injuries aren’t thought to be serious, so the Italian could have a full compliment of centre-backs to choose from at the Riverside. Zuniga may lose his place in the side if Mazzarri moves back to the 3-5-2, with Amrabat shifting to right wing-back. In either formation, Success (if he recovers from a knock) is now putting pressure on Ighalo for a starting spot after finding the back of the net on Saturday.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Flanks, Strikers

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom; Yacob; Phillips, Fletcher, Chadli (Morrison 90), McClean (Gardner 72); Rondon.

  • Tony Pulis named an unchanged side from the one that drew 1-1 at Stoke for the trip to the Stadium of Light.
  • Allan Nyom kept his place at left-back for the Baggies, with Pulis’ side lining up in more of a defined 4-2-3-1, having started in a 4-1-4-1 formation the previous week.
  • Pulis’ first substitution came after 72 minutes, with Craig Gardner taking over from James McClean on the left wing for the final 18 minutes. James Morrison was handed a brief run-out late on in place of goalscorer Nacer Chadli.
  • Brendan Galloway wasn’t included in the squad on Saturday having missed the match at Stoke due to a virus. He did feature for the club’s under-23s last week, though, so he could have a chance to take over from Nyom at left-back for the home clash against Spurs in Gameweek 8. Otherwise, the Baggies starting XI looks to have a settled look to it.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back

West Ham United

Starting XI: Adrian; Byram (Arbeloa 7), Collins, Reid, Ogbonna; Noble (Lanzini 73), Obiang, Kouyate; Tore (Zaza 46), Antonio, Payet.

  • Slaven Bilic made four changes from the side that lost 3-0 to Southampton for the home encounter against Middlesbrough, with Sam Byram, James Collins, Pedro Obiang and Gokhan Tore coming in for Havard Nordtveit, Alvaro Arbeloa, Manuel Lanzini and Simone Zaza.
  • Bilic opted for a 4-3-3 system against ‘Boro, with Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate operating either side of Obiang in midfield. Tore (right) and Dimitri Payet (left) flanked Michail Antonio, who was used in the central striker role. In defence, Collins partnered Winston Reid at centre-back, with Byram and Angelo Ogbonna at right-back and left-back respectively.
  • Byram’s afternoon only lasted seven minutes, though, after he was forced off with a hamstring injury. Arbeloa was brought on in a straight swap to replace the former Leeds defender. Zaza was then introduced at the break, with Tore making way. That change saw Antonio return to his more familiar position on the right wing, with Zaza operating as the central striker. Bilic’s final substitution saw Lanzini come on for Noble with 17 minutes remaining. The Argentine played in the same midfield role as Noble, deeper than we’re usually accustomed to seeing him.
  • The Hammers’ improved performance may mean that Bilic keeps changes to a minimum for the trip to Selhurst Park in Gameweek 8. The back four that finished the match could stay unchanged, with Byram perhaps missing out even if he is passed fit. Aaron Cresswell (knee) is nearing a first-team return, though, and could be rushed back to face the Eagles. The midfield three had a more solid look to it with the inclusion of Obiang: he could now keep his place in the starting XI. The experiment to use Antonio as a central striker failed to pay off, so Zaza looks set to earn a recall if Andy Carroll (knee) remains sidelined. Antonio would then appear likely to start on the right wing, with Tore and Sofiane Feghouli the other options out wide.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks, Central Striker

929 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Some more stats to add to the mystery around why Ibrahimovic can't score.

    Some Suarez-esque on and off target stats there.

    http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/my-stats-tables/view/16995/

    1. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Worth noting that he is a clinical finisher and with that shot volume, you have to imagine eventually he'll go on a better run than we've seen so far..

      ..especially if Rooney and Fellaini stay out of the XI.

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I'd be worried if those shots were off target...but they are not. Its a mystery.

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

          Goalkeepers have been brilliant against him, especially Grant at the weekend.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            I wish Rob Green was back in the Prem Lg. We need more terrible keepers to help out these aged strikers. 😉

        2. sinik
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I don't think 35% is fantastic shot accuracy but he was also shooting from far

          question: do you know why Opta doesn't have/FFS doesn't provide "shots in the box - on target"?

