Team News
7 November 2016 1746 comments
James H James H
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Pep Guardiola continues to tinker as he rests Raheem Sterling, Burnley revert to a one-man attack, while Everton are the latest to dabble, unsuccessfully, with a three-man defence.

Here’s part one of lessons learned from the Gameweek 11 teamsheets.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin (Ramsey 65), Xhaka; Walcott (Oxlade-Chamberlain 71), Ozil, Iwobi (Giroud 70); Sanchez.

  • Arsene Wenger made three changes from the side that beat Sunderland 4-1 for the north London derby, with the fit-again Nacho Monreal and Theo Walcott replacing Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Granit Xhaka returned from suspension to replace Mohamed Elneny.
  • Xhaka partnered Francis Coquelin at the base of midfield for the Gunners in Wenger’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation, with Walcott returning on the right of the attacking midfield trio.
  • Wenger made an attacking first substitution with the match evenly poised at 1-1, with Aaron Ramsey coming on in place of Coquelin in a straight swap just after the hour-mark. Then, with 20 minutes remaining, he introduced Olivier Giroud and Oxlade-Chamberlain in place of Walcott and Alex Iwobi. Notably, Alexis Sanchez shifted to the left flank to allow Giroud to take over as the lone striker.
  • Arsenal once again missed the craft of Santi Cazorla in the middle of the park, so Wenger will be desperate for the Spaniard to fully recover from an Achilles injury to face Man United after the international break. Xhaka’s place appears the most at risk, while a quiet performance from Iwobi means he could come under pressure from the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey and Giroud, with Sanchez a possibility to then start out on the left wing should Giroud be handed a starting berth.

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

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Boruc; Smith, Cook, Francis, Daniels; Gosling, Arter (Mousset 77), Stanislas (Fraser 82), Wilshere, Ibe (Afobe 46); King.

  • Eddie Howe was forced into making two changes for the visit of Sunderland to the Vitality Stadium, with Dan Gosling and the fit-again Junior Stanislas earning recalls in place of the injured Andrew Surman and Callum Wilson.
  • Gosling started next to Harry Arter in central midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation, while Stanislas returned on the right of the attacking midfield trio. That meant it was Josh King who operated as the lone striker for the Cherries.
  • With the score level at 1-1, Howe decided to make a change at half-time, with Benik Afobe introduced in place of Jordon Ibe. That substitution forced a reshuffle in attack, with King moving to the right wing, and Stanislas to the left, allowing Afobe to lead the line. After falling 2-1 behind, Howe turned to Lys Mousset and Ryan Fraser, with Arter and Stanislas making way. Fraser played on the left wing, with Mousset on the right, seeing King move alongside Afobe up front in a 4-4-2, leaving Gosling and Jack Wilshere in central midfield.
  • Bournemouth will be without the suspended Adam Smith for the trip to Stoke City following the international break after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. Howe may use either Nathan Ake or Tyrone Mings to replace Smith, then, or perhaps consider moving Simon Francis to right-back, with one of that pair drafted in at centre-back. Surman’s hamstring injury means he’s likely to still be out for Gameweek 12, so Gosling may keep his place in the side, while Afobe could push for a start if Wilson (knock) remains unavailable. Ibe’s starting spot appears to be the most at risk.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Burnley

Starting XI: Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Flanagan; Marney, Defour (Tarkowski 74); Gudmundsson, Hendrick (Barnes 85), Arfield (Boyd 65); Vokes.

  • Sean Dyche made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 against Man United for the home fixture against Crystal Palace, with Jon Flanagan coming in for the injured Stephen Ward, while the fit-again Steven Defour earned a recall in place of Andre Gray.
  • Defour’s inclusion meant Dyche switched from the 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1, with Jeff Hendrick stationed in the central attacking midfield role behind lone striker Sam Vokes. Defour partnered Dean Marney in the double-pivot, while Flanagan slotted in at left-back for the Clarets.
  • After Connor Wickham pulled a goal back to reduce Burnley’s lead, Dyche turned to George Boyd off the bench, with the energetic midfielder brought on in place of Scott Arfield in a straight swap. With Defour not ready to complete 90 minutes, the Belgian was taken off with 16 minutes remaining, with James Tarkowski brought on to sit in front of the back four alongside Marney to help preserve Burnley’s 2-1 lead. But after Palace equalised, Dyche threw on striker Ashley Barnes in place of Hendrick, ending the match in a 4-4-2.
  • Dyche’s selection for the trip to West Brom in Gameweek 12 will largely depend on whether he looks to hand a recall to Gray up front, and move back to a 4-4-2. Given the performance on Saturday, he may choose to stick with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1, with Defour and Hendrick both likely to keep their starting roles. Boyd may push Arfield for a berth on the left wing, while should Ward recover from a hamstring problem, he could return in place of Flanagan.

