Dugout Discussion
13 December 2016 3630 comments
Paul Paul
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The December schedule now picks up pace as Tuesday evening treats Fantasy managers to the first two matches of Gameweek 16.

All eyes will be on Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal make their way to Goodison.

The Chilean has already delivered 10+ points hauls on four occasions away from the Emirates and faces a defence that’s managed a single clean sheet in 11.

Both Theo Walcott and Mesut Ozil were in the goals at home to Stoke and Saturday and have the chance to stake a claim as a double-up option alongside their more explosive team-mate.

For the Toffees, Romelu Lukaku returned to form with a brace away to Watford last weekend and looks the man most likely to break down a Gunners rearguard that’s kept out their opponents in only one of the last eight Gameweeks.

Bournemouth entertain a resurgent Leicester in the other 7.45pm kick-off.

Fantasy interest in Jamie Vardy is on the rise after his stunning hat-trick at home to Man City ended a 10-Gameweek goalless drought.

If Claudio Ranieri’s men can take advantage of a Cherries defence that’s conceded three times in each of the last three Gameweeks, more investment could come their way ahead of some decent upcoming fixtures.

The home side will be buoyed by the numbers too, though.

Having conceded 18 times in seven road trips, Leicester’s defence has been anything but resilient – only Crystal Palace (19) have shipped more away goals.

Callum Wilson drops to the bench despite netting against Arsenal and Liverpool over the last three Gameweeks. Steve Cook, Nathan Ake and Charlie Daniels boast plenty of goal threat from the back, though – all three have netted twice already this season.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Is it worth bringing Jones in for either one of Cedric or Smith?

    1. Licious Lizard
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Did I miss something?

      Why are everyone selling Cedric?

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        He was rested last week...

        1. Licious Lizard
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          So people are selling? Seems pretty nailed long term, right?

          1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yup

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

    Eriksen kicks all the balls from long way out x love Firmino sellers x

  3. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Is Ake good 5th midfielder or stick with Amat

    1. fiveyears
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I think there's room for both (defenders!) especially if you want 2 premium options

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Have
        Alderweireld Van Dijk
        Alonso Holebas Amat

        So Ake would replace Amat or Holebas. Yes of No?

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I just did anichebe & lenihan to ake & grabban

      I think its a good swap

      The rest of my back line is

      Luiz Vertonghen Cedric 3.9 Ake

  4. fiveyears
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Wilson dropped or rested tonight we reckon?

    Was planning Gundogan > bench fodder as my FT to prepare for a move back to 3-4-3, but if Wilson is going to make 1pt cameos he's got to be the priority.

    Just rested and I can put up with him for a few weeks with his fixtures.

    1. O Fenomeno
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He's been taken off a couple of times early this season, but I don't know if there's something more sinister behind it

      1. fiveyears
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Just noticed he was subbed off as a sub, the ultimate insult! Very weird...

        Think I may have to take (yet another) -4 to get him out unfortunately 🙁

        1. fiveyears
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Ah, slight injury but Howe says he's alright. May give him another GW.

          1. O Fenomeno
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yeah he's probably worth holding onto for SOU

    2. Larry Legend
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I avoided getting him in as an Austin replacement as I feared a little rotation with him over these close fixtures, because Eddie Howe seems to like to rotate, has some good options, and especially after Wilsons knee injury last year. However he is their best striker and this could well be the only game he misses, it's hard to tell.

  5. Viper
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Just made my first & second blunder of the season.

    Firstly, I bought Carroll. Secondly I never confirmed my team and he is first sub with Amat playing. Oh God.

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Well played.

    2. Back to Back Ballacks
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Did that with Azpili at the weekend, first time in 11 years, was for a hit too

  6. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I wouldn't want to go with war with Mesut that's for sure..geez...

    https://twitter.com/WMFormation/status/808796154142007296

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Özil has that arrogance and low work ethic that really would annoy me if I was a gunner

      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yup. Brilliant at times, but overall way too lazy and effortless.

      2. La Roja
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I'm a gunner and I don't agree with it. Ozil doesn't defend, he was just there to start up a counter attack. He never claimed to be defending or tacking, hence Wenger never expect the same from him

        1. NATSTER
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Agree. But, as the ball went to him, should he at least try to touch it a little bit?

          1. La Roja
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yes maybe. But again he didn't there to defend, so can't blame him really

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              You are being completely blinded and biased if you don't blame Özil for that goal.

              You just don't walk away from your marker before the situation is cleared

              1. La Roja
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Marker? So you really think he was missioned to mark Williams from a corner? And I'm being blind.

                I love this place

                1. Hurricane Gilbert
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  He should be missioned to defend a set piece. And he didn't even put in an effort although he saw that the ball was going towards him

                  1. La Roja
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    I don't think you understand, sorry mate. Ozil wouldn't defend and captain should've sorted out. You can't leave Williams there. Overall, our defending was pathetic and deserved to lose. Is Ozil to blame? No, entire team, especially captain because he couldn't organize jacksheet for the corner

                    1. Hurricane Gilbert
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      We disagree that's it. I agree on the part that Williams should have been marked by Kosc. And that was a big mistake. But an even bigger mistske is that the teammate, which in this case was Özil, didn't even try to cover for Kosc and avoided the ball although it came straight towards him. He surely thought that someone else was going to clear it, an then ran away. But that is not acceptable as he could have prevented that goal if he stayed and cleared

            2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              so he wasn't supposed to be marking Williams?

