Team News

Line-up Lessons – Gameweek 17 – Part One

John Stones and Kelechi Iheanacho are consigned to the bench once again. Wayne Rooney earns back-to-back starts for the first time since Gameweek 5, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s run of four successive starts for the Gunners comes to an end. Here’s the first part of our Gameweek 17 teamsheet summary, outlining the trends and tactics on show, along with early insight into the likely line-ups for the Boxing Day programme.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech, Bellerin, Gabriel, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin (Giroud 75), Xhaka, Walcott, Ozil, Iwobi (Oxlade-Chamberlain 65, Elneny 77), Sanchez.

  • Arsene Wenger made one adjustment from the side that lost 2-1 at Everton for the trip to the Etihad, with Alex Iwobi recalled in place of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.
  • Iwobi came in on the left of the attacking midfield trio in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Theo Walcott retaining his place on the opposite flank.
  • Wenger’s first substitution saw Oxlade-Chamberlain enter the fray in place of Iwobi shortly after the hour-mark in a straight swap. After falling 2-1 behind, Wenger turned to Olivier Giroud off the bench, with Francis Coquelin making way. Moments later, Oxlade-Chamberlain had to be replaced after picking up a muscular problem, with Mohamed Elneny taking his place, leaving Walcott, Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez in a fluid attacking midfield trio behind lone striker Giroud as the Gunners tried and failed to find a way back into the match.
  • After conceding another two goals, Wenger could consider making changes. Elneny and potentially Aaron Ramsey, providing he recovers from a hamstring injury, may push for a start in central midfield in place of either Coquelin or Granit Xhaka. Lucas Perez offers an option to replace Iwobi, while Giroud may also come into contention to start against West Bromwich Albion to help deal with the Baggies set-piece threat.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Left Flank

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Boruc; Francis, S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Arter, Wilshere; A Smith, King (Ibe 72), Pugh (Fraser 55); Wilson (Afobe 64).

  • Eddie Howe only made one change from the side that beat Leicester City 1-0 for the visit of Southampton to the Vitality Stadium, with Callum Wilson recovering from a minor head injury to replace Benik Afobe.
  • Wilson was restored in the lone striker role in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Adam Smith (right), Josh King (No 10) and Marc Pugh (left) forming the attacking midfield trio.
  • But after falling 2-1 behind early in the second half, Howe turned to Ryan Fraser off the bench, with the Scot replacing Pugh in a straight swap. Wilson then made way for Afobe shortly after the hour mark, while Howe’s final substitution saw Jordon Ibe replace King.
  • Howe will have to make at least one change for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with Nathan Ake ineligible to play against his parent club. Simon Francis may well shift across to centre-back, then, with Smith likely to return at right-back. Fraser or Ibe could earn a recall on the right wing, although Howe may want to solidify the midfield against the in-form Blues, so Dan Gosling may be handed a recall in central midfield, allowing Jack Wilshere to return to the No 10 role. King could then be forced into one of the wide positions. Afobe may also push Wilson for the starting spot in attack.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Defence, Central Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Burnley

Starting XI: Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Ward; Boyd (Kightly 83), Hendrick, Marney (Defour 84), Arfield; Barnes (Vokes 80), Gray.

  • Sean Dyche only made one change for the trip to White Hart Lane, with Ashley Barnes starting in place of Sam Vokes.
  • That change saw the Clarets line up in a 4-4-1-1 formation, with Barnes playing in a support striker role behind Andre Gray.
  • After going 2-1 behind, Dyche turned to Vokes off the bench, with the Welshman replacing Barnes for the final 10 minutes, seeing Burnley switch to a 4-4-2. Then, to provide some fresh legs, Michael Kightly and Steven Defour were introduced in place of George Boyd and Dean Marney in straight swaps for the final few minutes.
  • Dyche will be without the suspended Matt Lowton for the home fixture against Middlesbrough on Boxing Day, so Jon Flanagan appears likely to come in at right-back. Defour may push for a recall in central midfield, in either the 4-4-2 or 4-5-1, while Vokes could come into contention to replace either Barnes or Gray.

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

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Moses (Ivanovic 79), Kante, Matic, Alonso, Willian (Fabregas 64), Costa (Batshuayi 89), Hazard.

