Team News
24 January 2017 829 comments
James H James H
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Swansea City’s new boys make an immediate impact at Anfield. Michail Antonio is fielded through the centre as West Ham get the better of Middlesbrough, while Tony Pulis chooses to continue with Chris Brunt at left-back despite the return of Allan Nyom to West Brom’s first XI.

After publishing Part One yesterday, we now focus our attentions on the remaining ten teams as we assess the teamsheets and tactical tinkering ahead of Gameweek 23.

Manchester United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia, Smalling, Jones, Blind; Herrera, Fellaini (Rashford 56), Pogba; Mata (Rooney 67), Ibrahimovic, Mkhitaryan (Lingard 73).

  • Jose Mourinho made four changes for the trip to the bet365 Stadium, with Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Marouane Fellaini and Juan Mata replacing Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian, Michael Carrick and Anthony Martial.
  • Smalling and Blind lined up at centre-back and left-back respectively, while Fellaini played on the right of the three-man midfield, with Paul Pogba on the left and Ander Herrera in the defensive midfield role. Mata was stationed on the right of the front three, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the left.
  • Fellaini’s afternoon only last 56 minutes, though, before he was replaced by Marcus Rashford. That change saw United switch to a 4-2-3-1, with Rashford stationed on the left of the attacking midfield trio. Wayne Rooney was then brought on for Mata, and took up the No 10 role, while the final substitute, Jesse Lingard, replaced Mkhitaryan on the right wing.
  • Rojo was ruled out last weekend due to illness but looks set to be in contention to face Hull City in Gameweek 23. Smalling’s place in the side is far from guaranteed, then, while the same can be said for Blind at left-back, with Darmian a viable alternative. Furthermore, Eric Bailly could also be back in contention if Ivory Coast fail to make it past the opening stages of the Africa Cup of Nations – their final group match takes place tonight. Carrick was dropped against the Potters after struggling in the 1-1 draw against Liverpool, but he may also push for a recall in place of Fellaini. Given that United host Hull City next, Mourinho may also consider switching to a more attacking 4-2-3-1, which could incorporate Rooney in the No 10 role, leaving Herrera and Pogba in central midfield. The United boss is spoilt for choice in the wide areas, with Rashford, Martial, Lingard and Rooney all possible alternatives to Mkhitaryan and Mata, who got the nod against Stoke.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Left-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes; Chambers, Bernado, Gibson, Friend; Clayton; Traore, de Roon, Forshaw (Gestede 83), Stuani (Bamford 80); Negredo.

  • Head coach Aitor Karanka made two adjustments for the home encounter against West Ham United, with Adam Clayton and Adama Traore replacing Fabio and Grant Leadbitter.
  • Those changes saw ‘Boro switch from a 3-5-2 to a 4-1-4-1 formation, with Clayton stationed as the defensive midfielder. Traore came in on the left wing, with Stuani on the right, although the pair did swap flanks during the match. Calum Chambers played at right-back, with Bernardo Espinosa and Ben Gibson starting in central defence.
  • With his side trailing 2-1, Karanka turned to January signings Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede off the bench, with Stuani and Adam Forshaw sacrificed. Bamford played on the right side of midfield in a 4-4-2, with Gestede joining Alvaro Negredo up front.
  • There’s plenty of uncertainty over the side Karanka will choose to face West Bromwich Albion in Gameweek 23, mainly due to Karanka experimenting with different systems in recent matches. If he returns to a three-man defence, Fabio may slot in at right wing-back, with Chambers joining Bernardo and Gibson in central defence. Antonio Barragan could also be in contention if he recovers from a hamstring problem. Leadbitter could push for a recall in central midfield, while Gaston Ramirez may be available following a knee problem. Karanka could start with two wide players, then, in either a 4-1-4-1 or 3-4-3 formation. He also has plenty of options in attack now, though, with Bamford and Gestede hoping to force their way into the side, either alongside, or in place of Negredo.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Defence, Central Midfield, Flanks, Forwards

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric, Yoshida, Van Dijk (Stephens 55), Bertrand; Hojbjerg (Clasie 73), Romeu, Ward-Prowse; Redmond, Rodriguez (Long 80), Tadic.

