Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Tuesday

Tuesday night treats us to three more matches as the festive schedule finally starts to wind up.

Bournemouth and Arsenal go head-to-head at the Vitality Stadium in the 7.45pm kick-off, with Olivier Giroud looking to score for the third successive match – the Frenchman opened 2017 in style, thanks to his scorpion kick effort at home to Palace. He starts for the third successive outing this evening.

Second in our Gameweek 20 Captain Poll, Alexis Sanchez is looking for a fifth double-figure haul on his travels, yet faces a resilient Cherries rearguard that’s served up four clean sheets in front of their own supporters. Sanchez remains on the flank as a result of Giroud’s start but has fired in 17 attempts from that position in the last two Gameweeks – more than any other player.

Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha will look to take advantage of Swansea City’s dire defence in an 8pm kick-off at Selhurst Park.

The Belgian has the chance to play his way into consideration as the schedule turns in Palace’s favour, though Zaha owners will be searching for a way out after tonight’s fixture as he’s set to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Finally, Stoke City entertain Watford in the other later match as Joe Allen and Etienne Capoue go head-to-head in the battle of the budget midfielders.

With the likes of Matt Phillips and Robert Snodgrass stepping up in form over Christmas, owners of both Allen (one goal since Gameweek 8) and Capoue (a single strike since Gameweek 5), will surely be considering their options over the FA Cup weekend break.

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

5,318 Comments Post a Comment
  1. trinzoo
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Pieters (sun)
    Alonso (lei)
    Ake (hul)
    Baines (MCI)
    Holebas (MID)

    Looks like defenders with home games should be benched, am I right ?

    1. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Id play Alonso, Holebas, Ake

    2. BB-8
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Alonso Ake Baines

      1. trinzoo
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Alonso, Ake looks like favourites and coin toss for the 3rd one, thanks!

  2. PlayPercentage
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    This is what you call a Bench Boost!
    36 points by the top scorer this week.
    https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/team/1718025/event/20

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      1.25m OR jump in one week - noice!

    2. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      played capoue over Phillips the week before tho ouch

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      That's what I call inspired!

  3. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Okay how does this look?

    Cech (Jaku)
    *Alonso* Jones McAuley (Francis Amat)
    *Zaha* Sanchez, Lallana, Philips (Fletcher)
    Kane, Ibra, Costa

    Alonso & Zaha -> Baines & Sterling

    1. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Alonso flag gone. Keep him for sure against Leicester and Hull

      1. Unliklinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Just keep him...

      2. Your Man With The Hair
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Nothing to do with flag. Looking long term, and need cash to do Zaha -> Sterling

        1. ANON.
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Rather lose one of the 3 up front to upgrade Zaha

    2. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Not keen on gks. Heatster needed.
      Like the D.
      Zaha...the only weak milf.
      Very pricy front 3.

      I'd rather have Eriksen or Hazard than Kane.

      Kane->Defoe.

    3. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Cech & Zaha -> Heaton & Sterling??

  4. ANON.
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any ideas whether Benteke will be fit for next match? I would have thought he will be given that its a shoulder injury and he continued to play up to half time after it had happened

    1. Unliklinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I think Palace will be dire without Zaha. Look elsewhere imo.

    2. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Probably OK I'd have thought. 10 days till next PL game.

  5. borat
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Which def are penalty takers.
    baines i know. any other worth considering

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Daniels if Wilson is not on the pitch.

    2. Sunny 😎
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Daniels when Wilson is not on the pitch

      1. borat
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        thanks all

  6. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any news on Benteke?

    Heard its a dislocated shoulder?

    1. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Is that; you have heard it's a dislocated shoulder or are you trolling?

  7. AZERTY
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Is Smith's nailed position in question our just being banked to let him rest?

    1. The Wizard of Ozil
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I don't know but it's very frustrating.

  8. Sunny 😎
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Pick one -

    A) Sanchez + Can and Crouch/Barnes (rotation)

    B) Giroud + Pogba (Can 5th mid)

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A.

      1. Sunny 😎
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        You think Sanchez can outscore both Giroud and Pogba? I'm not expecting much from the Can/Crouch rotation

        1. CPFC10
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          B for me

  9. ANON.
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any ideas what to do here? Thinking Origi to Costa. Then anything for a hit? Will have 0 cash left

    Heaton
    Alonso, Cedric, Holebas
    Sanchez, Hazard, Lallana, Phillips
    Ibra, Benteke, Origi

    Pickford, Fletcher, Evans, Amat

    1. Birds of Prey
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Get Costa, that's an easy one.

    2. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I'd rather get rid of Benteke

      1. ANON.
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Then keep Origi? Worried about his minutes. I could get Wilson for a hit but not convinced

    3. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke ouuuuuuut

    4. Sunny 😎
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Depends on Benteke injury results. Other than that looks a very decent team

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

      Benteke > Costa

      1. ANON.
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Origi seems more of a prioirty if Benteke is fit. Then would you keep Origi?

