Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Tuesday

Gameweek 31 is upon us and underway courtesy of a quartet of Tuesday night matches under lights.

In Fantasy terms, the focus will be on Old Trafford where Zlatan Ibrahimovic returns to the equation and Manchester United’s starting line-up against Everton.

Having once been owned by over 2.4 million FPL managers, he’s now part of just over half that number and, intriguingly, goes head-to-head with the new top owned asset in Everton’s Romelu Lukaku tonight.

The Toffees frontman will be under renewed pressure to deliver following his tepid display in Saturday’s Merseyside derby. With Ibrahimovic now returned ahead of United’s two double Gameweeks, Lukaku needs to show willing and perhaps produce points to stave off increasing sales.

Elsewhere, Leicester City’s renaissance receives its latest test with basement dwellers Sunderland at the King Power Stadium. The Foxes have won four successive Premier Leauge matches and, while Jermain Defoe is fit to start for the visitors, Jamie Vardy and company will be backed for another win and further returns.

Meanwhile, Burnley host Stoke City at Turf Moor with Tom Heaton the key asset on show, while West Brom make the trip to Vicarage Road with Gareth McAuley the big draw – he boasts six goals from corner kicks, with the Hornets conceding ten from set-plays, only Bournemouth have conceded more.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

4,897 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FCSB
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    currently thinking what my next move should be, current GW32 team is:

    Heaton
    Valencia Walker McAuley
    Alli Sigurdsson Coutinho Eriksen
    Lukaku Costa Origi

    Jaku Alonso Davies Olsson

    1 FT, 2.4m ITB

    should i be looking at getting Ibrahimovic in, and if so who for?? (may need to make a couple of changes)

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

      Team looks good, probably save. Would play Alonso over McAuley

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

        ok cheers mate... after last night mcauley can be dropped (but he'll prob burn me... 'again')

    2. Jönny
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Weird one this week, games coming thick and fast and making it hard to assess...

      On paper, Ibra vs Sunderland is a no brainer. But United look out of sorts. Not sure I'd lose either Lukaku or Costa for him this week.

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

        damn... i know, makes it a tough decision

    3. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Be crazy to bench Alonso. Looking at his position when Chelsea attack. He sits on the edge of the box. Had great scoring chances in the game before Palace and had some dangerous crosses against Palace but Chelsea couldn't get passed their defence. I'd be surprised if he blanks against Bournemouth

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

        just switched him with mcauley

        can you see a way in for zlatan??

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

    Thoughts on what to do here?
    Evans to Boro def maybe?

    Heaton
    Alonso, Valencia, Evans
    Sanchez, Alli, Eriksen, King
    Ibra, Lukaku, Carroll

    Pickford, Mawson, Fletcher, Holebas
    1FT, 1.1m ITB. WC and BB left

  3. karvs155
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Next move here?
    Jaku Forster
    Alonso Brunt Valenca Pieters Holebas
    Sanchez Eriksen Coutinho Siggy King
    Lukaku Costa Diomande

    1FT, 1,4ITB

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

      Boro def? Good fixtures and getting ready for DGW34

  4. Jönny
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I really don't know what to make of my squad for next week..

    Pickford (MUN) Foster (SOU)
    Valencia (sun) McAuley (SOU) Davies (WAT) Pieters (LIV) Maguire (mci)
    Coutinho (stk) Sanchez (cpl) Zaha (ARS) Siggy (whm) Barkley (LEI)
    Aguero (HUL) Lukaku (LEI) Llorente (whm)

    One of those where I feel like I could either wildcard, or save a transfer.

    Or just do Coutinho to Alli.

    1. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Much cash itb?

      1. Jönny
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        0.2

        Team value is rubbish

    2. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing too bad, don't WC. I'd definitely look at getting in a Spurs mid though

      1. Jönny
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah that's what I mean...it's not too bad, but it feels a bit meh.

        Getting to the business end of the season, can't stand still at this stage!

        But maybe just Coutinho to Alli, pending tonight's games..

  5. Rasping Drive
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    http://statsbomb.com/2017/04/its-not-the-same-old-arsenal/

    Interesting stats analysis re Arsenal.

  6. istanbul05
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I'm thinking about Grant, Evans to Valdes, Stephens (-4), is that crazy or could it work?! (Can't afford Grant to Valdes only)

    Jaku, Grant,
    Alonso, Valencia, Davies, Evans, Amat,
    Sanchez, Alli, Cout, Siggy, Fletcher,
    Kun, Kaku, Llorente.

    Thanks guys!

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not worth a hit 2 defenders. One of those transfers is hardly worth making.