  • Antonio Conte made two changes from the side that beat Sunderland 1-0 for the trip to Selhurst Park, with the fit-again Eden Hazard replacing Pedro, while Nemanja Matic earned a recall at the expense of Cesc Fabregas.
  • Matic slotted in alongside N’Golo Kante in the usual 3-4-3 system, while Hazard returned on the left of the front three, with Willian starting on the opposite flank.
  • Willian was the first player to be replaced, though, with Fabregas taking his place shortly after the hour mark. The Spaniard played slightly narrower than Willian had down the right flank. Branislav Ivanovic then took over from Victor Moses at right wing-back as they shifted to a 3-5-1-1 with Hazard pushed behind the striker. Conte’s final substitution saw Michy Batshuayi provide fresh legs in place of Diego Costa in a straight swap for the final couple of minutes.
  • Conte will be without Kante and Costa for the home clash against Bournemouth after both players picked up their fifth yellow cards of the campaign on Saturday. Fabregas and Batshuayi appear likely to take their places in the starting XI then, while Pedro is a viable alternative to Willian on the right flank.

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

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey, Kelly (Fryers 84), Dann, Delaney, Ward, Cabaye (Campbell 79), Ledley, McArthur, Zaha, Benteke, Puncheon (Townsend 77).

  • Palace boss Alan Pardew made two alterations for the home encounter against Chelsea, with Jason Puncheon returning from suspension to replace Lee Chung-yong, while Joe Ledley came in for the injured Mathieu Flamini.
  • Those changes saw the Eagles line up in more of a 4-3-3, with Ledley joining Yohan Cabaye and James McArthur in central midfield, while Puncheon (left) and Wilfried Zaha (right) flanked central striker Christian Benteke.
  • Pardew made his first substitution with just 13 minutes remaining, with Andros Townsend brought on in place of Puncheon. Townsend played on the right wing, with Zaha moving across to the opposite flank. Then, in an attacking move, Fraizer Campbell was introduced for Cabaye, with Campbell joining Benteke up front in a 4-4-2. Zeki Fryers replaced Martin Kelly for the final six minutes, with Fryers playing at left-back, seeing Joel Ward move across to right-back.
  • After a reasonable performance against the leaders, and with his options appearing limited, Pardew isn’t expected to make many changes for the Boxing Day trip to Vicarage Road. Townsend may perhaps push for a recall, particularly if Pardew looks to go back to a 4-2-3-1, with one of Ledley or Cabaye possibly at risk of dropping to the bench. Campbell provides an option if the Palace manager considers switching to a 4-4-2.

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

Hull City

Starting XI: Marshall, Maguire, Dawson, Davies; Elmohamady, Livermore (Henriksen 70), Huddlestone (Bowen 86), Clucas, Robertson; Snodgrass, Mbokani (Diomande 70).

  • Mike Phelan only made one alteration for the trip to the London Stadium, with Dieumerci Mbokani back from his suspension to replace Adama Diomande in attack.
  • Mbokani returned as the lone striker for the Tigers in the 3-5-1-1 formation, with Robert Snodgrass continuing in the central attacking midfield role.
  • With the match still goalless, Phelan made a double substitution, with Markus Henriksen and Diomande replacing Jake Livermore and Mbokani in straight swaps. Then, after falling a goal behind, Phelan threw on Jarrod Bowen in place of Huddlestone, ending the match in more of a 3-4-3, with Bowen, Snodgrass and Diomande in attack.
  • Given that Hull entertain Man City on Boxing Day, Phelan will probably stick with the more conservative 3-5-1-1 formation. He doesn’t appear to have too many options to change things personnel wise, then, with Ryan Mason and David Meyler candiates to return in central midfield, while Diomande is a viable alternative to Mbokani in attack.

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

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Huth, Fuchs; Mahrez (Musa 80), King, Amartey, Albrighton (Gray 72); Slimani (Ulloa 72), Vardy.