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

          Just means they aren't very good shots. Think about it, would you rather take a striker who shoots half the time wide of the post and the other half just inside, or a striker who shoots 80% at the keeper and 20% wide? The stats will say the latter is on target 80% of the time compared to the former's 50%, but the conversion rate for the latter will be miles ahead and will result in more goals/points.

      2. Worzel Gummidge
          9 years, 2 months ago

          This is an oxymoron no? Clinical finisher but taking so many shots and not scoring. He is not worth the value.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            But he's also taking lots of shots that are on target. For some reason they are not going in.

            I say Suarez esque because the last time I saw stats like this it was the former Liverpool man - huge amount of shots off target and huge amounts of stats on target. But he put some of them away - the key difference.

            1. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              I agree though clinical finisher is not a description I'd use. That's more for the likes of Capoue or Yaya of old where they only needed one shot to score.

              He's more a try hard no finisher.

              1. Worzel Gummidge
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  haha yeah that is the point I was getting at. Everybody loves a try hard though just as long as they are getting you points.

              2. sinik
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                I think he's imminent, which is great as a United fan. Question is whether it'll be explosive/consistent enough to be worth 11+ when Aguero is essential and mids are firing..

              3. Worzel Gummidge
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  That is what I mean. If he was such a clinical finisher he would be converting these loads of shots on target to goals.

              4. sinik
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                I mean historically.

                I agree he is not worth his price.

        • Why Sanchez Won't Be Rested Again Post Internationals
          AA33
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Will Sanchez start in GW 8?
            The last time after the international break he didn't start but I strongly believe that this time he will start because
            The last time they had to play a CL match on Tuesday and that too against PSG.
            This time they play their CL match on Wednesday and against Ludogorets.
            Thoughts?

            1. EmreCan Hustle
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              If he regains even half of his fitness levels, he should start.

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

              I agree with this logic. Think the PSG game was a big factor last time.

            3. Pino
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Ludogorets is not PSG

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

              Good point.

            5. J0E
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              I agree. Key factors are that extra day and the opposition. If Sanchez is to be rested odds on it'lll be that Champions League clash rather than in the Premier League.

              That lingering doubt though may put me off captaining but I'm 99.% certain he'll start in the next GWK.

              1. AA33
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  Yes Wenger will be keen to catch up with Man City.

                • Jersey
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  also, the PSG game was in Paris . . . Ludogrets is at home.

              2. AA33
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  After all he started every game post internationals prior to last time (please correct me if I am wrong).

                • Net Gains
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  Yes, very likely he starts this time. I'll be tweeting updates on the Friday https://twitter.com/FPLgains

                • Arteta
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  I expect him to start.

                • Ruth_NZ
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  I think he is more likely to start than not. But you are loading the picture a bit because it's also true that Arsenal have Swansea at home, there couldn't be a much easier game on paper. Wenger may very well believe that they will have enough to beat Swansea without Sanchez starting (but on the bench in case).

                  An international game in Chile at 00:30 Wednesday before a Saturday PL game is exactly as it was last time, when he was rested. So really it comes down to why that decision was made. Concern about the PSG game? Only that? Concern not to burn him out? Perceived injury risk with too many games on top of lots of travel? A combination of all of those?

                  It is pretty pointless people saying "he will start" or "he won't". I doubt that Wenger will decide till Sanchez is back on the 13th so how anyone can think they know now is beyond me. 😕

                  1. AA33
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      It's true that he plays an international game on Wednesday but it is also clear that Wenger had one eye over the PSG clash while resting Sanchez.....that game was the most important for him at that time and the next PSG clash will also be his next most important clash.
                      After all he started every league game post internationals prior to last time.
                      Also I believe there are plenty of direct flights to London from South America.

                    • AA33
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Swansea is not as easy a fixture as people think, especially when they gave a tough fight to Liverpool last week.

                        1. AA33
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            and also to Manchester City the week before.

                        2. _Freddo
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 16 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          There's actually no better time to intergrate Giroud back into the side than these two home games.

                          Giroud needs games and if Sanchez is back late this will be the perfect opportunity.

                      • bamberman
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        I think Sanchez being rested last time was about far more than the PSG game. He was out injured Nov-Jan last year after Wenger kept playing him constantly when everybody, including Wenger said he needed a rest. I think Wenger will be much more careful with him this year. Might play against Swansea but I think that's all anyone can say.

