Dugout Discussion
24 February 2018 1612 comments
Paul Paul
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After a 1-1 stalemate at the King Power, we turn our attentions to five mid-afternoon matches.

Liverpool’s home encounter with West Ham United will be the focal point for many.

Mohamed Salah is again the top captain pick by Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers as he goes in search of a thirteenth double-digit points haul of the season.

Backed by over 1.6m with the armband – including 77 of the top 100 managers – the Egyptian has already delivered a 15-point return against the Hammers back in Gameweek 11.

The Reds are one of four teams among the 3pm contingent who are guaranteed to play in Gameweek 31, with the likes of Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Virgil van Dijk also among the key targets.

Another of those sides, Bournemouth, entertain a Newcastle United outfit with a single clean sheet in their last 11 on the road.

Owned by 9.8%, Callum Wilson is their most popular pick on the back of 12-point hauls against both Arsenal and Chelsea in the last five Gameweeks.

Yet with two goals and as many assists in four since returning from injury, Junior Stanislas (0.9% owned) could be worth considering as a differential in midfield.

West Brom and Huddersfield also play in Gameweek 31 and go head-to-head at The Hawthorns in a vital six-pointer.

Encouragingly for the Baggies, Salomon Rondon has scored in each of his last two home matches across all competitions.

Meanwhile, the Terriers arrive with a woeful away record, failing to score in ten of their 13 road trips. However, David Wagner’s side will be buoyed by a 4-1 hammering of Bournemouth last time out, with Alex Pritchard and Steve Mounie both delivering double-figure tallies.

Elsewhere, Pascal Gross and Jose Izquierdo could be instrumental as Brighton welcome Swansea to the Amex Stadium.

The German has scored all five of his goals at home, playing a part in 60% of the Seagulls’ strikes in front of their own supporters. Izquierdo, meanwhile, welcomes the Swans on the back of successive goals against West Ham and Stoke in the previous two Gameweeks.

Finally, Burnley will look to rectify a run of one clean sheet in nine when Southampton make their way to Turf Moor. With the Clarets set for a kind run-in to the campaign, a return to resilient ways could bring the likes of Ben Mee back into consideration for some Wildcard squads.

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

  1. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Chance Robertson nicks a bap?

    1. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Likely.

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        *Prays*

    2. Razor425
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Unlikely, particularly as Salah got the winning goal. That will probably push him above Robbo

      1. A Betting Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        How did Salah get the winning goal?

        'Winning goal' is ridiculous is a 4-1 win anyway, they're surely all winning goals

        1. Razor425
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I agree it's crazy but basically 1st goal is the winning goal if you win to nil, 2nd goal is the winning goal if you concede 1 and so on.

  2. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Few moves I'm considering, any early opinions would be appreciated.

    A) Quaner > Murray
    B) Jones > Bavies
    C) Sterling > Mahrez
    D) Walcott > Mahrez

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

      I can’t see how anyone can help you considering players in B, C, D haven’t even played yet?

  3. Patch
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bugger I am in the minority for playing Pope.

    Desperately need Man U/ DDG to concede.

    I am willing to sacrifice and have Wally blank, just so long as Man U concede. Please.

    1. drughi
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      DDG masterclass coming up

    2. Midlands Saint73
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Mixed feelings for me losing the Pope cleanie today.

      1. Patch
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Not a good sign for Pope, Heaton is gonna be on the warpath

    3. Boom Xhaka-Laca
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Have Pope and Duffy, benched Smalling so hoping Man U concede as well

    4. Patch
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I would love Wally to fill me up but for the greater good, Man U have to concede.

  4. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Do Daniels & Wilson still count as playing players in GW31?

    1. Yozzer
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. drughi
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      3 pool players all you need plus shaq and wally

    3. TallestJohn
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, still think Wilson is first choice up front. Dunno how Daniels played today but do they have anyone better?