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

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill (Terry 84); Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Pedro (Oscar 71), Costa, Hazard (Batshuayi 80).

  • Chelsea manager Antonio Conte once again named an unchanged starting XI for the home clash against Everton.
  • The Italian rolled out the 3-4-3 formation once more, with Pedro and Eden Hazard again flanking central striker Diego Costa.
  • With the Blues holding a 5-0 lead, Conte took off Pedro, Hazard and Gary Cahill during the final 20 minutes, with Oscar, Michy Batshuayi and John Terry coming on in straight swaps.
  • Providing none of his starting XI pick up any injuries over the international break, Conte is likely to name the same side for the trip to Middlesbrough. Willian missed out due to illness on Saturday but appears unlikely to usurp Pedro for the starting role on the right wing. Kurt Zouma and Cesc Fabregas will be available to return after the international break, but neither player is expected to force their way into the starting XI just yet.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Right Wing

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Mandanda; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly (Fryers 59); Cabaye, McArthur (Ledley 87); Townsend, Puncheon (Wickham 59), Zaha; Benteke.

  • Alan Pardew made three changes for the trip to Turf Moor, with Damien Delaney, Jason Puncheon and Andros Townsend earning recalls in place of James Tomkins, Joe Ledley and Lee Chung-yong.
  • Those changes saw Pardew change from his favoured 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 system, with Puncheon starting alongside James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye in central midfield. Townsend and Wilfried Zaha flanked central striker Christian Benteke, while Delaney partnered Scott Dann in central defence. Pardew interestingly swapped his full-backs around for Saturday’s match, with Martin Kelly starting at right-back, and Joel Ward at left-back.
  • After falling 2-0 behind, Pardew made a double substitution, with Zeki Fryers and Connor Wickham coming on for Kelly and Puncheon. Fryers slotted in at left-back for the Eagles, with Ward shifting over to the right, while Wickham joined Benteke in attack, forming more of a 4-4-2. Ledley was handed a brief run-out late on to provide some fresh legs in place of McArthur in the engine room.
  • Given Palace shipped another three goals on Saturday, Pardew may again make changes at the back, with Fryers and Tomkins options to replace Delaney and Kelly. Wickham’s performance off the bench could mean that Pardew even considers starting with a 4-4-2 in Gameweek 12, though that remains unlikely given the quality of the City midfield. Ledley could push for a recall as a more defensive midfield option, perhaps in place of Puncheon.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Left-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks, Strikers

Everton

Starting XI: Stekelenburg; Williams, Jagielka, Funes Mori; Coleman, Barry (Davies 66), Barkley, Cleverley, Oviedo (Mirallas 36); Bolasie (Lennon 60), Lukaku.

  • Ronald Koeman made three changes for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with Phil Jagielka earning a recall in place of the suspended Idrissa Gueye, while the fit-again Maarten Stekelenburg and Tom Cleverley started in place of Joel Robles and Kevin Mirallas.
  • Those changes saw Koeman switch from his usual 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2, with Jagielka joining Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori in a three-man backline. Seamus Coleman and Bryan Oviedo operated as wing-backs, with Cleverley starting alongside Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley in central midfield. Yannick Bolasie started next to Romelu Lukaku in attack for the Toffees.
  • But having seen his Everton side run ragged during the opening half-hour, Koeman decided to make a change, with Mirallas introduced in place of Oviedo. That substitution saw Everton switch to a 4-3-3, with Funes Mori moving to left-back, while Mirallas and Bolasie flanked central striker Lukaku in attack. Bolasie was the next player to make way, with Aaron Lennon replacing the DR Congo international on the hour in a straight swap. Minutes later, Koeman brought on youngster Tom Davies in place of Barry to try and provide some fresh legs in the middle of the park.
  • Koeman’s decision to change formations due to the absence of Gueye backfired dramatically on Saturday, but with the midfielder back for the home encounter against Swansea City, Koeman should return to either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. Barry will miss that match due to suspension, though, so Gueye and Cleverley may combine, with Mirallas earning a recall in the attacking midfield positions. The likes of Lennon and Davies provide further options, while James McCarthy would also come into contention should he recover from injury. Funes Mori looks set to drop back to the bench, while Koeman will hope Leighton Baines can return from a hamstring injury to replace Oviedo at left-back. After being partially at fault for a couple of the goals, and given Robles kept a clean sheet in the previous match against West Ham, Stekelenburg’s starting berth is now under threat.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, Left-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks

Hull City

Starting XI: Marshall; Dawson, Maguire (Huddlestone 74), Davies; Elmohamady, Henriksen, Livermore, Mason, Clucas; Keane (Snodgrass 29) Hernandez (Mbokani 8).

