Team News
9 January 2018 1358 comments
James H James H
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With the dust now settled on the festive period, we take time out to assess the lessons learned from the teamsheets over the last four Gameweeks.

Our aim is to pinpoint the selection patterns to emerge, as a guide on what to expect for Gameweek 23 and beyond.

Arsenal

  • What we saw: Arsene Wenger started 15 players over the four Gameweeks. At the back, he opted for a wing-back formation in the final three matches after rolling out a 4-2-3-1 in Gameweek 19. Hector Bellerin was the only defender to start all four fixtures, with injuries to Nacho Monreal and Sead Kolasinac forcing Wenger’s hand – Callum Chambers proved the main beneficiary, earning three starts.

    Rotation was far less evident in attacking areas. Jack Wilshere kept his spot alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield throughout, while Alexis Sanchez and Alexandre Lacazette also started the four matches. Meanwhile, a minor knee complaint meant that Mesut Ozil missed out against West Brom.

    Wenger handed his fringe players a run-out in the FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest. Ashley Maitland-Niles and Alex Iwobi (two starts each) featured the most frequently over those recent league encounters.

    That line-up clearly had one eye on Wednesday’s Carabao Cup semi-final against Chelsea.

  • What we learned: After falling out of favour as a result of a switch to a back four, the wing-back system handed Kolasinac a reprieve before injury struck. Wenger was forced to manage Laurent Koscielny’s minutes, suggesting that the Frenchman’s long-term Achilles complaint remains an issue. Chambers now looks to be the favoured central defensive back-up option.

    Wilshere dispelled any concerns over his fitness, though Aaron Ramsey’s return will surely give Wenger a selection headache in that area. Meanwhile, despite mounting speculation over the futures of Sanchez and Ozil, both remain assured selections – for now at least.

    Lacazette was ever-present over the festive spell and his minutes look more assured with Olivier Giroud sidelined and with Danny Welbeck failing to impress against Forest.

    Sunday’s loss may now knock on to Wenger’s approach to both the Carabao Cup and the Europa League, with the Gunners now scratching around for silverware. We could see stronger XI’s deployed in those competitions from here on, starting against Chelsea.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield

    Bournemouth

  • What we saw: Cherries boss Eddie Howe handed starts to 18 players over the last four Gameweeks. In terms of tactics, he opted for a wing-back set-up for the trip to Manchester City in Gameweek 19 before reverting to his favoured 4-4-1-1/ 4-4-2 formation from there on.

    At the back, only two defenders – Steve Cook and Adam Smith – started all four matches. Charlie Daniels returned against Brighton in Gameweek 22 following injury, while Nathan Ake featured as a substitute on the south coast after feeling the effects of the busy festive programme.

    Injuries prompted changes in midfield, with Andrew Surman and Harry Arter limited to one start apiece, as Dan Gosling earned three starts in their absence. Jordon Ibe and Ryan Fraser were the clear favoured options on the flank, making four and three starts respectively.

    Josh King picked up a hamstring injury during the 2-1 victory over Everton in Gameweek 21, handing an opportunity for Benik Afobe to join Callum Wilson, who started all four matches, in attack.

  • What we learned: With Daniels now back from injury, Howe again has five players – Daniels, Ake, Steve Cook, Simon Francis and Adam Smith battling for the four spots in defence. Steve Cook is perhaps the most likely to drop out, though he has boosted his claims having scored in the Cherries’ last two matches.

    In the absence of the injured Junior Stanislas (hamstring), Fraser and Ibe look to have established themselves as the first choice wingers. Ibe has played from start to finish in five successive matches now, having previously managed 90 minutes in just one of the opening 17 fixtures.

    King and Wilson appear the favoured pair in attack with Jermain Defoe sidelined. Afobe remains the back-up and is likely to come in against Arsenal on Sunday should King fail to overcome a hamstring problem.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Right-back, central defenders, central midfield.

    Brighton & Hove Albion

  • What we saw: Chris Hughton used the festive spell to hand starts to 17 different players. In terms of formations, we saw his usual 4-4-1-1 system in three of the matches, with a more defensive 4-5-1 deployed for the away clash with Chelsea in Gameweek 20.

    In defence, Lewis Dunk was the only player to start all four matches, although Shane Duffy only missed Gameweek 19 through suspension. Bruno and Ezequiel Schelotto made two starts apiece at right-back, while Markus Suttner (three starts) gained favour over Gaetan Bong (one start) at left-back.