              And if he wasn't, do you not think by standing in that position he gave his team mates the impression that he was marking him?

              He is completely to blame.

              1. La Roja
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                See above. To think Ozil marking Williams is laughable. It is captain mistake not to sort it out. You can't leave Williams there, Gru or Kos should've marked him

                1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Yea I made that point below and agree with you.

                  But I see both sides, his issue is the impression he gave his team mates IMO.

              2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                (Along with his captain as I said below though)

        2. Hurricane Gilbert
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          That's the attitude that keeps you loosing out on the PL title. In a champion-team everyone has to defend more or less! Look at Mahrez last year. Özil is being disgraceful by not defending in such a deciding situation

          1. La Roja
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            I do agree with the first part.

            There was a reason Real sold Ozil to us. Quality player but wouldn't defend. You have to cover his lack of defending or consequences are big

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

      That costed a game.

    3. O Fenomeno
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      That's disgraceful for a pro to show such an obvious lack of effort. Imagine the fans that traveled from London to see a player do that and cost his exam a point

      1. O Fenomeno
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        *travelled *team

    4. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Oh wow. That's shocking.

      That's more like junior footy when they're scared of getting hurt.

    5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      That is completely pathetic.

      But the captain of that team should of taken control and marked Williams himself....

      1. La Roja
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Indeed, you're spot on

      2. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Yeah I agree but everyone still has to defend a set piece. That was a junior mistake

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Completely agree,
          I do see both sides to this coin...

          But La rojas point is a valid point, captains are a captain for a reason. They are there to keep the team organised and do what they are tasked to do.

          1. Hurricane Gilbert
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Yes. Of course Kosc and Gabriel should have marked Williams and Jags. Big mistake! But to see Özil avoiding the ball although it is coming directly towards him, is laughable.

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Like I said, I'm not disagreeing with you. It was pathetic.

              The point I'm making is there are other people who play a part in this too.

  7. Dazzrb
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Any reckon Sanchez could blank against City? Trying to persuade myself I can survive one more week without him...

    1. fiveyears
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      City's defence means it's actually quite likely Arsenal will score, it's just whether he's involved!

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

      He could blank. Hopes this helps x

    3. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He is my captain

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I might be joining you mate...

        Sanchez vs stones..... that's all I'm saying.

        1. La Roja
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          This is it

    4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I can see him getting a brace.

      He's going to make stones look like a school boy.....

    5. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      I wanna captain him for the weekend but i got kane

  8. Dougal McGuire
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Looks like a new record, bad game week rank: 4,104,003!

  9. marquinhos
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Overall Rank updated

  10. thes7s
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Got caught up with finals, projects and presentations due and didn't change my captaincy from Hazard :(.

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      He's playing Sunderland.... may be a blessing in disguise.

      1. thes7s
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Hope so. I have Kane nevertheless, intended to captain him. Hazard's away form is abysmal.

    2. O Fenomeno
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Not a bad captain at all

  11. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Play grant (LEI) or Pickford (WAT) next week?

    Thinking Pickford, but Leicesters away form is terrible...

    1. That Was Easy!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Grant, Stoke MUCH better defensively.

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Your point seems so obvious, don't even know why I'm considering Pickford now thinking of it!

        Cheers

  12. Lawrø
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    FFF were completely off with their predicted rank estimates tonight! (Thankfully!)

    1. Sz21
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Not for me.

  13. IWR
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    BPS for tonight?

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      You still don't know how to check or just being lazy? Just click on the score on the official FPL site

      1. O Fenomeno
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Millennials want everything done for them

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

        Didn't know. Thanks

  14. Chris_White
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Vertonghen or Valencia?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Valencia more attacking and good fixtures after ban

      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Hasn't delivered anything at all though

    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Vert offers nothing going forward, Valencia delivers nothing. Take your pick 😉 Tony for me

      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I don't like either tbh, but it's for a draft league so just gonna go with Tony for more upside I guess

    3. La Roja
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Owning Valencia must be fun. Vert is a yawn pick.

      1. Chris_White
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        I guess. Cheers mate

  15. Sepp Blattered
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Chelsea, Arsenal and Man Utd have an amazing run coming along. Defence sorted.

    1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Alonso Bellerin Valencia?

    2. Moose™
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Ah. 0 points from Kosc. Really itchy to get Alonso in.

      1. Sepp Blattered
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Luiz, Bellerin, Jones

      2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Just do it

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Then again, Arsenal has had pretty good fixtures the last 10 GWs. Zero CS vs SWA, sun, BOU, whu, STK. Look elsewhere for value.

      1. Sepp Blattered
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Arsenal historically have one of the best defences. Law of averages state they are due an amazing run 😉

        You heard it here first.

