Dugout Discussion
1 February 2017 5225 comments
Paul Paul
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After a disappointing Tuesday evening, we’ve high hopes for the three remaining matches in Gameweek 23.

West Ham and Man City get us up and running at 7.45pm as the pair go head-to-head at the London Stadium.

The major news is that the fit-again Sergio Aguero is only named on the bench for City as Gabriel Jesus is afforded his first league start up top. Pep Guardiola also drops Claudio Bravo and hands Willy Caballero a chance between the posts.

With fixtures on their schedule in Gameweek 26 and 28, the in-form Hammers are of keen interest to Fantasy managers, with the likes of Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio offered the chance to stake a claim for our plans this evening. New signing Robert Snodgrass warms the bench, though Jose Fonte is fast-tracked into the first XI by Slaven Bilic.

Man United entertain Hull and Stoke welcome Everton to the bet365 in the pair of 8pm encounters.

With Alexis Sanchez managing just an assist against Watford and both Diego Costa and Harry Kane serving up blanks, the stage looks set for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to produce the goods at Old Trafford.

The United frontman was the top captaincy choice for Gameweek 23, with 22.9% handing him the armband at home to a Tigers outfit that have conceded more goals away from home than any other side.

Everton, meanwhile, have been subject to considerable investment on the back of five wins and a draw in the last seven rounds of fixtures.

Similar to West Ham, upcoming matches in Gameweek 26 and 28 boost the Toffees’ appeal, with many keeping an eye on Seamus Coleman, Leighton Baines, Ross Barkley and Romelu Lukaku as we plan ahead to deal with the inevitable cup postponements.

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  1. Jøssy ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    "After a disappointing Tuesday evening, we’ve high hopes for the three remaining matches in Gameweek 23."

    ...and they were dashed!

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      *smashed

      Worst GW ever.....

      1. Pasqualinho
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I'm not sure about worst, but definitely the dullest.

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I actually got a green arrow 😮

          But that's cause my OR is so bad 😆

          1. Jøssy ⭐
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 5 months ago

            FFFix had me going from 72k > 57k for the week last night...

            Actually finished on 75k, useless &@?!#%!!!!

    2. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Tell me about it.....4 measly points from Jones, Ibra and Aguero.

    3. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      6 points from 3, it really was a poor night!

    4. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      First time i got average

    5. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Pieters' 2 Baps the only consolation

    6. Still Unsure
      9 years, 5 months ago

      40 points and a gentle 8k green arrow. I'll take that.

      1. Jøssy ⭐
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        No one likes a show-off 😉

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

    Aguero dilemma. He was potentially going to be my captain this week at home to Swansea.

    Do I

    1) Save transfer, swap for Costa/Lukaku next week and invest the cash elsewhere
    2) Transfer this week.

    Current team

    Foster (Grant)

    Alonso Baines Yoshida (Holebas Love)

    Sanchez Alli Phillips Allen (De Roon)

    Aguero Ibra Rondon

    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Save and play Aguero this week.

      Pep's comments were positive regarding him still being important and that game time needs to be shared between all of his squad.

      I would play him this weekend vs Swansea, then get rid. That is my plan anyway.

  3. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Would like some opinions on this

    Foster
    Alonso, Brunt, Coleman
    Sanchez, Iwobi, Eriksen, Phillips
    Lukaku, Kane, Ibra

    Pickford, Holebas, Capoue, Amat.... 0.5itb 1FT

    Do I save a transfer here or get rid of Iwobi?

    Do I play Alonso or Holebas?

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I would play Alonso still

    2. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Alonso.....I can see Chelsea keeping Arsenal out.....

      1. Bubz
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        That doesn't bode well for my double Arsenal attack then

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Everyone has Sanchez so that's void.....Iwobi >Siggy?

    3. My Name Is Prince
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Save!

    4. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Save

    5. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Lose Iwobi to Carroll.

      Then upgrade Capoue next week.