    There was plenty of rotation in wide areas, though Solly March and Anthony Knockaert (both three starts) were favoured ahead of Jose Izquierdo (two starts), while Pascal Gross (three starts) was preserved for the trip to Stamford Bridge.

    In attack, Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed were both handed two starts each as they job shared the lone striker role.

  • What we learned: Brighton’s first-choice left-back remains uncertain, with Bong seemingly making way for Suttner during this period.

    In midfield, both March and Knockaert currently appear to be Hughton’s favoured wide pairing, with Izquierdo and Izzy Brown the back-up options. The latter is now nursing an injury having been withdrawn early in Monday’s FA Cup tie.

    Having scored from the bench in Monday’s FA Cup win over Crystal Palace, Murray looks set to be re-established as the first choice striker and will be expected to start at West Brom in Gameweek 23.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Left-back, flanks, lone striker

    Burnley

  • What we saw: Sean Dyche stuck with a settled XI, handing starts to just 13 players. He generally kept faith with his favoured 4-4-1-1 formation, although a 4-1-4-1 was deployed for the 2-2 draw with Manchester United in Gameweek 20.

    In defence, Kevin Long made three starts before James Tarkowski returned from a three-match suspension for the Liverpool clash in Gameweek 22.

    Up top, Chris Wood has missed out having sustained a knee injury in the 3-0 defeat to Spurs in Gameweek 19; Ashley Barnes took up the lone striker role in the three matches that followed.

    However, Barnes started wide left in the FA Cup defeat to Manchester City, allowing Sam Vokes to lead the line.

  • What we learned: Tarkowski and Mee are now back as Dyche’s first choice centre-back pairing and will be expected to continue at the expense of Long. Right-back Phil Bardsley started all four league matches during this period and appears to have seen off the claims of Matt Lowton. Meanwhile, at left-back, Charlie Taylor is set to continue while Stephen Ward remains sidelined.

    Barnes will surely continue as Dyche’s lone striker while Wood works his way back to fitness, while new loan signing Georges-Kevin Nkoudou is now a factor on the left flank, putting Scott Arfield’s starting role under threat.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Left wing, lone striker

    Chelsea

  • What we saw: Antonio Conte handed starts to 15 players over the last four Gameweeks, switching between 3-5-1-1, 3-4-2-1 and 3-4-3 systems.

    At the back, only Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Victor Moses started all four matches, with Davide Zappacosta surprisingly only featuring as a substitute three times.

    N’Golo Kante was the only midfielder to start all four matches, with Tiemoue Bakayoko (three), Cesc Fabregas (two) and Danny Drinkwater (one) sharing spot in the XI.

    Eden Hazard and Alvaro Morata each made three starts, with Hazard rested for the Gameweek 21 meeting with Stoke City, while Morata missed the Gameweek 19 trip to Everton due to suspension. That allowed Pedro and Willian to make two starts apiece.

    Conte rested much of his first choice XI against Norwich City in the FA Cup ahead of tomorrow night’s EFL Cup clash against Arsenal, although David Luiz returned following an injury lay-off.

    Of those who started at Carrow Road, Gary Cahill, Antonio Rudiger (three starts each) and Bakayoko featured the most frequently over the festive period.

  • What we learned: Luiz hands Conte a further option in defence, though Andreas Christensen – rested in the FA Cup – will be expected to remain the first choice in the Blues’ back three. Cahill looks to have a slight edge over Rudiger for the other spot in central defence alongside Cesar Azpilicueta.

    Moses confirmed his status as the first choice right wing-back, though rotation alongside Kante in midfield looks set to continue following the arrival of Ross Barkley.

    Hazard is fit to return in the EFL Cup and will be expected to start up with Morata in that encounter and in Saturday’s meeting with Leicester in a 3-5-1-1. Starts for Pedro and Willian look likely to remain scarce, then.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield

    Crystal Palace

  • What we saw: A growing injury list saw Roy Hodgson hand starts to 16 different players. He was forced to mix up his tactics, using a 4-4-2 against Swansea City and Arsenal, while opting for a 4-3-3 against Manchester City in Gameweek 21. Hodgson then switched to a 4-2-3-1 for the 2-1 win at Southampton.