                      • Ultima777
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Good thread this. I would lean pretty heavily towards saying he will start. Whilst he was rested last time, in previous seasons he has rarely been rested after internationals. This leads me to support the idea that PSG was the main reason for not starting in the PL last time.

                        The Swansea game should be the priority without question. Swansea have been very unfortunate recently and gave City and Liverpool very tough games where individual errors, rather than the opposition, caused them to lose. In addition, Arsenal have failed to beat Swansea in their last 2 meetings at the Emirates. This game will not be treated lightly by Wenger.

                      • AA33
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Cheers Emrecan Hustle, Sess, Axis, AS7, Jonty, Jersey, Net Gains, Ozil, Ruth, F Society, Bamberman and Ultima for sharing your views! This is the first time that my post became a hot topic so I am pretty glad.
                          No doubt Sanchez is doubtful but I think he will most probably start.
                          I wanted you guys to know that Sanchez is much more likely to start now than last time so I posted this topic.

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

                            For what it's worth I think its 50-50. Reading the above posts it's clear to me that most of the posters have Sanchez in their team. I'm on a WC and I'm taking him out as it's not worth the risk of him starting on the bench. I'll take Walcott provided he puts in a good show for England!

                      • PvA
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Hate FPL

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

                          Nobody forces you to play it

                      • FPL Blow-In
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Wow just realised Bellerin is only 21?? Imagine how good he is going to be in 5years time?!

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

                          Wenger has an eye for quality player

                          He makes some questionable decisions like Giroud as a main ST though

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

                          a couple of significant hamstring injuries will dent his progress, especially if Arsene stays.

                        3. pundit of punts
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Will be at City or Barca next season.

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

                            He is the type of guy to go to Chelsea

                            1. pundit of punts
                              • 12 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              Chelsea not as big a lure as City or Barca atm.

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

                                True, Chelsea will probably be relegated in 5 years

                      • Golden Delicious
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Lost on the last post. Who do you think is the better option for the next 4 game weeks, A) Deeney, B) Benteke or C) Another striker worth less than £8.8(if so then who)?

                        1. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Deeney for me. Can see Watford doing well with their fixtures

                        2. HapHazard (H2)
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Wilson also looking good. With 3 home games and an away trip to Middlesbrough.

                      • ryacoo
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Have the exact cash to go:
                        Valencia, Capoue, Ibra > Bellerin, Sanchez, Diomande (-4)

                        Should I do the moves now or should I wait and get Kosc/Mustafi instead, since I'll no longer be able to afford Bellerin once Ibra drops or Sanchez rises again.

                        1. Alonso's Ball
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          3-5-2?

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

                            Yeah, don't wanna sell Antonio or Sterling yet really and can't see any cheap 3rd strikers I like.

                            1. Alonso's Ball
                              • 9 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              Benteke/Deeney? Better than Antonio if you ask me

                              1. Moose™
                                • 13 Years
                                9 years, 2 months ago

                                Deeney much better than Antonio. Agreed.

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

                                Can't afford Benteke but I have considered Deeney. I think Antonio was unlucky not to score last game and is still gonna get decent returns. But even if I did want to sell him later, I could go for Walcott/Son, etc.

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

                          Kosc isn't a bad option either so you can wait. Personally I would pull trigger on this one though and catch some price rises along the way

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

                            Problem is that Sanchez may not start again after the internationals. If I wait and that looks likely, I can wait until the week after to get him.

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

                          Wouldn't take a hit for Sanchez after any international break... also are you sure on Diomande? It's undoubtedly another hit to bring him back out again later down the line.

                      • Karan_G14
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Best option for upcoming 3-4 GWs.

                        A) Sterling & Walcott + 5m def

                        B) Sterling & Son + 5m def

                        C) Walcott & Son + Arsenal Def

                        Appreciate your thoughts!

                        1. Alonso's Ball
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          C

                        2. Moose™
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          I like C!

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

                          C imo

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

                            C for sure for me

                      • Moose™
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Hi folks, is this worth -4 hits?

                        Foster, Shaw, Williams (+2.6itb) ---> Cech, Bellerin, Vert (0.1itb)

                        Go?

                        1. Alonso's Ball
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Keep Foster - and just do the other 2 for free

                          1. Moose™
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            If I keep Foster, then just save that 1.0 itb? Or upgrade Vert?

                            1. FPL Blow-In
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 13 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              I went with Vertonghen due to funds. Toby for goal threat and Walker for assist threat are better options.