  • Southampton manager Claude Puel only made one adjustment for the visit of champions Leicester City to St Mary’s, with Jay Rodriguez handed a recall in place of Shane Long.
  • Rodriguez played as the central striker for Saints, flanked by Nathan Redmond (right) and Dusan Tadic (left) in the front three.
  • Puel’s first substitution was an enforced one, after Virgil van Dijk picked up an ankle injury. He was replaced by youngster Jack Stephens in a straight swap 10 minutes into the second half. Jordy Clasie was then called upon to provide some fresh legs in place of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg in central midfield, while Long took over from Rodriguez in the central striker role for the final 10 minutes.
  • The Gameweek 23 clash against Swansea City comes following domestic cup clashes against Liverpool and Arsenal. Rotation is possible depending on which matches Puel prioritises, then, but the Liverpool and Swansea fixtures could well see him play his strongest available side. Van Dijk’s ankle injury needs to be assessed, with Stephens likely to be on standby should the Dutchman be ruled out. Puel may well dip into the transfer market in that position, though, following the sale of Jose Fonte to West Ham. Clasie and Harrison Reed provide alternatives in central midfield, while Long is a viable starter in the front three. If full-backs Cuco Martina and Sam McQueen start against Arsenal in the FA Cup on Saturday, it’s likely that Cedric Soares and Ryan Bertrand will retain their places against the Swans.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Defence, Central Midfield, Central Striker

Stoke City

Starting XI: Grant; Johnson, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Pieters; Whelan, Adam (Afellay 63); Shaqiri (Ngoy 73), Allen, Arnautovic (Imbula 88); Crouch.

  • Mark Hughes unsurprisingly named the same starting XI that defeated Sunderland 3-1 for the home clash against Manchester United.
  • Glenn Whelan and Charlie Adam kept their places in central midfield, then, with neither Ibrahim Afellay or Giannelli Imbula able to force their way into the starting XI.
  • Afellay was the first player summoned off the bench by Hughes, though, replacing Adam in a straight swap shortly after the hour-mark. Julien Ngoy then took over from Xherdan Shaqiri on the right of the attacking midfield trio, while with United piling on the pressure late on, Imbula was brought on for Marko Arnautovic in a bid to stiffen up the midfield.
  • It’s in central midfield where Hughes may consider making a change, with Afellay and Imbula viable alternatives to Whelan and Adam. Shaqiri has been substituted in three of the last four matches, but Ngoy doesn’t appear likely to push for a starting spot quite yet, while Jonathan Walters is expected to remain sidelined for the Gameweek 23 fixture against Everton due to a knee injury. Wilfried Bony and Ramadan Sobhi also have a chance of returning, should their nations exit the AFCON over the next couple of days.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield

Sunderland

Starting XI: Mannone; Jones, Denayer (Borini 79), O’Shea, Djilobodji, Van Aanholt; Rodwell, Honeyman, Larsson; Januzaj (Anichebe 66); Defoe.

  • David Moyes made two changes for the trip to The Hawthorns, with Billy Jones and George Honeyman replacing Donald Love and Fabio Borini.
  • Those changes saw Moyes opt for a 3-5-1-1 formation, with Adnan Januzaj providing support for lone striker Jermain Defoe. Honeyman joined Jack Rodwell and Sebastian Larsson in central midfield, while Jones came in at right wing-back.
  • Moyes turned to the fit-again Victor Anichebe off the bench, with the forward replacing Januzaj shortly after the hour mark, seeing Sunderland switch to a 3-5-2. Borini was brought on for the final 10 minutes in place of the injured Jason Denayer, seeing the Black Cats end the match in more of a 4-3-3, with the Italian joining Defoe and Anichebe in attack.
  • Denayer (groin) will have to be checked ahead of the home clash against Spurs in Gameweek 23, but should the Ivory Coast fail to qualify from their AFCON group, with their final match taking place this evening, Lamine Kone could be available to play. That could be vital given Papy Djilobodji has also been charged by the FA for violent conduct following an incident involving Darren Fletcher in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat. If he’s found guilty, Djilobodji could face a four-match ban, having already been sent off this season. The Black Cats now have Joleon Lescott available, though, after signing the free agent until the end of the season. Didier Ndong is in line to return after his country, Gabon, was eliminated from the AFCON group stages on Sunday night. Anichebe picked up a knee injury on Saturday and is set for scans, with Borini pushing for a starting spot in attack against Spurs.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Forwards

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Mawson, Olsson (Rangel 79); Routledge, Fer (Fulton 90), Cork, Carroll; Sigurdsson; Llorente (Borja Baston 85).

