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

    There was a bit of debate over when the FA Cup 5th round draw was as it wasn’t appearing on the TV listings on BBC Two on Monday night – it is on Monday after all – it is within the One Show on BBC One at 7pm
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/38571740

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

      How do people have odds for GW28 blanks if the FA cup 5th round draw hasn't been made? Not talking of the ones that are already out but the others.

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

        Bookmakers offer odds of teams making it to the FA Cup quarter finals, so it is worked out from that.

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

    Benching headache... please help me bench two from Brunt, Phillips, Lallana, Defoe and Rondon?

    Previously asked and Lallana was a surprising choice

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

      at this moment in time Klopp is using lallana on the wings, centrally he has got 6 goals and 7asssists, on the wing , nothing.

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

      Touch choice to bench this week.I say Phillips and Defoe

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

        Phillips looked excellent against sunderland, probably their best player. was very unlucky to come away with nothing

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

          Maybe you are right

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

      In order of bench-ability;

      Lallana > Rondon > Defoe > Phillips > Brunt

    4. Alexis Nonsense
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Rondon never ever scores...he's as benchable as a striker can get

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

        True. Cheers everyone

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

    Gtg?Anything require a hit?
    Hennessey
    Koscielny..Baines..McAuley
    Alexis..Eriksen..Alli..Philips
    Zlatan..Costa..Giroud
    --Jakup--Deroon-Ake--Amat
    0.6itb.Thanks all.

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

      No hit needed there, good team. Sort Ake & Amat when possible.

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

      Decent side. No need for a hit

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

    G2G?

    Foster (Grant)
    Alonso, Brunt, Jones (Lovren, Amat)
    Firmino, Sanchez, Antonio, Phillips (T.Carroll)
    Giroud, Costa, Ibra

    0FT, 1.4ITB

    Thoughts peeps?

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

      Who are you captaining?

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

        on Sanchez at present but could swap to Ibra lol

        who u captaining?

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

      Think you'll be watching the Spurs game behind the sofa.

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

        cant afford Kane unless I take Ibra out!

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

          Don't do that!

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

          Costa to Kane affordable? More explosive, on pens, better fixtures. Just a thought.

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

            tough choice but I think Kane is a must!

  5. ragsyboys
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Guys, is tom davies a definite starter for everton in coming weeks ?

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

      well he started the last 3 and played full 90 so i think he is pretty much assured a start IMO

    2. Dedalus1
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Not nailed at all.

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

      Don't think so with Schneiderlin in the wings. If you are after a fifth/cheap midfielder try Tom Carroll.

  6. bigbudgie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Have Lallana, Benteke and Hazard in my team and fresh out of FTs.
    What a time to be alive

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

    People with Aguero. Keeping? Yay or nay?

    1. MTPockets
        9 years, 2 months ago

        yep

      • Dedalus1
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Keep. Patience will pay off.

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

      Captaincy is tough this week. Who out of these and why?

      A) Ibra (HUL)
      B) Sanchez (WAT)
      C) Eriksen (sun)

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

        Sanchez. Watford can't defend, Sanchez is life.

      2. greghammer95
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Look what Sanchez did to Watford in the reverse fixture. That's plenty for me.

        Watford without the defensive rock that is Holebas.

        I pledged to stick it on him for the next 4 weeks (3 weeks ago), and am sticking with it, worked so far and he's the latest Diego Consistency.

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

          Listen to Greg.

      3. MTPockets
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Ibra probably best, but likely sticking with Sanchez anyway.

        • Dedalus1
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Sanchez: Form and fixture

        • Alnair
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          A due to goal involvement.

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

          Ibra.

      4. greghammer95
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Afternoon ladies. Play 3 out of the following 6 including at least 1 defender. Having three WBA is nice for their home fixtures but not so much when they're away.

        1) Alonso
        2) McAuley
        3) Yoshida
        4) Puncheon
        5) Rondon
        6) Phillips

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

          phillips has got some huge hauls away from home this season

          1. greghammer95
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Originally was 2 out of 5. Phillips is most likely to start out of that mob.

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

          HI greg.With a second thought from yesterday Yoshida Alonso Puncheon should be out for me.

          1. greghammer95
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks Wulf. I do favour playing 3 at the back but think this week is one for 4.

            Also thanks all below, really helpful and think you've made my mind up. Now to get head-scratching over my (probably irrelevant) bench order.

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

          1,2 and 6

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

          This is tough.

