Team News
29 November 2016 1076 comments
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Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns from suspension to net Man United’s leveller at home to West Ham. Mark Hughes switches to 3-5-2 for Stoke’s trip to Watford and Nacer Chadli is handed minutes as a sub upon his return to action for West Brom. After rolling out Part Oneyesterday, here’s the lowdown on the remaining ten teams.

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian, Herrera, Pogba, Lingard (Fellaini 85), Mata (Mkhitaryan 65), Rashford (Rooney 65), Ibrahimovic.

  • Jose Mourinho made two changes for the home encounter against West Ham United, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic returning from his one-match ban to replace Anthony Martial, while Jesse Lingard came in at the expense of Michael Carrick.
  • Those changes saw Mourinho switch back to a 4-2-3-1, with Ander Herrera and Paul Pogba combining in the double-pivot. Juan Mata and Lingard switched regularly between the No 10 role and the position on the right wing throughout the match, with Marcus Rashford stationed on the left of the attacking midfield trio behind lone striker Ibrahimovic.
  • With the score level at 1-1, Mourinho turned to Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Wayne Rooney off the bench, with Mata and Rashford making way with 25 minutes remaining. Mkhitaryan played on the right, with Lingard switching over to the left, allowing Rooney to operate in the No 10 position. The final substitution saw Mourinho turn to the aerial threat of Marouane Fellaini in search of a late winner, with the Belgian replacing Lingard for the final five minutes.
  • Carrick was rested on Sunday having played 180 minutes over the last two matches in all competitions. If he doesn’t start in Wednesday night’s EFL Cup clash against the Hammers, he would look nailed on to start against Everton on Sunday. His selection would probably see Mourinho revert back to a 4-1-4-1, with Pogba probably the only certain starter given he’ll sit out Wednesday night’s cup tie due to suspension. The likes of Rooney, Mkhitaryan and Fellaini could all push Mata, Lingard and Rashford for starting spots. The back four has been more settled of late, but Daley Blind may push for a recall in place of Matteo Darmian, who has struggled over the past few matches at left-back.

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

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio; Clayton; Traore (Stuani 79), De Roon, Forshaw, Ramirez (Fischer 88); Negredo.

  • Aitor Karanka named an unchanged starting XI from the one that lost 1-0 to Chelsea for the trip to the champions Leicester City.
  • The Spaniard kept faith in a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Adama Traore (right) and Gaston Ramirez (left) continuing to provide the width for ‘Boro.
  • With 11 minutes remaining, Karanka turned to Cristhian Stuani to provide some fresh legs in place of Traore in a straight swap. He did likewise nine minutes later on the opposite flank, with Viktor Fischer replacing Ramirez as ‘Boro looked to hold on for the three points.
  • Karanka’s men were unfortunate not to walk away with the win at the King Power Stadium, so he appears unlikely to make changes for the home fixture against Hull City. He could return to his favoured, and more attacking, 4-2-3-1, though, with either Adam Clayton or Marten de Roon making way for another attacking midfielder, likely to be Stuani or Fischer. Stewart Downing also provides another option in the final third.

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

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric, Jose Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Hojbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse; Sims (McQueen 84), Austin (Long 89), Redmond (Clasie 79).

  • Saints boss Claude Puel made two changes from the side that drew 0-0 against Liverpool for the visit of Everton to St Mary’s, with James Ward-Prowse and youngster Josh Sims coming in for the injured duo Steven Davis and Sofiane Boufal.
  • Ward-Prowse joined Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in the three-man midfield, while Sims was stationed on the right of the front three, with Nathan Redmond on the left and Charlie Austin operating as the central striker.
  • With Puel looking to protect Southampton’s 1-0 lead, he turned to Jordy Clasie off the bench, with Redmond making way for the final 11 minutes, seeing Saints switch to more of a 4-5-1. Ward-Prowse shifted more to the left, before Sam McQueen was introduced in place of Sims. The substitute was deployed on the left, switching flanks with Ward-Prowse. Shane Long provided fresh legs as the lone striker in place of Austin for the last few minutes.
  • Davis missed out on Sunday due to illness but may well be able to return against Crystal Palace on Saturday to potentially reclaim a starting spot in place of Ward-Prowse. Boufal was also unavailable due to illness: he could compete with the impressive Sims for a starting berth in attack if passed fit. Doubt remains over when Dusan Tadic will be available after breaking his nose and he’s another who could challenge for a place in the front three if he’s available.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks

Stoke City

Starting XI: Grant; Johnson, Martins Indi, Muniesa, Pieters; Imbula, Adam; Diouf, Shaqiri, Arnautovic (Crouch 81); Walters.