  • Paul Clement made three changes for the trip to Anfield, with Leroy Fer replacing Nathan Dyer, while new signings Martin Olsson and Tom Carroll came in for Stephen Kingsley and the injured Ki Sung-yeung.
  • Olsson slotted in at left-back for the Swans, while Carroll joined Jack Cork and Fer in a three-man midfield. Gylfi Sigurdsson started on the left of the front three, although it often turned into 4-5-1 for the Welsh side when out of possession.
  • Clement decided to bring on Angel Rangel in place of Olsson with just over 10 minutes remaining, with the Spaniard stationed at right-back, seeing Kyle Naughton move over to left-back. Borja Baston was then introduced in place of Fernando Llorente in a straight swap to provide some fresh legs, while Jay Fulton replaced Fer in central midfield late on, with the Dutchman appearing to have picked up a minor knock.
  • Ki missed out with a minor calf complaint at Anfield, but he may challenge for a place in midfield, potentially instead of Fer, should he be fit for the home clash against Southampton a week today. Likewise, Luciano Narsingh should be available to make his debut following a calf injury, and will vie with Wayne Routledge for the starting spot on the right wing. Clement opted for a 4-3-3 at Anfield, but should he revert back to a 4-2-3-1, both Routledge and Narsingh could start out wide, with Sigurdsson returning to the No 10 role. Nathan Dyer and Modou Barrow provide further options out wide. But following the impressive performance in the 3-2 win at Anfield, it’s more likely he’ll stick with the 4-3-3.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Dier, Alderweireld (Winks 65), Wimmer (Son Heung-min 46); Walker, Wanyama, Dembele (Sissoko 79), Rose; Eriksen, Alli; Kane.

  • Mauricio Pochettino was forced into making one change from the side that beat West Bromwich Albion 4-0 for the trip to the Etihad, with Kevin Wimmer replacing the injured Jan Vertonghen.
  • The Austrian got the nod ahead of Ben Davies to start on the left of the three-man defence in the 3-4-2-1 formation the Spurs boss has favoured in recent weeks.
  • But after struggling during the opening period of the match, Pochettino switched to a 4-2-3-1, with Eric Dier moving to the base of midfield alongside Victor Wanyama, while Mousa Dembele pushed forward into the advanced midfield positions. Wimmer then made way for Son Heung-min at half-time, with the South Korean stationed on the left of the attacking midfield trio, leaving Eriksen on the right. Dembele joined Wanyama in central midfield, so Dier dropped in alongside Toby Alderweireld in central defence. Alderweireld had to be taken off shortly after the hour mark, though, due to a hamstring problem, so Harry Winks was summoned from the bench. Winks joined Dembele in central midfield, with Wanyama dropping back alongside Dier in central defence. In the final substitution, Moussa Sissoko came on for Dembele, with the Frenchman playing on the right flank, seeing Eriksen move into the central midfield next to Winks.
  • After making so many tactical changes during last Saturday’s match, it remains to be seen whether Pochettino will roll out the 3-4-2-1 or the 4-2-3-1 against Sunderland in Gameweek 23. If he goes with the 3-4-2-1, Davies could push for a starting spot in central defence in place of either Wimmer or Alderweireld, depending on the severity of his injury. The rest of the starting XI could remain unchanged. In the 4-2-3-1, Sissoko or, more likely, Son could earn a starting spot in the attacking midfield positions, with Wimmer likely to drop to the bench if Alderweireld is passed fit.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Flanks

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Kaboul, Prodl, Britos; Kabasele (Cathcart 85), Cleverley, Doucoure (Ighalo 88), Capoue, Holebas; Deeney, Okaka (Janmaat 62).