    After conceding three times against Arsenal in Gameweek 20, the Palace manager decided to hand a recall to Wayne Hennessey in place of Julian Speroni in goal. He has now made three consecutive starts in all competitions.

    Injuries hit hard at the back, with James Tomkins the only defender to start all four matches. Timothy Fosu-Mensah benefited from two starts at right-back having made just two of the previous nine Gameweeks.

    There was consistency in midfield, with Luka Milivojevic and Yohan Cabaye, along with Andros Townsend, all making four starts. A knock for Ruben Loftus-Cheek (two starts) opened the door for James McArthur (two starts) to come into the side.

    After missing the Gameweek 19 trip to Swansea through suspension, Christian Benteke started every match, while Wilfried Zaha (four starts) was also a regular.

    Hodgson handed opportunities to fringe players in the FA Cup defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup, though Jeffrey Schlupp and Andros Townsend started and picked up injuries making them major doubts for Gameweek 23.

  • What we learned: With Schlupp (foot) and Townsend (ankle) adding to the lengthy injury list last night, Hodgson’s options for Saturday’s home meeting with Burnley are severely limited. Patrick van Aanholt will come in at left-back, with Kelly likely to partner Tomkins in central defence. Fosu-Mensah should continue at right-back and Hennessey is expected to retain his start in goal.

    Hodgson’s formation changes, along with Loftus-Cheek’s absence, makes it trickier to predict the make-up of the midfield and attack. Milivojevic and Cabaye should start, while the injury to Townsend makes McArthur another likely starter. Jairo Riedewald has played in a defensive midfield role in two of the last three matches and could be an option depending on injuries and formation.

    Zaha and Benteke are certain starteres, with Bakary Sako’s goal at Brighton helping him push for a role out wide in either a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2.

  • Current Status: Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, full-backs, central midfield, flanks

    Everton

  • What we saw: Toffees boss Sam Allardyce utilised his squad over the festive period, handing starts to 18 players. He also shifted formations, operating with wing-backs for the Gameweek 20 trip to West Bromwich Albion. He then reverted to a four-man backline for the trip to Bournemouth and the home clash against Manchester United, using 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 systems.

    At the back, only Michael Keane and Cuco Martina started all four matches. Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Mason Holgate all made two starts apiece, with Holgate used at right-back against Man United, handing Jonjoe Kenny (three starts) a rest.

    Wayne Rooney was limited to one start after falling foul of a virus. That was countered by Yannick Bolasie’s return from injury which lead to two starts, impacting on Aaron Lennon’s (two starts) pitch-time.

    Up front, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (three starts) was preferred to Oumar Niasse (one start), with the former handed a rest in the final match against Man United.

    Both he and Kenny returned for the FA Cup tie against Liverpool in a strong starting XI.

  • What we learned: Keane emerged as a first choice centre-back but missed the FA Cup fixture due to a foot injury, and is now a doubt for Saturday’s encounter at Spurs. Allardyce could start with Williams, Jagielka and Holgate in a three-man defence, or leave one of that trio out in a four-man backline.

    Rooney’s is set to continue in midfield with Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye shielding the defence behind him. Gylfi Sigurdsson could be used in a No 10 role after he impressed after moving into that position against Liverpool. Yet the Iceland international may continue to be used on the left depending on the formation, with Bolasie having the edge over Lennon on the opposite flank.

    New signing Cenk Tosun is likely to make his debut up front at Wembley, though Calvert-Lewin could be preferred as the lone striker if the Turk is short of match fitness.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, flanks

    Huddersfield Town

  • What we saw: David Wagner was another who was happy to rotate his squad, starting 16 players. The Terriers head coach remained consistent in terms of his formation, however, favouring a 4-2-3-1 system.

    Centre-backs Christopher Schindler and Mathias Jorgensen both started all four matches, with rotation continuing in the full-back positions – Tommy Smith, Florent Hadergjonaj, Chris Lowe and Scott Malone all made two starts apiece.

    In midfield, Aaron Mooy, Tom Ince and Rajiv van La Parra all made four starts, while Collin Quaner (three starts) was also a regular. Jonathan Hogg and Danny Williams shared pitch-time alongside Mooy in the double-pivot.

    Frontmen Laurent Depoitre and Steve Mounie were handed two starts apiece, as the lone striker position was shared.