  • Stoke City manager Mark Hughes made five changes from the side that lost 1-0 to Bournemouth for the trip to Vicarage Road, with Glen Johnson, Marc Muniesa, Jon Walters and Mame Biram Diouf coming in for Phil Bardsley, Ryan Shawcross, Bojan and Wilfried Bony, while Giannelli Imbula earned a recall in place of the suspended Joe Allen.
  • Johnson and Muniesa started at as part of a back three along with Bruno Martins Indi as Hughes rolled out a 3-5-2 formation. Diouf and Erik Piers were utilised as wing-backs, with Imbula and Charlie Adam in midfield. Xherdan Shaqiri and Walters took up the most advanced positions up top.
  • Stoke’s performance was so strong that Hughes only made one substitution, with Peter Crouch replacing Marko Arnautovic for the final nine minutes. Crouch played as the lone striker, with Walters shifting to a more withdrawn role.
  • After winning 1-0, Hughes will have plenty to ponder in terms of selection for Saturday’s home fixture against Burnley. Shawcross missed out with a calf injury on Sunday so Muniesa could keep his place in central defence. Imbula’s return to form may also see him retain a starting berth, even if one of Glenn Whelan (calf) or Geoff Cameron (knee) are passed fit. Allen will be available after serving his one-match ban and would seem likely to return in the No 10 role, with a move back to 4-2-3-1 perhaps on the cards. That would see Shaqiri take over from Diouf on the right wing. Bony was surprisingly dropped to the bench on Sunday, suggesting that Walters may again lead the line against the Clarets.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Right Wing, Central Striker

Sunderland

Starting XI: Pickford; Jones, Kone, Van Aanholt, O’Shea, Ndong, Denayer, Pienaar (Gooch 79), Anichebe, Watmore (Januzaj 79), Defoe.

  • David Moyes made two changes from the side that beat Hull City 3-0 for the trip to Anfield, with John O’Shea coming in for the suspended Papy Djilobodji, while Steven Pienaar returned from a one-match ban to replace the injured Paddy McNair.
  • O’Shea partnered Lamine Kone in central defence, while Pienaar was part of the three-man midfield alongside Didier Ndong and Jason Denayer. Victor Anichebe (left) and Duncan Watmore (right) flanked central striker Jermain Defoe.
  • With his side trailing 1-0, Moyes turned to Lynden Gooch and Adnan Januzaj, with the pair replacing Pienaar and Watmore in straight swaps for the final 11 minutes.
  • While the Black Cats lost 2-0, they performed reasonably well, so Moyes appears unlikely to make wholesale changes for Saturday’s home clash with Leicester City. Djilobodji will be available after serving his one-match suspension and may return in place of O’Shea at centre-back, while Januzaj offers a more attacking alternative to Pienaar out wide if Moyes looks to return to a 4-4-2 against the champions, with Anichebe joining Defoe up front.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Flanks

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton (Montero 86), Fernandez, Amat, Taylor; Cork, Fulton, Fer; Barrow (Rangel 80), Sigurdsson, Routledge (Llorente 66).

  • Bob Bradley decided to name an unchanged starting XI from the one that drew 1-1 against Everton for the home clash against Crystal Palace.
  • The American continued with Gylfi Sigurdsson in the “false nine” role, then, while Jay Fulton, Jack Cork and Leroy Fer again formed the three-man midfield.
  • With the match evenly poised at 1-1, Bradley made an attacking first substitution, with Fernando Llorente brought on to replace Wayne Routledge. The Spaniard took over as the central striker, with Sigurdsson moving to the left of the front three. Then, after Palace pulled a goal back to make it 3-2, Angel Rangel was introduced in place of Modou Barrow. Rangel played at right-back, with Kyle Naughton operating just ahead of him on the right flank to double-up against the threat of Wilfried Zaha. But after Palace took a 4-3 lead, Bradley turned to Jefferson Montero, who came on for Naughton. The Ecuadorian played on the left wing, with Sigurdsson returning to the No 10 role. Cork pushed forward slightly on the right as the Swans looked to find a way back into the match.
  • While Llorente made a huge impact off the bench, the Spaniard may have to be patient to force his way back into the starting XI. Sigurdsson appears likely to continue in the false nine position this weekend given that the Welsh outfit head to White Hart Lane. Montero offers an alternative on the left wing but is probably unlikely to get the nod over Routledge or Barrow for the time being. Federico Fernandez was at fault for a few of the Palace goals, so Mike van der Hoorn or Alfie Mawson could be options to replace the Argentinian. Borja Baston missed out with a minor calf problem but, at best, only looks to have a chance at being named among the substitutes on Saturday.

