Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Burnley vs Chelsea

Sunday treats us to two more Gameweek 25 matches as Burnley entertain Chelsea in the early 1.30pm kick-off.

The Clarets may well offer stubborn resistance to the league leaders today. Sean Dyche’s men are no pushovers in front of their own fans, with just a single goal conceded in the last four at Turf Moor.

Yet that fine home record clearly hasn’t deterred those holding Chelsea’s main men.

Handed the armband by 10.9% and 4.9% FPL managers respectively, Diego Costa and Eden Hazard are amongst the top six captained players for this round of fixtures.

Faith in Marcos Alonso is also on the rise – he was subject to over 111,000 transfers in after netting for the fourth time this season in last week’s win over Arsenal. The Spaniard continues to offer a steady stream of points at both ends of the pitch, producing a goal, assist or clean sheet in 15 of his 18 starts under Antonio Conte.

Subsequently, Clarets stopper Tom Heaton – the top scoring keeper in FPL – has been named as a sub by 403,000+ managers this week, he third most benched player in the Gameweek.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

912 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Think Im going Sanchez out for Mane instead of Haz. Feels better.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ok.

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      don't do it

    3. vectorman
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Probably done the same myself but for their fixtures Pool and the fact we need more evidence they really have turned the corner. We know what Pool are like, can be brilliant against the top sides then mugs against the Accrington Stanley's of this world..

    4. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ugh thinking a similar route here, I'm utterly uninspired by owning Haz - great player for your 5-a-side team, but a consistent FPL troll every single time.

      1. Ibracadabra
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        A troll with 6 points per game. One of best players in league over last 3 years. Silly.

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          class is permanent, time to get Haz

        2. Individual
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I know - it's my own individual (see what I did there???) bias that is forming my perceptions here.

          I am considering Hazard very strongly for the next gw, but I am not too keen on it.

          I also refer you to this community article: http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2017/02/09/hunting-fantasy-footballs-biggest-trolls/

          ps. I love "silly!" I haven't heard anyone calling anyone that for ages!!! So childish isn't it 🙂

          1. Ibracadabra
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Fair enough. Just not going to read that article as have played the game for 13 years and watch about 50% of PL matches each weekend and can see with my eyes who the world class players are, and Eden Hazard is one on a title winning team, on penalties, and motivated w/ confidence.

            1. Individual
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Ah mate, fair does, no beef - glad you replied rather than leaving it - I've been playing for a few years myself, but only really properly the last 3/4 🙂

              I just watched the game too and love Hazard as a player - as I said, in my 5-a-side team - but as an FPL asset I often feel I don't have the confidence in him to bring him in, plus obviously I fall prey to recency bias because of bringing him in after his big performance v. Everton this year and seeing meagre returns (I still rue the fact Zlatan got those late points on boxing day - I had Haz (c) with that pen goal, looked genius before Ibra stepped up!)

              But it'd be silly to ignore him because of the reasons you've said, I totally agree with you 😉

              1. Ibracadabra
                • 14 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Yes it is always tough to have the resolve after having been burned by a player, and even on days like today, owning a 10m+ asset isn't fun when they return only 2 pts, but think over the long haul if he's fit and passes the "eye test," you can do no wrong with him in your side and then focus on other areas for improvement. He is cheaper than Costa, Kane, Ibrahimovic for example and has returned more points than all three of them. I am not saying by any means I am perfect, I had him in my GW1 side, then dropped him after 5 or 6 weeks and didn't bring him back in until much later but he is one of those "set it and forget it" players when fit which is a luxury to have especially when you need to make transfers elsewhere. Good luck to both of us!

                1. Individual
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 2 months ago

                  Mate loving the theorycrafting 🙂

                  Yes I agree - I brought Kaku back in for his haul (though sadly I didn't captain - ML rivals had 3x Spurs so I captained Alli to cover... fool me) but he is right up there as my biggest FPL "troll", but I'm not an idiot and can't ignore the fixtures nor the circumstances.