    January loan signing Terence Kongolo was handed his first start for the Terriers at centre-half in the FA Cup tie with Bolton Wanderers.

  • What we learned: Rotation will surely continue at full-back and also in the spot alongside Mooy at the base of midfield. Kongolo’s impressive debut will give Wagner food for thought and a new option to possibly rotate his central defenders.

    Further forward, Quaner picked up a hamstring problem and is a minor doubt for Gameweek 23. Joe Lolley will be on standby to come in, while Depoitre and Mounie both look set to continue sharing starts up front. The latter could get the nod for the visit of West Ham having been an unused substitute in Saturday’s cup tie.

  • Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
    Risk Areas: Full-backs, central midfield, flanks, lone striker

    Leicester City

  • What we saw: Claude Puel turned tinkerman over the last four Gameweeks, handing starts to no fewer than 18 players. Tactically he kept a fairly consistent approach, though, using 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-1-1 formations before adopting a 4-4-2 for the 3-0 win over Huddersfield Town in Gameweek 22.

    At the back, only two defenders – Harry Maguire and Wes Morgan – started all four matches. A hamstring injury for Danny Simpson saw Daniel Amartey take over at right-back, while Christian Fuchs (three starts) benefitted from Ben Chilwell’s festive illness at left-back.

    In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi, Riyad Mahrez and Marc Albrighton all made four starts, with Vicente Iborra (two starts) being rested twice, handing opportunities to Andy King and Matty James.

    Jamie Vardy made three starts before missing the Terriers clash with a groin injury. He was replaced by Islam Slimani in Gameweek 22. Demarai Gray and Shinji Okazaki shared pitch time in the support striker role, making two starts apiece.

    Gray and Amartey were the only two players who made two or more starts over the festive period to feature in the starting XI for the FA Cup tie away to Fleetwood Town. Chilwell recovered from illness to figure, while new arrival Adrien Silva was handed his first start.

  • What we learned: Amartey looks set to continue at right-back for the injured Simpson, with Aleksandar Dragovic or perhaps Yohan Benalouane battling to partner Maguire in central defence for the trip to Chelsea with Morgan (hamstring) struggling. Robert Huth has upped his fitness with minutes for the reserves but is unlikely to be risked.

    Chilwell’s illness over Christmas was an inconvenience for Fantasy managers. He had started six of the previous seven outings so could usurp Fuchs at left-back.

    Silva is still finding his feet, so Iborra will likely continue to partner Ndidi in central midfield for now. Gray and Okazaki are seemingly battling for the support striker role, with Vardy expected to recover in time to replace Slimani for Gameweek 23.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Central defenders, left-back, support striker.

    Liverpool

  • What we saw: Jurgen Klopp toned down his rotation but still shuffled his line-up more than most, handing starts to 19 players. But the regular 4-3-3 formation remained.

    No defender started all four matches, but Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren, Ragnar Klavan and Andrew Robertson (all three starts) were the favoured back four.

    Emre Can was the only Liverpool player to start all four matches, with rotation much more of a factor in midfield. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain made two starts and, along with the returning Adam Lallana, could be the beneficiary of Philippe Coutinho’s departure to Barcelona.

    In attack, Mohamed Salah, Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane all made three starts each.

    Virgil van Dijk was handed his debut in the 2-1 win over Everton in the FA Cup alongside Joel Matip in central defence.

    Can was one of five players who made three or more starts between Gameweeks 19 and 22 to start in a strong Klopp line-up.

  • What we learned: Klopp again flirted with the option of Loris Karius in goal, starting him against Leicester and in the FA Cup tie, but Simon Mignolet will be expected to return in goal for Gameweek 23.

    Van Dijk and Matip will surely form Klopp’s first choice central defensive pairing, with Lovren and Klavan now back-up options.

    Gomez continues to be the favoured option at right-back ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold, but with Alberto Moreno closing in on a first-team return, rotation between the Spaniard and Robertson is now on the cards.

    The speculation surrounding Can’s future at Anfield looks to have had no impact on his minutes. If Jordan Henderson (hamstring) remains sidelined for the meeting with Man City, it could be Georginio Wijnaldum and perhaps Oxlade-Chamberlain who join Can in central midfield. Lallana is another option, though he still appears to be building his sharpness following long-term injury.