        1. _Gunner
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I have Origi and am thinking Origi > Wilson, but I don't own Benteke

          1. ANON.
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            Could do that for a hit but not convinced by Wilson at all

    6. CPFC10
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke out - from a palace fan.

      Looks like a good player until you buy him, downhill from then. Injured, probably off pens & Remy back this Saturday.

      1. CPFC10
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Hopefully off pens***

        1. Ynwalfc
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Erickson or alli in midfield

  10. borat
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    From gw22 going for 4 3 3 Or 4 4 2. Defenders like baines and brunt are hard to ignore. Looking for backline of
    alonso rose baines brunt

    1. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Hate investing in the back - not worth it this season at all.
      Only defenders worth having are chelsea def that's it

      1. borat
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        but baines on pk and brunt on fk and possibly corners from right. Can get lots of attacking points. Fixtures also look decent

    2. borat
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Any suggestions

    3. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Way too much cash in defence for me

  11. MidasBoys XI
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Costa or Kane for the long term?

    1. Pele Pels
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Easy Costa by a mile

      1. fedolefan
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Lol, what mile? An in-form Kane is one of the most essential FPL assets. He can and does brace in every fixture you'd expect him to.

    2. Pele Pels
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Long term Costa more consistent

  12. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I would seriously be disgusted as an Arsenal fan celebrating an equaliser like that against Bournemouth like you'd won the bloody match. Get back to the frigging kick off spot and win the match. Like they had settled for the draw. Mediocre club.

    1. Cruz88
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Well you would be happy about a draw if you were 3-0 at one point wouldn't you

      1. Cruz88
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        3-0 down**

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You and Adrian Durham would get on very well.

    3. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I agree - Giroud more interested in trying to dine out from his fluke goal the other day with his self-indulgent celebration. And he has a stupid beard. And I don't own him 😉

      1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Agree with everything said here apart from the beard. 🙂

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Why would you cover that beautiful face though?

    4. French Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      You must be a Spurs fan

      1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Not at all mate. Were you not dissapointed by that? Firstly team should never have been 3-0 down to Bournemouth and when you come back to score 3 every winners instinct would be to get that 4th and win the match not celebrate like you've won the champions league. Can you imagine Chelsea, city or utd doing that? No chance they would be right back to that halfway line in an instant.

    5. Ibracadabra9
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yea Alexis was not too happy with that celebration

      1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Exactly he is a winner. Always has been and that's the difference. He should definetly leave next summer if he wants to win things. World class player in an average team.

        1. Get up ya bum
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          He was the only one in that team fighting his arse off today.

          1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 3 months ago

            He always is mate. Such a classy player. Impossible to dislike the guy.

    6. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Was ridiculous to celebrate like that with minutes left and all the momentum. I think he got caught up in the moment.

      1. @chapellefpl OR 577TH
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        A few players were celebrating with him and so were the fans. They should have grabbed him by the scruff of the neck and dragged him back. Guess it shows the mentality of some of the players their and explains why they bottle it every season.

      2. Sangomango
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Agreed, I was thinking to myself when watching the game: wtf are you idiots doing????

    7. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Although some may mistake you for a troll, I have to agree with you. What on earth was Gru wasting time like that?

    8. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I agree. That wasn't really smart. Every second count. We should just take the ball and carry it to the centre of the pitch.

  13. Pele Pels
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton
    Alonso Ake Holebas
    Sanchez Lallana Pogba Eriksen Phillips
    Costa Ibra

    Pickford Evans Anichebe Amat 3.6 ITB

    Planning on saving then doing Pogba Anichebe Amat -> Baines Stanislas Lukaku.. thoughts and advice

  14. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Who would you dump for Ake - Evans or Holebas?

    1. ANON.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Holebas v Boro this week - keep. If Evans isn't injured keep him, great fixtures after this week

      1. McQueen
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Even no scoring Boro will find a way to score two vs WAT. Holebas and all WAT players are just trolling us now. They had a good start and that's it. I'm ditching this GW for sure. I really don't know why I still have two of them in my team. Not even good enough to rot on my bench. 🙂

    2. A.T
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Holebas

    3. Kingsley Royal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Holebas after Boro

      1. daviyb
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I wouldn't even wait til after Boro. He'll continue lacking clean sheets, keep getting booked (and suspended) and will tease every now and then with an assist

  15. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo for a -8, have to take out Siggy, Tekkers and Zaha for...