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

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Dier, Vertonghen, Wimmer, Wanyama, Dembele (Janssen 83) , Eriksen, Alli (Nkoudou 73), Son Heung-min (Winks 65), Kane.

  • Mauricio Pochettino made three changes for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with Kevin Wimmer coming in for the suspended Danny Rose, while Dele Alli and Son Heung-min replaced Harry Winks and Vincent Janssen.
  • Those changes saw Pochettino return to the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele combining in the double-pivot, while Christian Eriksen (right), Alli (No 10) and Son (left) formed the attacking midfield trio. Wimmer slotted in at left-back, with Jan Vertonghen and Eric Dier continuing in central defence.
  • Pochettino’s first substitution saw Winks come on in place of Son with 25 minutes remaining. Eight minutes later, Georges-Kevin Nkoudou replaced Alli, with Nkoudou playing on the left, while Winks slotted in next to Wanyama, allowing Dembele to push forward a little more. As a final bid for a late equaliser, Pochettino turned to Janssen, with the forward sent on in place of Dembele, seeing Spurs end the match in a 4-4-2.
  • Rose will be available to face Swansea City after serving his one-match ban, and should replace Wimmer at left-back. Pochettino could consider deploying Janssen alongside Kane in attack, perhaps starting with a 4-4-2, or in the 4-2-3-1 we could see the same front six that lined up last Saturday if Erik Lamela sidelined with a hip injury. If Toby Alderweireld (leg) were to be passed fit, he’d be expected to return alongside Vertonghen in defence, with Dier then an option to play in midfield.

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

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Kaboul (Kabasele 21), Prodl, Britos; Janmaat, Capoue, Behrami, Holebas (Ighalo 56); Amrabat (Okaka 78), Deeney, Pereyra.

  • Walter Mazzarri only made one adjustment from the side that beat Leicester City 2-1 for the home encounter against Stoke City, with Jose Holebas returning from his one-match ban to replace Juan Zuniga.
  • Holebas returned at left wing-back for the Hornets, in what was a 3-4-3 used by the Italian once again, with Roberto Pereyra (left) and Nordin Amrabat (right) flanking central striker Troy Deeney.
  • Younes Kaboul had been a doubt pre-match due to a calf problem and the defender only lasted 21 minutes before being replaced by Christian Kabasele. Holebas was then forced off with a knock before the hour mark, with Mazzarri deciding to make an attacking change given his side were 1-0 down, with Odion Ighalo replacing the defender. Ighalo joined Deeney in attack in what was more of a 3-4-1-2, with Janmaat moving to left wing-back, while Amrabat played at right wing-back. Pereyra moved into a central attacking midfield position behind the front two. Stefano Okaka was brought on in place of Amrabat as Watford battled for an equaliser. That left the home side with three strikers on the pitch, but with little width down the right-hand side.
  • Should Kaboul and Holebas be unavailable for Saturday’s trip to the Hawthorns, Kabasele and Zuniga appear the obvious replacements. Mazzarri will also be without the suspended Miguel Britos, though, after he was sent off after receiving two yellow cards. Janmaat also offers an option in central defence, although he’s unlikely to go down that route after the Dutch international struggled in that position during the 6-1 defeat to Liverpool. Ighalo or perhaps even Okaka could come into the reckoning if Mazzarri looks to play with two strikers, either in a 3-5-2 or 4-4-2 system.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Left Wing-Back, Flanks, Forwards

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans, Nyom; Fletcher (McClean 64), Yacob, Brunt, Morrison (Chadli 79), Phillips (Robson-Kanu 83); Rondon.