                            2. Alonso's Ball
                              • 9 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              Vert is a good option. Keep the 1m and be flexible next week

                          2. Moose™
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            Thanks!

                        2. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          I've done Cazorla and Valencia to Son and Vertonghen for -4. Taking a hit on a keeper I'm against though. Especially with the lack of clean sheets floating about. I find it hard to take a hit on a defender.

                          1. Moose™
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            So Bellerin + Vert only? Then, I will still have 1.0itb. Just save it or upgradr Vert?

                            1. FPL Blow-In
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 13 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              If the 1m is not drastically needed anywhere else, then I'd rather Toby/Walker.

                              1. Moose™
                                • 13 Years
                                9 years, 2 months ago

                                Cheers mate.

                          2. Moose™
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            So, only 1 premium def + 3 4.5defs is a better strategy?

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

                          Seems like a bit of a waste of money (and maybe points) to me. I might be alone, but I feel there's better value out there. Maybe I'm undervaluing Arsenal def. But I'd also not bother with a def with little attacking potential (IE Vert)

                          1. FPL Blow-In
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            I remember the days when Vert had great attacking potential 😆

                            I see the allure of a spurs defender, best defensive stats of any team in the league inc last year I think. 4cs out of 7 this year whilst so many other team are struggling and that's including a cs against the best attack in the league last GW. Vert is the cheapest route into that defence.

                            Arsenal defence with their upcoming fixtures is near essential imo

                      • AndyCairns
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Once Kane is fit, who misses out in that Spurs front? There'll be a bit of rotation for sure but if it were now I would guess Lamella or Sissoko would miss out with Son moving back a bit.

                        1. AndyCairns
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 14 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          *front 5

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

                          Yeah Sissoko and Lamela will probably rotate. Son might see some rotation too

                      • NestorC
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Need help guys

                        A) Foster and Masuaku >>> Pickford and Kosc
                        B) Masuaku and Valencia >>> Kosc and Holebas/Smith

                        This is my def
                        Heaton Foster
                        Valencia Williams Masuaku Evans Amat

                      • Alonso's Ball
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Foster (Jak)
                        Valencia, Williams, Holebas, Amat, Kone
                        Sanchez, Firm, Caz, Antonio, Cap
                        Kun, Kaku, Tekkers

                        Who needs sorting first?

                        A) Caz to Son (other?)
                        B) Antonio to Snod (other?)
                        C) Kone to 4.5 (?)
                        D) Valencia to Arse (using 0.6 itb)
                        E) Other option

                        1ft and 0.6 itb

                        1. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          I've done A and D for a hit. Not recommending that though. I like A.

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

                          A is most alluring to me. Then B, then C, then D. E could be anywhere in the list. It's too early to tell!

                      • Moose™
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Pick 1. Provide reasons pls.

                        A. Bellerin(too costly)

                        B. Mustafi(cheaper option, but does he have the goal threats?)

                        C. Kosc(injury prone? Avoid?)

                        1. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          ACB in that order

                          1. Moose™
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            This is my team after the transfers:

                            Foster Pickford

                            Bellerin Vert Kone Evans Amat

                            Sanchez Firm Antonio Snoddy Capoo

                            Kun Lukaku Deeney

                            Good to go?

                            1. FPL Blow-In
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 13 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              Close call between Bellerin and Kos. Your mid may need an upgrade so I'd keep the 1m and go with Vert as you suggested above.

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

                          Kosc, coz goal threat. Why write off Monreal? Tbh, I think the only defs worth 6M atm are Spurs full-backs

                          1. QPR expects... glory!
                            • 14 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            Have you not peeked at the Arsenal fixture list? Many happy returns incoming 😆

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

                              Fair enough. Still a lot of money though!

                        3. QPR expects... glory!
                          • 14 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          C

                          Scores goals and gets baps. Might miss the odd game but over the course of the year it will pay off big time

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

                          Has to be Bellerin if you can afford doesn't it?