  • Claudio Ranieri only made two changes from the side that lost 1-0 at Bournemouth for the trip to the bet365 Stadium, with Kasper Schmeichel returning from injury to replace Ron-Robert Zieler in goal, while Danny Simpson was back from suspension to come in for Luis Hernandez.
  • Simpson slotted into his usual position at right-back, then, while Jamie Vardy and Islam Slimani again combined in attack for the Foxes in the 4-4-2 formation.
  • Vardy’s sending off in the first-half led to that being a 4-4-1 system, but Ranieri only made his first changes in the 72nd minute, with Demarai Gray and Leonardo Ulloa coming on in place of Marc Albrighton and Slimani in straight swaps. Then, with 10 minutes remaining, Ahmed Musa took over from Riyad Mahrez on the right wing.
  • Leicester look set to appeal Vardy’s sending off, but should he remain suspended for the Boxing Day clash against Everton, either Shinji Okazaki or Ulloa could take his place in attack. Ranieri will be without the suspended Christian Fuchs and Robert Huth against the Toffees, though, so either Ben Chilwell or Jeffrey Schlupp could come in at left-back, with Hernandez likely to deputise at centre-back. Nampalys Mendy and Danny Drinkwater – should he recover from a knee problem – offer different options in central midfield, while Gray and Musa may challenge Albrighton for the starting berth on the left wing.

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

Man City

Starting XI: Bravo, Zabaleta (Sagna 46), Otamendi, Kolarov, Clichy, Fernando, Sane (Navas 75), Toure, Silva, De Bruyne (Iheanacho 83), Sterling.

  • Pep Guardiola made two alterations for the home clash against Arsenal, with Fernando recalled in place of the injured Ilkay Gundogan, while Leroy Sane started in place of Nolito.
  • Fernando started alongside Yaya Toure at the base of midfield in a 4-2-3-1 formation, while Sane was stationed on the right of the attacking midfield trio. Raheem Sterling initially started the match as a “false nine.”
  • Heading into half-time 1-0 down, Guardiola made one personnel change, with Bacary Sagna replacing Pablo Zabaleta in a straight swap, after the Argentinian picked up a knee problem. The City boss also made a tactical tweak, with Kevin de Bruyne taking over from Sterling as the “false nine,” while Sterling moved to the right wing, seeing Sane move to the opposite flank. The German was then replaced by Jesus Navas with 15 minutes remaining, seeing the Spanish winger operate on the right wing, with Sterling moving over to the left. Kelechi Iheanacho was handed a brief run-out, replacing De Bruyne in a straight swap for the final seven minutes.
  • Guardiola named an unchanged back four from the one that started against Watford, finally hinting at a degree of consistency in his defensive selection. Zabaleta is a doubt for the trip to Hull on Boxing Day, though, so Sagna could come in at right-back. John Stones was left out once more, and looks to have fallen behind Nicolas Otamendi and Aleksandar Kolarov in the pecking order at centre-back. The City boss will have Fernandinho available for the trip to the KCOM Stadium following the conclusion of the midfielder’s suspension, so he could replace Fernando in central midfield. The likes of Nolito and Iheanacho may also come into contention for recalls, although after coming from behind to beat the Gunners, the players who started on Sunday appear to be in the box seat to keep hold of their starting berths.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Man United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Jones, Rojo, Darmian; Carrick, Herrera (Smalling 92); Lingard (Rashford 77), Pogba, Rooney (Fellaini 84); Ibrahimovic.

  • Jose Mourinho made three changes from the side that beat Crystal Palace 2-1 for the trip to the Hawthorns, with Antonio Valencia, who was available again after serving his one-match ban, replacing the injured Eric Bailly. Elsewhere, Matteo Darmian and Jesse Lingard returned in place of Daley Blind and Juan Mata.
  • Valencia and Darmian slotted in at right-back and left-back respectively, while Lingard was stationed on the right of midfield in the 4-1-4-1 formation.
  • It was Lingard who was the first player to be replaced, making way for Marcus Rashford in a straight swap for the final 13 minutes. Marouane Fellaini then took over from Wayne Rooney on the left side of midfield, while Chris Smalling replaced Ander Herrera late on to help see out the 2-0 victory.
  • With United hitting some form, Mourinho isn’t expected to make many changes for the home fixture against Sunderland on Boxing Day. It’s out wide where he could consider tweaks, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan likely to come into contention should he recover from an ankle injury. Rashford, Mata and Anthony Martial also offer further alternatives in the wide positions.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes; Barragan, Chambers, Gibson, Fabio (Traore 87); Clayton; Ramirez (Friend 62), Forshaw, De Roon, Fischer (Downing 12); Negredo.