  • Mike Phelan named an unchanged side from the one that lost 1-0 at Watford for the home clash against Southampton.
  • Phelan stuck with the 3-5-2 once again, then, with Abel Hernandez and Will Keane combining in attack for the Tigers.
  • Hull were forced into making an early change, with Hernandez forced off with a groin strain. The Uruguayan was replaced by the returning Dieumerci Mbokani in a straight swap. But the Tigers suffered further misfortune after Keane had to be replaced with a knee injury. The fit-again Robert Snodgrass was introduced, a change which saw the home side move to more of a 3-4-3, with Snodgrass (right) and Markus Henriksen (left) flanking central striker Mbokani. Phelan’s final substitution saw Tom Huddlestone replace Harry Maguire and stationed in a defensive midfield role next to Jake Livermore, as Hull closed the match off in more of a 4-5-1 system.
  • After a stirring comeback, Phelan would seem likely to opt for a similar side to the one that finished the match, with both Hernandez and Keane struggling to be available for the trip to Sunderland. If he goes with a 3-4-3, Snodgrass and Mbokani appear likely starters, with Henriksen or perhaps Shaun Maloney playing on the left. That would leave Ryan Mason and Livermore to patrol central midfield.

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

Leicester City

Starting XI: Zieler; Simpson, Morgan, Huth (Ulloa 87), Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, King, Musa (Gray 67); Okazaki (Vardy 46), Slimani.

  • Claudio Ranieri made two changes for the home encounter against West Bromwich Albion, with Ron-Robert Zieler replacing the injured Kasper Schmeichel in goal, while the fit-again Islam Slimani earned a recall in place of Jamie Vardy.
  • Slimani led the line for the Foxes, then, with Riyad Mahrez (right), Shinji Okazaki (No 10) and Ahmed Musa (left) forming the attacking midfield trio in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
  • Following a lacklustre first-half display, Ranieri made a change at the break, with Vardy coming on for Okazaki, seeing the home side switch to a 4-4-2. Demarai Gray was then introduced for Musa in a straight swap midway through the second-half, and with West Brom leading 2-1, Ranieri threw on Leonardo Ulloa in place of Robert Huth as a final roll of the dice, ending the match in a 3-4-3.
  • After a disappointing home defeat, Ranieri may consider recalling the likes of Daniel Amartey and Vardy for the trip to Watford after the international break. Amartey could replace Andy King in central midfield, while Vardy may come in at the expense of Okazaki. Gray and Albrighton are also viable alternatives to Musa on the left flank. Zieler looks set to be the starter in goal for the next few matches after Schmeichel underwent surgery on a broken hand.

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

Liverpool

Starting XI: Karius: Clyne, Lucas, Matip, Milner: Henderson, Emre Can, Lallana (Sturridge 70): Mane (Wijnaldum 63), Firmino, Coutinho (Ejaria 86).

  • Jurgen Klopp made two changes for the visit of Watford to Anfield, with James Milner returning from illness to replace Alberto Moreno, while Lucas Leiva started in place of Dejan Lovren, who himself missed out due to a virus.
  • Lucas partnered Joel Matip in central defence for the Reds, then, while Milner returned at left-back in what was once again a 4-3-3 formation used by Klopp.
  • With the match won, Klopp firstly brought on Georginio Wijnaldum in place of Sadio Mane. Minutes later, Daniel Sturridge then replaced Adam Lallana, seeing Roberto Firmino move to the right of the front three, with Sturridge taking over as the lone striker. Wijnaldum joined Jordan Henderson and Emre Can in central midfield. Klopp’s final change saw youngster Ovie Ejaria get a brief run-out in place of Philippe Coutinho.
  • With the international break now upon us, Lovren should be fit to return to the starting XI in place of Lucas for the trip to Southampton in 12 days’ time. Otherwise, Klopp will probably look to name an unchanged side, unless he decides to rest Coutinho given that Brazil play in the early hours of Wednesday morning ahead of the trip to St Mary’s on Saturday. Firmino could also be rested, although he is less likely to earn minutes for Brazil.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence

Man City

Starting XI: Bravo; Zabaleta, Stones, Kolarov, Clichy; Fernandinho; Navas (Garcia 86), Gundogan (Nolito 75), De Bruyne, Silva; Aguero (Iheanacho 90).