  • Walter Mazzarri made just one adjustment for the trip to the Vitality Stadium, with Tom Cleverley replacing the injured Valon Behrami.
  • Cleverley started alongside Abdoulaye Doucoure and Etienne Capoue in central midfield, with Troy Deeney and Stefano Okaka combining in attack in the 3-5-2 formation.
  • Mazzarri’s first change saw Daryl Janmaat come on in place of Okaka in a very defensive move with that match level at 1-1. Janmaat played down the right-hand side and gave slightly more freedom for the likes of Cleverley and Capoue to push forward from midfield. After picking up a knock in the lead up to Bournemouth’s equaliser, Christian Kabasele made way for Craig Cathcart, while Odion Ighalo got a brief run-out late on in place of Doucoure in an attacking final change.
  • It was something of a surprise that Kabasele kept his place at right wing-back, so even if he is fit for the trip to Arsenal in Gameweek 23, Janmaat may well earn a recall. Mazzarri will have an extra option in midfield if Behrami is passed fit, but Ighalo appears unlikely to usurp Okaka in attack. Adlene Guedioura is likely to be available, though, after Algeria were knocked out of the AFCON group stages last night.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right Wing-Back, Central Midfield

West Bromwich Albion

Starting XI: Foster; Nyom, McAuley, Dawson, Brunt; Fletcher, Yacob; Chadli (McClean 81), Morrison (Livermore 72), Phillips; Rondon (Robson-Kanu 87).

  • Tony Pulis made one change for the home encounter against Sunderland, with Allan Nyom replacing Jonas Olsson after being handed clearance to play last Friday by FIFA.
  • Nyom started at right-back for the Baggies, with Craig Dawson shifting over to centre-back. Chris Brunt remained at left-back, while Nacer Chadli and James Morrison both retaining their places in the attacking midfield positions in the 4-2-3-1.
  • Pulis handed a debut to Jake Livermore with 18 minutes remaining, with Morrison the player to make way. James McClean and Hal Robson-Kanu were handed run-outs late on in place of Chadli and Salomon Rondon in straight swaps.
  • If Jonny Evans recovers from a calf injury in time to face Middlesbrough, that could trigger a few changes to the starting XI. Dawson would be likely to return to right-back, with Nyom expected to then move to left-back. Brunt could then be pushed forward to one of the wide positions, with the starting places of Chadli and Morrison slightly at risk. Pulis now has another option in central midfield in the form of Livermore, so he may challenge Claudio Yacob for a place in the engine room.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Defence, Flanks

West Ham United

Starting XI: Randolph; Byram, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Feghouli (Collins 83), Noble (Fernandes 54) Obiang, Lanzini; Antonio, Carroll (Calleri 67).

  • Slaven Bilic made one alteration from the side that beat Crystal Palace 3-0 for the trip to the Riverside, with Sam Byram returning in place of James Collins.
  • Bilic started with a 4-4-2 formation, then, with Byram slotting in at right-back for the visitors. Sofiane Feghouli (right) and Manuel Lanzini (left) started on the flanks, while Michail Antonio joined Andy Carroll up front.
  • Mark Noble was withdrawn early in the second half after picking up an ankle knock, with the West Ham captain replaced by Edimilson Fernandes in a straight swap. Andy Carroll was then hooked as a precaution due to a groin issue, with Jonathan Calleri taking over in attack for the final 23 minutes. After ’Boro brought on Patrick Bamford and Rudy Gestede, Bilic decided to introduce Collins in place of Feghouli in a bid to hold onto the 2-1 lead, seeing the Hammers finish the match in a 5-3-2 system.
  • Angelo Ogbonna has been playing with a longstanding knee problem, and following the signing of Jose Fonte, has since undergone surgery that has ruled him out of the rest of the season. Fonte is expected to be handed his debut against Man City in Gameweek 23, then. In midfield, Noble is set for scans on the ankle complaint, with Fernandes is the obvious replacement in midfield should he be ruled out. Carroll has confirmed that he’s feeling no ill-effects after his groin issue, although Bilic will no doubt comment on the striker’s fitness prior to their Gameweek 23 meeting with Manchester City.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield

829 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Cech
    Chambers Rose Baines
    Sanchez Lallana Alli Phillips
    Giroud Defoe Ibrahimovic

    Jaku McAuley Luiz De Roon

    2 FT & 0 ITB

    Which option is better?

    A Luiz & Lallana > Jones & Eriksen
    B Lallana & Defoe > Eriksen & Carroll

    Or is Firmino a better option than Eriksen?
    Is having 4 players in Sunderland v Spurs going to be too much?

    1. Jaunty Jonty
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Eriksen and Carroll.

      1. Scotty B
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Carroll has City though doesn't he up next?

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      If they were all spurs then no. Your defence is more than fine this week so no need to get Jones. I quite like B mainly for Eriksen, as opposed to Carroll. I'd consider downgrading a defender at some point soon though, you've got a lot of money locked up there.