      1. Hank Scorpio
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        And play Alonso.

    6. Offs!de
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      save
      Play Alonso, I reckon him as a mid

    7. WVA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Save and start Capoue over Iwobi.

      I'd play Alonso.

    8. bakayoko
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Save & play Capoue instead of Iwobi. Had a great game vs. Arsenal & plays Burnley at home

  4. WVA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Lallana to
    A Antonio
    B Siggy
    Leaning towards A because of fixtures. Thanks

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      A

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

      A or B

  5. Albert Cole
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Who MIGHT have blanks in GW26?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Blanks are Man U v Man City and Southampton v Arsenal. Already taken out of fpl schedule for week

    2. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      What's the pony in being a member if you aint gonna read the articles

      1. Albert Cole
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Jesus Christ.

    3. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Use the ticker

      1. Albert Cole
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, but might there be more blanks than the ones already confirmed?

        1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Do some research cobba

  6. InSaneMan-e
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Any ideas? 1 FT 0.0 itb

    Heaton (Pickford)
    Brunt Coleman Daniels (Pieters) (Friend)
    Sanchez Alli Phillips Fraser
    Kun Lukaku Ibra

    A: Hold Kun for this gw
    B: Kun-->Kane
    C: Something else

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Pickford to Jaku?

  7. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Was really considering Byram, but by all accounts he was poor last night?

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I had a look but going to avoid him

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yup, think he failed his audition.....Robertson (HUL) looking most likely now....

        1. JAC THE CAT
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Yep! Looking at Robertson myself in GW 27/28

  8. Pellegrini Falcon
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Foster
    Brunt Alonso Coleman
    Haz Alexis Eriksen Phillips Stanislas
    Costa Ibra

    Jaku Daniels Diomande Kingsley

    0.2 itb 0FT gtg? Hardly any captain options though, should Lukaku come in?

    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Captain Costa.

  9. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Giroud, Lukaku, Carroll etc are paid millions just to score goals.

    Let that sink in for a minute........

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      The world is a sick, sick place...

    2. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Almost my front 3 🙁

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        😮

    3. My Name Is Prince
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Also, we watch them on the telly, and play fantasy games, and all that #complicity

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, my point is......that they don't score goals 😆

  10. AntonioKante
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    2nd account so less money GTG?
    heaton
    azpi funesmori walker(C)
    alli sanchez eriksen phillips
    giroud crouch ibra

    jaku stanislas chambers m.wilson

    and my opponent in head to head is a dead account
    de gea
    otamendi holebas jones
    kdb henderson mane toure kante
    vardy(C) costa

    cech holding rhodes stewart

    i am scared that he has 3 city players should i try to get one?

  11. Speédy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    friend to PVA if friend is injured long term???

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Good move imo. Likely Blank in 28 though.

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

      Maybe a Hull def. Looking more resilient under Silva and don't blank

  12. Arn De Gothia
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    What a nightmare GW, fell about 200 in rank 🙁

    Ibra -> Jesus anyone?

    1. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      No

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

      keep ibra

    3. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Didnt see the game y-day. How was he?

  13. Rhinos
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Aguero c for me. Might do a bus driver if this fails 😆

    1. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I still might join you. I think he will play vs Swansea.

    2. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      What spam the forum with nonsense?

      1. Rhinos
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        I do that already

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Noted 😉

  14. Toothless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Rose > Walker?

    I have Alonso, Coleman, Brunt and Yoshida.

    Looking at playing 5 at the back this week.

    Or worth getting another Everton/WBA defender in with one eye on the blank gameweeks?

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Baines for GW28!

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Baines

  15. bakayoko
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    ----------------Foster
    Alonso Walker Coleman Valencia
    --Sanchez Alli Phillips Barkley
    --------------Ibra Kane

    Jaku Barnes T.Carroll Yoshida

    What do you think of this lot? Lots invested in defense but considering they were my only source of points last GW, is it viable to carry this into the next few GW's?

    1. meenabakery
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Your defense first policy is good. I've taken the opposite approach this season and I've paid dearly for it.