  • Middlesbrough head coach Aitor Karanka only made one change for the visit of Swansea City to the Riverside, with the fit-again Gaston Ramirez replacing Adama Traore.
  • Ramirez played on the right side of midfield in the 4-1-4-1 formation, with Viktor Fischer operating on the opposite flank.
  • Fischer’s afternoon lasted only 12 minutes, though, after he picked up a worrying looking knee injury. The Dane was replaced by Stewart Downing in a straight swap. With the home side leading 3-0, Karanka decided to take off Ramirez, with George Friend returning from injury to take his place in a more advanced role than usual. Traore was handed a few minutes late on in place of Fabio, with Friend then returning to his more familiar position at left-back.
  • Fischer appears a major doubt for the Boxing Day trip to Turf Moor, so Downing or Traore look set to compete for a starting spot out wide. Karanka will also be hoping Ramirez is fit after the Uruguayan was withdrawn due to a knee problem. With Friend now back to fitness, he may well replace Fabio at left-back against the Clarets, although the Brazilian could also shift to the right to challenge Antonio Barragán’s starting role.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Flanks

Part Two of Line-up Lessons, which assess the remaining 10 Premier League teamsheets, will be rolled out tomorrow.

1,047 Comments Post a Comment
  1. bojack
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    John Stones looks like he should be the front man of a derivative Manchester indie band supporting the Courteeners on their latest tour.

    1. Baz
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      he's got a cagoule

    2. JaydenLFC87
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Rolling Stones? *Grabs Coat*

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I like it.

    3. bojack
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Stones Roses perhaps.

      1. Robben Mee Blind
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Stones to Rose(s) was my recent transfer 🙂

  2. joescores
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A- Chambers

    B- Friend

    Cheers good people

    1. Unliklinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C Barragan

      1. joescores
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Could Fabio not challange him?

        1. VFORVANDETA
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          nah.he is captain.

        2. Mick J
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Wouldn’t Fabio first and foremost challenge Friend?

        3. Unliklinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          For security, Barragan but he's an extra 0.2

          Chambers next, then Friend who won't be straight back in the team yet I don't think.

          Look at the minutes played...

    2. FPLtfs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      b

    3. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      b

      1. joescores
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I am also sliding with B, he was unlucky not to score over the weekend..

  3. JaydenLFC87
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Which Transfer do people on here think will gain more points by doing?

    A) Kane > Ibra

    B) Amat > Valencia

    Thanks!

    1. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      a

    2. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  4. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Whats changed with Negredo, he was awfull not so long ago now he is the fashionable choice, I know he has got goals recently but he isnt prolific has the system changed to give him more chances or has someone returned from inj to provide.. Or is his own form thats just turned..

    1. Bellerinmondo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      they played swansea

    2. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      he is great option.just not consistent.

      1. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        If not consistent then he aint great?

    3. SGTMacaroni
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      His stats look half decent now, as opposed to earlier in the season where he managed to score every shot he had

    4. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I reckon he's their version of Ibra. If the team is scoring, he'll probably be involved.

    5. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      For me the way to go in the New Year is Benteke and Ramirez who could be a steal at 5.3 with those Boro fixtures.

      1. Rover
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I agree. I did those moves last night 🙂
        Firmino + Anichebe > Ramirez + Benteke

    6. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I got him because he was the best I could afford after getting rid of Kane and nacho and getting in ibra.
      Although he is on pens and fixtures not too bad.
      Will give him a go and see what happens.

      1. nevins84
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Great moves well played sir

  5. Rains of Castamere
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    FPL frustration overload. Cannot do right for doing wrong. Finished OR 1,100 last season and languishing around 600,000 this year and dropping each week despite a good XI on paper, lots of planning, and strong pre-match captaincy picks. But captaincy fails are killing me and always having the right players at the wrong times is too.

    Five of my last six captains:
    Kane (4) BUR
    Kane (4) HUL
    Hazard (6) WBA
    Firmino (6) SUN
    Lukaku (4) SWA

    This is the most difficult season on record! Every week, the one player you can't afford explodes and when you move onto him, the one you've let go (or another highly owned player) gets their own double-digit score. Constantly chasing my tail... now 140 points behind in my ML, and yet I'm approaching things no differently to previous successful seasons. Funny old game, isn't it!?

    1. sbasty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Same boat mate.

      Finished 2,800 last season and currently 951,000 overall. Every captaincy choice blanks. If I put a fiver on my captain not to score every week I would have made a fortune...

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        It's bonkers, isn't it? My mate's girlfriend in her debut FPL season has just overtaken me and she only logs in about twice a month! Pass me the gin.

    2. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Time to go maverick with C choices, im the same the last 3/4 weeks...

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I'm set on Ibra this week but he's burned me already vs Stoke. Sanchez and Hazard viable options. I'll choose the wrong one anyway!