                      • Deulofail
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Oh hello. Could I get a spot of feedback before I go to play some 1-touch 1 on 1 cage football with a Spanish Rooney, please:
                        Any concerns/suggestions? (0.3 ITB)
                        What are the chances of having to take a hit before next GW? (0 FT)

                        Pick (Jak)
                        Valencia / Walker / Baines (Love / Amat)
                        Sanchez / Mane / Sterling / Walcott / Snoddy
                        Kun / Benteke (Diomande)

                        Flagged: Pickford, Baines, Sterling

                      • SW6
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        So bored of depressing FPL scores. Time for a revival

                        Koscielny, Walcott, Costa, Lukaku, Son all coming in for a -12 this week 😆

                      • bici
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        DID SOMEONE NOTICED the guy who is eight in the world?

                        His team is called "Victor Moses Lawn". He have 478(!!!) points.

                        He didn't have one single transfer from GW1, he used triple captain chip in the first GW on De Bruyne. And De Bruyne is his captain from the GW 1. He didn't even change his team from GW1, it's all automatic substitutions. 8th in the world. ffs

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

                          Let's all feel bad for ourselves.

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

                          Great tactic imo. Almost as good as the ownership tactic. I will deploy it starting from now 😆

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

                            Patience is a virtue. Or in this case, lost password is a virtue.

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

                              😆

                        3. Ste Wilkinson
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          This is brilliant, hahaha!

                        4. Pasqualinho
                          • 16 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          We had a girl like this last year - can't remember her name. She finished about 500k.

                          1. MoSalah Dosa
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            Ashley all stars..

                      • Kizza_10
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        A. Son or Alli

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

                          A for now
                          B long term

                        2. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Alison

                      • IWR
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Ozil to Son and Valencia to Bellerin/Kos worthy of a -4?

                        Already have Walcott and Ozil just hasn't been all that impressive from what I've seen.

                      • PvA
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Why am I even trying to help people?

                        Nobody should take advice for someone who got a total of 25 -4 points last GW

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

                          Ah, so you're to blame for the state of my team!

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

                          What's your OR and pts?

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

                            300k OR 😆

                            Was 80k before GW7

                      • QPR expects... glory!
                        • 14 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        😆

                      • Moose™
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        This is my team after the transfers:

                        Foster Pickford

                        Kosc Vert Kone Evans Amat

                        Sanchez Firm Antonio Snoddy Capoo

                        Kun Lukaku Deeney

                        1.4itb.

                        Good to go folks?

                      • bojack
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        From the 10/2 to 2/1 there are six games for each club to play.

                        Swansea's fixtures are: SUN, wba, mid, WHM, BOU, cpl.

                        Siggy will be coming into my team at Christmas time.

                        Do I have too much time on my hands at work? Yes.

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

                          10/12*

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

                            Gylfi essential

                            Near xmas

                        2. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Fer could become an enabler

                        3. Ziegler1988
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Have good memories of a Siggy goal against Liverpool winning me a Manager of the Month prize. That was also Bony Gate

                        4. Krul Runnings
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Siggy is much less effective this year.

                          Not so say that by then he might be in form

                      • EL_Duderino
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Getting the feeling that capoue, is already regressing to mean.
                        Is it time to cash in Capoue for Allen?

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

                          Not a bad move. What's Allen, £5m?

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

                            4.8m

                        2. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Watford have great upcoming fixtures but that is a really good shout actually

                        3. danishdynamite
                          • 14 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Allen has already scored his 2 goals for the season, why would you wanna bring him in now ?

                          His fixtures are not much better than Stoke's, and both players have already shot their muck for the year

                      • Typo
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Spare some advice would you:

                        Stekelenburg, Pickford
                        Lovren, Kosc, Walker, Pieters, Amat
                        Son, Walcott, Firmino, Coutinho, Allen
                        Lukaku, Aguero, Deeny

                        🙂

                        1. Kuyt Hero
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 14 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          That's a fantastic team, wouldn't do much to it tbh

                          1. Typo
                            • 12 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            Thanks, its a WC team atm. Considering Sanchez less. Gives me alot of options

                            1. Kuyt Hero
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 14 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              Quite similar to mine (WC'd GW6). Agreed, not having sanchez with those fixtures is quite scary... I have Sanchez and Snoddy instead of Son and Coutinho

                        2. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Looks good. Wouldn't bother with the Liverpool defence though.