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

    Prediction for Chelsea-City

    I'm thinking 1-2

    1. istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      1-1

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

      3-1. Reaction from CHS. Sadly.

    3. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      2-2

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

      0-0 would be nice!

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

      4-0

  8. Max City
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    my 2nd account's front 8:

    Eriksen Alli Fraser Mirallas Obiang
    Lukaku Costa Aguero

    Tempted to bring out Costa, Lukaku, and Mirallas.

    Which one should be the first priority to get rid of?

    1. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Don't go there

  9. Rhinos
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Are the ffs cup 2nd rounds this gw? Assume so but it doesn't say so on article and sometimes they don't include midweek games

    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      90% sure yes, they rushed out the draw for yesterdayday so surely

    2. FPL Hitman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      2nd round of cup ongoing

  10. FPL_Hazards
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Well after having to take a hit this week to get a decent captain (Vardy), who to capt in GW32?

    A) Vardy (eve)
    B) Lukaku (LEI)
    C) Costa (bou)
    D) Sane (HUL)
    E) Sterling (HUL)
    F) Son (WAT)
    H) Alli WAT)
    I) Siggy (whu)

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      D

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

      Not much of a name for someone who can't figure it out

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

        Cant get the alphabet right either lol

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Alli or Lukaku. If LEI continue their improved form, Alli might be the better bet.

    4. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      H

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

      A, B or H

    6. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      G

  11. Jafalad
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    We are 3-4 weeks from the first potential dgw. Why are so few failing to bring in dgw players in preparation for these bonanzas?

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

      This DGW appears to be shiety

    2. Jönny
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Presume it's a combination of (a) people planning to wildcard, and (b) the dgw options not being all that attractive.

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

        Hi Jonny - thought folk were playing the wildcarding in 36 for 37 as the fixtures are more appealing?

        1. Jönny
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I think a lot probably are..I'm undecided yet.

          I think the arguments for me of going earlier are:
          (1) the types of players you'd get in for 34 such as Middlesbrough players are cheap, benchable options, so it won't mess up your team
          (2) I don't have my TC anymore so that isn't an element
          (3) and this is the key for me - pinning everything on the penultimate Gw feels like a waste of a wildcard that could actually set you up for 5-6 weeks rather than 2

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

      I'm having 7

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

        Care to share?

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

          Valdes ddg Gibson chambers(or whoever's fit) zaha ibra benteke all for -4

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

            Nice work. Are you wildcarding these in?

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

              Nope already done it. Vardy to ibra this week benteke and Midd defender 34

    4. MR SUNSHINE
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      2 boro defenders
      1 man u defender and Ibra
      Zaha

      No more needed really

    5. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Assuming no injuries or suspensions my transfer this week is Foster -> valdes
      YOLO

    6. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Its in the back of my mind and usual suspects are there to be had, I almost did Llorente > Benteke -4.

      But I dunno would rather save on hits at the minute. Just because I have a WC left doesn't mean I should fritter away points before it.

  12. LECHUCK
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone know of any update on Llorente and whether he'll start tonight? Merci

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

      Touch n go. Sound like he could be used as an impact sub

    2. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Not a chance

  13. McQueen
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Would appreciate your suggestions guys. Thanks.

    Kane & King to (with 0.0M left ITB)

    A Ibra & Sane
    B Vardy & Alli (already have Eriksen)

    Kane & Brunt to

    C Ibra & Valencia?

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

      C

    2. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      How come you still have Kane? Been in the Cooler again?

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

        Yep mate, Coleman, Mane injuries were more urgent and I got Sanchez in early, luckily I had a strong 8 so could leave him on the bench.

        Any suggestion?

        1. Rasping Drive
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          If you went Brunt to a Boro defender, could you afford Kun rather than Ibra?

          If you are set on one of the above, I prefer A.

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

            I can get Kun in one move, lots in the bank but then again not enough to get Kun and Valencia with 2Ts. So Boro defender not a problem. Can get Bertrand though.

            Cheers.

  14. Millie7
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    jaku (cech)

    alonso holebas valencia (pieters) (smith)

    sterling sanchez siggy ali (leko)

    origi carroll lukaku

    got 2.3 itb and 2 free transfers...what would you guys do?

  15. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    I love owning Aguero. Absolutely cracking run home! It's a shame it's Easter.

    1. MR SUNSHINE
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yep, one of the most fun to own for sure. That price tag tho!

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

      Can hardly wait for his 4 goals against Hull. Save my season Kun

      1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Why even say this and Jinx it. Just ride the wave man.

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

          I don't believe in jinx

          1. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            I'll blame you if he blanks.

    3. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He better deliver. A hatful against Hull is expected.

