Dugout Discussion
2 January 2017 2295 comments
Mark Mark
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Just 24-hours after waving goodbye to Gameweek 19, we’re underway again as the exhausting festive period draws to a close.

In Fantasy terms, we at least appear to be eased into this next round of fixtures.

Middlesbrough host Leicester City in a match-up that, on paper, harbours little interest for Fantasy managers.

Alvaro Negredo and Gaston Ramirez are perhaps the major attacking assets on show, as we get the opportunity to scout their potential ahead of Boro’s kind run of January fixtures.

Given that Middlesbrough have scored just 17 goals from their 19 matches, Aitor Karanka’s defence is perhaps more likely to offer us profit, with Ben Gibson already backed by 9.6% of FPL managers. He starts today but, elsewhere in the Boro rearguard, a knee injury to keeper Victor Valdes keeps him out of action, while George Friend is relegated to the bench having returned to the starting XI at Old Trafford in Gameweek 19.

They are part of five changes made by both Middlesbrough and Leicester, perhaps indication of a turbulent day for the teamsheets.

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

  1. THE REAL RON ⚽
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Gameweek Stats
    (credit to Smarty Pants)
    https://fpldiscovery.wordpress.com/2017/01/02/1617-gw20-team-selection-and-stats/#more-6979

    CAPTAINS %
    Top 10k
    Sanchez - 25.4
    Ibra - 20.8
    Aguero - 15.2
    Costa - 7.7
    Lallana - 4.3

    Overall
    Ibra - 23.8
    Costa - 12.2
    Sanchez - 12.0
    Aguero - 11.1
    Hazard - 4.8

    WILDCARDS THIS GW
    Top 10k - 7.3%
    Overall - 4.0%

    1. Cookie Kid
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Surprised Captain Phillips isn't at least 50%

      1. THE REAL RON ⚽
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        1.8% in top 10k. 🙂

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No one has captained Brunt... That is either very good, or very bad for me 🙂

      1. JustPark
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I am

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Good luck mate... We could be heroes!

          1. JustPark
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            We shall. Haha!

      2. THE REAL RON ⚽
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        0.3% in top 10k. 😀

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          So that's 30 teams... Hmmmm

    3. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting that Aguero isn't that big a deal in the grand scheme of things this week.

    4. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      so lots of the top 10k gambled with Aguero

    5. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Lots of early wild cards also in the top 10k

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

    Hi all,

    quick question..is it worth attending a game but sitting in the away end?

    havnt seen any united games this season and can get west ham home end tickets...worth getting? obviously cant cheer but worth it eitherway to watch the game?

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'd rather watch it on tv.

    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No it's terrible being in oppo fans

    3. GoonerByron
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I would if you enjoy football anyway. Will still be a great experience, like you said unless you're a die hard travel every week you're not going to get Man Utd away tickets anyway so if you have the chance to get in the ground and watch it I would.

    4. UnitednationsXI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      tough call...

    5. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      It's not a great football stadium tbh, but if no other choices then an away game is always fun!

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

        I would go for it, I am doing the same thing with Spurs Chelsea on Wednesday

    6. joeydordon
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Watched us in stadium of light home end! Brilliant day!

    7. joeydordon
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Did u go

  3. boc610
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    the scenes on here if nacho got the nod today...ive got the popcorn ready to go just in case

    1. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Followed up by Gabriel Jesus starting the next GW.

      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        It might seem like I'm joking, but Pep has forced out massive players from clubs before. Never know what could happen with Kun if Pep takes a shine to Gabriel Jesus.

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      It would break the site, an explosion of rage of epic proportions.

    3. TokyoRisingSun
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Oh yes.

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

      Would be glorious

    5. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Pep is a horrible manager so it's possible

    6. A.T
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      When City were 1-0 down and chasing the game, Pep gave him 2 mins. That tells you what he thinks of Nacho.

      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Agreed. Nolito false 9 confirmed.

        1. A.T
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          🙂

    7. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, -8 incoming if this happens!

    8. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Best......thing......EVER!

      (not gonna happen though, is it)

  4. Numb
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone watching? Any score yet?

    1. THE REAL RON ⚽
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Two fairly solid defences against two blunt attacks.

  5. Spencer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Woah, just seen I got thrashed in the FPL Cup, even though he had Andre Gray points on the bench.

    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/899775/event/19

    Oh well. Next year, its mine!

    1. A.T
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Typical kopite 😉

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

      you are so unlucky that team had the best week imaginable!