      The only concern in your team, in my view, is Barkley. Who I realise has some nice fixtures, but is staggeringly inconsistent. Maybe Siggy? He also doesn't have great fixtures...

      1. bakayoko
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers. The only reason Barkley is in this team is to have some Everton attacking cover. Would ideally like to have Lukaku but can't afford him without nerving my defense. Fingers crossed he delivers

        1. meenabakery
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Sounds entirely reasonable to me.

  16. WDT
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Why rip up a squad and TV it's taken this long to build for the sake of 1/2 blanks?

    This week's proved fielding XI doesn't guarantee you loads of points. Caution I tell thee.

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Doesn't guarantee them no but if you don't buy a ticket you can't win the lottery

      1. WDT
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        You have absorbed too much FIFA commentary. I suppose it maybe more fun, but heavy hitters can score more in a gameweek than his replacement in 2/3.

        1. Rhinos
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Not played fifa for years. I agree no need to go crazy but don't think selling Sanchez or ibra that stupid. Plus that's the whole point of tv. If you don't ever sell them then it's meaningless

    2. Demel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I am planning on fielding 11 without hits. My players prices will rise and blank players will fall. Transfer value loss will be neglible and nothing is won or lost on TV alone.

    3. Gregor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      There are loads of players playing that I want anyway though.

  17. Hank Scorpio
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Phil Jones you absolute glass man.

    Going to ditch him and never go back.

    1. Azathoth
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      This 6 min cost 5 points.

      1. Hank Scorpio
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        And the rest....he was looking good for bonus.

        1. Azathoth
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          I already ousted him for McAuley.

  18. meenabakery
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Gentlemen, ladies, any advice would be warmly appreciated. I'm torn between two options:

    Heaton/Robinson
    Baines/Pieters/Friend/Chambers/Kingsley
    Sanchez/Eriksen/Hazard/Phillips/De Roon
    Ibrahimovic/Lukaku/Defoe

    2 FT

    a) Hazard/Friend/Defoe > Zaha/Walker/Costa
    b) Hazard/Friend/Defoe > Siggy/Prodl/Costa
    c) Hazard/Friend > Lallana/Alonso

    I lean toward A myself, that trinity feels like it has a bit more bite about it. But whaddaya think?

    1. bakayoko
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      A by far

      1. meenabakery
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks, agreed.

    2. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      A looks decent.

      1. meenabakery
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers.

  19. Azathoth
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Jesus just came in my team and will be my cpt this GW.I have to ask divine intervention to win my ML this year.

    1. Gemgem1010
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Thank you for this ..I am not alone, I did the same last night put the C on him for this week, and I ended up with 3.3 itb.

      It feels good to have city back in my team.

  20. Scotty B
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Jaku
    Luiz McAuley Baines
    Sanchez Lallana Alli Phillips
    Benteke Gray Ibrahimovic

    Cech De Roon Rose Chambers

    1 FT & 2.8 ITB

    Which option is better?
    A Lallana > Mane
    B De Roon > Mirallas
    C Gray > Jesus

  21. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Bravo dropped 😮

    Stones CS 😮

    4.7m 😮

    1. bakayoko
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Just added to watchlist ;_;

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        If it wasn't for blanks in GW26 & 28

        There would be a lot of Jones > Stones this week. Still think there will be plenty...

        Troll > Troll

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

      You think MC's defence gonna be reliable now?

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Without Bravo, it will certainly be better.

    3. Demel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      One for GW wildcard.

      1. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah defo....

  22. MartialMatas
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Ideas for my team?

    Heaton Pickford
    Alonso Coleman Brunt Jones Pieters
    Sanchez Eriksen Alli Pogba de Roon
    Ibra Giroud Rondon

    2ft 1.2itb

    Was thinking of Giroud - > Lukaku
    Not happy with Rondon or Pogba either.
    Also worried about Jones' injury

    1. meenabakery
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I'd get rid of Pogba out of pure rage at the number of relatively clear-cut chances he misses. Maybe downgrade him to Zaha or Phillips and upgrade Rondon to Costa?