  • Baggies head coach Tony Pulis named an unchanged side from the one the beat Burnley 4-0 for the trip to the KCOM Stadium.
  • Despite being fit enough to be named among the substitutes, Pulis decided to leave Nacer Chadli on the bench, instead sticking with Chris Brunt, James Morrison and Matt Phillips in the three advanced midfield positions in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
  • Pulis’ first substitution was an attacking one bearing in mind his side were holding a 1-0 lead, with James McClean introduced in place of Darren Fletcher. McClean was stationed on the left wing, with Brunt dropping back into central midfield. Chadli then took over from Morrison in the No 10 role for the final 11 minutes, with Pulis’ final change seeing Hal Robson-Kanu replace Phillips in a straight swap down the right flank for the final seven minutes.
  • With another week’s training behind him, it’s likely that Pulis will look to find a spot in the starting XI for Chadli when West Brom host Watford on Saturday. It could be Morrison who makes way, although Brunt and Phillips may also be slightly at risk. Morrison could also potentially play in a deeper midfield role, but it’s unlikely Pulis will drop either Claudio Yacob or Fletcher.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks, Attacking Midfield

West Ham United

Starting XI: Randolph, Kouyate, Collins, Ogbonna, Antonio, Obiang, Noble, Cresswell, Lanzini (Ayew 74), Payet (Feghouli 90), Sakho (Fletcher 66).

  • Slaven Bilic made two alterations for the trip to Old Trafford, with Mark Noble returning from his one-match ban to replace Andre Ayew, while James Collins earned a recall in place of the suspended Winston Reid.
  • Collins slotted in alongside Angelo Ogbonna and Cheikhou Kouyate in the three-man defence, while Noble partnered Pedro Obiang in central midfield. Manuel Lanzini returned to his more familiar attacking midfield role alongside Dimitri Payet in the 3-4-2-1 system, with Diafra Sakho operating as the lone striker for the Hammers.
  • Sakho lasted 66 minutes before being replaced by Ashley Fletcher after picking up a hamstring problem. Ayew then came on in place of Lanzini in a straight swap for the final 16 minutes, while Sofiane Feghouli was handed a brief run-out in place of Payet.
  • Reid will be available to face Arsenal on Saturday after serving his one-match ban and should come back into the starting XI at the expense of Collins. After a solid performance against Man United, both Lanzini and Sakho could well keep hold of their starting spots providing the latter is passed fit, although Ayew does offer a viable alternative in both positions. Andy Carroll was close to being in contention for the Old Trafford trip and could yet be a factor for Arsenal’s visit.

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

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

    Evening. 🙂

    Everyone taking hits?

    I'm on -4 atm.

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

      yep, on -8

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not taking hits .

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

      Same. Worth it IMO. I can see some big scores this weekend with the Spurs and Arsenal games

    4. Basil1977
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      -8 atm coutino, sterling, giroud out walcott, pedro and kane in

    5. Samurai Blue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Same.

    6. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Coutinho Pieters > Siggy Alonso (-4) for me

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

        why sell pieters before burnley to get alonso aganst city? seems like that could've waited until next gw

    7. Le _ Professeur
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nope, no hits for me

    8. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      -8

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

      No hit's needed.

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

      -4

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

      -8..Stones,Coutinho,Lukaku to Alonso,Walcott and Kane

    12. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I try not to take hits. In my experience they rarely work out.

      You new player has to basically score or keep a clean sheet just to draw level with someone blanking.

    13. SH
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      -8 for Coutinho, Lukaku, Jageilka > Siggy, Costa, Cedric

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

    Best option this week?

    a) Play AoA for De Roon (HUL)
    b) Play Williams (MUN)
    c) Williams ➡ Cedric/Lovren/Brunt for a -4

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      C, long term move

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

      Ive got to choose between b and c, but not c for a hit.

      Think I might just play Williams. Last stand for the Everton man. Return or get shipped

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

      B

    4. ANON.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      C because Williams needs to go at some point. Most will say don't take hits for defenders but if you don't it delays all your future transfers or you end up taking a hit later anyway so may as well do it now. Unless your team is really settled and you know you won't be needing that extra transfer anytime soon

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

        Makes sense.

