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10 October 2016 1198 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Clean sheets have been rare beasts this season, with half of all Premier League teams managing no more than one – and five none at all – in seven attempts so far.

Sides recording consecutive shut-outs are even thinner on the ground.

Manchester United managed two in a row in August, Southampton are currently on a three-match run of their own and Arsenal went into the international break with back-to-back clean sheets.

The Saints will face both Manchester City and Chelsea over the next three Gameweeks, however, leaving the Gunners looking the likeliest to continue their fine defensive form once their players’ latest national chores are done.

With that in mind, in this latest members article we assess their recent defensive performances, analysing Arsenal against other resilient rearguards before checking out the merits of Arsene Wenger’s preferred back-four.

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  1. KingNidge
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Sad to see how far this Dutch side have fallen

    French have pretty much controlled this game while being bang average

    1. pompeyfan
      10 years, 8 days ago

      There will always be pesks and troughs when you are a country of just 17 million people. 2nd and 3rd in the past 2 WCs is a bit of an overachievement.

      But france have in no way controlled this game, it has been well contested and only decided on a keeper error and a clear pen not given

      1. KingNidge
        10 years, 8 days ago

        I don't remember many troughs over the last 30 years i have been watching football mate and even while they came up short in major tournaments they always had a number of world class players.. group they have now is a bit of a shocker tbh..

        I thought France were pretty comfortable and never got out of 2nd gear

        1. pompeyfan
          10 years, 8 days ago

          There's just a generation gap between the Robbens and Sniejders and the really young guys. Obviously not a 'shocker', 3rd in the WC 2 years ago!

          Anyway, plenty of troughs, everything pre-1974, then not qualified in 1982, 84, 86, 02, 16, out in the groups plenty of times in between

          1. KingNidge
            10 years, 8 days ago

            That was a very unfancied Dutch side that LVG miraculously got to the brink of a WC final.. and the failure to qualify for the last euros was the fall from grace i was alluding to.. Maybe a little harsh but light years away from the teams of the past in terms of quality.. whats the deal with RVP has he retired?

            1. pompeyfan
              10 years, 8 days ago

              This LVG 'miracle' seems to be some nonsense peddled in England, that team was well worth 3rd place, and werent completely unfancied by the way.

              RvP has been washed up and not worth a place in the squad for ages. Apart from that header, the past 2 wc's he's been dreadful.

              1. KingNidge
                10 years, 8 days ago

                They were worth the 3rd place alright no doubting that.. beating Spain the way they did was unreal but was also a huge shock at the time..were as big as 25/1 with some bookmakers for that WC which is as big as i'v ever seen too.. the team has been in steady decline since is my point and looking at the team i don't see the quality to get them back on track any time soon..

      2. tm245
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Netherlands did not look very threatening in the second half.

        1. pompeyfan
          10 years, 8 days ago

          Guess you missed Depay having one of the best chances of the match brilliantly saved

          1. tm245
            10 years, 8 days ago

            I actually posted a comment on it on the previous page. But if you are using that fluke shot from an awkward buildup as evidence of the teams being on the same level or the Netherlands looking attacking, we will have to agree to disagree. France seemed to be cruising (autocorrect wanted to use crushing!) and could have easily won by three or four if they hadn't squandered their breakaways and big chances.

            1. pompeyfan
              10 years, 8 days ago

              You say fluke shot, the rest of the wotld would say clear-cut chance. Janssen also had a good chance early in the second half.

    2. tm245
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Definitely a level below in terms of class.

  2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    10 years, 8 days ago

    G'day people.

    Thoughts on what I should do
    1FT
    5.7ITB
    WC still available

    Schmeichel
    Valencia / Evans / Stones
    Firmino / Antonio / Bolasie / Redmond
    Aguero / Deeney / Lukaku

    Jaku / Capoue / Pieters / Friend

    1. Flynny
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Redmond to sanchez

      1. zotter
        10 years, 8 days ago

        This

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Bolasie to Sanchez

      1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
        10 years, 8 days ago

        This

  3. joinho
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Is Grant (stoke keeper) nailed on?

    1. Flynny
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Until but land is back

    2. Valar(Keith)
      10 years, 8 days ago

      For about 4 games.. then Butland is back

    3. zotter
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Yes for a few weeks

    4. kenzo.
      10 years, 8 days ago

      when you dont have to state which team he is from, he will be nailed

  4. Flynny
    10 years, 8 days ago

    .Hi....any views on this lot??....got 2 FT's and zero cash...no5 a clue what to do this...

    Thinking of Valencia and williams to Robertson and mustafi ..but open to suggestions...

    Team is

    Heaton pickford
    Valencia williams Evans holebas amat
    Sanchez firmino Antonio snoddy capoue
    Kun ibra deeney

    Comments appreciated.    Cheers

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Drop Evans and save other.