          Alonso, Philips, Rondon imo

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

            Or maybe McAuley instead of Alonso. I

        5. Ivanov Itch
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Tough, I'd go 1, 2, 6 Alonso goal threat even if no CS, McAuley is more often than not solid. Goal scoring away at middlesborough will be tough so only one of phillips/rondon. Puncheon loves a 2-pointer so not him and swansea might be more bouyant at home after beating liverpool so not yoshida

      5. Ivanov Itch
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I have 2 free transfers and only £0.1 ITB, teams looks like this

        Grant / Jaku
        McAuley / Azpi / Walker / Gabriel / Francis
        Sanchez / Phillips / Lallana / Antonio / Fletcher
        Costa / Ibra / Giroud

        Want to get Alli in for Lallana ideally but can't afford a direct swap.

        Do I take out Giroud for someone cheaper, someone else in midfield, defence maybe?

        Any help would be appreciated! Thanks.

        1. greghammer95
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Decent team. I think this week you're in a "can't have them all" situation... I'd downgrade Giroud to maybe Rondon/Carroll next week then bring Alli in for Lallana. But then you're also getting rid of Lallana before Hull (A).

        2. Yellin' in my Ear
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Will Gabriel still play now Bellerin's back?

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

          you dont need gabriel,downgrade him to holgate/yoshida

        4. Ivanov Itch
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Already looking at Gabriel now with Bellerin back in he was lucky to get minutes against Burnley. Wish downgrading him would give enough to get Alli in for Lallana but not quite, would have to downgrade Francis even further for a -4 to do it, not worth it imo

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

          As others have said, downgrade Gabriel and upgrade Lallana to Alli.

      6. Lightbody
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        GTG? Correct subs?

        Cech
        Baines Alonso Jones Yoshida (Daniels)
        Sanchez Alli Pedro (Stanislas) (Carroll)
        Kane Ibra Giroud

        0FT, 0.1 ITB

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

          i would play stanislas benching yoshida

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

        sanchez alli eriksen phillips stanislas
        ibra costa kaku
        is this too template???all highly owned players,looking at 1-2 differentials if possible

        1. Ivanov Itch
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Perhaps drop one of Alli/Erik to a differential.. I've loved having Antonio in (even more of a differential against ML). Tough to choose tho

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

            could be an option,i like antonio too

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

          Having that much template at this point is differential, most have pieces of it and some are still stuck in 3-5-2.

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

            i am not there yet,2 FT's with which i could get there

      8. HurriKane
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Who would you prefer for next 7?

        A) Phillips - mid STO whu BOU CPL eve ARS

        B) Lallana - CHE hul TOT lei ARS BUR mci

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

          phillips

        2. MTPockets
            9 years, 2 months ago

            A if only on surety of games (no blanks).

          • United10
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            A

          • Dedalus1
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            A, mainly cause of Livp blanks

          • Karan_G14
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            A without looking at fixtures

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

            Phillips. Lallana ineffectual in the front 3.

          • UnitedFan
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            A

          • Ivanov Itch
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            B. Got both and only looking to get rid of Lallana atm.

            1. Ivanov Itch
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Sorry, I would prefer A. Misread

          • Alnair
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Don't look at B until Mane is back.

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

          Starting in GW24 I think it's time to double up on Everton defenders. Their attack is unreliable, but their backline has been quite solid. 3 shutouts on the trot and opportunity for many more over the next 8 weeks. Coleman is the top, he's been living in the box since the formation change.

          Baines is a solid option as well, but I think I prefer Funes Mori at 4.6. He's always been good for bonus and he definitely has a goal or two in him as well. If you can stretch to 5.0, Williams is a great pick as well.

          One of the key things here is Everton are guaranteed to not blank, making Lukaku and 2 defenders an ideal way to set up our teams over the coming weeks.

          1. greghammer95
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Everton are guaranteed to not blank? Bold statement.

            I'm considering Funes Mori but Baines is much more exciting, would double up if I had the transfers etc.

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

              Meaning they won't have a blank gameweek.

              Surely they could concede a few goals, haha

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

              That means no blank gameweek

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

                replied on last page Karan14

              2. greghammer95
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Of course!! Make's your whole argument a lot stronger.

          2. Dedalus1
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            What do you think of Holgate as a second option?

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

              I rate him highly as a player. If he's nailed then surely he's a great option as well.

          3. MTPockets
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Double is my plan too (FM + Coleman/Baines).

            • Yellin' in my Ear
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Already brought in Coleman alongside Baines for this week. Then again I'm going five at the back (Alonso, Bellerin, Walker)

          4. mr messi
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Who to bench, Phillips, Stanislas or Defoe?

            1. MTPockets
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Stan or Defoe. Stan has fixture but likely fewer minutes.

              • mikess
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Defoe

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

                I've gone Defoe

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

              I'm constantly thinking about this and still no decision:

              Now I have Eriksen and Dele, should I bring Walker and Costa or Kane and Coleman ? Imo triple Spurs front is an overkill and Eriksen and Dele are enough to cover Kane's points but maybe I'm wrong ? Costa seems to be essential as he is the best goalscorer of the top team

              1. MTPockets
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  I also think it's overkill. But would prefer Costa and Coleman.