        Team seems fairly settled, it's just Stones and Williams right now that I need to address, I think. Changes constantly, though.

    5. Clifford☯
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      C with Cedric is a good long term move.

    6. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B

    7. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      C with Cedric

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

      Cheers all.

      Tricky one!

    9. Le _ Professeur
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B .. not worth a hit imo

    10. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      C

    11. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I brought in Lovren for Williams last week

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

        Good move! I've been looking to get rid of him for a while, but there's always something else that needs doing.

    12. Jack93
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      B

  3. Tinmen
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Folks, who is most likely to win this weekend?

    Stoke
    Boro
    Leicester

    Going to go for a differential captain pick this week i think. So far behind already

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Boro, Negredo

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

      Stoke. Burnley awful away

    3. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Haven't Leicester been awful away from home ? .

    4. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No Austin?

      He's the differential captain to have this gw.

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

        Would love that but have 3 Southampton already. So bad

    5. Toure The Route
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Stoke are heavy favorites Vs Burnley
      Fancy a Sunderland draw Vs Leicester
      Hull will fancy upsetting Boro but not sure on that one

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

      Bookies odds say Stoke.

      Stoke 1.67
      Boro 1.80
      Leicester 2.20

  4. jayzico
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Hey all,
    Who would you start:
    Anichebe
    or
    Mata???

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

      Anichebe

    2. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Mata of course

    3. Demí
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Mata

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

      Anichebe eill do well against Leicester

    5. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Anichebe

    6. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Difficult init

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

      No other options to bench? Both look ok, but I'd still go with Mata.

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

        No other options mate

    8. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Currently on Anichebe

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

      Mata is far better imo.

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

      Mata

    11. Toure The Route
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Anichebe

  5. Spike ⚽️
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Andy Carroll back just in time to terrorise the Arsenal defence again. Hat trick in last season's fixture!

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Is he ready to start?

      1. Spike ⚽️
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Scout tweets for news from Bilic

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

      More like tear his hamstring after 30mins

  6. BB-8
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    How's she looking?

    Pickford
    Mustafi Pieters Evans
    Sán(c)hez Firmino Alli(vc) Siggy
    Kun Costa Rondón

    Heaton deRoon Holebas Amat
    0 FT, 0.8 ITB

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

      Looks good. Rather Austin over Ronny thoygh

      1. BB-8
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Rondon to Austin next week

    2. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah looks decent

      1. BB-8
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Ta

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

      She's hot!

      1. BB-8
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        😉

  7. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    So who has Kane, Aguero, Costa as the front free and has anyone managed to add Sanchez and Hazard to it?

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

      That's not possible..

      1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah with three budget mids it could be, couldn't it?

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

          3 Capoues maybe

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

          One more mega premium option with 3 budget mids isn't normally going to be better than a balanced line up.

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

      No, have Wally instead

      1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Nice

    3. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely no one. Unless they have 5 lenihans at the back

    4. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I saw one team with all of them, 2 mid price mids and weak at the back

    5. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Team would be too imbalanced with a terrible defense and crap 3rd and 4th mids.

      Not worth it.

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

      Unless your team value is £110m+ cramming those 5 into your team isn't a good strategy.

      1. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah guess no one has tv much over 105m at the moment

    7. Lemongrab
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yup.

      Heaton
      Pieters/Smith/Holebas
      Allen/Hazard/Siggy/Firminho
      Costa/Kane/Aguero

      Subs Pickford/Friend/Kingsley/Snodgrass

  8. Gruu
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Any comments for my front 8?

    Sanchez Hazard Firmino Siggy (Capou)
    Kane Ibra Anichebe

    0FT, 1.3ITB

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. Le _ Professeur
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      You're good 🙂

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

      Cheers mate! 🙂

    4. Toure The Route
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks great
      Capoue is going to be the poor man's Fer soon.

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

        Yes. Plan to upgrade capoe to Fer or Can in the next gw.

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

    5 hits already this season.

    Plan for December - Stay hit free and enter new year with a top 10k rank. 😀

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

      Top 10 in the world have only taken 7 hits combined, all season :S

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

      I don't see the point in having set rules like this. If you think buying 2 players will score 4 more points than the alternative then do it.

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

        This.

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

        Always good to have a goal.