      See you never listened and got Brunt on your WC as everyone was advising, although McCauley bailed you out last week.

      1. Scotty B
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        McAuley better option imo

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

      B. Eriksen is more consistent and has great fixtures.

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

    Is Giroud to Kane worth a -4?

    It's tempting.

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      wait for more news ... if we are sure le donk would start , keep

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

      Could pay off immediately if you captain him. Long term I'd still want Kane anyway

    3. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Watford have conceded 8 in the last 4

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

        Sunderland have conceded 11.

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

          Average of less than a goal difference - therefore less than a 4 point hit.

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

      If you do not have Eriksen Alli midfield you can try but Watford are really bad and Giroud when on pitch will be on pens ahead of Sanchez.

  3. Jaunty Jonty
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    De Gea / Pickford
    Pieters / Chambers / Jones / Alonso / Amat
    Phillips / Hazard / Alli / Fletcher / Sanchez
    Lukaku / Ibra / Anichibe

    1.3 ITB

    1 - Time for a WC?
    2 - Hazard to Eriksen
    3 - Other alternatives?

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

      Anichebe+Hazard -->Kane+Davies?

      1. Jaunty Jonty
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Good shout. This - I've done.

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Anichibe + Pieters > Andy Caroll + Holgate

  4. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Bench two of these

    Evans
    Ward
    Friend
    Yoshida
    Jones

    thanks

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

      Ward and Yoshida

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Friend and Ward

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

      Yoshida Ward that order

  5. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking about all the love that Stones got on here pre season, I thought it might be interesting to put together a worst possible team that you could have started the season with, based on players who were popular (or at least respected) picks on here. Full 100m budget (I think), and I've tried to avoid players who were completely dropped or who got injured, instead trying to capture a constant stream of endless grinding mediocrity. How does this look:

    Valdes, Foster (goalie is tricky)
    Fuchs, Dann, Stones, Kone, Amat
    Mahrez, Martial, Silva, Tadic, Hojburg
    Vardy, Rooney, Ighalo

    Martial is the star performer with 3.7 ppg!

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

      Was Rooney a popular pick on here pre-season?

      1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        A bit? Its tricky trying to get up to the full 100m budget.

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

      Redmond's gotta be in there.

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

        Deulofeu

      2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Tadic has a lower PPG and costs more.

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

          But he wasn't that popular. Neither was Silva or Hojberg.

          1. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            There was a massive Tadic vs Redmond debate. Silva not so much but you wouldn't have been laughed at for including him.

          2. Johnny 8
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Mikhy was in many pre season teams.

    3. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hahahh great post. I had Stones and Valdes.

    4. mikess
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Harsh on Valdes. Schmeichel gets my vote. Might be controversial but I'd have Aguero in there too

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

        this,harsh on valdes,schmeichel deserves that spot

  6. ROOTY7
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Giroud+ Hazard--> Sanchez +Gray/ Rondon for a -4?

    1. Slumdog-Mignolet
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Giroud for Watford game if you can. Assess after that.

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

      Giroud on pens ahead of Ssnchez. Just Haz and no hit.

  7. Budweiser
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    My current bench is Pickford, Holebas, Marney (50% flag), Amat..

    I have 1FT. Should I get Holgate, Yoshida or Tom Carroll or save? I think my first 11 should all play but you just never know 1 could drop out for whatever reason so I feel like I should do a transfer.. Thanks

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

      Save the transfer. If something crops up later in the week to one of your starters, you'll wish you had used it more constructively.

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

        True thanks

  8. Shaw must go on
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    hi everyone...

    Would you change something on this lot:

    Foster,jaku
    Yoshida,rose,jones,alonso,holgate
    Lallana,sanchez,phillips,de ron,pedro
    Ibra,giroud,kane

    1ft...1.1 itb

    de ron for davies??

    thanks for any feedback...have a great day guys...

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

      You're fine for this week...I'd save.

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing wrong with de roon 5th mid. Giroud is probs your stand out minor issue, and possibly Lallana not Cout is back and his returns have dried up

    3. Shaw must go on
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      thanks...i was planing saving it and next week get Eriksen & Carrol for lallana & giroud...

  9. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Is KDB a good Haz replacement? Like the look of the City fixtures coming up

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

      Rotation always a thing with City

      KdB could be involved with that

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Too expensive for what he offers....exactly like Haz.

