Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Liverpool vs Stoke City

Gameweek 18 rolls on this evening as Liverpool welcome Stoke to Anfield in a 5.15pm kick-off.

Owned by over 21% of Fantasy Premier League managers, Sadio Mane’s home form suggests he’s the man most likely to wreak havoc against the Potters – the Senegal international has scored or assisted in six of seven Anfield appearances since arriving from Southampton over the summer.

Divock Origi, with goals in all but one of the last five Gameweeks, retains his starting berth, with Jurgen Klopp set to unleash Daniel Sturridge from the bench once again.

Roberto Firmino also keeps his place as he attempts to end a run of six straight blanks.

For the Potters, Joe Allen is the form player – he’s bagged a goal and assist in the last three Gameweeks as he prepares to face his former club for the first time since moving to the bet365.

Between the posts, Lee Grant has produced at least one save point in each of the last four and should be kept busy again as the hosts look for the win that would see them leapfrog Man City into second.

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

4,638 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Man Chest Hair United
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Is Luiz a viable double up with alonso?

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Most def.

    2. Polo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks wish I had the extra funds for azpi

    3. Man Chest Hair United
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Or is there someone better at 6.1 or below?

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Reid

    4. Skyarm
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      only 1 bonus so far this season but he takes some free kicks and the clean sheets keep coming for Chelsea

      1. Man Chest Hair United
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Thoughts on monreal as an alternative

        1. Krionos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          I think arsenal is definitely an alternative. With Chelsea having scored 10 clean sheets in 12, you would think a few goals will be conceded eventually.

          Then again, I have alonso and aspic and Definitely keeping!

          1. Poor man's Igor Biscan
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            One of the 3 main Spurs lads could be another alternative.

            I'm in a similar position in considering either a Chelsea double (with Alonso) or a Spurs def, probs Rose.

            1. Poor man's Igor Biscan
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 5 months ago

              Also your name and accompanying pic is one of the best I have seen on here so far!

              1. Man Chest Hair United
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 5 months ago

                Thanks mate

  2. Art Vandelay
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Good evening folks.

    I have been messing around trying to get a team with Ibra, Kun and Costa and would welcome some thoughts.

    There are plenty of decent options for 5.3-6.3 midfielders and I can opt to downgrade one of Lallana / Walcott to upgrade Puncheon (Zaha, Rodriguez etc) but this would be the basic shape for GW20.

    All thoughts welcome. Cheers

    Pickford
    Alonso Walker Nyom
    Sanchez Lallana Walcott Puncheon/Ramirez
    Ibra Kun Costa

    (Grant, De Roon, Holebas, Amat)

    1. Polo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      If you're happy with the gossamer thin depth, any injuries, suspensions and you'll be in trouble almost instantly, then go for it. Phillips over Punch/Ram for me too.

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. The bench is not great, but not horrific either. My main concerns is playing Puncheon every week, but it could be worth it

        1. Big Col
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          I was think of bringing Puncheon in as part of Aguero trade next week. CPL have good fixtures coming up and Big Sam will sort the Palace team out, so would expect Puncheon to start making returns.

          1. Art Vandelay
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            Slight concerns over rotation under a new manager? Not sure, to be honest but he takes some set pieces too, could be a decent option.

            1. Big Col
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 5 months ago

              With Zaha off to ACON I would be very surprised if he gets rotated.

    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Good team, I think Ramírez can be a great enabler after this United game, even looking at him personally. Any worry about Hazard?

      1. Art Vandelay
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers

        Yep, Hazard is my main worry. Still, if Ramirez can chip in, it could be a very nice set up.

        1. Krionos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          This might sound a bit crazy, but I haven't owned costa and don't feel he has damaged my scores so much. He is ridiculously consistent but has not had any big hauls.

          What I think has damaged me is not owning Eriksen, Sanchez and hazard etc for their big hauls when my captains have blanked.

          Could change of course, but I rate augero, Ibra, Sanchez and hazard higher because of their explosive potential

          1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 5 months ago

            I agree with this. I didn't have Costa all year and did fine. Without big hauls and BAPS he can be outscored easily by someone else in my team.

  3. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Should I go for the same team combo of Heaton + Robinson? Did something similar a couple of seasons ago with Foster + Myhill which got me 150+ points between GW 1-38.

    Pro: Cheaper. 8.8 for the pair. If one doesn't play the other will. No benching headache.
    Con: No fixture rotation.

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      The fixture doesnt even work that well for the goalies. They arent scoring or assisting so its the saves afainst the top sides that counts. Look what a fail the heaton+foster combo is compared to the heaton+robinson one. Just go for this if you must.

    2. Polo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Sure, it's a reasonable tactic

    3. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I have had Heaton and Robinson since wild card early on and it's been working nicely. The number of times I've played the keeper with the 'better' fixture in previous seasons only for them to concede whilst the keeper on the bench racks up the save points. The extra funds have come in handy too.

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers guys. Think I'll go with Robinson then if Pickford is out for a while.