    Salah is on course to join Firmino and Mane in attack on Sunday according to local press reports. However, Firmino’s start is dependent on the FA’s verdict following an investigation into his exchange with Mason Holgate in last Friday’s FA Cup tie. Dominic Solanke will be on standby, with Daniel Sturridge missing the festive period with a muscle problem.

  • Current Status: Fairly Settled
    Risk Areas: Central midfield, right-back

    Part two of Line-up Lessons, detailing the remaining ten teams, will follow tomorrow.

    1. navin
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Downgrading Son to Arnie "might" get you a Morata or Aguero.

    2. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      G2G?

      DDG
      Ota Christensen Dunk Ogbonna
      Hazard Salah Sterling Arnautovic Lingard
      Kane

      Elliot DCL Long Quaner

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Gtg Arn. Interesting strategy with the 451, what's the plan for DCL?
        I'm keeping a flexi-352/442 myself.

        1. arndff_
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I’ve got 3.8 ITB, so next GW:

          DCL > Aguero.

          The problem is who to ditch:
          a) Arnautovic
          b) Lingard and Christensen > Tarroll and Mee
          c) Hazard and Christensen > 6.4 and Alonso

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

          Huge malevich shout out. That is all

          1. arndff_
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            I dont understand what you wanted to say. Could you explain? Ty. 🙂

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

            Good man. A bit of culture on FFS never hurt!

      2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Looking good Arndff, I like the 4,5,1.

        Yea good to go, who’s your captain?

        1. arndff_
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Currently on Kane(c) and Hazard(vc).

          How would you involve Aguero in my team next GW?

          I’ve got 3.8 ITB, so next GW:

          DCL > Aguero.

          The problem is who to ditch:
          a) Arnautovic
          b) Lingard and Christensen > Tarroll and Mee
          c) Hazard and Christensen > 6.4 and Alonso

          These are my options I think.

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Very tricky as none of those options look very attractive do they....

            What about;

            ota - stones
            Arnie - Albrighton

            Or

            Arnie - atsu (you don’t need to play him every week, but he has a good fixture this week)
            Dunk/ogbonna - Dummett/Kelly

            1. arndff_
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Havent thought about those ones...

              Dont want to lose Ota. Arnie could be gold too.

              Theres time hntil gw24, so i’ll think about it next week...

              1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Yes you are in a difficult position because any of those transfers could backfire.....

                Good luck, let me know how you get him in, when you do.

            2. arndff_
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Oh, and i forgot to thank you... Cheers, mate!!

    3. grig
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Coutinho to

      A) Mahrez
      B) Son
      C) Lingard
      D) Someone else (who?)

      Adrian - Elliott
      Alonso - Jones - Mee - Kenny - Ogbonna
      Salah - xxx - Sterling - Arnie - RLC
      Kane - Morata - DCL

      1. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Pogba

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Lingard

      3. MartialMatas
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        pogba / lingard. depending on which will allow morata to kun next week

      4. Make United Great Again
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Pogba

      5. grig
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks. Pogba leaves me 0.3 short of Kun so will need to look into a possible hit or just go with Lingard.

      6. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        C

    4. RIDZ
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Alli+Kane to Hazard+Kun for next week, yes or no?

      Also tempted with Mahrez, maybe Mahrez for budget instead of heavy pointless Hazard

      1. navin
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        rest of the team?

        1. RIDZ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          DDG
          Azpi Jones Ogbonna Danilo Dunk
          Sterling Salah Son Arnautovic - Hazard
          Quaner DCL - Aguero

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

        2 GW 28 players for liklihood of 2 GW 28 non playing players? Fairly sideways too.

        1. RIDZ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          I don't understand sorry

      3. Darklord_bg
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        No... Madness to lose Kane

        1. RIDZ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          why madness? fixtures getting harder for Spurs and easier for City. Moreover, Jesus injured, giving Kun more time to play with less rotation risk

      4. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Kane can score against anytime...he's a season keeper...

        1. Bavarian
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          any team 🙂

        2. RIDZ
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Will you captaining Kane against United-Liverpool-Arsenal? I assume you have City/Liverpool mid and not captaining him.
          I am talking about the point of having expensive player who doesn't wear the armband. I would surely pick Aguero as captain

          1. Bavarian
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            sure i will...i think he will perform well against them..he will find a lot of open spaces...