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, think yous are right.

    4. Shaw must go on
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      if u have Alli/erisken amd sanchez kdb might be a good pick for the next few weeks...but he´s price put me off...

    5. Jayv807
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I agree he's expensive/risky, but I have brought him in for Hazard. I have Sanchez,Ibra, Alli to cover some of the more popular picks so if it goes bad, I hopefully won't be in too bad of shape. I have Kun too, so I am really hoping City come through in the next three!!! There are safer/cheaper picks too so go with what you think is best.

  10. Jam0sh
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Bench one:

    A) Jones (HUL)
    B) Baines (stk)
    C) Brunt (mid)
    D) Alonso (liv)

    1. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Jones

    2. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one. Probably Jones given lack of attacking threat.

    3. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      D

    4. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      People saying benching Jones at home to Hull. Ridiculous. Play a defender for his CS potential first, then potential attacking returns. Flip a coin between alonso & brunt.

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        You're right. Though Brunt might have better clean sheet potential than Baines and Alonso in this case. But hard to argue that potential pens override the clean sheet odds.

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Think that narrows it down to Alonso then. Just take a big gulp when you do it.

    5. Ruth_NZ
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      D. Pretty easy decision. As Sess says, the clean sheet potential is the most important thing for a defender.

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers Ruth. Bookies clean sheet odds say bench Alonso. Though Alonso could have higher attacking potential than Brunt and I think this should also be taken into account when it's this close.

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

          Janmaat set a benchmark for defenders with 8 assists in a season when at Newcastle. That's one assist per 5 games or 0.6 points per game. You really can't expect more.

          On goals, well seldom will a defender get more than 5 in a season unless they are on penalties. That's another 0.8 points per game. So, with a defender that has real attacking threat for both goals and assists you may have 1.4 expected points per game over a defender that has no attacking threat at all.

          In addition to which, the 5 goals and 8 assists are more likely to come in easier games when that team wins more easily. The very games when clean sheets are more likely in fact.

          So... when choosing defenders for your squad bear attacking threat in mind but don't over-estimate it. But when selecting for a specific gameweek prioritise clean sheet potential and let any additional attacking points take care of themselves. Simple. 🙂

    6. Jam0sh
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Cheers all

  11. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Sunderland have signed Lescott

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I know, yay us hey. Relegation confirmed. Saying that we just need bodies in at this stage and think Djilibodi suspension sealed deal for Lescott.

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Have faith in your team!

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I have faith in the team, it's the manager I don't.

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

            Nothing wrong with Moyes. Sunderland are massively under-invested.

    2. Bedknobs and Boomsticks
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Fellani incoming?

      1. Old Wulfrunian
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        hehe...Maybe Matthew Taylor or Kevin Davies!

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Blimey - I thought he'd retired

  12. jamie1972
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What's the consensus on taking a -4 on a def?

    Ditched Hazard early so no FT left but been wanting to ditch my bench gimp (Amat) for weeks, but with every passing week there's a more pressing concern.

    Have 4m in the bank so I can go wild n crazy if I like (although Baines is the preferred choice) but it means a hit....

    Is taking a defender hit a big no no, or do I throw caution to the wind and just live life to fullest, make that switch?

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

      It's only a "no no" because people on FFS are generally obsessed with the cosmetic attractions of attackers and their intermittent hauls.

      Think about it as a -2 for whoever you replaced Hazard with and a -2 for Baines/Coleman. Although Walker might be better if you don't have a Spurs defender.

    2. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      If you have a reasonable defensive line up for next week then don't take the hit. There are plenty of teams out there with a non playing fifth defender.

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

      works in that Amat is basically 0pts for the foreseeable future.
      You will get your -4 back with any decent starting defender in max.2 weeks.
      It's never really a negative to take a hit to replace a non-playing player with a starter.
      Get Baines in and you have a starter for possibly rest of season (with no blank GWs) who could easily pay off with a pts profit in 1 week.

      1. jamie1972
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Sold, cheers fellas.

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

    Sunderland sign Lescott on a short term deal: https://t.co/Xpqt5GCenY

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch! We were close to signing him in the summer and our medics werent convinced with his dodgy knees. Think he got injured in the first month of his career in Greece

  14. dhamphiir
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Sunderland have signed defender Joleon Lescott on a short-term deal until the end of the season.

