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. No Pirlo No Party
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Aguero....

    A) Keep
    B) Costa
    C) Kane
    D) Zlatan

    Can do Giroud and Aguero to 2 of Kane/Zlatan/Costa for -4. Very tempting!

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

      Who are you other forwards if you dont have Costa, Kane or Ibra:S

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

        your*

      2. No Pirlo No Party
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Current attack:

        Sanchez - Alli - Lallana - Antonio - Phillips
        Aguero - Giroud - Anichebe

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

          Aguero + Gru ---> Ibra & Kane

          1. No Pirlo No Party
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Sounds wise. Why not Costa and double Spurs attack instead?

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

              The gravs on this exchange are great! If only you had similar names too... I thought you'd been answering yourself tbh 😀

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

      Keep. Look at transferring out to Lukaku in GW26.

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

      Aguero Giroud - Zlatan Kane, looks wise.

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

      D) only if you really have no other improvement in your team to make. I would probably just keep.

      And a hit is not worth it.

  2. Bring the Cavalry
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Who to bench?
    A) Defoe (TOT)
    B) Smith (CRY)

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

      Defo.

      1. Bring the Cavalry
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah that's who I'm on, thanks mate

    2. MTPockets
        9 years, 2 months ago

        b

        1. Bring the Cavalry
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          You think Defoe could get something against in form Spurs? Thanks for the reply also

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

            Tottenham is tight at the back... They`re not Liverpool:)

            1. MTPockets
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Don't think I'd even consider Smith over Defoe (I have neither).

            2. MTPockets
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Don't know but have you checked Bournemouth's clean sheet tally?

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

                  Palace can`t score too:)

          2. Athletic Bilbo
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Spurs have been tight at the back but City ripped them apart. Vertonghen factor? And Defoe against former team? Not so cut and dried methinks

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

            B)

        2. Crouch Potato!
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Finding it tricky to decide which on to bench from, Hazard, Stanislas, Phillips or Crouch. Any thoughts welcome,

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

            Crouch

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

            No point spending money on Haz if you bench him.. would go with Crouch myself Everton have been better defensively of late

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

          I am a whopping 96 pts behind league leader (but I'm still at 2nd place!)

          So I need to get lucky with my captain choices and hope he fails.

          And I need some differentials.

          His team:

          de Gea

          Cahill - Walker - Alonso

          Lallana - Sanchez - Snodgrass - Allen

          Ibra - Carroll - Lukaku

          Bench: Capoue, Kelly, Smith, Hennessey

          My team:

          Heaton

          Rose - Baines - Alonso

          Phillips - Sanchez - Alli - Antonio

          Ibra - Lukaku - Giroud

          Bench: Foster, Pieters, Evans, de Roon

          So him putting most of his funds in defence has made him 100 pts more than me....

          What should I do? (Lukaku to Costa next i suppose...)

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

            My ML rival made up 74 points on me in GW21 alone, so keep the faith 🙂

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

              My faith is strong...and I feel my team is a bit stronger than his so lets hope 🙂

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

            Thats a good team. Evans--->Brunt to start with. Other than that good to go, maybe start finding a replacement for Giroud

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

              Yeah wanted Brunt but opted for Rose on first hand to counter his Walker.

              But Brunt in next might be the deal, even makes it possible to do 4-3-3

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

            Can you get in Kane? You league leader totally lacks Spurs attack.

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

              Yes that would be nice, could do Giroud + Lukaku to Kane + 6.9

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

                That's not worth it. Imo you have to just leave it and wait for another option. Your league leader will 99.9% bring in Alli to negate your Spurs cover if he knows what he's doing but there's not much you can do about it looking at your team.

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

                  Yes, but him bringing in Alli means he has to downgrade his attack or defence pretty hard...he has so much funds locked in his defence.

                  So that's my only strength is that my funds are invested more in attack...

                  Thanks all

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

                    You're right, he should just about be priced out of Alli.

                    In that case, find a way of getting in Eriksen or Kane over the next few weeks imo.

          4. JJJ
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Want a differential, then go Sanchez to KDB for 3 GWs.

          5. Balance
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Great team! I would Giroud to Costa instead (if you can afford it).

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

          Dilemma...
          Need to out origi
          A. Origi to Carroll
          B. Origi to giroud
          C. Eriksen and origi to Costa and Antonio
          Have Ali and Kane already.

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

            B if he plays.