  6. GK
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    So my ML rival always seems to go a bit left field with his picks and get away with it. He's just pulled the trigger on his WC - what do you make of it chaps?

    Grant
    Dann, Lovren, Nyom
    Alexis (vc), Hazard, Lallana, Iwobi, Zaha
    Aguero (c), Costa

    (Jakupovic)(Jones, Williams, Barnes)

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

      Zaha is a terrible choice on WC.

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

        Presume he may switch to Phillips next week!

    2. Robe Wan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Not as apart from Zaha and iwobi

      1. Robe Wan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        *bad

    3. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      That's a good team - he'll get a bit of a shock with Nyom and Zaha, though 🙂

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

        Nyom isn't going to AFCON

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

          I thought he'd been called up?

        2. 1966 was a great year for E…
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          It's changed again?!

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

            Thought he said he wouldn't travel despite being called up?

            1. 1966 was a great year for E…
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              I think he's going now.

        3. Malcolm Tucker for England …
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          except, y'know, he is..

    4. Spencer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nyom and Zaha both going to AFCON right?

    5. Sillet Bang
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I like it

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

        I'm now worried by all the positivity 😆

        He's only got a TV of 102m as well!

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

    De Roon balloons chance over the bar

  8. Somalion
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    He may be getting on, but Essien on a free transfer would be a decent addition for a lot of the relegation fighters.

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

      Martin Caceres is still a free agent believe it or not

      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Wow, he's only 29 as well. A guy with that sort of experience would be excellent for a defensive calamity like Swansea. Nice spot.

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      For sure.

  9. karvs155
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Who do I drop for Aguero?
    A) Hazard
    B) Ibra
    C) Costa
    D) Sanchez

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard for me.

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

      Haz from that lot.

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      C just. Unless you want all of your money in your forwards (In which case A).

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Waaaaaaaaait

  10. Jamie_GAWA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Just a quick thought on GK rotation

    Ville Rönkä's (arguably the best fpl player) gk rotation stats since his we (gw4) were quite interesting. I excluded week 13+14 as Heaton was injured so no rotation was possible.

    His Foster/Heaton rotation got him 59 points

    If he had have played just Foster he would have got 38 points

    If he had have just played Heaton he would have got 62 points.

    Villa Rönkä is the player I'd back to have the most logical judgement out of his for picking the correct keeper and that's why I picked him.

    Conclusion

    Not only did the rotation got him .5 more than 4.5/4 combo it also lost him 3 points.

    Would be interesting if others could take 2 minutes out of their time to count wether their rotation has gained or lost them points.

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I have always lost the rotation gamble so never again

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Variance

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

      Since Myhill/Butland last year I vowed never again to a £4.5/£4.5 rotation, its too hard to judge who will get the points

    4. Winks Club
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      It didn't lose him 3 points. What if he went with only Foster?

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

      I've had Heaton Pickford most of the season

      Would've been better playing Heaton every game.

      Benched his superman 0-0 away at United and his penalty save a few weeks ago due to "playing the percentages".

      Trusted Heaton away at WBA...concedes 4 goals...

      Currently in a Heaton Valdes rotation cos Burnley's fixtures are terrible...so haven't learned anything 🙂

    6. THE REAL RON ⚽
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'm not adding it all up, and I've had four different keepers, so it's not too easy.

      But in the weeks I've had two playing keepers, I've chosen the correct one 7 times, and the wrong one 3 times, with 1 draw.

      Take that. 🙂

      1. THE REAL RON ⚽
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        *I'll take that. 🙂

    7. MTPockets
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Foster has 62 points, and GW1314 both 3pts = 56

        1. Jamie_GAWA
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Read carefully, its since his gw4 wildcard..

      • Jordan.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        courtois 84 points and 4.0m 0, shove rotation...

    8. Emiliano Sala
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Valdes assist coming

      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Difficult to assist when you're still rolling around crying because you jumped into Ibra.

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

      Any reason people preferring Costa over Hazard?

      Only 3 pts behind Costa, on Penos, cheaper than Costa and potentially more explosive.

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Consistency. He doesn't even need service, he just scores.

      2. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Costa consistency at his price.

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

        Purchase price, if you bought at 9.6/9.7 its harder to let considering how much he's gone up

      4. Hairy Potter
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Had more money invested in Costa and feel he is more fixture proof in terms of getting FPL points.

    10. Shultan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso yellow flagged, rumours origi not starting this is not going to be a good week

      1. rivercityransom
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        does anyone know the rumoured liverpool team?

