Dugout Discussion
26 December 2016 3348 comments
Mark Mark
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Gameweek 18 continues in some style, with half a dozen three o’clock kick-offs boasting a strong cast of leading Fantasy assets.

All the top captaincy options are in action, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic carrying huge expectations into Manchester United’s Old Trafford meeting with Sunderland – he is the top choice for skipper, backed by 25% of Fantasy Premier League managers.

Equally, Arsenal pair Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott promise attacking returns of their own at the Emirates, though the latter misses out – he is suffering a calf complaint which allows Olivier Giroud to earn a recall up front. Sanchez is backed by 14.6% for the captaincy but finds himself deployed on the right flank today.

Stamford Bridge will also be a major focus.

Without the suspended Diego Costa against visitors Bournemouth, manager Antonio Conte deploys Eden Hazard as his central attacker, with Michy Batshuayi kept on the bench. Hazard has returned six of his eight goals at home but has recorded just a single strike in his last five Gameweek starts.

Elsewhere, Swansea City’s meeting with West Ham in South Wales also promises goals and returns, with Gylfi Sigurdsson the star turn on show.

Burnley’s meeting with Middlesbrough is, on paper at least, likely to be a far more dour affair, while Everton’s visit to Leicester City pairs two unpredictable sides.

Romelu Lukaku is by far the most popular asset on show as he seeks to exploit a Foxes defence without the suspended Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs. However, the Belgian has scored in just one of his last seven Gameweeks.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. tm245
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Zlatan 56 points from last six gameweeks. Makes that cold spell even more baffling.

    1. TJ_777
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      he had around 40/50 shots I think with no goal. worst period in his career

  2. EWH2020
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Does anyone expect Origi to start tomorrow?

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

      I do

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

      More likely than not.

    3. Danstoke82
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yep.

    4. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yup.

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

    This is mindnumbing

  4. Rolls-Royce
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    1 baps for Foster?

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

      Last I looked yes.

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

      Looks like it! 🙂

  5. Jeremiah
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Just got home. San(C)hez over Ibra owowowow

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ikr sme.

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

    so anyone considering Mkhi this week?

  7. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    This game is crap.

    So Kane > Costa 1FT yay or nay?

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

      Ask after Kane plays.

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

      Probably. Difficult to answer before Kane has played.

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

      That's what I plan to do. Just waiting to see if Kane does anything...

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

      Chill Dan, constant complaining can be somewhat off putting, wait till after games imo.

      1. Danstoke82
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Constant complaining? I don't follow as was just asking opinion on Kane > Costa.

        Wasn't planning on doing it yet mate. Will wait to see what Kane does 1st, I'm in no hurry.

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

          'This game is crap'
          Not the first time I've seen you talk like this, lighten up a little is all I'm saying.
          Looking at the same move myself but I'm possibly gonna save and take a mini WC -4 depending on Aguero..

          1. Danstoke82
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Fact is mate it is crap. Just opinion that's all. I'm pretty sure the few times I've remarked that a game is below par others have too?.

            In fairness I have no assets in this game anyhow so not bothered about the result, just making idle chat and not being negative.

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

              Not being smart but you don't have to play if you don't like the game, I know I wouldn't-bad weeks annoy me too but it's my team, I'm the manager and I gotta get on with it.

              1. Danstoke82
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                To be honest mate I'm not sure where your going with this?

                All I said was that this match was crap nowt to do with playing FPL?!.

                I'm agree u have good weeks and bad weeks mine more bad but it's a game at the end of the day.

                If I was coming in constantly asking about my team, not replying to other people's questions or threatening to quit each GW hoping for sympathy then I'd whole heartedly agree with what your trying to say.

    5. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      i'm doing it.
      Costa's consistency + improved assists/bonus points in a side at the top of its form out weigh Kane's occasional haul potential.
      Also wouldn't be captaining Kane again anyway

      1. Danstoke82
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Have to agree. Costa seems essential and looks like the right move regardless of Kane's return on weds night

  8. Ravager
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    West Brom really lost their clean sheet in the 86th? Why do they do this to me?

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

      You should be used to it by now.

      1. Ravager
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        All these scores in the 60's and up...did I miss something besides Ibra's (c)?

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

          High scorers always shout loudest. most of us have nowhere near that many points

  9. KOLASINA(C)
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    64 post BAPs and still have Mane, Origi and Vert to get some points. Finally something good!

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Piss off m8

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

      Congrats.

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

      You were quitting earlier because you got Benteke this week 🙄

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

        Haha!
        Well spotted Rover 😉

  10. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    City are so ponderous. 😯

    Must have had a good Christmas...

  11. Dr Dream
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Mmmm. Maybe Silva was a mistake. This is rubbish.

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

    Considering Holgate as my 5th mid, what's his chances of starting going forward please?

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      he's a def

      1. alangreat
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        sorry typo, i meant as my 5th def 🙂

  13. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Bonus points confirmed?