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Is there an echo in here?

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        A recurring nightmare more like 😉

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Ha, amen to that. The torrid life of a Sunderland fan. I think even we want us to get relegated this year. Can't take it any more.

  15. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Grant
    Alonso/Brunt/Jones/(Friend, Amat)
    Sanchez/Dele/Eriksen/Phillips/(DeRoon)
    Ibra/Kaku/Giroud

    After this week:
    Giroud to Costa
    Amat to Holgate
    Jones to Walker or should it be Coleman ? If Coleman than what to do with additional cash ?
    Don't want Kane

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Out of curiosity why don't you want kane? Is it because you have alli and eriksen, or if you only had one of those would you still not want him?

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

        I don't like triple front overkill. If I had only Dele/Eriksen I would go for Kane however I transfered in Dele due to lack of better options in mid now, also I want some Chelsea cover and I think Alonso plus Costa is very good. Dele and Eriksen can cover Kane points

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No Kane No party

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

        I think Giroud can match Kane this week and I have Spurs cover. Long term Costa will match Kane

  16. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Think I'm swaying towards keeping Haz for 1 more GW and having 2FTs next time to sort him out... is this G2G if so?...

    Heaton
    Alonso - Walker - Evans
    Sanchez - Hazard - Eriksen - Phillips
    Kane - Zlatan(C) - A.Carroll
    (Jaku - Pieters - - Capoue - Amat)

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

      Sure why not

    2. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      nice team! save FT

  17. ROOTY7
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    How would you get Sanchez in to this attack? 0.4itb

    Hazard Coutinho Pogba Phillips Capoue
    Giroud Lukaku Kane

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

      Hazard Coutinho Pogba in the same midfield is bad imo

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

      😆 May God have mercy on their soul

    2. Kiwivillan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      If he starts next game definitely Kane C

      1. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        My priority this gw is bringing Kane in for that exact reason, just same there's no decent midfielders £7.5m and under (already own phillips). Kind of hoping Snograss moves to west ham. Massive assist potential with carroll and antonio and now payet out of picture.

        1. Phil Dagger ⭐
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I would surely get snodgrass if he moves to West ham
          looks a great buy that will hog points everywhere in that team

          I have Alli + Eriksen double up with Rose so hope Kane doesn't do much damage and points shared between all so that all owners will be happy in the end 😉 and keep us in dark of who to fill the 3 spurs slots with 😆

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

          Jesus. Would you off Giroud to Kane for a -4?

          Would also love to see Snod at WH.

          1. Phil Dagger ⭐
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            the thing with Giroud is he is as likely to get good points this weekend ak getting rid for -4 seems bad
            Kane is better long term choice though by the looks of things but if Giroud remains in the Arsenal team he is a great striker to have
            capable of big returns and good returns at a very good price in an Arsenal team but that depends if he keeps hi place

  18. Sess!
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I know there's a few factors in play, but what is the best/worst case scenario of when Mane will be back?

    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He's knackered playing in the West African heat plus travelling and doesn't play well.

      He's had fewer games than he would have at Liverpool in the same period of time and feels rested as he is used to the heat anyway and plays well, invigorating the team.

    2. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Final of AFCON is on 5th Feb so that's the worst case scenario if they reach the final.

      But if they loose the quarter final next week on Saturday he'll back for GW26.

      1. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Ok cheers

      2. tisza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        possible blank for him if Liverpool win semi?

  19. MOZIL
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    -4 Amat to Yoshia? Need a 3rd defender to play

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

      If funds are strapped then yes, better than a 0.

      1. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Well not if yosh only gets 2pts (or 1pt) as then it's negative points.

  20. thegynn
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What should I do with this lot? I'm at a bit of a loss this week...
    Cech
    Alonso Baines Brunt
    Phillips Stanislas Hazard Milner
    Kane Benteke Ibra(C)

    Subs, Grant, Snodgrass, Pieters, Amat
    1FT and 0.3 ITB
    I was thinking maybe, Hazard & Pieters > Erikson & Walker... Any suggestions welcome...

  21. Karan_G14
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If Southampton mange to beat Liverpool tomorrow and Arsenal & United both win their respective FA Cup ties on the weekend then Sanchez & Ibra both have blanks in GW26 & GW28.

    The most obvious transfers will be Sanchez Ibra to Hazard Costa they face Swansea at home in GW26.