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

            C) assuming no hit

            Otherwise B. You could also do A by using the extra cash to improve other positions (though I would prefer Gray for A)

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

          At this stage of the season, how many points is too many to catch up? Top of my league is 80 points ahead.

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

            Also, just interested in hearing people's comeback stories in similar situations...

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

            Anything under 100 pts should be possible, but captain is key here...

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

            Anything around 100 is fine imo, over that and it could be tricky unless he/she decides to bottle. 😛

          4. Lubic87
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            I was over 100 points behind this time last season. Triple captain Aguero on the first DGW caught me up with everyone. Bench boost on the 2nd DGW put me top, and I won the league.

            So everything is still to play for at this stage!

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

              I'll keep this in mind to boost my morale!

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

            Jonty's comments on the last scout cast were pretty helpful. If you are chasing, you need to cover your rival's captain options by having them in your squad and then look at alternative captain options. Most leading teams I have looked at have been sticking the C on Sanchez or Ibra for awhile. So Kane, Alli, Costa, Eriksen, Lukaku have to be considerations when the match ups look good. Alternating your formation to theirs could also be a method to make up ground without taking on too much added risk.

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

              I'll check out the scout cast, thanks!

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

            I overhauled a 75-80 point lead from around gameweek 18-19 a few years, back against quality opposition.

            Your deficit should be possible, but wont be easy, best of luck 🙂

        6. The Mighty Whites
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          1FT - 0.1 ITB - thoughts?

          Valdes - Pickford

          David Luiz - Lovren - McAuley - Holebas - Pieters

          Sanchez - Alli - Lallana - Stanislas - de Roon

          Ibrahimovic - Costa - Defoe

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

          Anyone else going for a power five defence? Did my transfers early as I'd planned and now have the following:
          Heaton (Pickford)
          Alonso, Bellerin, Coleman, Baines, Walker;
          Sanchez, Eriksen, Alli, (Phillips, De Roon);
          Ibra, Costa, (Crouch)

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

            Nice

          2. Eze Really?
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            only 1 Everton and a Man U

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

            Wow. Team looks good.

            Ill be looking at playing 4 at the back soon and maybe a West Brom or Everton double up.

            So many more options at the 4.5-6 price range than in mid and forward.

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

              Cheers, been playing four at the back for the last couple of weeks but almost all of the ones I have play basically in midfield and just think it is worth a go with the options available and they all have decentish fixtures.

          4. The Yorkshire Pirlo
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            After Chelsea's next two fixtures I'm looking at going 5 at the back, quite a similar team too...

            Heaton (Pickford)
            Alonso, Cahill, Rose, Baines, Brunt
            Sanchez, Eriksen, Alli (Phillips, de Roon)
            Ibra, Lukaku (Barnes)

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

              Like it, Bellerin is the one I think I could downgrade at some point even if I stick with this, to either another Chelsea or maybe Brunt

              1. The Yorkshire Pirlo
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Either would be a sound move, Chelsea look a lot more solid defending so better clean sheet potential. Nice team anyway mate

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

                  Thanks, you too

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

          Best keeper 5.0 max for next 6 or so?

          A - Foster

          B - Robles

          C - Heaton

          Thanks.

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

            All good options, although prefer West Brom and Everton defenders to their respective keeper's. Heaton best option at Burnley but probably toughest games.

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

              Going Robles i think, more cleanies likely over other 2 with Everton's great run of fixtures.

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

            B

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

            Ha, I asked the same question previously and got the Heaton is the best keeper in the game line chucked back at me. Seemed to ignore fixtures, which favors robles IMO, but Foster is also intriguing.

          4. Sanchit
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            C.
            Heaton gets loads of bonus points and that's because Burnley defenders don't pass much and therefore don't get the BPS for passing.So, whenever they get a clean sheet heaton is competing for bonus points which is not the case in Everton or WBA. Their defenders are more likely to get bonus points.
            (This bonus related to defenders passing thing was pointed out by mark in the following show)

          5. MTPockets
              9 years, 2 months ago

              As it's quiet, what's every
              Heaton = h, a, h (chelsea), (a), a, (a), a, h (spurs)

              1. MTPockets
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  * Reply fail:

                  A or B
                  Heaton = h, a, h (chelsea), (a), a, (a), a, h (spurs)

            • smix
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Grant
              Azpi Brunt Chambers
              Sanchez (c) Eriksen Lallana Phillips
              Zlatan Costa Giroud
              Pickford Evans Capoue Amat

              GTG?Any changes needed ?
              1 FT

            • Totti
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              front 3
              Kun ibra giroud
              A) stick
              B) who to change?