  16. MR SUNSHINE
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    What's the obvious move here?
    1FT and 0.6m in bank

    Pickford (Jaku)
    Davies, Alonso, Valencia (Gibson, Yoshida)
    Sane, Sanchez, Alli, Eriksen, Coutinho
    Ibra, Vardy (Barnes)

    Vardy to Lukaku?

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

      I think vardy looks a better bet to score well then lukaku right now, so I would keep vardy

  17. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Next week:

    a) Heaton to Valdes
    b) Pieters to any Boro def except Gibson

    1. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      A - there aren't any other Boro defenders right now. Chambers could be back soon, but not yet.

  18. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is there any correlation between Coleman playing and lukaku scoring this season?

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

      Hard to say as Coleman only missed a couple. It's more that lukaku at home is a beast and away rarely delivers. I'm keeping for the next 2 then ditching

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

      Yeah. Every goal Coleman scored Lukaku played 😉

    3. Amateur Pundit Zan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Coleman has played lots and lukaku has scored lots which seems correlated. Though perhaps correlation does not equal causality in this instance.

    4. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      doubt it, coleman just missed 2 tough games

  19. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Are Vardy owners holding or selling? He's in form but has tough games coming up.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No Ashley WIliams and Ibra/Man Utd being completely out of touch probably means I'm keeping.

      1. Jet5605
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Good points. Think I'll hold until he blanks

  20. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, how's my team looking. Which option is best:

    A - Phillips > Eriksen
    B - Brunt > Bavies
    C - Other?

    Heaton - Pickford
    Mawson - McAuley - Valencia - Brunt - Amat
    Sanchez - Siggie - Mane - King - Phillips
    Vardy - Lukaku - Carroll

  21. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Apart from Gibson and Valdes, who is the most nailed Boro defender? Jones' drop made the most for Gibson is 0.1 impossible. Unless I take a hit for Heaton and Jones to Valdes and Gibson.

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

      Chambers but till he's match fit then who the hell knows

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

        Cheers. Looks like Bernardo or Barragan.

  22. THEKID_88
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Best defender up to 4.8m for the run in?

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

      B Davies. I think rose has had it.

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

      Bavies. Just depends on Rose's injury. You can boot when you wc. Otherwise a MID defender might be handy. I'm waiting on Chamber's fitness.

    3. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Stones

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        This ... great fixtures

        1. THEKID_88
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks

  23. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    so this was deeneys first multiple attacking return of the season. as smooth as the weekend was rough

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

      What's going on with Janmaat? Worse punt ever

      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        not sure he or the manager trust his body to get through 90mins yet

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

        He's always injured man. So much potential, but don't go near him. He rarely lasts 90 min. Don't forget that. 😉

  24. drughi
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Heaton and siggy > Valdes and sane for a hit, yay or nay ?

    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      there's an argument that the hull defence is stronger than west ham's, could be worth only doing the first one

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

        Thats a fair argument, Heaton>Valdes for free looks like a good transfer on paper though

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

      Possibly, although siggy has potential to match sane.

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

        yep he has but city can when they have their days score 4-5 goals. Swansea not so much

  25. Takedog1
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Thinking of wc'ing this week. Does anybody know what clubs will have the dgw so I can try plan ahead?

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

      Look at the league table after the games tonight. Those who have played less than 31 will have a double.

      1. Jönny
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Ah grand, this is what I was looking for. Thanks.

    2. Takedog1
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Thank u

  26. Pep says
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Alli is a good captain pick for gw32 right?

    1. Jet5605
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I'm going with him or Eriksen (if I buy him)

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

      Yep although Kun might punish the sinners.

    3. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      very, Watford are down to 1 for centre back i think, mariappa had to play yesterday!

      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        *1 fit

    4. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yep. It'll be him or Lukaku.

    5. Rasping Drive
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Absolutely

  27. Jet5605
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Is McAuley injured? I see he only lasted 55 mins last night

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

      Tactical substitution according to the live text.

    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Pulis said protected

  28. Jönny
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who are the teams who still have a double to be scheduled?

    I've got Arsenal (x2?), United, City, West Brom, Southampton (x2?), Chelsea, Tottenham, Watford, Stoke, Leicester, Sunderland... Is that right?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      You need to throw in there 1 or 2 Boro defender/goalie too imo

    2. Cars and Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Stoke do not. Think the rest is right.

  29. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Just noticed McAwful didn't complete 60 min and got subbed off.

    Injury?

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Just saw above post, ignore it gents

    2. Pep says
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Tactical

  30. Luis Suarez Ate My Homework
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    When will the postponed games be played?

    ARS v SUN
    CHE v WAT
    LEI v TOT
    MCI v WBA
    SOU v ARS
    SOU v MUN

    Thanks.