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

      Ok you can. Swansea beat Liverpool at home under new manager. Hazard is rubbish. 5 shots on target since GW11 and Costa doesn't do big hauls

      1. Karan_G14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Yes I will. Something is better than zero points.

        Did not mention but Chelsea would have 3 of top 6 by then only 2 would be left.
        I wouldn't mind having a triple up of the title favourites with others involved in European competitions too.

    2. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Not true re GW28 - those blanks are for the quarter finals - this weekend is only the 4th round.

      1. Karan_G14
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        So there's one more FA Cup tie to decide the GW28 blanks?

        1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Yep - that's why the 5th round draw is so important

          1. Karan_G14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks mate! Had no clue about this.

            In that case the draw is very important. Any of the Top 6 could face each other.

  22. TheBusDriver
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on Van Dijk??

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He was in Mary Poppins

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Literally

  23. IWR
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I have exact cash for Stanislas-Carroll and Giroud-Kane (-4) leaving:

    Heaton (Jaku)
    Baines, Daniels, Brunt (Chambers, Yoshi)
    Sanchez, Alli, Eriksen, Phillips (Carroll)
    Ibra, Kane, Lukaku

    It's tempting... Only downside is no cash to do anything with Daniels who I want to turn into a wingback.

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

      Selling Stanislas and Giroud with their next fixtures for a hit? Kane essential this week though imo

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

        Kane could go bananas. Hurt me last time I thought the same though..

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one... if it was free I'd probs say do it. For a hit it's not as worth it. Long term it's probs better too though. 60:40 in favour.

    3. Johnny 8
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good but you already have Erik and Alli and Giroud's fixture is a tasty one so it's a no from me.

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

        Thanks guys.

  24. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts? 2FT's

    Holebas > Brunt

    Capoue > T. Carroll

    leaves me 1.4itb to do Giroud > Lukaku next GW

    Cheers

    1. *sigh*
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Good moves

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        when do i pull the trigger lol???

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

      Very nice. Keep an eye on prices, should be fine to do it just before games start

  25. ColdRainyNIght
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I am thinking of getting rid of Antonio with either Tadic, Siggurdson or Barkley? Who should I get?
    Also I ve got Benteke upfront, not sure if I should give him the last chance, cos the fixtures says so, and his header shot touched the woodwork and he seems to be unlucky not getting goals, but is this it, should I get someone like Llorente??

    1. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I was thinking of getting Antonio in over all of those players.

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

        do you think its worth keeping Countinho? Transferred him in last gameweek - delivered nuttin

    2. *sigh*
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Keep Antonio bud

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

        Heaton (robinson)
        Jones Brunt Cedric (Smith Amat)
        Coutinho Sanchez Phillips Antonio (Traore)
        Aguero Benteke Kane
        bank: 0.5

        PS Its hard to transfer Antonio out, but his fixtures are hard, and Tadic seems to be the most explosive out of all the options. while I will keep Phillips in my team for a long time. So any suggestions on improving the team? coz I am cathching up in my league, but some of the guys are overperforming and have +100 difference points

        1. Johnny 8
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Keep Antonio.

  26. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Play Pieters(EVE) or Evans(mid)? All the stats point to Pieters. Is it a bit of a myth that WBA are rock solid at the back? Had hardly any Clean sheets.

  27. Phil Dagger ⭐
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    hey @Karan14

    1. Karan_G14
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hey @Dagger

      What's up!

      1. Phil Dagger ⭐
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        saw you were looking for Everton mid Barkley or Mirallas so prepared a post for that to look to

        Check Hot topics of Mine and Timbo on that

        mine
        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/01/23/line-up-lessons-gameweek-22-part-one/?hc_page=6&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comments

        and Timbo

        http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/01/23/line-up-lessons-gameweek-22-part-one/

  28. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    @SESS!
    I don't like triple front overkill. If I had only Dele/Eriksen I would go for Kane however I transfered in Dele due to lack of better options in mid now, also I want some Chelsea cover and I think Alonso plus Costa are very good. Dele and Eriksen can cover Kane points and I still can bring Rose or Walker

  29. Sess!
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Really hope this happens. Could be great value with Carroll and Antonio on end of his set pieces:

    http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/01/23/west-ham-make-improved-8-million-bid-hull-city-winger-robert/