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

                Get rid of kun

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

                  don't wait till the next 2 fixtures ??

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

                    I wouldn't

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

              Bench one:

              A. Rondon
              B. Phillips
              C. Stanislas

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

                A.

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

                B

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

                A

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

              Any suggestions of in what GWs the DGWs will be?

            • Deeney-is-a-god
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              People keep telling me that I should play phillips over crouch, but why?

              I understand everton has been good lately, but crouch performed against better defence against Chelsea. Also at britannia. While West brom have been good at home, not so much away. In addition they are facing a good defensive unit in middlesborough.

              But what do you think?

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

                play phillips
                as phillips on set pieces might assist at least once a game

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

                Crouch is on form but it's a tricky fixture. Boro are on a bad run. Not much in it, I'd go Crouch if you're chasing.

            • chilli con kone
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Bench one from this lot:

              A. Smith (CPL)
              B. Alonso (liv)
              C. Rose (sun)
              D. Coleman (stk)
              E Blind (HUL)
              F. Lallana (CHE).

              Draft league of which is why defence is expensive.

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

                A or F

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

                Alonso

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

                A

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

                A (though E may be a gametime risk too)

            • Sanchit
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Benching headache again .. bench 2 out of : Bellerin Walker Brunt Baines Jones Phillips Stanislas.

              Currently considering both WBA boys but not confident about it.

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

                Phillips and Stanislas if you have to

            • Extreme ways
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              What is a Leadbitter and where can i get one?

              1. I Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                It's a type of bullet.

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

              GW 23 team ready to go, first week have had no Chelsea and feels weird!! Plan for GW 24 is Giroud > Lukaku. See how KDB performs possible Haz or Costa back in for GW 26.

              Robles (Pickford)
              Bellerin, Baines, Jones (Fabio, Kingsley)
              Sanchez(c), De Bruyne, Eriksen, Philips (De Roon)
              Ibrahimovic(vc), Giroud, Defoe.

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

              I am giving very serious thought to Lallana to Antonio. WHU have no cup games as far as I can tell. Liverpool have 2 and then Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal in their next 5 league games (admittedly, with Hull and Leicester too). Should I do it now to avoid another price drop for Lallana/a rise for Antonio or still wait until later in the week?

              1. I Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Lining up this same move myself but will probably hold Lallana until the Hull game especially as I've already taken a price drop.

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

                  I considered that but decided against for 3 reasons.
                  1) Hull are looking better under Silva and Liverpool are looking tired
                  2) City's defence/GK is very, very poor and I think Carroll will run riot there which will leave gaps for Antonio to run into and try and score
                  3) Assists to Carroll

            • AZERTY
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Ozil to Sanchez for a hit?

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

                Not for a hit

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

              If Ivory Coast go out tonight I can't wait to get Zaha back, I know Palace are bad but he's great value with those fixtures.

              1. I Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                I need to see some improvement from Palace before I get him. It seems like Big Sam's focus on the defence (which hasn't really helped) has blunted their attack. Maybe that's because Zaha's missing, not sure.

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

                  Did they play a back three at the weekend?

                  1. I Member
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 2 months ago

                    Yeah they did. Tomkins, Dann and Delaney. Ward and Schlupp wing backs.

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

                      Not sure this is the right move from big Sam, should just go back to what they do best. 4-2-3-1, two wingers hitting Benteke with 20 crosses a game.

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

                Yep, I'd fancy getting him straight back in for Lallana.

            • The Tinkerman
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              5 days or so before we know quite a lot more about upcoming blanks.

              How long until we know anything about DGWs?

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

                A little longer.

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

              Seriously tempted to double up with Baines and Holgate over next few weeks.

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

                Why not Coleman?

              2. Big Mac 24
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                I'm thinking the same, but will probably wait until next gameweek to get baines in with my free transfer.

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

                I'm thinking the same but Baines and Coleman

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

                Could be a smart move with blanks on the horizon for other sides.

              5. I Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Nothing wrong with that. Holgate cheap enough to bench if you have to.