  • Pep Guardiola made four changes for the home clash against Middlesbrough, with Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas and Kevin De Bruyne coming in for Fernando, Nicolas Otamendi, Raheem Sterling and Nolito.
  • Zabaleta and Clichy started at right-back and left-back respectively, with Aleksandar Kolarov partnering John Stones in central defence. De Bruyne started alongside Ilkay Gundogan in central midfield in the 4-1-4-1 formation, with David Silva (left) and Navas (right) stationed out wide.
  • Guardiola made his first substitution with 15 minutes remaining, with Nolito brought on for Gundogan. Nolito played on the left wing for the home side, with Silva moving into central midfield. Aleix Garcia was then introduced for Jesus Navas, with Guardiola handing Kelechi Iheanacho a brief run-out at the death in place of Sergio Aguero.
  • The numerous options that Guardiola has at his disposal means that rotation looks set to be a constant issue for Fantasy managers. In defence, Otamendi may come back in against Crystal Palace after he was rested at the weekend, with Kolarov perhaps taking over from Clichy at left-back. Vincent Kompany provides another option, though, while Bacary Sagna should also be back from a hamstring injury to offer an alternative to Zabaleta at right-back. Likewise in midfield, Sterling should return after he was rested against ‘Boro, while Sane and Nolito provide further options in the wide areas.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, Midfield, Flanks

The second part of Line-up Lessons, assessing the final 10 teams, will be published tomorrow.

  1. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I've just pulled the trigger on Sanchez -> Hazard. I initially planned on waiting until GW15 but Hazard's form is just too good to ignore.

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      do you still have Arsenal cover?

      1. RustyBz
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Prob none needed for United match. They'll set out to frustrate Arsenal and probably succeed. I plan on drafting in Theo for Bournemouth (H)

      2. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Apologies for the delay, I still have Walcott. I may bring Sanchez back in a few weeks and downgrade one of Firmino and Coutinho. There's just so many options and that extra 1m could be used to upgrade Fuchs to a Chelsea defender in GW15

  2. Jimmy Boy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who are you captaining next weekend?

    1. Pino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku

    2. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      its on kdb but Lukaku v tempting

    3. ANON.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Aguero if it seems like he won't be rested. Otherwise Lukaku

    4. skeyrd
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      really depends on how internationals go, but a healthy aguero coming off wins with argentina would get my vote

    5. Worzel Gummidge
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Aguero.

      • Ziegler1988
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Lukaku

      • Pegboy
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Lukaku.

      • ekul the lokonga enthusiast
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Aguero vs palace is a goldmine tbh. Hes so much better away from home

        VC currently on Lukaku

        I think lukaku will score but it will be a toguh game. Swansea will most definately park the bus

    6. Cantona90
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      How many points have people had on their bench this year?

      114 and counting so far.

      1. Your Man With The Hair
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Not a clue, and unless there's a new feature that calculates it for you, i have no intention of finding out.

        1. Vlekz
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Gaweweek history. Pb(points benched).

        2. ANON.
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          120 thanks to Capoue first 5 weeks

      2. TLF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Ok, it appears im becoming incapable of being decisive anymore and need to consult anyone who is kind enough to read my post on here before making my moves....advice and guidance is welcome:

        Heaton (Robinson)

        Amat, Kone, Pieters, Smith, Fuchs

        Sanchez, Walcott, Firmino, Coutinho, Capoue

        Aguero, Costa, Austin

        .1 itb so not rich

        As with most FPL managers it seems, I'm trying to work out when and how to get Hazard on board.

        Ditch Sanchez seems only viable option but reluctant. However, Sanchez will drop in value by .1 (poss .2 at this rate) whilst Hazard will go up another .2. Therefore the transfer seems to make sense for tv but also leaves the door open for a Sanchez return in the future if required....

        A. Act now before Hazard price rise?

        B. Ignore tv and wait for IB to conclude ?

        C. Any other bright ideas ?

        1. Olivier Bernards watch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          A. I was in a very similar situation and that's what I did.