    74 After bp then!! Origi Eriksen Rose left!!

    Hopefully a big Green

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

    Shocking game.

  15. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Will Ibra be rested in one of the next 2 weeks?

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

      I think so personally

      Just hope he plays the next one

  16. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Looking good so far. City restricted to shooting from distance.

  17. DantheManinaPan
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I need a 3rd striker/5th mid combo for £10 - any ideas?

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

      de Roon + good luck

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

        😛 thanks. Did Borini look good today?

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

          He did ok.

    2. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      There's not much else than Diomande + De Roon.

      If you don't want Diomande, then Anichebe and maybe Højberg.

    3. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      uh, wait, i'm using 1m too little. it's not that bad.

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

      De roon + llorente/negredo

    5. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Anichebe + Can.

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

      De Roon, De Foe

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        That's literally more than 2m over his budget.

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

          oops.
          didnt look

    7. bodgejob
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I have De Roon + Carroll

    8. DantheManinaPan
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Lots of £11.0+ ideas passing by. Sadly I can't afford any single player more than £5.5-£5.7.

      I'm interested in Borini

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I gave you ideas from 9.0 to 9.7.

        1. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Not saying great ideas, but pretty much only ones available for that price.

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

            Thank you. May have to do a switcharoo elsewhere to improve things

            1. Neeskens Under Matip
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              What about the Hull chap who's replied diamonde?

  18. bojack
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    This is like a friendly. So boring.

  19. Pirlø's Pen
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone keeping the armband on Hazard? Goal from open play is surely imminent! He was back to his very best today, certainly passed the eye test.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Too unreliable for me.

    2. Grand Thibauto
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He is playing excellent almost every week. The problem with him is that he is always tightly marked and tackled every time he starts a counter. Pedro Willian not given that treatment allowing them to score.

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

      Yeah might do, although a fresh Costa might tempt me.

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

      I m thinking of selling Hazard for Coutinho and getting Alonso as a Chelsea defense double up. Hazard seems to be playing great but avoiding big scores.

  20. TJ_777
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Is it just me, or are Man City playing terribly.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks like they got hammered yesterday because they are 'only playing Hull'.

  21. Weeb Kakashi
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Bonus points are finalised?
    Are there more changes to follow?

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

      Pedro goal is being reviewed by the PL match centre - possible OG.

    2. Licious Lizard
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Got 10 (13 with C), so hope they are final 🙂

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Carroll 2
        Payet 1
        Ibra 3*2
        Hazard 2
        Heaton 3

        Hopefully they stay intact

  22. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Haven't owned Costa one single time this season and I don't wanna make that mistake again. Hazard has to go for me to afford it. Too sideways?

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

      Depends on the other players in involved in the transfers.

      1. Giovanni Giorgio
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Other player is Iheanacho

  23. Count of Monte Hristo
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    City are a shell of a team. Pep needs a rethink. This tippy tappy bullsh@t doesn't work.

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      They just need to tip and tap a little faster.

  24. twoplustwo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    No way Ibra gets rested when utd are on this run. Maybe some earlier subs but they are on fire (per the fixtures).

    Fire and forget, for me anyway.

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

      Can he play twice in 3 days at that age
      They're not going to want to injure him

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

        He played 7x 90 min before this 9 day break. He is a freak.

    2. Licious Lizard
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I agree. Based on his statements the other Day, the need for continuing victories, the role he plays and how good Zlatan is conserving his energy. Will play every match imo. Potentially an early sub off if they are up by 2.

  25. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    KDB is a donkey. Who to replace him with?

  26. ACCOUNTING ON CHRIS
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Arrrrggghhhhhhhhh why isn't Ibrahimovic my captain. Ffs.

    I swear I made sure he was my captain :(.

    So annoying.

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

      Did you save it?

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

    Why is John Stones still in my team!?!

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

      Why indeed

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

      Sort it out.

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

        I know. Not much out there for 4.7m though. More hits I guess!

      2. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        1 player difference in our LAWR game, I get Brunt 2pts you still have Lovren to come. I don't fancy my chances

    3. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Keep. Might come good soon.

    4. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      You're too loyal mate. Let him go.

    5. Grand Thibauto
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He is in Dufflinks team as well

  28. JayBomb
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Looking at those fixtures for Arsenal and with Wally getting rested would it be a good idea to do Wally in Eriksen out with my FT? yes or no

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Walcott missed out because of injury...

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

      Let Eriksen play first

  29. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    My defence is quite terrible for next week:

    Alonso (H STK)
    Lovren (H MCI)
    Holebas (H TOT)
    Pieters (A CHE)
    Amat (H BOU)

    Thinking of selling Lovren or Pieters but have 0.0 itb so:

    A) Lovren --> Cedric, A.Smith, Jones
    B) Pieters --> Boro def, Ake

  30. We Will Klopp you
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    A) Coutinho and Aguero in for Hazard and Kane (When Coutinho's back, may do Lallana in the meantime).
    B) Costa in for Kane (Keep Hazard).