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Soton and Everton defences has been great previous years as well. Might stock up on them too 😉

  16. Legomane
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Pickford (WAT)
    Walker (BUR) Smith (SOU) Pieters (LEI)
    Sigurdsson (mid) Mane (eve) Sanchez (mci) Eriksen (BUR)
    Ihenacho (ARS) Costa (cry) Kane (BUR)

    Heaton (tot) Allen (LEI) Collins (HUL) Kone (WAT)

    2FT 1.3ITB

    Bit concerned about Kone and Collins potentially dropping tonight. Any of these options solid, or too jerky?

    1. Collins, Allen > Alonso, 4.3
    2. Collins, Kone, Ihenacho > Alonso, Amat, 6.3 fwd (-8)
    3. Collins, Kone, Allen > Alonso, Amat, 4.6 mid (-8)

    Thoughts much appreciated. Cheers.

  17. Gustavo
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Lovren -->

    1) Jones

    2) Gibson

    3) Friend

    1.6 ITB but if I decide to get a premium def I'll get stuck with Anichebe.

    1. Sz21
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Thinking of ditching him too.
      Maybe Jones?

      1. Gustavo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Could be nice value. Just worried about his minutes :/

  18. BrutalLogiC
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    who takes penalties/free kicks for Boro?

    1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Ramirez

      1. BrutalLogiC
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        with Ramirez out?

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Negredo on pens i think

  19. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone ditching sours defence after burnley? Really not sure if should stick or twist?

    Eyeing man u defence

    1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Spurs*

  20. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    I had to laugh at McMannaman tonight slating Lukaku for not getting in the box and giving somebody on the wing something to aim at.

    He was stood in a position that Alexis Sanchez and Luis Suarez often take up anticipating a second ball or a over hit cross...you see them do it over and over again...even at corners.

    1. Licious Lizard
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      My problem with Lukaku is that he has seemed so lazy lately. Not running at all and you almost never see him pressing, sprinting after a ball or showing any enthusiasm in general.

  21. La Roja
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    The player that you wish had him in your team tomorrow.

    Ibra for me. I think he is going to tear Palace apart.

    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      His head looks tempting...two goals is guaranteed,..

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Brunt maybe

    3. Chris_White
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      De Bruyne

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        +1

    4. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      i wanted walcott>mahrez or alli.the first failed but i dont think the second will

  22. Back on the horse
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Does anyone have a link to a site that give stats on a player for all comps inc cup games? thanks

    1. :
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      whoscored maybe?

  23. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Best take away ever...

    McDonald's best
    A juicy kebab
    A greasy pizza slice
    A fried rice special
    A fragrant Indian

    1. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      A for sure

      No doubt about it

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

      No fried chicken, KFC ?

  24. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Time to ditch Lovren before his drop and further sell out after his non show.

    Who would u replace him with here?
    Anything else needing attention.
    I am ok with another hit.

    Heaton. Pickford.
    Lovren**, Walker, Cedric, Holebas, Amat.
    Eriksen, Sanchez, Firmino, Siggy, Whelan.
    Costa, Kane, Nacho.
    1ft, 0.1m in account.

    1. Evans
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Jones

      1. Sz21
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Done.

  25. Viper
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Rumours Hazard hasn't travelled? At least I'll have Carroll off the bench 😆

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Link or stink

      1. sinik
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        see below

    2. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      lol @ owning Carroll and benching against Burnley.

      1. Viper
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        See my post above.

        My 2 biggest blunders this season. Buying him and mistakingly benching him for Amat 😆

        1. tisza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I've brought in Carroll and quite happy with it. no 3rd striker under 7.5 is tearing it up. good differential. good fixtures.

      2. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        This

    3. white lightning
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Nacho off bench for me. If Nacho starts & plays good minutes he could do well v Watford.

  26. Evans
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Lallana or Payet ?

    1. Sz21
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Sweet

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

      Lovely from an FPL perspective, but terrible from a fan perspective...hmmm...

    3. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      If true - he must be injured because Chelsea aren't in any other comps until FA Cup resumes, so rest makes no sense..

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

        But neither are any other side now. Players will still get rested from those teams due to the quick turnaround

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          You would think he would still travel and be on the bench if rested though.

  27. Moose™
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Lads, time to ditch Kosc? 2FT here.

    1. Viper
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Definitely. Just disappointed I didn't do it for a hit before the deadline

      1. Moose™
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Looking back at Arsenal fixtures, I might stick. How Walcott doing tonight? Worth to keep?

        1. La Roja
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Worst player on the pitch and expect him to be benched next game

        2. Viper
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Walcott was atrocious tonight. Didn't look appealing at all

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Nope.

      Yours Sincerely,

      Laurent Koscielny non owner

  28. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Thinking about next GW. Would you do:

    A: Williams, Capoue, Iheanacho -> Barragan, Sigurdsson, Anichebe (343->352)
    B: Williams, Capoue -> Valencia, De Roon (343 and stick with Nacho)

  29. Shultan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Twitter sphere says hazard not gone to Sunderland

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Of course that is happening