        But of course be flexible if the situation demands.

      3. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Simple as.

    3. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      7 hits until last week, OR 26k
      Then took -8 this week 😎

    4. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ville Wönkä never takes hits....always rolls a trade.

      😡

      1. Epic Fail
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Must be why he's won as many FPL prizes as me.

    5. Pinky Blinders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Only need to lay off the hits for one week and then you have a 2 banked transfer situation each week going forward, which is good as insurance heading into this heavy fixture period.

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

    Pretty stuck on this one... I have Heaton

    A) Jaku -> Pickford with FT and tie up 0.1, but have a backup GK. Will be perma-benched unless Heaton is injured.
    B) Keep Jaku for rest of season, just play Heaton every week. If he's injured, go without goalkeeper (potentially what I face this weekend)
    C) Heaton -> Valdes

    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A if no other pressing changes

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

        Of course, other consideration with A and C is that I tie up a FT that I'd probably put to good use in the coming weeks, even if I bank it this week. Decisions, decisions.

        1. Professor Abel X
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Wait for news on Heaton, if he's fit, save it

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

            As below, Pickford is set to rise 0.1, maybe even tonight. Tying up an extra 0.2 on Jakupovic is even less appealing

    2. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Wheato182
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A if you hear nothing on Heaton before the weekend but be prepared to have someone who could easily outscore the other week in week out.

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

        Further consideration that Pickford is set to rise 0.1, maybe even tonight. Tying up an extra 0.2 on Jakupovic is even less appealing

    4. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    5. Le _ Professeur
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I was really hoping Jaku retains his GK position after Hull's recent performances but doesn't seem to happen.

      I'd go A if you don't have any other issues to attain to, otherwise B.

    6. The Chump
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Do A and be rid of the GK problem. Hopefully will last you till end of the season.

  11. Wheato182
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Play Alonso (mci) this week or Fletcher (WAT)??

    1. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso even if he played with a blindfold

    2. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso

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

      Alonso

    4. Buck The Trent
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Al

    5. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Fletcher.

      Surely you have a better option?

      1. Wheato182
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Playing Fletcher means using my AOA chip.

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

          Then Alonso of course.

    6. Demí
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso

    7. Wheato182
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso it is then, cheers guys.

  12. davies
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    No Drinkwater for Leicester again this weekend

    I reckon we might lose this one - bye Fuchs.

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

    Team looks so good this week that I know I'm on course for a measly 35 points. 😀

    Pickford
    Vertonghen - Holebas - Mee
    Sanchez - Hazard - Firmino - Sigurdsson
    Aguero - Kane - Austin

    Jakupovic - Carrick - Amat - Lenihan

    0.2m itb.

    Starting to fall in love with my team though. 😛

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

      Starting 11 is great, xmas could cause problems though with that bench. At some point you're going to have to upgrade it

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

        Plans in place for a defensive reshuffle.

        Attack looks set which hopefully allows me to address the bench.

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

      Hot damn! That's a fine team.

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

        Cheers

    3. Le _ Professeur
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks very good 🙂

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

        Cheers

  14. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I'm almost trying to talk myself into the fact that Firmino out is potentially a good move but deep down I know it's not.

    Anyone think Coutinho out will massively affect them?

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

      It will have some effect on the team but not that big. Doesn't Firmino do better without Coutinho anyway historically?

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

      Definitely. He's the creative spark. Sturridge and origi aren't half as good

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Firmino to drop into more of a no.10 role then?

        He's done okay the times he's played with Sturridge this season already.

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

      The set up will change but Liverpool can be just as effective with Sturridge/Origi up front. The Leicester game for example showed how well they can play with a striker.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Indeed. Think it's a risk to get rid of Firmino, especially for a hit.

        Would be Firmino/Coutinho to Moses/Sanchez. A bit knee jerky I think for now.

    4. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      What's the plan ? . Selling before the next two would be a brave decision considering the fixtures

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        See above. Agreed that it might be a bit silly.

        May just do Coutinho to Moses and bank the money so I can be flexible. There's no real standout swap for me for Coutinho - can't get excited about Eriksen or Alli. May still change my mind though due to fixtures

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          He scored 27 points in the three games that he started with Sturridge . This would be a strange week to do it considering the fixtures .