    2. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Giroud to Lukaku and maybe save the other. Will be nice to have 2ft ahead of the blank and increase your options.

  23. SuperMario
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Boruc - Pickford
    Alonso - Pieters - Cedric - Lovren - Amat
    Sanchez - Alli - Phillips - Stanislas - Fletcher
    Aguero - Ibrahimovic - Crouch

    3.9 in the bank and 1 FT..

    A. Lovren --> Coleman
    B. Stanislas & Crouch --> Carroll & Lukaku (-4)
    C. Aguero --> Kane
    D. Other?

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      A

  24. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Who here is captaining Lukaku this week?

    1. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Me probably.

    2. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      If I had him I think I would. Might still ditch Ibra for Lukaku...

    3. grapesland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Zero touches in the box last night, looked isolated. Different at home I suppose, but even so..

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, home is different. Watched game last night and can see something vs BOU.

      2. bakayoko
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        He always seems so close to goal when Everton play at home. Not owning him frightens me considering BOU & SUN coming up

    4. JAC THE CAT
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Me!

    5. Fred54
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Two Lukakus, now that's pushing me!

      1. Winners900
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Me got Alli and Ibra too

  25. grapesland
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Reluctantly bringing in Lukaku for Giroud for this gameweek, the guy with Zero touches in the box last nigth

    As much as I like blanks and dgw's, it is also a bit annoying to be half directed by them. Think I would have taken a shot at Gabby J if it wasnt for City's two blanks comping up. Just cant defend using transfers in and out for those players now, can we?

    1. Fred54
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      So much this. Hate owning him...alll I could afford and cover wise etc.

  26. Pacer.
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    looking to bring in brunt this weekend for Amat or Holgate. I own three Everton already. Should I bring him in for Amat or for Holgate, which would free up a spot for a Coleman Baines double up for the blanks

  27. Demel
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    If Aguero starts he is by a country mile the best captaincy option this week.

    Risk vs Reward

    1. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yep. Pep is a c*** though

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

      Country mile? He's not even certain to start 🙂

      1. Demel
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        The key is in the first word.

        1. UnitedFan
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 5 months ago

          Ah missed that, forgive me bro

    3. grapesland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      No reason to bench Gabby I think, he fits so much better into Pep's system.

      Wouldnt risk it anyday

    4. meenabakery
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Surely he'll go with the same forward line that had them 3-0 up against West Ham by halftime? Suppose it depends what his tea leaves tell him on Saturday morning.

      1. Rhinos
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Pep rarely starts the same 11 so actually its surely he wont

    5. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I think he will start vs Swansea.

      Pep's comments in a report after the game last night:

      Jesus was preferred in attack to Sergio Aguero, but Guardiola was quick to downplay suggestions the Argentine was now second choice at the Etihad.

      "Of course they can play together," Guardiola said. "For us, Sergio remains so important. Everyone knows that we cannot achieve our goals without his contributions.

      "I am a guy who likes to involve players as much as possible because with this crazy calendar it is impossible to play with the same players. But I try to be fair."

  28. TorresMagic™
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Defoe to Lukaku worth a hit?

    1. Demel
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      No. But for free in the future...yes.

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

      No

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah. I like that risk. Bou can't defend and Everton score more goals at home.

    4. Azathoth
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Are u still standing TM?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yep

    5. grapesland
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      Depends on captaining I think, will he be the most captained player in top 10k you think?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        9 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, captaining is a factor. Ibra and Lukaku top 2, Kane 3rd perhaps

    6. NestorC
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 5 months ago

      I will probably do Gru to Kaku for a hit, but only because I don't see better frw who doesn't blanks, and Gru is done. But not sure I would get Defoe out, he scores a lot by penalties.

  29. UnitedFan
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Hull defenders look like great differentials for the blanks. All below 1% ownership and a new-found resilience inder Silva. Might look to get in Robertson

  30. Astronautovic
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 5 months ago

    Best forward under 5.0 who is likely to play gw 26 and 28?