        1. nevins84
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I dont have Ibra, Im gunna give the missus my 3 picks n let her choose..... Its a lottery

    3. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      1200 last season. Currently at 740k being passed by nobodies and ghost ships. It's a cruel game.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Sounds familiar. It's thoroughly frustrating.

    4. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Same here.3k last year ,nearly 300 k this year.If I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck.Have to keep going now with more realistic goals.inside top 100k would make me happy now.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Good luck mate; think you should aim higher.

    5. Mick J
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I feel your frustration, RoC. The last four–five gameweeks I’ve fallen around 200k overall, despite having a reasonable line-up. My three last captains have been the same as yours. Part of my problem has been in trusting Firmino while my rivals have gotten Mané, Eriksen or someone else producing points. Tonight I’m expecting a new 2-pointer from him. And with Costa out next gameweek, I need to play De Roon or Evans against Arsenal.

      How’s your team looking?

      Here’s mine:
      Heaton / Foster
      Alonso / Clyne / Cédric / Holebas / Evans
      Sánchez / Hazard / Firmino / Fletcher / De Roon
      Ibrahimovic / Costa (too much saved up in him to replace) / Benteke

      With £0.3 in the bank and 1 free transfer, I’m trying to save up for a reasonable fourth mid.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I suffered with Firmino too; all his underlying stats were great, it defied logic to get rid of a midfielder playing up front in such an attacking team, but he was awful for me and when I finally ditched him for Eriksen in midweek I was finally rewarded.

        Team is OK this week... a bit light-weight at the back and I don't like using Capoue but he's effectively in a three-way rotation with Allen and Anichebe and he has the best fixture this week.

        Foster (ars)
        Kos (WBA) Holebas (CPL) Amat (WHU) Alonso (BOU)
        Sanchez (WBA) Walcott (WBA) Capoue (CPL) Hazard (BOU)
        Kane (sot) Ibra (c)(SUN)

        Subs - Pickford | Allen, Anichebe, McAuley
        My plan is to do Kane to Costa next week for STK, and then look to get Benteke in around GW20 for Anichebe which would mean degrading Kos to someone like Ake.

      2. Kattdaddy_
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        We could also look at the fact that fpl is taken more serious this season by a lot of poepole due to things like it being broadcasted every week

    6. Mintu
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      To me none of my captain so far click and I am surviving with 2 Chelsea def.& vvd.My differential midfielder and forward don't click so far in my league.It's all over fraustating.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I've contemplated 2x CHE defenders for a while but Hazard would have to go and I just know he'll start scoring through the roof again. At some point soon though, I'll have to start going maverick. Sink or swim.

        1. Stokelona
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          I've gone two man Utd defenders to economise in Jones and Valencia, their medium term fixtures are much better than Chelsea's

          1. Rains of Castamere
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Not a bad move at all. Both are great value. Would expect a total of around 15pts from Valencia in the next two home games - he'll constantly be on the overlap putting crosses in and clean sheets look likely.

    7. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Exactly the same mate, I've had four of those five you mention too, so frustrating. Remember earlier in the season I had Zlatan captain for Leicester and Stoke at home, and took a hit to get Aguero for Everton and Boro at home, nightmare. The gargatron tells me my captain has only scored 19% of my points, dismal. For what it's worth I'm trusting Ibra this week

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        The captaincy rut has to come to an end soon, surely! I daren't even look at the Gargatron, I literally don't want to know!

    8. Salah'd n Sauce
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Glad to hear I'm not the only one feeling like I'm on a free-fall without a parachute.
      Every week I look at my team thinking this is the one - it's gna score big... and it flops.

      1. Rains of Castamere
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yep - I've constantly struggled to score 50+ points in a GW this season. Last year that was almost a given.

  6. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Kane & Can > Walcott & Benteke
    For Free
    A- Yaaaaay
    B- Naaaaay
    I Have Sanchez BTW.

    1. Bellerinmondo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A for sure

    2. VFORVANDETA
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      yayyy

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Thx Guys Do it know or later

  7. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Stones owners keeping? Might come back into the team soon and might come good soon. 4.8m for a potentially nailed on City defender is a steal.