      Personally I would drop Ibra and upgrade Snod/Antonio but thats me.

    2. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Antonio to Son is an option.

      1. Flynny
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Antonio just as likely as son to do well this week.....

    3. Numb
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Have you decided to keep Ibra come what may now?

      1. Numb
        10 years, 8 days ago

        I mean, off form and two tough fixtures coming up - if you don't lose him now, you probably never will

      2. Flynny
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Not all all mate.....had initially thought about disposing of ibra for someone like wilson or defoe and investing in midfield....

        But not sure if that is a smart idea....

    4. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Evans on 4 yc and has tight fixtures, time to get rid.

  5. Worzel Gummidge
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Better player in real life. Sanchez or Hazard?

    Sanchez for me.

    1. Karan_G14
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Sanchez.

    2. Demí
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Hazard for me.

    3. KickIt
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Top of their game Hazard, week in week out Sanchez

      1. Ruth_NZ
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Top of their game is a meaningless concept when one is doing his utmost to produce that every week and the other does the odd 45 minutes when he feels like it. 😕

        Give me Sanchez every time. And that's from a Chelsea member that regularly goes to games.

    4. JIM BOB
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Sanchez

    5. Chucky
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Hazard

    6. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Sanchez

    7. Pegboy
      10 years, 8 days ago

      As a Spurs fan that hates them both equally, Sanchez.

    8. tm245
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Alexis is love, Alexis is life.

      Aguero
      Sanchez KDB
      Ozil
      Hazard

      are my top 5 in the PL.

      1. Flynny
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Hazard has more natural ability...

        Sanchez better attitude and uses his ability better

      2. zotter
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Probably. Hazard has talent to be in second bracket. But is more of a maverick

    9. Rhinos
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Kind of like Wawrinka v Djokovic, one is jaw droppingly good when he wants to be but will never be consistent enough to match the excellence of the other

    10. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Sanchez. Hazard too hit or miss atm.

    11. Arteta
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Sanchez

  6. Valar(Keith)
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Fill in the Blanks
    _________ Pickford
    Koscielny Walker Smith Holebas Amat
    Sanchez Wally Son Firmino ________
    Benteke Aguero _________

    A) Lloris + Snoddy + Austin
    B) Heaton + Snoddy + Deeney
    C) LLoris + Capoue/sub 4.8 + Deeney

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      10 years, 8 days ago

      B

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Heaton/4.5/ Deeney and bank the money for future upgrades

    3. drughi
      10 years, 8 days ago

      A

    4. JIM BOB
      10 years, 8 days ago

      A

  7. Dirty Harry
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Koscienly + Snodgrass
    Or
    Son + Pieters (or other 4.5)

    1. Worzel Gummidge
      10 years, 8 days ago

      SP

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Close one, but first option for me

    3. JIM BOB
      10 years, 8 days ago

      First option, comfortably for me.

    4. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      KS

    5. Whats the Huth
      10 years, 8 days ago

      A

  8. jernej93
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Is Son rising tonight? 🙂

    1. Dr Dream
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Tomorrow morning maybe...

  9. John Colby (C)
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Evening everyone - care to critique my wildcard squad please?

    Loris - Pickford
    Stones - Mustafi - McAuley - Robertson - Amat
    Sanchez - Snodgrass - Firmino - Payet - Fletcher
    Aguero - Wilson - Benteke

    1. drughi
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I like it but would go for morgan over stones

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Looks good
      Might be worth looking at Lloris >> 4.5 Stones >> Rose/Walker

    3. Pegboy
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I'd do Lloris + Mustafi >> Cech + Rose/Walker.

      Cech makes more saves and has higher BPS. Spurs full-backs, though marginally more likely to be rotated (when is Mert back?), they offer more attacking potential.

      I still don't trust Stones. McAuley has horrible short-term fixures. What about Holebas and Fuchs instead?

      Fletcher might be injured for the next game. Maybe Marney instead.

    4. Numb
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Never seen a bad WC team yet...

      1. John Colby (C)
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Valuable feedback - really appreciate it. I was trying to hang onto Stones given their fixtures but defensively city have been poor.

        1. Numb
          10 years, 8 days ago

          I mean, it's a good team - like all WC teams - no obvious problems so why should I try to undermine your opinions?

  10. Chucky
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Anyone getting Willian or Hazard?
    I think Hazard will flourish in Conte's 3-4-3 system and so will Willian.They will have more freedom and less defensive responsibility.

    1. Ruth_NZ
      10 years, 8 days ago

      On what basis would that be?

      You could put Hazard in any system you like for Chelsea. Basically he's playing like he's not interested apart from the occasional 45 minutes when he feels like it.

      So, I wouldn't if I were you. Costa is the one because Conte's Chelsea play to the striker more than any Chelsea team has since Drogba's time. But I'd wait till GW15 myself.