          1. TLF
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            What swayed you ?

        2. Mr Chelski
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I would wait till after international break next week just in case of injuries or other occurences but A could be viable to beat the price rise.

          1. TLF
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Ok cheers...I'll need to make my mind up by close of play today because Haz is on the up again tonight !

            1. Ginola14
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Im in the same boat, I need to act tonite too and I'm seriously considering dropping 2 everton assets for a -8 before Swansea, however I feel i will mora than make up the points as it allows me to keep Sanchez and 2 pool mids, (see above for team)

              1. TLF
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                I can't see that midfield being an option for me unless I ditch Aguero or Costa which isn't happening

      3. TeddiPonza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Could have a midfield of: Firmino Coutinho Alexis and Hazard, but it would mean downgrading Lukaku to Austin and have a front 3 of Deeney Aguero and Austin. Best to wait until gw 15 or pull the trigger now (for a hit)?

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I wouldn't be confident in that front three.

          Deeney needs to go IMO.

        2. Worzel Gummidge
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Thats the problem. I sacrificed Firmino so that I could get Haz and keep Costa. Aguero, Austin and another cheapie doesn't fill me with confidence.

          • Hakchak
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            You need Lukaku for the next weekend - home to Swans

            1. Smurf
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Agree.

              He is captain material this coming GW.

          • Ziegler1988
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            That's my midfield, but I have an uber cheap defence with Aguero Lukaku Austin

          • ekul the lokonga enthusiast
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Deeney to defoe maybe?

        3. mojoindojo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Play 2:
          A. Kosc
          B. McAuley
          C. Pieters
          D. Lovren

          1. Worzel Gummidge
              9 years, 1 month ago

              BC.

            • Netley Lucas
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              B & C, better fixtures.

          2. waltzingmatildas
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Really struggling with excellent team, team value is pretty low

            1. waltzingmatildas
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Pressed post too soon.
              How does this wc team look?
              Heaton jakupovic
              Smith Holebas friend mcauley shawx
              Hazard Walcott firmino snodgrass Allen
              Aguero Costa austin

              1. Hakchak
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Looks v. good - would have Pickford rather than Jaku.

                Get Smith out for Nyom - will save some money there too

              2. Worzel Gummidge
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Jaku to Pickford
                  Firmino to Cout
                  Allen/Snodgrass to a 4.4 to make upgrades to the other.
                  Walcott is no replacement for Sanchez whom I would get
                  ShawX to Pieters.

                  My suggestions.

              3. waltzingmatildas
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Thanks for ideas.
                Means I have 7.2 for 4th mid.... who do you reckon?

              4. The Game of Throw Ins
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Smith and holebas are both suspended next gameweek

            2. merin
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              I did Lallana -> Gundogan and Sterling -> Hazard (-4) before they increased in price, and now I'm having second thoughts...

              This is what I've got now:
              Pickford Grant
              Walker Coleman Smith Holebas Amat
              Sanchez Hazard Firmino Gundogan Allen
              Aguero Lukaku Austin

              FT: 0, ITB: 0

              Holebas and Smith is suspended and Walker is orange...

              Help!

              1. Sess!
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Yeah I think you should have sorted your defence out first.

                1. merin
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Agree, but don't have much choice now :/

                  How would you sort out the def?

                  1. RustyBz
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Play AOA

                    1. merin
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Dont have it anymore 🙁

                      1. RustyBz
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        Sit tight then and play 2 defenders.

                        1. merin
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 1 month ago

                          Not change Holebas or Smith for a hit?

              2. Your Man With The Hair
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Defence needs sorted, but still two good transfers.

                1. merin
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  How would you sort the def?

              3. TLF
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Defensive issues indeed as Amat unlikely to play also. I'd prob wait until IB is coming to a close and reassess. -4 Walker to Brunt may be an option. If you have your AOA you could play that instead.

              4. Pegboy
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Smith > Evans for a -4.

                It's effectively a -2, and WBA have got great fixtures over the next 8 GWs to make it up.

              5. NATSTER
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Smith to someone.

                Effectively, it's not -4.

            3. AdamJ91
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Which is the better option?

              A) Sanchez & Pedro
              B) Hazard & Ozil

              1. Sess!
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                B

                1. AdamJ91
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Was thinking the same. Currently have Sanchez and Sterling and can't afford both to have both Sanchez and Hazard so looking at alternatives.