    4. Assisting you all day
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Get Grant if you can imo but not a bad tactic might consider doing Grant to robinson when i wildcard later if i need to free up funds. Burnley are solid at home and gks do get save points

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        I'm on WC. Grant's loan is up in a couple of weeks.

  4. Creedey
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    When do we know more regarding Theo? I really dont want to lose him! Fixtures are pretty good, and he is in decent form.

    1. Assisting you all day
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      i read on telegraph he was a major doubt for the next 2 games in the match report i think

      1. Creedey
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Jeepers creepers! Best replacement?

  5. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Which would you go without

    A) Aguero
    B) ibra
    C)Costa

    1. leocarter27
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Costa for me

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A

    4. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A atm

    5. Krionos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Costa. The other two are more explosive and better captaincy options

  6. leocarter27
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Evening! Wanted to get opinions on ideas or improvements for my team early ahead of gameweek 19.

    I have 2 FT's (2.2 itb)

    Cech (pal H) / jakupovic

    Valencia (boro H) Alonso (Sto H) Cedric (wba H) / pieters love

    Sanchez (pal H) Hazard (Sto H) Payet (Lei A) Siggy (Bou H) / Allen

    Anichebe (Bur A) Ibra (Mid H) Carroll (Lei A)

    Thanks

    1. Polo
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Payet and Carroll to Costa and Lallana?

      1. leocarter27
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Miss out by 0.7 unfortunately

        1. Polo
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Chadli instead of Lallana then?

        2. Polo
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Or JRod?

      2. Neeskens Under Matip
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Has llalana gone up yet?

        Be tempted to keep one hammers player against Leicester?

  7. ItOnlyTook9Years
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Have Pickford and Jaku, 0.3 itb, worth a hit to get Heaton in? Swap Pickford for another cheapy (Hennessy/Grant)? Or just go with no keeper?

    1. Assisting you all day
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I went a period this season when i had no gk when heaton was injured. Didnt cost me too much no point taking out for a hit.

      1. ItOnlyTook9Years
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        As long as he gets his place back

    2. Shultan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I dont think heaton is worth a hit. I played 2 GW without a keeper & it wasn't a disaster.

  8. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Team for the week and 1ft
    Heaton
    Brunt Cedric Walker Alonso
    Sanchez Theo siggy
    Kane Ibrahimovic Defoe
    Subs Allen Capoue Amat
    £1.2m
    A GTG
    B Cedric to Azip
    C Capoue to Moses
    D Theo to Lallana

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A

    2. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      A

    3. Hansel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Kane -> Costa?

  9. Uncle Gamst
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    When can Costa go up in price i.e. 'protection' end?

    Thanks

    1. ItOnlyTook9Years
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Think it's 7days

      1. Uncle Gamst
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        thanks

    2. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Protected

    3. TJ_777
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Jan 3 i think

  10. Crow
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Payet+Walcott - Phillips+Sanchez
    Need 0.1m for this.. think either of them could rise next gw?

    1. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Price rise for either player is very unlikely

  11. A.T
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Is Giggs going to get the Swansea job? He'd be mad to take it I reckon. Even if nobody else wants him 😀

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I'll have a crack if he doesn't want it.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        🙂

  12. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    GTG?

    Heaton
    Alonso McAuley Vert
    Sanchez Haz Phillips Zaha
    Ibra Defoe Costa

    Bench: Obiang Amat Matip

  13. Zizou
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Kane to costa for free?

    1. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Just did that. Kane not doing much

  14. Moose™
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Any early thoughts on my team?

    Foster

    Alonso Cedric Amat

    Sanchez(c) Hazard Siggy Lallana

    Zlatan(vc) Kane Origi

    Sub: Pickford McAuley Pieters DeRoon

    1FT, 0.5ITB

  15. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    wally to lallana for free transfer? unsure

    1. Moose™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Monitor his injury news.

    2. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I want confirmation on wally injury, hes golden with upcoming fixtures... and Lalana has city next.... Lallana going up tonight though... Id hold off personally

    3. WoodsyOwl
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I'm in the same boat. I'm waiting until we have more information. Lallana is still attainable without the rise. Don't want to rush into a transfer to find out Walcott is available - would rather have Walcott vs Palace than Lallana vs Man City.

  16. FootballManiac
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Hi guys
    Do we have press conferences before the next ganeweek? want to find out abt wally before selling him..

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      yes presser as normal before the weekend fixtures, im waiting to see about wally too

  17. Uncle Gamst
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Chance of Kane going down in price tonight?

    Thanks

    1. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Very high I'd say lot of people transferring him out

  18. jia you
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    6 points ahead of my FPL cup rival but he has Walker & Rose left to play, I'm in trouble right? 🙁

    1. Crow
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Spurs gonna destroy southampton

    2. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      You're slight favourite

    3. Uncle Gamst
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Who you have left?

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        All out, just have to hope Soton score and no assists for the WBs!

        1. Uncle Gamst
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Possible you win, expecting Saints to score

    4. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      If Soton score you may be OK.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        true, funny he has Costa, Kante, Chamberlin & Paredes in his team (all missing) and still scored 52 with two to go!