            • Legomane
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              What would you do with this lot? 1 FT 0.6 ITB

              A. Save
              B. Collins > 4.8 (Funes Mori, Holgate, Friend, Nyom, Schlupp, Davies/Wimmer, Cedric)
              C. Something else

              Heaton (LEI)
              Alonso (liv) Valencia (HUL) Smith (CPL)
              San(c)hez (WAT) Alli (sun) Eriksen (sun) Phillips (mid)
              Aguero (whu) Ibrahimo(v)ic (HUL) Rondon (mid)

              Pickford de Roon (WBA) Pieters (EVE) Collins (MCI)

              I'm kinda tempted by Holgate before he rises - I've been dying to get rid of Collins for so long now (value 4.6>4.2...) is this the moment?!

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

                I'm far from certain that Holgate is nailed. I seem to recall having seen Collins linked with Palace .... might be worth holding on?

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

                who would you drop for him though? Valencia and Smith have good fixtures, and Alonso is pretty much unbenchable, so I would save. You'll be able to afford Holgate in a weeks time and will have more flexibility with the extra FT.

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

                  yep - this is holding me back for sure.

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

                C) get Brunt

            • danishdynamite
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              I know who I want (Kane, Lukaku, Baines, Brunt) and I know I’ll need a placeholder 5th midfielder (Schneiderlin / Davies / AN Other) but which way to crumble the cookie?

              This week, for a hit: Clyne / Hazard / Anichebe > Brunt or Baines / Davies / Kane or Lukaku

              I have ab.sol.lute.ly no clue – anyone a wee bit the wiser?

              1. makaveli123
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Brunt, 4.4 and Kane for me. I would avoid Davies though.

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

                Baines, Carroll, Lukaku seems safe from any blanks, would be tempted to wait until at least Monday to be sure, however.

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

                Thx chaps

            • Tibbs
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Slightly off topic. In a cash LMS, down to last 3, who would you back to win next GW?

              Bou (CRY)

              Burnley vs Leicester (can pick either)

              Middlesbrough (WBA)

              Swansea vs Saints (can pick either)

              Bookies suggest Bournemouth but quite fancy Burnley at Turf Moor, what do you think?

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

                Would go Burnley.

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

              I love Sir Phillips Jones but with Bailly back from AFCON at some point and Europa League/FA Cup muddying the waters is anyone looking to replace him in the medium term?

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

                No

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

                o/

                Looking at Everton defence given I don't have any. Maybe in GW26. People are saying Everton's fixtures stiffen after GW28, but I don't buy that at all.

            • VirusintheMind
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Anyone tempting to take DAVIES as EVE have some awesome fixtures lined up? and he s jz 4.4

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

                Bench fodder

                Carroll at Swansea far better option

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

                  Carroll at Swansea??

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

                    Tom Carroll

              2. Big Mac 24
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                No guarantee he'll be starting, massive log-jam for positions in that midfield.

              3. I Member
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Will he keep his place when Schneiderlin settles and Gueye returns?

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

                  He has 2 assist and 1 goal in last 3..cant see why will be benched

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

                Only as a sub option. 352 almost certainly not the way to go. Most will be looking at Chelsea/Everton/Brom/United/Boro defence and there are great fixtures coming up there.

              5. Leeroy Jenkyns
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                I did on a free last week de Roon > Davies. He's got form and fixtures. 3 matches he's started now and played 90: beat Saints 3-0, beat City 4-0, beat Palace 1-0. Doubt he'll be dropped.

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

                  who are you benching this week?

            • @fpl_phenom
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Did anyone hear anything about Andy Carroll going for a scan?

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

                Pregnant?

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

                  lol spills coffee 😀

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

                you mean did anyone google "Andy Carroll scan". I'm guessing so.

              3. Pap Le Cissier
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                Heard he damaged a hoof

                1. @fpl_phenom
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  The excuse I need to get Kane in may was if him for Sunderland game is all

            • Big Mac 24
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Advice appreciated - Do I use my second free transfer or let it roll? Used my first free for Kuhn to Kane.

              Thinking Haz and Ake to Alli/Eriksen and Baines for -4, or wait with the Baines one to save the hit - stoke are scoring at the mo so clean sheet is imo not to likely.

              Heaton (LEI)
              Holgate (sto) Jones (HUL) Friend (WBA)
              Haz (liv) Sanchez (WAT) Stanislaz (CRY) Phillips (mid)
              Kane (sun) Ibra (HUL) Gru (WAT)

              Grant (EVE) Alonso (liv) Ake (liv) Morrison (mid)

              2.2m in the bank too

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

                Good team, I would just do Ake to Baines this week if you have to.