                  I also love a "set and forget". It's a bit tough at the moment because of the uncertainty around GW28 and the blanks in GW26, but I'm definitely considering Haz (despite the prior ersatz flippancy) and wish I owned him (despite today) as it would solve a problem next week, when the Chelsea (and Spurs) games assume undue prominence due to City, Arsenal and United all blanking.

                  Good luck to you too! Always nice to speak to someone on the forum who can substantiate their views and answers back with well thought out replies 🙂

  2. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    That first touch from Pedro deserves all the BAPs

    1. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Agreed. The sort of touch that wins you points and matches.

  3. tm245
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Would be interesting if bonus were awarded on a straight scale across all matches. None of these low BPS scores racking up the extra points.

    1. Numb
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, I was thinking that before. Would be fairer.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah there probably should be a minimum BPS needed or no baps.

      1. tm245
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah, the quality of the play seems to get a bit lost in the current system.

  4. F4L
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Cap next week? Haz, Costa or Kaku?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Haz or Kaku, can't trust either, likely to go wrong :/

    2. greghammer95
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Rondon.

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        *pukes

      2. Individual
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I lol'd irl.

        Own. Have to keep. Hate owning.

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Kaku, no question.

    4. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Kaku. 2 pointer incoming. But still, Kaku.

    5. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Luk

    6. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Rondon

    7. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Lukaku surely

  5. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of keeping and benching Sanchez through the blanks.

    Means no Lukaku

    Madness? Both parts madness?

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      gotta get the big man

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I think I should too tbh

    2. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No Lukaku as I would need hits every week to mess up my team balance

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      It's a valid tactic.

    4. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Ah no get Lukaku in.

    5. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I keeping Sanchez and benching, will get Lukaku after GW27 anyways cause I don't fancy him to get anything away to Spurs

    6. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Gotta get Lukaku, plenty more to ditch before Sanchez unless you've no money tied up mind

  6. Crazy Joe
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    1 goal in 5 away games, Diego Fraudsta.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      how many Haz got? Nothing

      1. Crazy Joe
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I don't have either of them so sounds good to me.

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          at least Costa gets assists. Better pick than Kane by a mile

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Quite game, nice pass to Haz early doors, about it.

      1. Netley Lucas
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        *Quiet

  7. Shultan
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    35k in now for gabiadinni!
    are casuals that log in & see him 2nd on transfers in, gettin him in because others are & its snowballing!
    Reckon he'll be over 100k in before GW26 starts

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      tbh, most semi-casuals have a strong bench, i.e they don't get bench fodder. Therefore they can afford to bench him for 1 week

      1. fiveyears
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I get what you're saying, but I'd be amazed if that's the motive behind Gabbiadini transfers.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If you log in, you can click straight to transfers and then bring him in without seeing any fixtures, that could account for a few. A few might be on WC and hoping for a double rise. The other few, well they're just...

    3. Shultan
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I just hope by the time, GW29 comes around i'll be able to afford him.

  8. Danstoke82
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Costa fail today.

    Really need a Siggy super show now

  9. Mattymo23
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is trying to get in as many players that will play in GW28 as possible and WC GW29 madness?

    1. greghammer95
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm basing my transfers on this and fixtures post gw28. If there are only 3 games on I won't stress.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'd keep Wildcard for the DGW's at this stage, most teams will be lucky to field 4 or 5 players GW28 anyway

      1. Mattymo23
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        But I could get in people for DGW's in GW29?

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      utter madness

    4. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      If the worst does happen (3 game GW28), having 7/8/9 players will be fine.

      Don't take masses of hits to rip up your team ahead of GW28.

      Certainly don't WC...that would be criminal!

    5. tm245
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I want my fifth mid and my bench defenders to have games, the rest I won't waste a lot of transfers on.

  10. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Looks like Ibra > Costa is on the cards for me this week....will see how good/bad Swansea defend today first do

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Swans have improved, but Costa is still worth buying with dem fixtures

      1. Ravager
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I wouldn't mind shifting Ibra for a bit, but already have LuCosta and want the cash..

  11. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Never bench Alonso.

    1. 1569Tippins
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Stupid comment

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        +1

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      more like never captain 🙁

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      With only 5 blanks from 20 games you're certainly right!