              2. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                B

              3. Smurf
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                B by a country mile.

              4. Slartibartfast
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                b

              5. Worzel Gummidge
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Dont like any due to Ozil and Pedro.

              6. afcbbbb
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Wc template??
                Grant Heaton
                Alonso Stones Kingsley Pieters McAuley
                Hazard Walcott Cout Firmino Snodgrass
                Aguero Defoe Anichebe

                Any changes??
                Cheefs

                1. Hakchak
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Pickford rather than Grant
                  Otherwise looks good

                2. Jigger & Pony
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Holebas over Stones

                3. Mini Mane Mo
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Can't go on Defoe the whole season. What's Plan B if Defoe blanks?

              7. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Looking for defs besides Alonso and Brunt, i dont have any idea who would i like to have....never been in this situation this season.

                1. Respect My Authoritah
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Friend + Holebas + Pieters?

                  1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Have Holebas, Friend is actually good call even doe he doesnt have good fixtures. Do not like Stokes defs...thanks

                2. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Be lazy and use the Watchlist 🙂

                  1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Nah watchlist is not that good

                    1. TorresMagic™
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 16 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Currently has your 3 picks, 1st, 4th and 5th although McAuley.

                      1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        I know....double up with McAuley is not a bad idea over next 4-5 gws. One is oop and other have great goal threat, and both are Wba players. Could be very good.

              8. Cok3y5murf
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Keep Smith or sell for a hit? If I keep, I have only 2 playing defenders next week and no AOA

                1. NestorC
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Same here, but will sell him, bad fixtures coming

                  1. Cok3y5murf
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Who are you getting though?

                2. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Depends if you want Smith after this week. Perhaps sell one of the other 2?

                  1. Cok3y5murf
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Don't want Smith after this week but don't really see anyone I want to buy either. The other two are Holebas and Amat. Don't think you'd recommend selling them.

                    1. TorresMagic™
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 16 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Who are the 2 playing defenders?

                      1. Cok3y5murf
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        Alonso and McAuley. Just got Alonso for Valencia. Before that, it was just one playing defender for next week 😛

                        1. TorresMagic™
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 16 Years
                          9 years, 1 month ago

                          Was going to suggest a WBA defender. I just got Pieters in to hopefully fill a gap for 3 weeks.

                          1. Cok3y5murf
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 1 month ago

                            Yeah Pieters is the one I even remotely favored but that's almost guaranteed to fail after the next 3 weeks. I actually want Rose/Walker. Would that be too much money in defence considering I have Alonso?

                            1. TorresMagic™
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • Has Moderation Rights
                              • 16 Years
                              9 years, 1 month ago

                              I sold Walker for Pieters 😆
                              Would like a Spurs defender soon given their nice home fixtures. If you can afford a big upgrade it may be worthwhile although the next 2 are tough.

                              1. Cok3y5murf
                                • 9 Years
                                9 years, 1 month ago

                                The next one is West Ham at home. That shouldn't be tough right?

                                1. TorresMagic™
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • Has Moderation Rights
                                  • 16 Years
                                  9 years, 1 month ago

                                  West Ham scored both times last season.

              9. Individual
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Hey all, doing some planning before forgetting about FPL for a week or so. Brought in Hazard for Sanchez to try to get the value rise.

                Basically, I'm going to take a -4 to get Brunt in for Amat to give me this team:
                Pickford Jaku
                Walker Fuchs Brunt Pieters 3.9
                Firmino Lallana Hazard Allen Fletcher
                Kun Kaku Costa

                Week after, I'll then do
                Allen -> Ozil
                Kaku -> Austin

                Need a rise from Allen to get my move, think Austin will rise before next GW. He's so close, so I hope I'll get him up to 5.1 SV before moving him on - looks like Bojan is going to to start playing, so Allen will go back to DM.

                What do you guys reckon to that plan?

                Thanks all 🙂

                1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Looks good

                2. internal error
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Not sure that Bojan will. Shaqiri and Arnie back next game week

              10. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Wanted to put Alonso in for a hit last week, ouch.

                Sanchez, Son, Allen > Hazard, Ozil, De Roon.

                Would give me a midfield of; Hazard, Ozil, Firmino, Coutinho, De Roon.

                Big -8 hit. It's not worth the risk right..

                1. Jigger & Pony
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Would just do Sanchez > Hazard. Reassess Arsenal assets (Ozil vs Walcott) after MU game.

                  1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Son needs to go though!