    1. Robben Mee Blind
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Noooooooooo -don't do it!

    2. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      lol

    3. Weilong7
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      makes no sense if city continues conceding this way.. better options out there

    4. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Potentially nailed on makes no sense 😀

  8. Sotamendi84
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A) kane + diomande > ibra + barnes (playing 3-5-2 so barnes will bench)
    B) kane + lovren > zlatan + jones
    C) keep kane one more week and then switch to kun

    Any advise? Thanks

    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      C

  9. nevins84
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Loving the talk of people not wanting aggy back, wont get much better as a differential....

  10. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Liking my maverick Silva pick for this week. I just hope Pep is as enthusiastic.

  11. Poetry in motion
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What are you general thoughts on this FPL season?

    I think this is the one where luck has played a huge part so far. I'm probably not the best FPL player around, this is only my third full season, but my finishes in the previous two seasons are top 12k and top 2.5k, so I guess I'm at least decent.

    One example of why I think this season luck was bigger factor than before.

    I have two teams, one where I try to play as well as possible, no fan stuff etc. My "second" team, I'm having fun and experimenting and currently I have rules like:
    1. (try to) have three Liverpool players all the time
    2. No ManU players
    3. Don't transfer in players that are already in the first team (except Liverpool players)
    I never had Aguero and Sanchez in my second team this season, I only got Hazard before he started blanking (3-4 weeks ago), my captains are mostly Liverpool players etc.

    And still the OR of my first team is >500k, while my second team is around 20k OR with 100 points more...

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      uh oh...grabs popcorn.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Reported.

      1. Poetry in motion
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        ?

        1. John t penguin
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          you are only supposed to have one team officially. Unbelievably someone a couple of years ago did report another person on here to fpl after they said they had two teams. If I remember fpl deleted the guys main team which was doing really well

    3. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Harder this year we dont have as many consistent performers as last yr

    4. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      don't understand number 3
      so you only bring in players who aren't playing

      1. MartialMatas
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I think he means players already in his main fantasy team

        1. Poetry in motion
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          This.

        2. John t penguin
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          obvious now you say it

    5. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Well my team is languishing at 200k while the one maintained by wife is at 7600....

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        And with WC intact

        1. Poetry in motion
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Same here, the team of my gf (my second team) still has WC available.

  12. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Just want to tell all the people that are depressed about captaining Kane last 2 weeks you would have likely capped either Costa or Sanchez
    so not much difference as they both didn't scored heavily in last 2 weeks

    Kane was the logical choice for sure and if you got eriksen in last 3-4 then you have done good in getting a player who scored good amount of points in that time

    get some perspective and be happy 🙂

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      the only likely route was Ibra

    2. Weilong7
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      was deciding between kane and costa both weeks... shld have went with the latter and at least got more points..
      yeah Kane was the logical choice.. he could blank once.. but twice? too much to take bro.. sigh

      1. Phil Dagger ⭐
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        yes it was very disappointing for sure

    3. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Kane is so over-rated..

    4. Stokelona
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Very true

  13. Unliklinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    How do we rate Can's chances of a comeback tonight?

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Good. Sadly Wiji has played well so I fear they're in a Willian/Pedro situation for now.

      1. Unliklinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Yeah, you're probably right...

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Perfect for rotation for the next three so we'll be no wiser for who's first choice for about a month from now.

    2. Dacra
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Low.

  14. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Nacho out for a hit or play Allen?

    If out then who.
    A. Origi
    B Negredo
    C. Someone else for max 6.9

    1. BB-8
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Play Allen

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Thx. Having a hit-happy season so might just toss nacho out.

    2. umerlfc
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  15. RubeRx
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Who is more important in the upcoming weeks, Alexis or Ibrahimovic?

    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Alex

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Not owning both will end in tears.

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        That's what they said about Hazard and Kane lol. Get over it, no one is essential.

    3. Unliklinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      You can flip flop. I know its not helpful but I'd say both... They're both the in-form attacking focal points in teams with good fixtures.

    4. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Alexis by far.

  16. BB-8
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Play one-

    A. Amat (WHM)
    B. de Roon (bur)

    1. nevins84
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      De Roon

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

    4. BB-8
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Cheers guys

  17. John t penguin
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    try being bang average every year and see how it feels.
    I feel like I am standing next to people at bus stop I have been sleeping in for years telling me how its cold and wet now they aren't driving a Porsche or ferrari

    1. Andrew
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Say what now?

  18. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    My captain for GW18: http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2016/07/09/scout-report-michy-batshuayi/

    It's called having brass balls, Gentlemen. For further info, see https://youtu.be/6FWfKoc-MKM

    1. John t penguin
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      do you think he will defo start. conte doesn't have history of false nine does he

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I think he will. Conte won't alter his formation because it is working so well.

