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. Disco Pat
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hoping for a decent cup run as terible in all leagies this year.
    Cup opponent has a lead of 39-28. He has Allen, I've Forester VVD Lallana and Origi. (we both have mane as capt and kane also so those two irrelevant).
    What do people think?

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

      You're in with a shot.
      My opponent is a dead team with 66pts and three decent players left. Drives me mad!

      1. Disco Pat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Fingers crossed.
        Feel your pain.The cup can be a complete lottery!
        I reckon I'd have been better off leaving my team alone from day one until end of the season!

    2. JustPark
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No worries. You'll get through.

  2. pjanns
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Grant
    Walker - Jones - Smith
    Sanchez - Haz - Eriksen - Siggy
    Ibra - Costa(C) - Defoe

    Foster - Holebas - Kingsley

    1 FT 0,1 in da baank.

    I'm looking at saving my FT and do Defoe --> Rondon next GW.

    Do you think this team needs any changes?

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

      I don't want Aguero, I didn't own him before the suspension either.
      And I can't afford Chelsea in the back line, as I want to keep Walker.

      1. Too Mane Men
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I have Walker, Kos + Azpi. Defoe > Rondon definitely a good move but the best defender to own is a Chelsea one, simple as that. I'd try and keep Walker and get David Luiz or maybe even Coutois.

        1. Too Mane Men
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Eriksen > Phillips

          Holebas > Alonso/Azpi

          Best move IMO

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

            Or Siggy to Phillips

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

              This might even be better. I will see how Eriksen performs. Thanks for all the replies.

          2. pjanns
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks! Great moves aswell. Think I will keep Eriksen until the Watford game is played.

            Might do this instead. Then I will also have West Brom cover, for their great fixtures.

        2. pjanns
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks for the reply. I will save my FT this week, as I will need to transfers to get a Chelsea defender in.

          You are so right regarding a Chelsea defender being the best. I will try and move the funds from Defoe --> Rondon to Smith/Holebas --> Luiz.

  3. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Heaton jaku
    Alonso holebas Valencia chambers love
    Siggy Eriksen lallana Sanchez hojbjerg
    Costa Ibra Defoe

    1ft 0.4itb

    Was thinking of saving transfer this week then next week doing

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Ibra and siggy to kun and Phillips

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

        Look at my post above, good team no need for transfers.

        And I wouldn't get Aguero in, when Costa and Ibra are performing so well. 🙂

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

    @theoverthinker

    Asked for a song. This oldie came back to me:
    OP:L Bastards-Scorpius

    Banger!

  5. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Really is the season of the big six.....7pt gap now opened between Utd and Everton.

    Leicester only one win off relegation spot.

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

      Think so.

      When you the top six have combined only lost 4 games to sides outside (I think that still stands).

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

        Indeed, my team is built around those top 6...

  6. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking about next gw's transfer is overthinking?

    Anyone going with lukaku over aguero?

    1. Les Bleus
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nah

  7. Sweden11
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Best defender for 4.6?

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

      Ake

      1. Sweden11
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Already in my team, any other suggestion?

    2. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Friend if he gets his place in the Boro team back.

  8. Henrzd
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone know any good cheap defender rotations for next 10 games or so??

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

      Boro and WBA

  9. Point-one short
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Is Costa's price now protected and will stay at 10.7 for 7 days?

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

      yes

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

      Yes

  10. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    hey everyone, I'm looking for a little help...

    I have put off Ibra again (like did at the start of the year) but now i want him in. what should i do?
    £0 in the bank, 2FT (will to do a -4 if i need to)

    Pickford, Heaton
    Azpilicueta, Amat, McAuley, Francis, Holebas
    Hazard, Sanchez, Walcott, Allen, Capoue
    Costa, Kane, Defoe

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

      Walcott might make it an easy choice.

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

        sure, I can get rid of Wally, thats fine, but who goes in?

    2. TopMarx
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Well the top 5 HOF all sold Costa for Ibrahimovic last week. But yes if Walcott is out then downgrade him.

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

        to?

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

          Maybe Phillips? Would also give you some money in the bank to upgrade Allen (or get arsenal def for their nice fixtures)

  11. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Cup opponent 64 with lallana to go

    Me 61 with Firminio, Cedri and Vertonghen

    Going to be tight!

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

      I think you got this.

  12. matiakez
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Back five looks horrific next week..

    Jones holebas Clyne amat pieters

    Had originally planned Clyne to a Chelsea but is upgrading one of the others more pressing?

    I'll get a boro defender in soon but that doesn't look worth it next week.

