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, 3 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, 3 months ago

      *smashed

      Worst GW ever.....

      1. Pasqualinho
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

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

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I actually got a green arrow 😮

          But that's cause my OR is so bad 😆

          1. Jøssy ⭐
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

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

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

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

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

      First time i got average

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

      Pieters' 2 Baps the only consolation

    6. Still Unsure
        9 years, 3 months ago

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

        1. Jøssy ⭐
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          No one likes a show-off 😉

    7. Troopon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 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.

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

        I would play Alonso still

      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

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

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

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

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

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

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

        Save!

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

        Save

      5. Hank Scorpio
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Lose Iwobi to Carroll.

        Then upgrade Capoue next week.

        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          And play Alonso.

      6. Offs!de
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        save
        Play Alonso, I reckon him as a mid

      7. WVA
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Save and start Capoue over Iwobi.

        I'd play Alonso.

      8. bakayoko
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

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

    9. WVA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

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

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

        A

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

        A or B

    10. Albert Cole
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Who MIGHT have blanks in GW26?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

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

        1. Albert Cole
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Jesus Christ.

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

        Use the ticker

        1. Albert Cole
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

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

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

            Do some research cobba

    11. InSaneMan-e
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        Pickford to Jaku?

    12. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

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

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

        I had a look but going to avoid him

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

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

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

            Yep! Looking at Robertson myself in GW 27/28

    13. Pellegrini Falcon
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        Captain Costa.

    14. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        The world is a sick, sick place...

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

        Almost my front 3 🙁

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          😮

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

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

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

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

    15. AntonioKante
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 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?

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

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

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Good move imo. Likely Blank in 28 though.

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

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

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

      What a nightmare GW, fell about 200 in rank 🙁

      Ibra -> Jesus anyone?

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

        No

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

        keep ibra

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

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

    18. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

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

      1. Hank Scorpio
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

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

      2. Jafooli
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        What spam the forum with nonsense?

        1. Rhinos
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I do that already

          1. Jafooli
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Noted 😉

    19. Toothless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        Baines for GW28!

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

        Baines

    20. bakayoko
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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, 3 months ago

            Sounds entirely reasonable to me.

    21. WDT
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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, 3 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, 3 months ago

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

    22. Hank Scorpio
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Phil Jones you absolute glass man.

      Going to ditch him and never go back.

      1. Azathoth
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        This 6 min cost 5 points.

        1. Hank Scorpio
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

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

          1. Azathoth
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            I already ousted him for McAuley.

    23. meenabakery
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        A by far

        1. meenabakery
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Thanks, agreed.

      2. Hank Scorpio
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        A looks decent.

        1. meenabakery
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Cheers.

    24. Azathoth
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 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.

    25. Scotty B
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 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

    26. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Bravo dropped 😮

      Stones CS 😮

      4.7m 😮

      1. bakayoko
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Just added to watchlist ;_;

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        You think MC's defence gonna be reliable now?

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Without Bravo, it will certainly be better.

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

        One for GW wildcard.

        1. Jafooli
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Yeah defo....

    27. MartialMatas
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 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, 3 months ago

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

    28. SuperMario
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        A

    29. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Who here is captaining Lukaku this week?

      1. Jazz!
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Me probably.

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

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

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

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

        2. bakayoko
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 3 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, 3 months ago

        Me!

      5. Fred54
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Two Lukakus, now that's pushing me!

        1. Winners900
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Me got Alli and Ibra too

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

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

    31. Pacer.
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 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

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

        Yep. Pep is a c*** though

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

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

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

          The key is in the first word.

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

            Ah missed that, forgive me bro

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

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

      5. Hank Scorpio
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 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."

    33. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Defoe to Lukaku worth a hit?

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

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

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

        No

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

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

      4. Azathoth
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Are u still standing TM?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Yep

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

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

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

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

      6. NestorC
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 3 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.

    34. UnitedFan
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 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

    35. Astronautovic
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

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