    A) Ali, Stanislas, Defoe

    B) Kane, Stanislas and Adam

    1. Kingsley Royal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A

      Not normally a fan of a -8 though

      1. Ynwalfc
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        A easy

  16. Kingsley Royal
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Current team:

    Pickford Grant
    Alonso Lovren Evans Holebas Amat
    Hazard Eriksen Sanchez Phillips Fletcher
    Origi Costa Ibra

    £1.8m ITB

    Frustratingly £0.1m short of Origi > Giroud after the latest rise, so how about:

    Origi Hazard > Giroud Firminio (-4)?

    Leaves £1.5m ITB to upgrade maybe Holebas to Baines.

    1. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Looks good. You must have pretty decent team value?

      1. Kingsley Royal
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Currently £103.6m squad value with £1.8m ITB (£105.4m total)

  17. lordkippe
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    A : Lukaku, Alli

    B : Benteke, Hazard

    C : Defoe, Hazard

    1. AZERTY
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A

    2. Kingsley Royal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A if you have Costa

  18. AZERTY
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    *All input appreciated*

    1 FT - 0,3 ITB

    Forster (Valdes)
    Alonso - Smith - Baines (Evans - Kingsley)
    Pogba - Ozil - Hazard - Philips (Cabaye)
    Carroll - Costa - Zlatan

    Thx!

  19. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Which combo who would you prefer?

    A) Anichebe, Coutinho and Ali

    B) Defoe, Stanislas, and Ali

    1. AZERTY
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B

    2. Kingsley Royal
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B

  20. white heart pain
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Benteke > Barnes
    Can > Sterling

    Good moves?

    Heaton
    Alonso Jones Pieters
    Sanchez Haz Lallana Sterling Philips
    Ibra Costa

    Pickford Barnes Evans Amat

    1. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Would cost me -4

    2. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Sterling will be subject to rotation all year long

      1. white heart pain
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Maybe I will wait for wally news then

    3. Mulla
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Prefer Can »» De Roon
      Benteke »»» Defoe/Giroud if u have the cash

      1. white heart pain
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Great tip will giroud get starts?

        1. Mulla
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Can't see Wenger dropping him in that form, even if he doesn't start every game I think he's a very decent punt with swa,BUR,WAT,HULL in the next five matches

  21. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Thoughts on this front 8 lads? Have 1 ft and no extra funds. Save?

    sanchez lallana Antonio phillips stanislas
    kun costa rondon

    1. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Save

    2. Mulla
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      U have a benching issue here, downgrade either Antonio or Rondon imo, do u have AOA left ?

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Always makes me laugh when a benching issue is considered a bad problem - it's a good problem!

        1. Mulla
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I know what ur saying but just think funds could be put to better use rather than tied up in a fifth mid, also nothing more annoying than points sitting on your bench..

  22. RustyBz
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone having a painful week? From 40k to 80k

    38pts with Costa Hazard Alonso left...

    1. white heart pain
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      42pts .. painful season

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

      Same , 37 pts with the same 3 remaining.

      8k to 29k.

  23. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Which transfer to fund Benteke -> Giroud..

    A - Allen -> De Roon

    B - J Rod -> Stanislas

    1. RustyBz
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      B

      1. Mulla
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        B

  24. FPL Hitman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    For all looking to purchase Baines, kindly note that Everton lost 5-0 to Chelsea; the only game Gueye did not play. Thank you.

    1. Bellerinmondo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      we're not really getting him for the CS

      1. FPL Hitman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Let's hope Everton continue to play the same way without Gueye so that Baines can get attacking returns.

    2. kalmoffit
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I doubt that has much to do with what happened

  25. Mulla
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Wonder will the new Hull gaffer come in and clean the slate, possible Jaku reinstated ???

    Also anyone tell me is Giroud on pens with Cazorla out ??

    Thanks

    1. Feed tha Sheep
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Think Giroud is on pens yes

      1. Mulla
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks Sheep !

  26. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Guys Help me please 🙁
    https://imgur.com/NRmqO5V
    This my team and I have 1.7 M in the bank and 1FT What to do I want to get rid of Benteke

    1. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Benteke to Defoe maybe?

  27. Killers
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Guys

    Siggy and Capou ->stanislas and philips for a hit?(before the prices go haywire)

    yay or nay

  28. lasmons
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Heaton - Robinson
    Lovren - Alonso - Pieters - Evans - Holebas
    Lallana - Sanchez - Siggy - Alli - Allen
    Costa - Ibra - Anichebe

    1.8 ITB

    Evans + Allen -> Daniels + Stanislas for the next three juicy fixtures?

    1. Killers
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      of course.

  29. French Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Nyom + Matip Update - when will we know if they staying for AFcon or not participating ?

  30. Feed tha Sheep
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Best transfer this week?
    A. Origi > Giroud
    B. Origi & Hazard > Agureo & Stan (-4)
    C. Origi & Hazard > Lukaku & Alli/Coutinho (-4)

    1. Killers
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Seems A to me.