    4. Deus
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      *McAuley

  12. greghammer95
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Trying to ignore the transfer market and rises has done me good the past few weeks. Managing to save transfers and not mess with my team. I think with Aguero being out of the equation and there actually being limited big hitters it's less relevant or necessary.

    1. janowsc
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm with you there, gonna try and be patient until the fa matches are done.

    2. Ibracadabra
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      This 100%. You can field an EXCELLENT side for 103m or so. No need to worry about big price swings with the likes of Lukaku, Siggy, and mid priced defenders out there doing the business.

    3. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Right on, Greg!

      That's 12.8-13.0 I don't have to worry about trying to integrate into my team, so I'm happier now than before to let Sanchez/Ibra drop a little bit so I make as good a call as I can with all the information available to me

  13. janowsc
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else armband siggy? Hoping he saves my GW!

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Mark I think

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, yours and mine, have faith bro lol 😉

      1. janowsc
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I believe!

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I am drinking slightly faster than normal though lol

          1. Business Cat
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Need another trip to the off-licence before kick-off? 😉

            1. Netley Lucas
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Nah, got 5 left for the game, should be okay. 😉

              1. Business Cat
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Litre bottles of spirits? 😉

                Taking rough with the smooth to extremes!

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      To Ciggy!

    4. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      o/

    5. Ridcully
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I captained him.

    6. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Was looking for a way to fit him in before the GW.

      Can see a goal and assist incoming.

      I have KdB tomorrow, whom I had to keep for bournemouth away. But I love Siggy as an FPL asset and wish I could've fitted him in.

    7. Haz84
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I am in the same boat 0/

    8. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Me. Need 10 points from him (before doubling) to draw my H2H against TM.

    9. RedLightning
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Mark, Jonty and Granville have all captained him too.

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Wisdom of crowds 😉

        1. RedLightning
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Wisdom or foolishness.
          Hope it's the former!

  14. Sweetboi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Pick one lads:

    a) Jones > Brunt/Funes Mori

    b) Alexis > Mané

    c) Ibra > Lukaku

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      keep Ibra, but find a way to get kaku

  15. F4L
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hands up if you need Jesus to save ure GW! \0/

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Need Raz Sterling.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      o/

      He's got his work cut out considering I don't even own him

    3. janowsc
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He'll save my GW, but not in the way you're hoping for. =p

      1. F4L
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        😉 16 pointer incoming

  16. The Head-Ake
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Jak
    Alonso - Walker - McAuley - Chambers
    Snoddy - Eriksen - Mane - Philips
    Lukaku - Costa (Henessey - Ibra - Holgate - Siggy)

    Did Mane and Siggy in and am thinking of getting Sanchez in back for gameweek 29 so planning ahead. Choices:

    1) Kaku out - Philips out - Snoddy out to San + Morrison + Crouch
    2) Kaku out - Walker out - Snoddy out to Crouch + San + Funes Mori
    3) Others - please specify

    Really Really appreciate suggestions and as many replies as possible 😀

    1. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hello again dude,

      Wait til after FA Cup 5th round games. More games might open up for later planning - remember there's a lot of blanks in gw28 coming up - so you want to make sure you're bringing in players that fit the criteria of no blanks in 26 and 28.

      No need to plan ahead just yet - much can change - but I'd say that keeping Kaku is a good idea, as he has a GW28 fixture and is looking in decent form.

      Too many unknown unknowns to give much advice at this point. Hold your knees tight and wait til closer to the time 🙂

      1. The Head-Ake
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        So you reckon I wait to use my transfers - prolly keep FT for next week?

        1. Individual
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Well you have 2 weeks til the next FPL gw - FA cup, europa league, champions league in between.

          You have a strong squad for 26, so I'd probably either hold your FT but make a change if there's a bit injury (e.g. Costa injured or something).

          With the 2FTs you can make much more difference and adapt to the form and it gives you that adaptability.