      5. Fpldonny
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Hold

    5. Tshelby
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Any news concerning Arnie of RLC?

      1. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        one of the lesser known GoT houses

        1. Smurf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          This made me LOL a little too much 😉

        2. The EJJ
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Lol!

        3. Count of Monte Hristo
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Haha.

    6. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      1FT 2.8ITB

      Elliot* Fabianski
      Jones Otamendi Mee Kabasele Monreal*
      Sterling Eriksen Alli Son T.Carroll
      DCL Morata Firmino

      Got 3 Spurs mids from last GW.

      Do I:

      A. Monreal -> Alonso
      B. Monreal + Alli -> Alonso + Lingard for -4

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        a

        1. Bavarian
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Too much Spurs ...If you dont want to lose -4 do A now and the second part of B next week

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers all

    7. Cheeseoid
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Of course Salah could be faking the injury in order to force a move to Real Madrid.

      1. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        a voodoo doll told him to leave

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

        A dream move he just wouldn't be able to turn down apparently. 😆

    8. FlockofSeagulls
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Has there been any news regarding the Firmino/Colgate debacle?

      1. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        yes firmino last seen in the bathroom

        1. FlockofSeagulls
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Are his teeth ok?

          1. The Son Haz got Atsu on
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            they're very white, hopefully not a reflection of his politics

            1. FlockofSeagulls
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              😆

      2. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        He has many big beaver teeth to clean. It could take a while.

    9. supersham
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If you were on a WC would you have kun in your team or spend the money elsewhere?

      1. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        kun

      2. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Kun as long as he didnt unbalance the squad completely.

      3. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Kun

      4. Pacer.
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Elsewhere. There's defenders on nearly half the price racking up the same points. Salah and Kane make great captain choices. This is not the 4 goal aguero of the past. He isn't the main man. Kane is your only option for that

        1. Pacer.
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          And I'm on a WC

          DDGea
          Alonso, Azpi, Otamendi, Jones, stones
          Salah, sterling, lingard, Mahrez, (doucoure)
          Kane (Ayew, quaner)

          1. supersham
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Ballys formation pal!

            1. supersham
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Whats your overall rank?

              1. Pacer.
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                I usually make the top 100,000. Last couple of years I've finished 20-50,000

                I won't give away my rank this year as I had a funny one where I got totally bored and spunked 40 transfers in the first 20 games. Ergo I'm going for a complete overhaul and restructure earlier rather than later

      5. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Kun

        1. supersham
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          This is my Kun less WC Team..

          deGea

          Ota Jones Alonso Mustafi

          Mahrez Sterling Lingard Salah

          Kane Firmino

          Elliot McArther Chilwell Quaner

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            And your Kun one?

            1. supersham
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Ryan Adrain

              Ota Alonso Jones Chilwell Mbemba

              Mahrez Sterling Lingard Salah McArthur

              Kun Kane Quaner

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

            I would go for this or even 5-4-1 over Kun every day of the week. He's just gonna give you a captain headache and you've improved your overall squad far better than the value of kun. Also bear in mind the question marks over Sanchez (and Kun) and Firmino

      6. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        absolutely yes and I am in debate to swap Kane to Kun next week

    10. The Son Haz got Atsu on
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      if Sanchez don't play tonight he's a gooner gonna. Goes straight in my team just dunno how

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Will he even start for City ?

        1. Forever In Our Shadow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Doubt it. None of the front players would be nailed.

    11. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      When you click on ‘information’ of a player and his game week history, what is the ‘SB’ second last/right column next to £ Price

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Selected By

      2. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Selected by

      3. dark91
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        If you mean TSB it means teams selected by

      4. Bragazeti
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Selected By

      5. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks guys

    12. La vida FPL
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      A) Arnie
      B) Alli

      > Lingard?

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ali

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        B

    13. Exeter Gently
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      On a wc. How are we looking?

      DDG/Elliot
      Alonso/stones/vvd/Duffy/masuaku
      Sterling/Salah/gross/lingard/mahrez
      Kane/diouf/firmino

      Obs a 3-5-2. Too heavy on pool?

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Looks good. My only concern would be that Elliot is injured and Newcastle in the market for a keeper (if funds are released)

      2. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Yes too much Lpool. Mahrez right down does i leave enough to make Firm into Aguero?