      1. Chucky
        10 years, 8 days ago

        He looked a bit better against Hull, but does look disinterested at times.Yes Costa is the one to have right now but i will be the first to jump on the Hazard Bandwagon if he rediscovers the explosiveness he used to have.

        1. Rhinos
          10 years, 8 days ago

          To be fair Hazard never been that explosive fpl wise. Just consistently very good

          1. Ruth_NZ
            10 years, 8 days ago

            ...and now he's consistently pretty meh. 🙁

    2. Pegboy
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Too many other, better options, and fixtures are dire until GW15.

  11. devils advocate
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Hi all,

    Anyone know if Zabaleta is nailed on whilst Sagna is injured?

    1. JIM BOB
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Should be

  12. bici
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Lukaku, Ozil OUT
    Benteke, Sanchez IN
    -4 hit
    yes or no?

    1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      This -4 really could back fire.

      Sanchez could be rested and I'm sure Lukaku to be fit to play.

      I'd probably wait a week and save transfer.

    2. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      No

    3. DNML
      10 years, 8 days ago

      no
      all of them could score big. or blank. you never know.

  13. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Is Benteke worth missing out on Arsenal def for?

    A) Austin - plan to get Bellerin next GW (or for -4 this GW)
    B) Benteke - plan to get Fuchs next GW

    1. JIM BOB
      10 years, 8 days ago

      A for me

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      B

    3. COYS Down Under
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Well I wouldn't get Fuchs but I do think Tekkers is a fantastic pick.

      1. JIM BOB
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Why wouldn't you get Fuchs?

    4. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      A

  14. JIM BOB
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Thoughts on the following for -4?

    Masuaku, Lanzini, Lukaku -------> Vertonghen, Payet, Deeney ???

    1. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Looks good moves on paper. 🙂

    2. Pegboy
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Yes, but you must have plenty in the bank, as that doesn't look a very even trade.

      I'd be more tempted by Walcott/Son/Firmino instead of Payet, and upgrading Deeney to Benteke.

  15. bici
    10 years, 8 days ago

    A) Benteke - good form, consistent, playing against WH & lei next 2 GWs
    B) Defoe - incosistent, but playing 2 away games against 2 worst defences in league in next 2 GWs

    1. JIM BOB
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I prefer Deeney

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I'm on Tekkers and have been since GW3 happy to keep long term.

  16. joinho
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Can i get a RMWCT, would really appreciate any feedback

    Boruc, Grant
    Stones, Koscielny, Walker, Francis (Morgan)
    Snodgrass, Sanchez, Shaqiri, Coutinho (Redmond)
    Aguero, Benteke, Defoe

    1. zotter
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Ideally get Costa or kaku imo. Perhaps sacrifice kos and Redmond.

      1. COYS Down Under
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Don't mean to be harsh but its not good.

        Downgrade Morgan & Stones to Holebas & Amat. Downgrade Redmond at least to Capoue if not Fletcher.

        Submit a new team with that extra cash spent.

    2. Pegboy
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Not much of my feeback is going to be very positive, I'm afraid:

      - Too much spent on defence. Downgrade Stones at the least.
      - Try and turn Francis into Smith
      - Switch Pickford for Grant (Butland will be back sooner than Mannone)
      - Ditch Redmond (we could be waiting all season for the OOP points to roll in) and Shaqiri (not sure this needs an explanation other than fixtures are never enough on their own).

  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Benteke essential

    Not many have scored a hat trick v Gibraltar before

    1. Stimps
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I'd rather Robbie Keane

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Knee jerk central.

    3. Henryyy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      😛

  18. Syd.
    10 years, 8 days ago

    My team is a worrying shade of yellow

    1. Numb
      10 years, 8 days ago

      It's fashionable at the moment.

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I despise international breaks

      Teams is littered with doubts every time

      1. Ravager
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Lol I just glanced at mine and saw the same. Lovely

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Meams diddly squat.

    4. Numb
      10 years, 8 days ago

      There should be a special coloured flag for international injuries.

    5. COYS Down Under
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I'm down to just 6 now, Pickford is unflagged.

  19. tm245
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Assuming both are fit, is there much difference between VVD and Bertrand?

    1. zotter
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Not really. Prefer berty slightly cos better assist threat

      1. tm245
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Yeah, seems pretty close to me as well.

    2. Ruth_NZ
      10 years, 8 days ago

      VVD scores more goals.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      For a little extra there's much better options.

      1. COYS Down Under
        10 years, 8 days ago

        This is generally always true though. Most of the time we don't have a little extra.

    4. Arteta
      10 years, 8 days ago

      VVD is a better player.

    5. tm245
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Cheers, all. Plenty for me to consider.