          Good that you're planning ahead, but GW27 is so far in advance and there's a lot to happen - what if Hazard scores 4, would you suddenly want him in, too? - so you have to give "future you" the best chance of catering to those changes, meaning I wouldn't worry too much right now about 27 as there's still 26 to get through 🙂

          ... as you can tell, I've played FPL for a while so I'm a bit less worried about what's happened this week vs. the "long game"

          1. The Head-Ake
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks a lot for that reply. Insightful piece of advice there. Really appreciate that you took the time to share your thoughts - I think I'll do what you suggested. Cheers lad!

            1. Individual
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              No worries, a good chance I am totally wrong but have learnt over time (a lot from great posters on these forums that I can never even hope to be as good as!) how best to navigate these tricky times last year, so hope it helps you 🙂

  17. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Score prediction?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      1-1

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      2-1

    3. mojoindojo
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      6-1 with Siggy double hattrick

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Hope 3-0, fear 0-3 lol

  18. Point-one short
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    YC for Sterling and City to concede would be a good result. Hope Bmth can find some of their previous form.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Need Ake back

  19. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    52 all out

    No more players left so I will be wishing who ever has players left to play lots and lots of misfortune, missed penalties and a few red cards 😉

    1. The Head-Ake
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      30 here with Sterling to spare. So 32 it is.

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        You forgot his yellow card and early substitution

        1. The Head-Ake
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Dude...

  20. KUNingas
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Cedric ->
    A) Brunt
    B) Hull defender
    C) Other

    1. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alonso, Coleman, Valencia and Holebas othet defenders

    2. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A ofc

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A easy

  21. mojoindojo
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Having a strong defence has cost me quite some points.

    It seems I am benching the wrong defenders almost every week. Alonso and Luiz gave me 3 points with 16 from McAuley and Pieters on bench.

    At least I will be able to field a strong team next GW.

    1. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      start playing 4-3-3

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I'm on 4-3-3 now until I can eject Phillips after the blanks...working OK

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Double any defence is playing with fire.

      1. mojoindojo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Aye. Might rid of Luiz

  22. FPLtfs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ibra dropping tonight, so safe to do Ibra -> Costa now? Anyone doing this? 🙂

    1. Ibracadabra
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      What if Blackburn beat United at home in FA Cup? You would have wanted to hold. I would hold to see FA Cup / Champions League results and injuries.

  23. Bolivian Seaman
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Not too confident about sigurdsson, these type of punts always seem to fail. It should be a high scoring game though

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      My current scorecard reads:

      Times captained Siggy: 1

      Siggy captain fails: 1

  24. alangreat
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Already on a -4 and if Holgate doesn't play next week I'm one player short.
    Shall I do Ibra to Costa? What concerns me is Costa has been lacking shot attempts in recent games, and Ibra home against Bou could result in a haul...
    Taking an effectively -2 hit for a Costa scoring hope, yay or nay...?

  25. Champione
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone replacing Ibra with someone other than Kane, Costa or Lukaku, for instance Niasse?

  26. 1569Tippins
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Foster - Pickford
    Baines - Coleman - Alonso - Walker - Toby
    Antonio - Alli - Sanchez - Snoddy - Siggy
    Rondon - Carroll - Lukaku

    1FT £2.1m ITB

    I have a lot of value already tied up in Alonso - Walker - Alli - Sanchez

    Original plan was to bench all 4 and just field 10 players GW28 if there was only the minimum 3 games.

    But with Alli out of form and about to drop in price, coupled with my 10 players with GW28 fixtures (subject to injuries) I'm tempted to ship Alli this week for in-form Mané.

    What do you all think?

  27. hjalmarekdal
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hi lads. Already done 1 transfer, Ibra to Costa. I'm planning on keeping Alexis on the bench.

    My current team:

    Jakupovic
    Baines - Walker - Evans
    Eriksen - Phillips - Mirallas - De Roon
    Costa - Kane - Lukaku
    (Foster, Amat, Yoshida, Alexis)

    I would really like to get rid of Mirallas, and if I sell him I have 8.2 itb. Who to transfer in in that case? (I have one more free transfer)

  28. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Siggy is basically a slower version of kdb