        Maybe cheaper GK and Jones over VVD

      3. Exeter Gently
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks both!

    14. Tombory
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Any help appreciated ! 1ft .1itb

      DDG
      Alonso ota dunk ogbonna
      Sterling salah haz lingard richarl
      Kane (C)

      Elliot Maguire depoitre niasse

      1. No_Mo_Salah?
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Save

    15. DenDanskeDuo
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      How do you think Kane will do in gw 25-27 against ManU, Pool, Arsenal?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        More the point is how will ManU Pool and Arsenal do against Kane?

      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Very poorly. Which I suspect means he'll get at least 6 goals in 3 games

      3. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        only one of those teams has a good defence so pretty well

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Hes struggled against bad defences so far this season

      4. Tombory
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Id say 3 goals I'll be keeping

      5. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Very well

      6. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Picking his goals is hard. As others said the fixtures look bad, which prob means he scores loads???

      7. Bragazeti
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Goal(s) in each game

      8. Bavarian
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        i'll captain him all the way

      9. MrBoombastic
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Worse than morata vs BOU, wat, WBA.

        And worse than Serg vs WBA, bur, LEI

        That's the plan for me anyway!

      10. Ambrosiana Inter
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        The only time I didn’t captain Kane was vs lvpool,too though a match they said...2goals 1 assist

      11. DenDanskeDuo
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        So I guess Kane —> Kun is not a popular move then. Will try to free up funds for Morata —> Kun instead

    16. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Best pick?

      A. Richarlison Or Arnie >> Lingard
      B. Son+Christensen >> Lingard+Alonso (-4)
      C. Save FT

      Elliot
      Masuaku • Otamendi • Christensen
      Son • Salah • Richarl • Sterling • Arnie
      Kane(C) • Aguero(vc)

      (Fabianski / Depoitre / Duffy / Kiko*)

      1. Speédy
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Save unless you want Alonso

        1. Joggers Nipple
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          A with Rich looks ok

      2. No_Mo_Salah?
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        A. Rich to Lingard.

      3. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I'm with the crowd on this one (A). Kudos on having the balls to keep Kiko on your bench for this long!

        1. RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Hahaha 🙂 was too busy putting out other fires!

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

          Id save

    17. C'mon the Fylde
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      What do you think of this team?
      My next transfer would be -8. I'd like to avoid that.

      Fabianski
      Kenny/Alonso/Otamendi
      Alli/Lingard/Arnie/Sterling/Salah
      Firmino/Morata

    18. Legomane
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Which Salah recovery (and Sterling acquisition) plan over the next couple of GW's? Cheers

      Pope
      Jones Christensen Duffy Ogbonna
      Hazard Eriksen Son Arnautovic
      Kane Aguero

      (Elliot RLC DCL Kenny)

      1FT 0.0 ITB
      A. Eriksen Son Arnautovic > Salah Sterling 5.1
      B. Hazard Eriksen > Salah Sterling (+0.8)
      C. Hazard Son > Mane Sterling (+0.4)

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        b

        1. Legomane
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Cheers, worried that selling Haz with upcoming fixtures seems crazy though...

          1. Joggers Nipple
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            We have/ will have quite similar teams!

      2. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        DCL later downgrade and move to a 4-4-2?

        Im heading that way-

        Adrian
        Chritensen Jones Alonso Stones
        Salah Son Sterling Gross
        Kane Aguero

        Woodman Loftus Quarner Kenny

        Exact cash right now for Gross to Lind but would be a -4

        1. Legomane
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Grob is still a good pick just now...Lind is very popular though!

          1. Joggers Nipple
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Think will hold, not worth a -4

    19. No_Mo_Salah?
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      If Firmino banned tempted to do Firmino + Eriksen to Aguero and Lingard for -4. Sensible move? Also have Son for Spurs cover.

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Yeah, thats a solid move. Not really buying the Lingard hype but on papers thats a decent shout

      2. Pasqualinho
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        I feel Firmino is very unlikely to be banned now. It's only Holgate who's come out and said he'd heard something racist - and his reliability has to be questioned. They'll need more evidence than that.

        1. Football Weekender
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Real twist that it seems Holgate is more likely to be banned than Firmino now after these old tweets have emerged.

          1. Pasqualinho
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            If he has 'cried wolf' about Firmino being racist then this would be poetic justice.