          1. andy85wsm
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah - think my knee is just jerking. I'd already checked his record with Sturridge and it's not half bad 🙂

            Not had Sanchez all season and starting to think this might not be the worst period to bring him in for.

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

      This was my question for the Scoutcast tonight.

      Not very reassuring that one of you is asking the same thing 😉

      😆

      In all seriousness, I rate Origi and their fixtures are still good, so you'd imagine Liverpool will still do well. The worry is that the goals from midfield may start to dry up.

    6. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No, I don't think so. LIV attack is fluid and doesn't rely on a single player that much. They will still score lots of goals in my opinion. Lallana back will boost creativity.

    7. nevins84
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Keep

    8. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Pool will keep scoring.

      You have to have 1 attacker.

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

      Exactly the same

      I can see tempting Firmino to Payet move in a couple of weeks

      Nothing against Firmino, just attracted to Payet differential for hull , Burnley and swans

      Probably a bad idea

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

        I'm also getting Moses (for Capoue) next week

        Although that blocks the Payet move moneywise

    10. John t penguin
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I am going with a watch and see for next game.

    11. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No, I'll probably bring in Pedro and free up some cash

  15. ANON.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Currently don't have Aguero or Sanchez. Am I fine to go without?
    This is my captain plan for next few weeks:
    GW14 - Kane (SWA)
    GW15 - Hazard (WBA)
    GW16 - Kane (HUL)
    GW17 - Kane (BUR)
    GW18 - Ibra (SUN)
    GW19 - Ibra (MID)

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Of course, as long as they all do well 😉

      I may add in Sanchez at some point to give me a captaincy headache in GW18+19 and potentially a good one instead of Hazard in GW15

      GW14 - Swansea (h)
      GW15 - West Brom (h), Stoke (h)
      GW16 - Hull (h)
      GW17 - Burnley (h)
      GW18 - Bournemouth (h), Sunderland (h), West Brom (h)
      GW19 - Stoke (h), Boro (h), Palace (h)

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

      On paper, yes.

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

      Think you know that it looks fine in theory!

      Sadly practice does not = theory.

      1. Buck The Trent
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        This

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

      If you expect that you can cover the points from Aguero/Sanchez with this strategy then you should be OK.

  16. thep025
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    How is this WC team looking?

    Pickford Heaton

    Alonso Lovren Pieters Nyom Amat

    Sanchez Firmino Pedro Sigurdsson De Roon

    Aguero Kane Austin

    Any changes? WC still active.... 0.0 itb

    Two questions -

    1)Lovren or Cedric?

    2)any other 4.5 option better than Pieters

    1. Basil1977
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      cedric and maybe a middlesboro defender as i think they are better at the back then stoke, and have slightly better fixtures over the next 6 weeks

    2. Toure The Route
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Cedric
      Boro actually look good at the back if they have fixtures like Basil says^

  17. ADucksBehind
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Gundogen & Coleman > Watmore & Alonso?

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

      I'd wait a week.

      1. ADucksBehind
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Good call. I'll just do Gund > Dunc

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

      The time to ship Gundogan was last weekend. He might very well start/deliver points this weekend

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

        Agree with this, surprised somewhat by the number of sellers

  18. Hurricane Gilbert
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    WBA defence ownership is quite high, right?

    In between this transfer decision:
    A) Evans
    B) Barragan

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

      Jebus, are you still one this?

      😕

      1. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Are you still online here? 😉
        Put me in the junk mail, I know. Overthinking deluxe, lol.

  19. Christina.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    One of the biggest OR boosters must be goal scoring defenders.(Remember the good old Baines days?)

    Last year I managed to pick a couple ...Kolarov, Toby, VVD, Pva in the DGW and even Ivanovic.

    This year I've had Holebas and that's about it. Missing Alonso was a killer.

    Dammit.

    1. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Go for Toby if he's fit. Got to fancy 2 CS and some attacking points in the next 4

    2. FF Dirtbag
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Mcauley and Alonso is killing me at the moment..
      Dann hasn't started scoring yet... maybe when they look a bit better (if they ever do) might be worth getting him in.

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

        Yeah Dann is always good.

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

      Are you ruling out Alonso all together having missed the rises?

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

        He came onto my radar @5.9m...then the old FPL rule "never take a hit for a defender'' clouded my judgement.