  20. GREENDREAMS11
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Hi all, posted this earlier but just wanted to know what more people think of this,

    Looking to get rid of Lukaku, Baines and Jakupovic for Defoe, Koscielny and Peter Cech for a -8.

    Have had a good start to the season but feel I need to take a hit and have to do it soon as only have exact money. Defoe up against 2 of the leakiest defences in the league next 2 and good fixtures in the next 5/6 all together.

    1. zotter
      10 years, 8 days ago

      I wouldn't. Who is your other keeper

      1. GREENDREAMS11
        10 years, 8 days ago

        pickford

        1. Pegboy
          10 years, 8 days ago

          Pickford's injury flag looks to be bogus, so just play him and save yourself at least a -4

      2. GREENDREAMS11
        10 years, 8 days ago

        I want double Arsenal defence for their upcoming run, I also think Defoe is worth a punt and Evertons fixtures are getting tougher

    2. Pegboy
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Only justiciation for a -4 for Jak>Cech is if your other keeper is injured.

      1. Pegboy
        10 years, 8 days ago

        And Lukaku + Baines >> Kosc + Defoe (-4) may pay off, but I'd only do it if Baines is confirmed out.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Id rather have austin. The others are good options imo.

    4. GREENDREAMS11
      10 years, 8 days ago

      cheers all, much appreciated

  21. Ravager
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Foster (Japu)
    Walker Valencia Williams (Kelly Amat)
    Sterling Firmino Antonio Capoue (Fletcher)
    Aguero Deeney Lukaku

    1 FT 4.5 ITB

    So would you:

    A. Fletcher > Walcott
    B. Antonio > Sanchez
    C. Valencia > Mustafi
    D. Either one of A/B + C (-4)

    1. FPL Virgin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      A for me. You can't go on for long with Capoue and Fletcher.

      1. Ravager
        10 years, 8 days ago

        True. Really want to get in Alexis though

  22. Rhinos
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Benteke getting some love. Fair enough coz if he can terrorise Gibraltar imagine what he can do to a really poor defence

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      😉

    2. COYS Down Under
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Deserved love anyway, great stats in the last few.

      1. Rhinos
        10 years, 8 days ago

        He's my cap

  23. Mateja
    10 years, 8 days ago

    hello everyone check my team and say some suggests
    Cech(Pick)
    Walker-Pieters-Holebas(Amat,Coleman)
    Antonio-Firmino-Sanchez-Snodd(Capoue)
    Kun-Lukaku-Deeney
    1FT 1 m itb
    1.Antonio ->Son
    2.Deeney->Benteke
    any other ?

  24. Hazardous1983
    10 years, 8 days ago

    What to do with this shocking mess.

    Foster (heaton)
    evans coleman valencia
    payet firmino sanchez capoue
    aguero lukaku negredo.

    One ft 0.8 in bank

    1. zotter
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Team is ok

      1. zotter
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Perhaps switch a keeper to Grant

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Neg to austin. Valencia to mustafi.

      1. Hazardous1983
        10 years, 8 days ago

        Decent shout is that worth a minus four hit.

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          10 years, 8 days ago

          Medium term its sound.

  25. Rhinos
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Just noticed Pickford's been called up. Happy for the lad but it should have been Stockdale

  26. Hazardous1983
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Not for this week that team will not get me any points. Negredo needs to go valencia too.

  27. fedolefan
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Transfer this week?
    A) Bolasie to Snodgrass
    OR
    B) Lukaku to Benteke

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Both.

  28. joinho
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Here's my 2nd go at wc, how does this look? any more changes needed?

    Boruc, Pickford
    Stones, Koscielny, Walker (Smith) (Morgan)
    Sanchez, Coutinho, Capoue, Shaqiri (Snodgrass)
    Aguero, Benteke, Defoe

    0.9 itb

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Boruc? To Lloris. Looks decent otherwise.

    2. Pegboy
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Much, much better.

      Though I'd still get rid of Shaqiri 🙂

      P.S. Play Snodgrass.

      1. Pegboy
        10 years, 8 days ago

        P.P.S Just noticed you'd be paying full price for Capoue. Don't. Just get Marney/Fletcher as bench fodder, bank the money and play Snodgrass every week for the next 8 weeks.

  29. Dr Dream
    10 years, 8 days ago

    The pre season default captain question was pretty much Aguero or Ibrahimovic....it turned out the answer was Costa.

    Still very little love for him on here.

    Will he continue as a good captain pick...he's been killing me in my ML.

  30. sergioaguero67
    10 years, 8 days ago

    Bringing in Walcott this week.
    Who should I take out?

    Antonio or Mané?

    I already have Lallana

    Please help.

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Antonio

    2. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Not Mane

    3. LE GOD(C)-AMERICAN DYCHO-(1…
      10 years, 8 days ago

      Or take out Lallana?