        1. 1966 was a great year for E…
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          This is supposed to be the team:

          Mignolet; Clyne, Lovren, Klavan, Milner; Can, Wijnaldum, Lallana; Mane, Sturridge, Firmino.

          1. rivercityransom
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            hopefully you're right

      2. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        It's only this game left of rotation. You'll be fine from this week on until DGW's.

    11. JustPark
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Imo, Kun doesn't start for Burnely. At least not 60 minutes on the pitch that's for sure!

      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        for sure ? right ?

      2. Oven Glover
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        No, but he'll start for City!

        1. GREENDREAMS11
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          ha ha 😉

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

        Nope, he starts for City

      4. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        agreed. and ibra won't for Hull, nor Costa for Swansea

      5. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        You sound like a non owner? 😉

        1. JustPark
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Justifying my decision not to have him(as essential).

    12. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Lousy performance by both teams.

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Not the open attacking flowing football you were expecting?

        1. Oven Glover
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Haha. Didn't expect a thriller but they play like utter crap.

    13. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Complete meltdown if Ramsey gets the nod over Sanchez today. Alexi looked absolutely knackered last time out..

      1. Somalion
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Looked to me like he was just tired of people not giving him the ball when he was through on goal.

        1. Davidinho
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          This

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

          Fair point. But I watched his movement and he was very much having a burst of a rum then resting for periods. Wouldn't be surprised if Wenger gave him the day off..

          1. Somalion
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            FA Cup on Saturday or Sunday I think against Preston (?) so I'd reckon he could be rested then.

      2. Malcolm Tucker for England …
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        100% won't happen today

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

        Sanchez definitely won't start today. Yesterday he was conserving himself for tomorrow

      4. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Sanchez doesn't rest. Biggest tank in the league.

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

          Barragan hammy. Pls not Friend 55mins

    14. The Enlightener
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Why does this site keep freezing on me recently when I am accessing via mobile? And why in God's name is Gaston Ramirez in the scout picks?

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

        Think there's a slow loading javascript asset...prevents the page load finishing properly

        1. The Enlightener
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Sounds about right. Just started happening in the last week. Annoying.

    15. BrockLanders
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Who's the highest owned defender on show today so I can cheer on the opposition?

      1. El-Kloppico
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Alonso & McAuley imo

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

          Sorry meant in this match? De Roon?

      2. 1966 was a great year for E…
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Stones, maybe? McAuley?

    16. Jake Donahue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Over 7% in top 10k hit the WC button.....More than I would have expected

      1. Oven Glover
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        For Kun it seems

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

          Yeah looks that way, I would rather take an 8 point hit than burn the wc

      2. Royal5
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Less than I expected

    17. fedolefan
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      My defense has been shambolic for the first half of the season and I'm looking at correcting that asap.

      Please pick two from the haves to get rid off, and two from the wants to bring in

      Have:
      A) Nyom
      B) Williams
      C) Smith

      Want:
      A) Rose
      B) Bellerin/Alonso
      C) Baines

      1. THE REAL RON ⚽
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        A and C aren't playing. Rose and Bellerin best of those. Not really a fair swap though considering the £££.

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

          That's fine. Mane will turn into a Stanislas or Philips.

        2. Ginkapo FPL
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Nyom isnt playing..... Well that is news to the rest of us....

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Keep Nyom. Great Value if nothing else. Sits nicely alongside Amat and Ake in my defense. Oh the cheapness!

        Rose has good fixtures incoming, and Alonso really adds a nice stalwart in the centre playing week in week out for the fantasy team.

    18. BrutalLogiC
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      It's time for Friend to come on

    19. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Fella in my ML went straight swap for Ibra to Kun and banged the armband on him.

      Dear Lord I hope he blanks.

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

        A hamstring injury would be more fun 🙂

        1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Yes please. 10 mins in.

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

          After botching a penalty

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

        Don't fancy your chances much against Burnley!

    20. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      What to do with Sanchez with Giroud back up top and cash being necessary to do the inevitable surgery to get Aguero back in?

    21. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Barrigan hammy gone

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

      Barragan hammy

      friend warming up

      1. THE REAL RON ⚽
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        😆

    23. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Barragan hammy gone!

    24. El-Kloppico
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Barragan out - Friend IN

    25. Lizard Lips
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      George Friend really starting to annoy me. Hope Leicester score.

      1. GENERATION X
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        one pointer

    26. La Roja
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Friend comes on 32nd min

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

        Harsh!

      2. Winks Club
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        FFS

    27. Conk
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      2 minutes too late George