  19. James101
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Okay. Need some informed advice!

    A. (Current)

    Grant. Pickford.
    Alonso. Jones. McAuley. Francis. Kingsley.
    Eriksen. Hazard. Siggy. Sanchez. Phillips.
    Ibra. Costa. Origi.

    B.

    Grant. Pickford.
    Alonso. Jones. McAuley. Francis. Kingsley.
    Eriksen. DE ROON. Siggy. Sanchez. Phillips.
    Ibra. Costa. AGUERO.

    C. (For a hit)

    Grant. Pickford.
    Alonso. Jones. McAuley. Francis. Kingsley.
    ZAHA. Hazard. DE ROON. Sanchez. Phillips.
    Ibra. Costa. AGUERO.

    (de Roon could be anyone to £4.5m. Suggestions welcome!)

    1. James101
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      (Keep going round in circles in this one!)

    2. Shultan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I prefer B

      1. James101
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks!

    3. Poor man's Igor Biscan
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure if this constitutes "informed" advice but anywho.

      You seem set on a Ibra Costa Kun frontline I see?

      Whilst I would love that I think ultimately it guts out the rest of your squad and upsets the balance.

      Think we all need to pick 2 of the premiums and then have a cheaper 3rd fwd. That way we have an extra £3m + to invest in midfield or defence

      1. James101
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Appreciate the long response

        You don't think the midfield in B for example is strong enough?

        Eriksen. Siggy. Sanchez. Phillips. de Roon

        Siggy could become Lallana or whoever the week after.

        1. Poor man's Igor Biscan
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Potentially buddy but I think a lot of the time you would be tempted to play 4-3-3 as let's say Francis or McCauley as your 4th def is going to score more than de roon getting 2/3 points a week.

          I know this as a D Fletcher owner!

        2. Shultan
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Personaly i think that is a good midfield. West brom have good fixtures after southampton & i think phillips can chip in with odd assist/goal.
          Sanchez (top midfielder)
          Also eriksen could become coutinho when he's back (both can get goals)
          Siggy not performing but after bournmouth can change to lallana or a crystal palace midfielder (zaha if he's not going to AFCON) or cabaye if he gets pens back

  20. SMELL MY CHEESE YOU MOTHER
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Siggy or Wally -> Lallana? (already got Firmino)

    1. Shultan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Hold

  21. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Seems Pickford got the knock during the 2nd goal.
    Will probably just wait for more news.

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Couldn't have been that bad if he carried on right?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Adrenaline helps. Pretty static for 3rd goal too. Looks like right knee and not sure if he took goal kicks after.

    2. fedolefan
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Implying he was fit enough to continue and could be good to go for the weekend?

    3. James101
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Yep

    4. James101
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      TM

      Your thoughts on my question above would be appreciated.

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Hard to sell Hazard this week. I'd wait a week on Aguero.

        1. James101
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Thanks mate

  22. DVassell
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    A or B?

    A) Hazard + Origi

    B) Kun + Philips

    1. Tactical Frank
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      B

  23. jia you
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    If Pickford injury is confirmed, no need to waste a transfer, just play Heaton everyweek?

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      thats what im doing anyway... great option until hes fit again

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        yup, seems a waste using a transfer

  24. Get up ya bum
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Harry the hornet winding up Zaha 😆
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6_8Yd-dswQ

  25. Lav
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    1 FT 1.4 ITB Thoughts??

    Foster // Pick
    Alonso // Cedric // Holebas // Friend // Ake
    Sanchez // Haz // Erik // Zaha // Capoue
    Ibra // Costa // Anichebe

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      What are your thoughts?

      1. Lav
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        A move in defense? Or get a Liverpool mid?

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 5 months ago

          Is Zaha to Siggy affordable?

          Saving the ft probably wise tbh

  26. kalmoffit
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Are people not getting Costa, because his price is locked?

    1. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I dunno they've all gone bonkers over the stock market

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I think ppl with ibra don't Want to sell him and Kane waiting for tonight's game. Plenty with only one premium striker..

  27. AgentRed
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    When will we know if Zaha is off to AFCON or not? First week of Jan?

    1. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      is this why people are recomending Cabaye to me?

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      He might not even go

      1. AgentRed
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 5 months ago

        Exactly, that's why I'm asking the question on when we'll know either way.

  28. FAT PANDA
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Owning both Defoe and Kane isn't going to be fun tonight.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Defoe?

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Dafaq?

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Price drops happen. It's about the points in the end.

    4. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      When will Defoe ever score again? Imagine Lukaku going through such a. barren spell and no one mentioning it.

    5. Moose™
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      I got Cedric and Kane. Much better?

  29. Shultan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    I realy don't see the point in prices being locked!
    Why should people have 7 days to figure out costa & aguero are now available?
    They had a red flag now they don't, it can't be more obvious!

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Prices would just go up 0.3

  30. Z
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 5 months ago

    Heaton Pickford
    Alonso Brunt Cedric Jones Amat
    Sanchez Hazard JRod Phillips deRoon
    Ibra Aguero Benteke

    Thoughts?
    Too weak in midfield?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 5 months ago

      Looks solid enough. Not sure on Tekkers tho