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A cheap Burnley defender would be a worthwhile stop gap...maybe Keane

      Jones is alright to play

      Clyne is reasonable

      Amat if you have spare change...else Holebas

    2. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Play Jones, Clyne > Chelsea and Holebas. I'd upgrade Pieters to Luiz if you can downgrade a midfielder/forward.

  13. Ha.
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Play Zaha or transfer to Phillips? I will be playing Koscielny this week, but keen to keep Zaha for Swansea.

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

    Will Ake rise tonight?

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

      Price protected.

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

      Should be price locked but doesn't seem that way on fplstats

  15. Pieterke30
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Aguero or Costa for next two GWs?

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

      Costa plays 180 minutes. You'll be lucky to get 120 out of Kun.

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

      Tough one but you'd have to say Costa, he's everything the old Aguero was at the moment.

      I had Aguero up to his suspension, if we're honest, he didn't give us the same consistency we know him for which Costa is this season.

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

      It feels weird, but what F Society says is very true.
      Kun scores more goals per game, but Costa also has 5 assists to Kuns lone. More then makes up for slightly lower goal/game ratio. Kun seems to be more explosive, though, so might be a good chasing option if you can nail the (C) timing.

      All in all I'd go Costa due to all the good use I can put the extra 2£ to

  16. Bob_the_builder
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What would be the most nailed route in the MID defence? Chambers perhaps given the left back situation remains unclear.

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Chambers

    2. Bob_the_builder
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I forgot to mention the cheapest :p

  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    siggy possibly one of my worst transfers, swansea look so bad it's unreal

    1. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      You have just been unlucky Bemba based on his previous form.

  18. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Evening guys! Struggling with ideas what to do with my team and the 1st wildcard. What would you do with this lot?

    Heaton
    Alonso, Walker, Jones
    Antonio, Sigurdsson, Hazard, Sanchez
    Ibrahimovic, Costa, Origi

    subs: Foster --- Nyom, Capoue, Amat --- 0.3 ITB

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn't get Siggy personally, Swansea are dire. origi is short term too.

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. This is actually my team before any changes on wildcard to it.

  19. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Benteke & Walcott Owners What to do ?

    1. Too Mane Men
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Keep both...

    2. Ephurion
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Only got one of them, but:
      Keeping Walcott
      Looking to get Tekkers in after Arsenal

  20. The Tinkerman
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Who wins my FPL cup game?
    A) Mane, Can, Allen, Walker
    B) Wanyama + 9pts

    1. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A)

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

      A

  21. New Post
  22. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Did holgate get 90 mins today due to someone being injured, or is this him breaking into the starting 11?

    Would be great to have a nailed 4.0M Everton defender !

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

      Certainly beats amat he whether he plays or not is like being a squad member short...

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

    Going to be tough against my dead team cup opponent but hopefully I'll hold on

    14 vs Toby A, VVD, Long

    He had Ibra (c), Sterling and Silva!

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

      Barring a Toby goal should be safe.

  24. Konstaapeli
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Would you rather have

    A:
    Forster - Pick
    Lovren - Luiz - Kosc - Holebas - Amat
    Eriksen - Mane - Hazard - Sanchez - Phillips
    Llorente - Ibra - Anichebe
    0.7 itb
    +14p

    B:
    Heaton - Pick
    Alonso - Lovren - Holebas - Pieters - Amat
    Hazard - Siggy - Eriksen - Sanchez - Flecher
    Ibra - Costa - Origi
    0.0 itb

  25. Klopp For The Kopps 😆
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Front 8 after next two GW's
    Haz-Sanchez-Alli-Cout-Phillips
    Costa-Ibra-Anichebe
    Thoughts?
    Does it need Aguero?

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

      How would fit him in ?

  26. Gazpilicueta
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Kane and Walcott
    to
    Zlatan and Antonio (or 7.2)

    for free, whadya reckon? tonight before Zlatan rises?

  27. Evans
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    I'm at an Aguero crossroads

    Pick one

    A) Aguero and Phillips
    B) Aguero and Snodgrass
    C) ignore and go with Kane / Costa and Couthino / Walcott

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

      Depending on injuries for me....Costa + Coutinho/Walcott is better than Aguero + the cheapie

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I like B

      Currently own Phillips as a 5th mid...he's gone a bit quiet.

      Snodgrass looks lively though, even though Hull are pants. Free kicks and penalties in his locker too

  28. Danno - Emre Canada
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So Arsenal finally keep a clean and I've got Monreal, so what do we think, keep him for next GW? Just rested?

  29. Sancidino
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Mané out for Sterling?

  30. william prunier
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Why all the Phillips love?