        1. nevins84
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          He is no Costa though, who is really but chelsea might miss that bite up top he provides

          1. FPL Virgin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            I need a differential to cut through OR.

            1. nevins84
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Could well do that if he performs and you dont use too many pts getting him in/out

    2. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      he is class tbf

    3. Unliklinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I like your confidence. Nevertheless, I foresee a different future come 11:30 on Monday. Then it'll be called having last minute doubts 😉

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Hee hee 😀

    4. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      😀

    5. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Ha good shout a goal an assist every 80 or so minutes and 35m worth boom

  19. Isboo
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Costa > Ibra?
    Or hold?

    Have 2 FT

    Team:

    Heaton
    Alonso Walker McAuley
    Hazard Sig Sanchez Philips
    Kane Costa Defoe

    1. Phil Dagger ⭐
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      not if you have bought him early

  20. JohnnyMagrinho
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Kane -> Ibra
      Rondon -> Llorente
      -4
      OR
      Kane -> Ibra
      Rondon -> Llorente
      Eriksen -> Pogba/Walcott/Lallana
      -8

      1. Hurricane Gilbert
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Don't like any of those options. If anything I would do Eriksen and Kane to Wally and Ibra

      2. Les Bleus
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Just Kane to Ibra if you can without the hit. Otherwise, the first one.

      3. JohnnyMagrinho
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Looking at WBA upcoming fixtures I can't see Rondon being of much use.

          Man Utd have easy games and Spurs look like they'll struggle to me.

          Swansea have favourable fixtures too and they're scoring again.

          Suppose it comes down to whether or not Pogba or Walcott are going to recuperate the 4 points it'll cost me to put them in for this GW, because I don't see Eriksen doing anything against Southampton away.

        • BB-8
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          Why would you want to sell Rondon? Best 3rd striker atm. Lovely fixtures from gw 20 as well

          1. JohnnyMagrinho
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Arsenal and Southampton away in next two GW then yes, Hull at home followed by a visit to Spurs... Hardly call them easy fixtures at all.

              Plus, I have Costa who is suspended, so really, I'd be playing with Ibra up top this weekend by himself because you'd have to admit there's little chance of WBA doing much against Arsenal at the Emirates...

              Can easily bring him back in when needed, but can see a price drop in next couple of GW too.

              1. BB-8
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                Arsenal haven't kept a clean sheet in 8 weeks. We look very vulnerable with Gabriel at the back. I think West Brom will score and Rondon might just get something. Hull at home is almost captaincy material

                1. JohnnyMagrinho
                    7 years, 6 months ago

                    And that's fine RE Hull, I agree, but still I think for the next two GW at least there are better options for around the same price.

                    I'm more concerned about whether or not I should take a further 4 point hit to get rid of Eriksen and bring in either Walcott or Pogba. Arsenal's next few fixtures look so winnable and Man Utd have a good couple of games coming up too.

                    Dont think Spurs will really do much after struggling against Burnley and Hull for crying out loud, but it just comes down to how deep Pogba is going to play and if Rooney is number 10 again.

          2. Scouserso
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            If you had to choose would you choose hazard or costa?

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Costa 100%

            2. Phil Dagger ⭐
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              costa

            3. Les Bleus
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Probably Costa on recent form.

            4. Unliklinho
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              To answer your question - I sold Hazard. I kept Costa on the bench.

            5. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Costa for consistency

          3. mojoindojo
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Pretty depressing stat...

            Total captain score 196
            Captain score had you swapped all C / VC 304

            1. Les Bleus
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Yikes. The difference between top 100k and top 1k

            2. Stokelona
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              194, I win!
              If I had swapped for my vc 206, so suppose I can't complain too bitterly.

          4. Hodejegerne
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Which transfers to do???

            Heaton/Pickford

            Walker-Smith-McAuley-Amat-Morgan

            Sanchez-Walcott-Hazard-Siggy-Fletcher

            Kane-Costa-Anichebe

            1.4 ITB. 2 FT.

            Bought Costa 9.6, so keeping him.
            Thinking of Kane->Ibra and Fletcher->Zaha? But Zaha maybe not so smart because of Africa cup of nations?