        I'm def getting.

    4. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I have managed to catch Koscielny Holebas and McAuley hauls.

      Bellerin and Alonso on my shopping list. They'll both score some decent attacking points soon.

    5. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Daniels - goal, assist, clean sheet last year was lovely! 🙂

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

        Yeah, I had him as well. I really did well with the goals scoring defenders last year.

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

      I think it's something I've missed out on in previous years. Usually I go for the cheapest options and avoid the more expensive ones with higher goal threat. In a single GW it's quite lucky to get attacking points from defenders but over the season I'm probably missing out on around 30 points by not targeting these players.

    7. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Holebas and Lovren here. Defenders are my weak spot for sure. Doesn't help that I hate West Brom and have refused to get any near them. Silly me.

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Forgot about Lovren.

        Holebas, Lovren and Alonso here (the week I brought him in for a hit).

      2. FF Dirtbag
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Don't see much return from Lovren...

    8. Pinky Blinders
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      i just feel like I haven't had much time to focus on defense analysis this year since there is so much variability to mid and forwards finding and losing form. Last year's template of cheap consistently performing options week in and week out was a real anomaly.

  20. davies
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Vertonghen > Alonso next week?

    Secretly hoping Vert gets his 5th yellow so it gives me an excuse

    1. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Oh yes

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah

    3. Sterling Chap
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yes

  21. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Pickford
    Clyne Vertonghen Evans Pieters
    Firmino Hazard Arnoutavic
    Austin Kane Aguero

    Heaton Gundogan Capoue Amat

    0.9 ITB for next week to do Arny > Walcott

    Look good to go?

    Should I consider putting Gundogan in my team for anyone?

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

      Looks ok and no.

  22. Polster
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Current Squad:

    Grant (Heaton)
    Jones, Morgan, Brunt (Martina, Amat)
    Siggy, Hazard, Firmino, Mata (Coutinho*)
    Austin, Kane, Costa

    0.2 in the bank and 1FT

    Worth a -4 to go Coutinho -> Sanchez and Mata -> De roon?

    Or just Coutinho > Walcott

    Who the best option?

  23. Tibbs
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Boring question so apologies in advance.

    Play double stoke?
    1. Grant/ Pieters or, spread the risk,
    2. Pick/ Pieters
    3. Grant/ Holebas?

  24. nkhoughton
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Is the scoutcast tonight?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Check the hot topics 🙂

  25. TheBusDriver
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Start VvD or Holebas?

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

      VvD

  26. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Heaton - Pickford

    Walker - Alonso - Holebas - Evans - Amat

    Hazard - Mane - Firmino - Sigurdsson - Capoue

    Kane - Costa - Austin

    How's the team looking? Just transferred out Aguero for Kane and kinda already regretting. Any Arsenal cover essential with their good run of games?

    1. nevins84
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Bit crazy dumping Aggy for Kane?

      1. The Yorkshire Pirlo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        It enabled me to do Gundogan to Sigurdsson...

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      At least you didn't do it last week as I did. Was being premature. I'm looking at Mané to Sanchez this week.

  27. nevins84
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Its going to cost me -4 to drop trollaku... I cant do it , I just know when I do sell he will score..
    3 blanks in a row... hes due

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'm keeping hold for now, he is the ultimate troll!

      1. nevins84
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        If i could get a Kane or Costa in without -4 id be all over it but , its the troll....(Aggy/Austin my other 2)
        Think i'll hold for now, save ft, if he don't produce this weekend then I can swap out for free...

        sounds like a plan

  28. Lew
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Apologies in advance - haven't been around since the weekend.

    Did FPL announce anything regarding Amat assist being awarded?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      It's not going to be awarded at this point.

      Opta don't have it down as an Amat assist so it won't be changed.

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Ah go on Andy, have a word will ya?

      2. Lew
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Damn! Thanks

  29. Sterling Chap
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What would you do with this team for the next few GWs?

    Foster
    Williams Alonso Evans
    Hazard Coutinho* Snodgrass Firmino*
    Costa Tekkers Kun
    Jakupovic Capoue Friend* Amat
    1.2ITB / 1FT

  30. Jack93
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    for the next 4 gw which is better

    A : alli + stanislas

    B : chadli + pedro