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

                    I'm still between Spurs def vs Coleman, taking Holgate as 55th def for sure

                • Speédy
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  walker and costa are the picks ,maybe consider rose too because of his set pieces

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

                    Definitely will think about this

              2. Pinky Blinders
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Moyes wants more from Januzaj. I haven't watched too much of Sunderland this season so I went back and looked at his stats so far. Holy Mole, kid has yet to score a goal this year. And why is Khazri just perma benched? That guy has some serious set piece ability last time I checked.

              3. _Gunner
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Best Forward for the next fixtures for maximum 7m?

                A- Gray
                B- Rondon ( Have Philips)
                C- Carrol

                Leaning towards Gray atm

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

                  Gray or Rondon

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

                  Gray

                3. Rex Lapis
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  A

              4. Krafty Werks
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Who do you prefer?

                A - Sterling & Kane

                B - KDB & Lukaku

                Thanks.

                1. MTPockets
                    9 years, 2 months ago

                    B but not sure KDB's worth it (although I have Aguero...)

                  • Alnair
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 2 months ago

                    B

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

                  Choose: (Not doing it this week)

                  A) Alonso (Have Luiz)

                  B) Coleman (no blank gameweek)

                  Appreciate your thoughts!

                  1. greghammer95
                    • 16 Years
                    9 years, 2 months ago

                    B) But with Baines.

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

                      I like Coleman more.

                  2. MTPockets
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      b

                    • UnitedFan
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      B since you have Luiz and no blank gameweek for everton

                    • Pirlø's Pen
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      A

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

                        The temptation is there. Chelsea more likely to grind out the 1-0s now. Double could be great. But the blank Gameweek could be a problem then.

                        1. Pirlø's Pen
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          Aye, Alonso is the best defender in the game to own (arguably best general player for value), def not too late to jump on him now. Set to rise in the next couple of days too.

                    • Rex Lapis
                      • 11 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      B

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

                    Best cheap defender with blanks in mind? I must replace Amat. I have Pieters...

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

                      Holgate

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

                        Holgate nailed?

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

                          Probably for the next few games, I'd go Yoshida personally as no rumours of us signing anyone.

                    2. greghammer95
                      • 16 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      I've not considered blanks but replaced Ake last week with Yoshida. Happy with him at that price.

                    3. Ivanov Itch
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      Holgate by the sounds of it

                    4. MTPockets
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        Nyom/Funes Mori

                    5. greghammer95
                      • 16 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      Anyone got a link to the blanks spreadsheet that is doing the rounds?

                    6. The Overthinker
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      1) bellarin to baines. Yaay or naay?
                      2) start azpi or brunt?

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

                        1 Yes if for free
                        2 Brunt this gw

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

                        1) No.
                        2) Brunt.

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

                        1. Yay
                        2. Azpi

                    7. WVA
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 2 months ago

                      If you had to have one?
                      A Silva
                      B Stirling
                      C Yaya

                      1. MTPockets
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          HAD to - C because cheapest + pens.

                        • Alnair
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          C

                        • UnitedFan
                          • 10 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          B

                        • Speédy
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 2 months ago

                          sterling

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

                        Heaton
                        Baines Brunt Rose
                        Hazard Sanchez Alli Phillips
                        Kane@ Giroud Lukaku

                        Grant McAuley Daniels Roon

                        Happy for now but no Chelsea defence cover. G2G?

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

                          Yep

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

                          No hits no spare cash

                      3. 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
                        C Lallana & Giroud > Eriksen & Benteke

                        A & C work out bang on the money, can afford B by 0.3

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

                          Out of those B.

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

                        @PhilDagger

                        I ready both yours and Timbo's post yesterday only made my decision and went for Mirallas as Lallana replacement as he's cheaper. I know there's a risk of minutes but he's a selfish player looking for goals and that what I wanted. Right decision?

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

                        Boruc Pickford
                        Alonso Baines McAuley Cedric Lenihan
                        Sanchez Hazard Eriksen Lallana Stanislas
                        Defoe Lakaku Gray

                        0.9 itb 1 FT

                        I will wait till after FA cup this coming weekend but any pressing matters? I know going without Costa is a risk.

                        I have the exact money to do:

                        Hazard > Firmino
                        Defoe > Costa

                      6. greghammer95
                        • 16 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        PVA to Baines for a FT this week or hold? I'd play either PVA, Rondon or Yoshida instead of Baines.

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

                          Yeah get Baines

                      7. Giovanni Giorgio
                        • 12 Years
                        9 years, 2 months ago

                        What teams are likely to blank in gw 26/28?

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

                          United, Liverpool, Southampton, Hull and their opponents in GW26