                    1. Jigger & Pony
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Is Allen your 4th or 5th? If 5th bench Son and play Allen.

                      1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        He was my 5th but now he's my 4th given that Son is complete garbage!

                2. Weasel Boy
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  I thinking on waiting to get Haz in GW 15. Great run of fixtures from then

                  1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Probably right actually, it's just the value I am missing out on. Hopefully he'll blank in the next couple of fixtures.

              11. Costa's Counsellor
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Liverpool keep a clean sheet.

                1. RustyBz
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Leicester more likely to win CL

                2. Hakchak
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  This has been so frustrating as a Clyne / Firm / Cout owner - so many needless points lost over stupid goals conceded

              12. Killersquad
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Guys,

                In a draft competition and need to decide on transfer(s). What seems most promising:

                A/ OUT: Siggy / moses (keep redmond) +++++ IN: Pedro / 6.1 (e.g. Snodgrass)

                B/ OUT: Redmond / moses (keep siggy) +++++ IN: Pedro / Can

                C/ OUT: Bony / Moses +++++ IN: Pedro / Vokes

                D/ OUT: Bony / Moses +++++ IN: Pedro / Gray

                E/ OUT: Clyne / Moses +++++ IN: Pedro / 3.9 def

                Def looks as follows: Dluiz - Alonso - Clyne - Evans - Chambers
                Mid looks as follows: sanchez - mane - siggy - redmond - moses

                Thanks

              13. Ten Season Wonder
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                I've been focusing so much on perfecting my midfield of late that i've neglected my back line...... (£1.2m itb)

                Rose - Bellerin - Holebas(sus) - Kingsley - Love

                Love > Brunt sound okay? (for a hit)

                1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Yea, sound great...i maybe double up with McA....

              14. Weasel Boy
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Amat to Pieters is decent FT right?

                1. RustyBz
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Why not!

                2. TorresMagic™
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 16 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  If you can afford 0.5, sure.

                3. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Yea

                4. Chris_White
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Should be

              15. Jigger & Pony
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Given the discussion re transfers/hits it would be good to check people's TV / SV at this stage?

                103.2 / 101.4 for me

                1. RustyBz
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  103.3 and dropping (thanks Sterling). Don't know SV but OR looks decent at 19k

                  1. Jigger & Pony
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Good rank

                2. _Ninja_
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  105
                  102.7 SV

                  1. Jigger & Pony
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    That's great

                3. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  104.5

                4. Ziegler1988
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  104.1m TV
                  102.0m RV

                5. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  104.2

                6. Jigger & Pony
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Thanks guys. Holding on to Ibra created a big dent in my team value... need to build it back up quickly!

              16. Chris_White
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Would you make any changes to this lot?

                Foster
                Williams, Holebas, Pieters
                Sánchez, Firmino, Coutinho, Sterling
                Agüero, Benteke, Austin

                Jakupovic, Kosc, De Roon, Amat

                1. RustyBz
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  How many FTs & cash?

                  1. Chris_White
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    1 ft, nada itb

                    1. RustyBz
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Do you want Hazard? If so Sanchez->Eden.

                      1. Chris_White
                        • 14 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        I do, but not sure if I should wait until after the next three?

                        1. Shifty
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 1 month ago

                          Just afraid Hazard would be 0.3-0.5 more expensive by then. A big, really annoying, factor.

              17. Pochecinno
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Are we any nearer to knowing which one of Amat and Kingsley is a first team player?

                1. Jigger & Pony
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Not really but certainly Amat is not... Kingsley maybe.

                  1. Pochecinno
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Cheers J&P

                2. Chris_White
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Not as it stands. Only option in that team is Siggy anyways.

                  1. Pochecinno
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Cheers Chris

                3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  I don't think Bob has a clue....

                  I'm not even sure he ever will either

                  1. Pochecinno
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Aye Captain

                4. King Kohli
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Kingsley at the moment.

              18. Gazzpfc
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Gtg?

                Grant

                Pieters McAuley Alonso (holebas smith)

                Hazard Allen Countino Firmino (Capoue)

                Aguerro Costa Kaku

                Next week kaku and allen for Walcott and Austin Or Walcott and Anichebe play 5 in mf get rid of capoue and lukaku???

                1. KUNingas
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Will Grant play?

              19. Azathoth
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Would you do Alexis & Stones to Hazard & Azpi for a -4?