            1. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              I wouldn't get Zaha in now - disappearing in a few GWs and not great fixtures

              1. Hodejegerne
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                Who to get in of cheap strikers or cheap mids?

          5. boc610
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            we have offically hit peak whinge on here. so your not in the top 10k like you expected , 'you have an amazing team on paper', kane didnt work out, casuals are ruining it, dead teams, 'i have no luck this year'... give at rest people. not even the half way point yet.

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              So much this. My casual ML mate is ranked 3k while I'm sitting at 100k, and I know I will have a good chance coming back

          6. NorwichCityLad
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            What do you lot think of stat ppg any good? Red arrow for the last five weeks need to do something different

            1. Unliklinho
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Ignore stats. Watch some games on Boxing Day with a beer or two. Works wonders...

              1. NorwichCityLad
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                I couldn't do any worse

          7. Hurricane Gilbert
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Anything needed a hit? Thinking Evans to Jones.

            0FT, 0,5ITB
            Heaton / Pick
            Walker Amat Holebas (Evans, Aké)
            Sanchez Haz Payet Siggy de Roon
            Ibra Origi (Costa)

            1. BB-8
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Nah don't think it's worth a hit

          8. Hazard 4 Prez
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            2 FTs 0 ITB

            Pickford Jak

            Alonso Toby McAuley Holebas Amat

            Hazard Siggurdson Eriksen Phillips Zaha

            Costa Kane Origi

            Thinking maybe Kane + Eriksen for Tekkers and Sanchez, held off for too long now on bringing him in and its costing me every week.

            Dont want rid of Costa as I've had him since GW1.

            Also considering McAuley + Phillips for Friend + De Roon for -8 to free up cash for next week.

            1. Hazard 4 Prez
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Any alternatives? Starting to think maybe Kane for Ibra with a downgrade somewhere else might be best.

            2. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              I'd deffo look to get Man U and Arsenal players in ASAP if I were you - both have amazing runs of fixtures from this GW for a long while, and you have no players from either of them ATM.

          9. nevins84
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Siggy to JRod funds Kane to Aggy when needed....

            I see very little talk about J Rod which is surprising, anyone else considering him?

            1. FPL Virgin
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Looks a bargain.

              1. nevins84
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                My thoughts exactly

            2. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              I have bigger fish to fry (unfortunately)

            3. Andrew
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              I saw someone mention him a week or so ago and got totally shot down in flames, lets hope he went with his gut lol

              1. Stokelona
                • 7 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                That might have been me recommending him to others, but no I didn't! Would have got him if I was playing 3-5-2, but I'm currently on 3-4-3 with 4 expensive mids so wasn't going to rip it up

            4. Eton Rifles
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              were you talking about him b4 yesterday?

              1. nevins84
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                No was mentioning it to someone else but dont recall mentioning him here

            5. Deano
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Hasn't played for two years through injury so likely to be rotated with Boufal. After NY could be a great fifth mid.

              1. nevins84
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                This is what I want to know.... Is he as a starter ? suppose its impossible to say for a few weeks yet

                1. Sjaugen
                  • 8 Years
                  7 years, 6 months ago

                  Shane Long didn't feature yesterday did he?

          10. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            With sanchez playing striker throughout the season he amd firmino (to a lesser extent now that Origi hits form) will most probably be classified as a striker next season
            What will we do then

            1. nevins84
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              ive got 99 problems and this aint one....

              1. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                Only for serious players casual

                1. nevins84
                  • 11 Years
                  7 years, 6 months ago

                  Ok then lol

                  1. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
                    • 8 Years
                    7 years, 6 months ago

                    😛

            2. Deano
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Sanchez first pick, Firm nowhere.

              1. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 6 months ago

                Sanchez Kun Ibra Kane costa all above that 12.0 mark
                3 of them have penalties and sanchez ain't one
                The main argument fir sanchez has been that he's a mid getting that extra point for the goal more chances of assists than a striker and an odd cs point
                Would really make it interesting

          11. ADucksBehind
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            To anyone who watched the Southampton Bournemouth game.

            How did Fraser look when he came on?

            1. Hurricane Gilbert
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Pretty anonomyous like the rest of the attack

            2. Deano
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Sharp but ineffective.

            3. Now I'm Panicking
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              A bit tubby and didn't really have the opportunity to do much

            4. Jonjo Shall_We? (Flowers - …
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              Too many options for Howe in that midfield
              Hope he nails down a spot though