          2. The Son Haz got Atsu on
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            those comments are irrelevant

    20. SALVA
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      ANY ideas what to do here? 1FT 0.3 ITB

      Fabianski
      Otamendi, Ogbonna, Jones
      Eriksen, Son, Pogba, Arna, Richa Kane, Agu

      Elliot, DCL, Daniels, Duffy

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Save

      2. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        save and Eriksen+Son to Sterling+Mahrez next week

    21. King Kun Ta
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      What to do? Use my WC, save TF or two TF (-4) to update my team....

      Alotta players not fit or nailed (*)!

      Foster (Elliot*)
      Mee Ota Ogbonna (Naughton* Holgate*)
      Salah* Arnie* Sterling Son Atsu
      Kane (C) Aguero (DCL*)

      1 FT and 1.3 ITB

      A use WC
      B save FT; G2G for this GW
      C 1 or 2 TF this GW; suggestions?

      Please help with suggestions....Cheers!

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        No WC

        DCL to Quarner leave enough cash to make Holgae/ Naughton to a Chelsea def?

      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Id hold there tbh. YOur teamn certainly doesnt need a WC. Maybe look at Naughton out as a vanity transfer

      3. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Son to Lingard this week and upgrade Naughton to Alonso next week.
        save your WC

      4. King Kun Ta
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers y'all! Expecting Salah and Arnie to be fit for this GW?

      5. King Kun Ta
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        And i feel like i've missed the bus considering Lingard....

    22. Francescoli
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Have switched off fantasy last few days. Latest on Salah and Arnie injuries?

      1. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        they'll be fine

    23. lasmons
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Courtois
      Duffy - Mee - Otamendi - Zeegelaar
      KdB - Sterling - Salah - Hazard
      Lacazette - Firmino

      Elliot - Gomez - Crouch - RLC

      Laca OR Firmino + Hazard -> Kane(C)+ Lingard this week a good idea?
      If I sell Laca, it will give me 1.8 ITB to upgrade next week.

      1. RIDZ
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        could you do this for next week Laca+Firmino+KDC to Kane+Aguero+... ?

    24. b91jh
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Which gw will be affected because of the carabao cup final??

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        GW28 games in doubt are

        ARS V MCI
        CHE v MUN

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          * MUN v CHE

    25. Arteta
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Chelsea - Arsenal predictions?

      1. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        3-1

        1. Over Midwicket
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          +1

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

          Good shout. I think Chelsea will field stronger team, win and Morata will score

      2. Sandy Ravage
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        1-1

      3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        4:0

    26. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/08/everton-oumar-niasse-crystal-palace-brighton-west-brom

      Would make an excellent DCL (or in my case Quaner) replacement if needs be. Where would he get the most gametime? Isn't he 4.8 now?

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        4.7 actually

      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Would be great for Stoke. Dont want him to go to Palace

    27. GP 50
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      DDG
      Alonso Mustafi Ogbonna
      Salah Alli Lanzini Pogba(c) D.Silva
      Kane Wilson

      Elliot Niasse Kabasele Daniels

      gtg for this gw? save transfer and for next I want Van Dijk and Christensen for Daniels and Kabasele

    28. Over Midwicket
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Why is DVD so popular now? Didn't have the greatest stats at Saints and Pool scoring a lot will put a stop to his penchant of snagging BAPs

      1. zon
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Agree, Bluray is much better imo

      2. Football Weekender
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Liverpool have been great defensively at home this season but it’s been tricky from an FPL point of view with so much rotation. VVD is a nailed route into those home clean sheets and provides a real goal threat. I’d rather have Stones at the same price personally but I can see people’s thinking.

      3. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        he took a few free kicks in Sunday league footy so now he's the new Coutinho

      4. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Has anyone done a beetamax/VHS joke yet?

    29. Transferred Out
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Bringing in Lingard so I can do Morata to Aguero next week.
      Who do I ship? (Can afford with either)

      A) Alli
      B) Son

      1. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        hard to say. reckon son adequate though

      2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ship Alli. Sons in better form and is a lot cheaper.

    30. jose1
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Update on Arnie

      1. The Son Haz got Atsu on
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        manners cost nothing

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Quite demanding isn’t he!

          😆

      2. Kings of Lyon ★
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Not official but a reputable source

        http://www.claretandhugh.info/arnautovicantonioreid-updates/