                          1. Typo
                            • 12 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            Great fixtures coming up though. Amazing actually

                            1. FPL Blow-In
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 13 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              Yeah they do. I just don't see them keeping many cs with their style of play though

                      • Lightbody
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Plenty of (quite rightly) Ibra owners looking to sell, but what are the arguments to keep? I've got my finger hovering over Ibra > Costa, but only really due to lack of other premium strikers, and am fearful of Ibra's underlying stats biting me in the behind (I've had a nasty habit this season of selling players only for them to explode a week later)

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

                          By the time Ibra will get a brace ... Costa would have scored 2 goals and 1 assist. You can choose the option you like

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

                          It's the £1.5m it frees up that makes the argument for Costa.

                          Especially if you want Sanchez and Aguero which most do at this point.

                          1. Lightbody
                            • 15 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            True, but I've got all 3 already. The £1.5m could go towards improving my mid/def, I guess 🙂

                        3. FPL Virgin
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Keep Ibra. An explosive points haul is imminent.

                      • EL_FENOMENO
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Jaku – Foster
                        Amat – Valencia – Stones – Friend – McAuley
                        Sanchez – Firmino – Capoue – Redmond – Barry
                        Ibra – Kun – Lukaku

                        A) Ibra to Costa, Redmond to Son/Lallana, Jaku to Pickford
                        B) Ibra to Diomande, Redmond to Coutinho/Son,Barry to Sterling for 3-5-2
                        C) Ibra to Deeney/Defoe, Barry to Son, Redmond to Lallana,

                        Any other suggestion are welcome. Thanks.

                        1. FPL Virgin
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          A seems the best option to me.

                      • Kizza_10
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        If you had to pick one of these three who would you go for ?

                        1. Son
                        2. Lallana
                        3. Deeney

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

                          Son, an out of position midfielder assisting and scoring, and gets point for clean sheet (in the tightest defence).
                          What's not to like

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

                          1
                          2
                          3

                      • YouReds
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        On WC...

                        A) Continho + Walker
                        B) Sterling + Vertonghen

                        Thoughts?

                        1. FPL Blow-In
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          A

                        2. Ziegler1988
                          • 11 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          A

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

                          A

                      • Typo
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Thoughts?

                        Boruc, Pickford
                        Lovren, Kosc, Walker, Pieters, Amat
                        Son, Walcott, Firmino, Cout, Allen
                        Costa, Aguero, Deeney

                      • FPL_Crisis
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Best 5.0m defender for Shaw replacement? Can afford 6m but I want the extra funds to bring in Sanchez.
                        Already own Walker and Williams in defense. Will likely go Antonio to snodgrass soon to free up extra funds

                        1. Typo
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Vert at 5.6?

                          Otherwise, Liverpool has some great fixtures coming up

                          1. FPL_Crisis
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 15 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            Not sure I'd double on Spurs defenders. Liverpool fan here so reluctant to bring in a defender with their lack of CS

                            1. Typo
                              • 12 Years
                              9 years, 2 months ago

                              ah, ye. Didnt see walker there.

                              Im considering Lovren if fit. 4.9 and good fixtures. Fingers crossed

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

                          Holebas if you don't already have him.

                          1. FPL_Crisis
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 15 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            Cheers will have a look at him. Leicester have been pretty solid at home, so Morgan is appealing at 5m

                      • ryacoo
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Thoughts on going with Walcott over Sanchez?

                        He'll obviously score less, but may provide similar value. For me, I guess it's a choice between:

                        A) Bellerin, Walcott, Costa
                        B) Kosc, Sanchez, Deeney

                        1. Kuyt Hero
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 14 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          B wins easily imo

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

                            Thanks - B is more template too, probably the sensible option.

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

                          Too close call for me

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

                          I'm choosing between Walcott and Sanchez too. Would go with B there.

                          For me it is :

                          Walcott, Antonio, Lukaku
                          Or
                          Sanchez, Snodgrass, Rashford

                          ???

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

                            Tough call - I'm not sure about Rashford, are you short for Deeney?

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

                              I have deeney and aguero already in attack but could do Defoe instead of rash.

                          2. Belalugozi78
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 10 Years
                            9 years, 2 months ago

                            I'm not keen on Rashford and Snodgrass won't score a lot imo but rather B as Lukaku has a few tough games ahead of him.

                        4. Belalugozi78
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          B

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

                          Maybe B if you're captaining Sanchez against SWA and MID, otherwise VERY tight imo.

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

                            Probably won't captain him over Aguero but also, I think there's a chance Sanchez might get rested again after the internationals.