                1. SLUMVILLAGE1
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Would do Hazard and Alonso

              20. _Ninja_
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                A. Walcott -> Firmino
                B. Walcott/Kos -> Hazard/Fuchs
                Cheers

                Heaton Pickford
                Kos Walker Evans Holebas Amat
                Sanchez Walcott Coutinho Gundogan Allen
                Aguero Lukaku Austin

              21. SLUMVILLAGE1
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Thoughts on Cazorla as Arsenal cover for when hes fit. Cant afford both Haz and Sanchez with my Liverpool mids.

                I am thinking.

                Heaton(Pickford)
                Alonso-Holebas-Friend(Amat, Kingsley)
                Firminho-Coutinho-Hazard-Cazorla(Allen)
                Kun-Lukaku-Defoe

                Defence is very weak, and with Holebas suspended I might need to replace him. Dont trust me swansea fellas to play.

                Any thoughts on the team?

                1. Ziegler1988
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Nope, Cazorla plays too deep and is reliant on set pieces

                2. Debauchy
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Can you afford Wally ?
                  Looks like you are trying to cover all bases , ie playing a 3-4-3 or at times a 3-5-2 ? You need to commit ie downgrade Allen and play 3-4-3 or downgrade Defoe and play 3-5-2

                  1. Debauchy
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    then you can upgrade yr 4th defender to a playing 4.5

              22. Atimis
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Now about def...
                Pick/Grant
                Walker/Holebas/Cameron/McAuley/Amat

                I think I will play Grant this GW + McAuley and Cameron (hope he will be fit)
                But what to do with Walker ? I'm rly tempted to bring Alonso for -4
                Any other ideas ?

              23. Bruno Bruno!!
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                What to do with this team, happy to be aggressive and take a few hits

                Dea (Valdes)

                Stones, Evans, VanDijk (Morgan, Williams)

                Sanches, Firmino, KDB, Gundogan, Redmond

                Lukaku, Wilson, Benteke

                0.1m ITB

              24. Ziro
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                With Firmino's performance yesterday, hope the debate has ended on his oop points potential vis-a-vis the presence of a striker ahead of him. Too much nonsense read into a few matches sometimes. The guy is a class player, the best in the team. Yes, ahead of Coutinho. If only he was a little more selfish he would leave Coutinho behind in his FPL dust.

                1. Hibbo
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Glad to have both Ziro.

                  1. Ziro
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Yup, in terms of FPL points, a double-up was the perfect answer, shame I doubted whether Pool would keep this up when I was WCing.

                2. sminkypinky
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  They're both class imo. Really complete each other on the field. If pushed, I'd say Cout is slightly better. To each their own...

                  1. Ziro
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    They both are. Coutinho will get more of the wonder-strikes and great goals, but Firmino the more rounded and consistent player for me. Just my opinion though. Had him GW1and never doubted him, a real season-keeper unless injured. Same for those with Coutinho this season for owners, much more consistent this season, I just like Firmino's play more.

                3. Bored Ape Jota Club
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  An itchy trigger finger made me bring out Firmino for Hazard saturday night. The only Liverpool match I have watched this season, Firmino scored 0 goal points, while constantly creating space and thus chances for everyone else on the team. He was essential in the Liverpool side, yet was not in the points.

                  Now I am regretting shippping him out over Couthino.

                  Or maybe none of them would have been the best answer. Getting rid of Kaku and commiting to a 3-5-2 could have been an answer, but that sweet sweet TV made me do something hasty.

              25. afcbbbb
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Grant Heaton
                Alonso Fuchs Smith Martina Holebas
                Hazard Ozil Firmino Coutinho Redmond
                Benteke Lukaku Wilson

                3 of my defenders are out next gameweek
                Wilson is injured
                Benteke and Ozil and Redmond are useless

                Wc time??
                Cheers

              26. Shifty
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Is 0.1 really worth using an early FT in the int'l break?!

                1. Pochecinno
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Depending on who you get in and out it could easily be a swing of 0.6 for one transfer. Definitely worth it if that is the case.

                  1. Ziro
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    this.

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

                  It's already about to become 0.2m for anyone that didn't move early on Hazard. Add in potential falls for likes of Sterling/Walcott who are likely players being removed and you can see why people are making early trades, as risky as it is.

                3. Werkself
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Depends on the facts and circumstances. To bring Haz and Alonso in on Saturday I had exactly the right funds and players I wanted out. Couldn't wait a day, let alone 10 days, or I would have been priced out of the trade, and lost TV as well. Is there risk? Sure. But waiting for certainty has risks as well.