Dugout Discussion
31 December 2016 2216 comments
Mark Mark
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Six afternoon kick-offs get Gameweek 19 back underway, with our attention fixated on a cast of key assets.

More than 27% of FPL managers go into these matches with Zlatan Ibrahimovic as their captain.

The Swede needs two goals to surpass Lionel Messi as Europe’s top goalscorer in 2016 across the top flight leagues, with the Middlesbrough defence in his way at Old Trafford.

Diego Costa ranks next in terms of armband popularity, claiming the support of 15% of FPL managers ahead of a meeting with Stoke City at Stamford Bridge.

The striker is recalled following a one-match suspension and is part of a reassuringly familiar Blues line-up that also includes Eden Hazard, backed by 6.7% of FPL managers.

There are teamsheet changes elsewhere, however, with Southampton innevitably shuffling the pack for their St Mary’s meeting with West Brom. Jay Rodriguez, Cedric Soares, Jose Fonte and Ryan Bertrand are among the notable names omitted from today’s Saints line-up.

Tony Pulis also makes a key change to his Baggies starting XI for the south coast clash – Salomon Rondon is benched with Hal Robson-Kanu earning a first Premier League start for West Brom.

Meanwhile, Alan Curtis takes the temporary reins for Swansea City against Bournemouth and makes no less than seven changes, recalling Fantasy favourites Jordi Amat and Leroy Fer, along with Fernando Llorente up front.

Elsewhere, Burnley host Sunderland and Leicester City take on West Ham at the King Power Stadium, as they attempt to end the visitors run of three successive wins.

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

  1. mad_beer ✅
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I hate this week.

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

    Took defoe out for rondon fml

  3. Somalion
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Dangerous from Ramirez on Mhki.

  4. TooDifficuIt
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    all these goal and i have none

  5. Whats the Huth
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Lallana false 9!

    Surely it'll be Firmino up front

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Lallana will play off the left.

  6. We Will Klopp you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    People who went for triple Chelsea defence, ouch!

  7. Sz21
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    ffs Costa missed a sitter

    1. Point-one short
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Would have been costa G haz A

  8. fedolefan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    At least that answers that I need to get rid of Siggy first now that Defoe has scored.

  9. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Lallana playing in front three today. Origi dropped.

  10. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Come on Zlatan blank. Friend coming in for Cedric no show. Please

  11. Grand Thibauto
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Costa sitter

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    siggy to phillips done

    feels good

    1. TooDifficuIt
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      both still playing

    2. Numb
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Yep, and Ibra > Gray

    3. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Did that this week

  13. GoonerByron
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    My players so far..

    Heaton (2)
    Jones (0) Alonso (0) Amat (0)
    Rodriguez (1) Pogba (2)
    Costa (2) Ibra (4)(C)

    -4

    :O

  14. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Koné my highest scoring defender at this rate..

  15. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Friendly reminder NOT to use your WC despite the despair of today.

    1. SirStevieG
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      Why?

    2. jbenny1107
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      If I activate now, do I get it through the 14th?

  16. Limbo
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Smith on bench, Dawson 1st sub. Tenner smith makes a late cameo.

    1. mad_beer ✅
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      He already has. 🙁

      1. Limbo
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        Perfect

  17. Jimmy Boy
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Wouldn't have thought Matt Phillips would be the saviour of my GW so far

  18. TaiwanHC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    I don't want my team anymore. Will probably end up with around 9 points.

  19. Postman Ty
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    It's like Costa is aiming for row z

  20. We Will Klopp you
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Who was it that said Gray would score a hat trick, some people have secret crystal balls, I'm certain of it!

  21. Rh4ziel
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Incoming AGUEROOOOOO (C) :>

  22. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Aguero starts for City... Is there a couch big enough?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      my dog's bed is big enough, coz he wont do anything

      1. Rh4ziel
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 11 months ago

        well rested Kun vs Liverpool defence, lol

  23. The Red Devil
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Mr Mason won't blow the whistle in the home side's favour

  24. liiusions
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    4 defenders scoring 0 points between them. Origi benched. Only positive I can take is Sanchez(c) but no doubt he's the one with the flu

    1. TooDifficuIt
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 11 months ago

      i hope it's giroud

  25. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Get bertie vokes on now.

  26. grumpyman
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    17 points from 9 players.

    Think I'm going on tilt. Massive hit session incoming.

  27. Les Bleus
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    So typical of Burnley

  28. SirStevieG
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Lol Origi dropped I give up.

  29. Limbo
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Looks for Sunderland/Swansea away game rotation #clutchingatstraws

  30. Adz87
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 11 months ago

    Defoe to lukaku for a hit.

    Walcott to phillips for a hit.

    Swings and round abouts