  5. drughi
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Dont worry sterling if you dont play I get depoitre off the bench, all good

  6. Boom Xhaka-Laca
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Pope and Duffy, in 85 and 90 ugh

  7. MJM
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Was Daniels subbed off at HT, or just before the second goal as I don't understand how he otherwise got 1 point?

    1. MTPockets
        8 years, 1 month ago

        yes

      • Jay_
          8 years, 1 month ago

          It’s a mistake. Will be corrected soon

          1. Sánchez
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            No it's not, half time sub

            1. Sims
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              2nd goal was before ht?

              1. Scapegoat Salah
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                Good point, should get 0

              2. The special 5
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                He must of got subbed when 1-0 I guess

      • Alex_thekid
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        35 -4 from 5 captained Salah are the Salah captainers happy with 10 ×2 a goal + assist but no bonus?? Just have to hope that Kane dosent punish me for swapping lst min but he let me down the last twice

        1. Jairzinho
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I would be happy as a Salah captainer/I’m disappointed as a Kane captainer.

        2. TallestJohn
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yes, unless it's a super high-scoring week can't be disappointed with double figures

        3. Puzzle
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yes, of course. Wouldn't swap. Think about it, if Kane scores a hat trick and gets 17 you are only 7 down if you have both. No disaster. And that is probably as close to a realistic worst case scenario you'll get.

      • Puzzle
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Anyone else with no defenders playing today? To think I was considering ripping my team up to get VVD. Lucky break.

        1. Fred54
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Just Robertson. 😀

          And Pope. 🙁

          1. Alex_thekid
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Just VVD and Pope done Jones to VVD -4 just have to hope he doesn't start

          2. Puzzle
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Pope must have sucked. I had Adrian, but probably got more than expected with 2 points. Double Azpi/Alonso/Otamendi looked ugly, but could actually work out nicely now.

      • the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Who wins?

        A) DDG + Sterling + Deulofeu (+2)
        B) Alonso + Eriksen + Walcott

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Not a lot in that, at all. A just.

        2. TallestJohn
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          B

      • Piggs Boson
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        GW30: United v Liverpool

        Low scoring, right?

        1. *Reformed-Character*
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Let me just get my crystal ball.....

          1. Jairzinho
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            With that mentality, there’s no point you playing fantasy football at all.

          2. Sims
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Wow even changed your username to us. Obsessed

          3. Piggs Boson
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Cheers. Let me know what it says.

          4. Rainer
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            That name hahahaha

            1. Piggs Boson
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Someone's in love, I think 😉

              You can't hate something you don't care about.

        2. Ghost Gooner
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          1-2

      • Only a Hazard of time
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Why was Ibe not in the squad? Injured or just not fancied?

      • AzzaroMax99
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        WBA are terrible but who is better to have next few weeks:
        Hegazi or Dawson?

        1. Over Midwicket
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          As someone who chose Hegazi over Dawson this week, Dawson. Stats are a million times better than Hegazi and they're basically the same price.

          Dawson x1000

          1. AzzaroMax99
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Ok, thanks. Getting rid of Dunk and buying Dawson.

        2. Ghost Gooner
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          D

        3. TallestJohn
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Dawson has been a fairly reliable scorer for a few seasons now, both offer similar threat but Daws edges it

        4. the snazzy viking
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          neither - both dreadful

          Hegazi if I had to pick

        5. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Everyone will say Dawson after today but it's a lottery. Just choose one (if you have to) and hope. If you were a member you could compare the stats of the two.

      • The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Best replacement for Jones? £7.4 to spend, other defenders are Vertonghen, Otamendi, VVD & Ogbonna.

        1. Patch
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Wow you thinking of spreading the good stuff further up the field.

          I am thinking to focus more on strikers...

          1. The Royal Robin
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Firmino / Kane seem to be doing me fine!

        2. HNI
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          would wait once spurs knocked out of fa cup by rochdale

        3. Over Midwicket
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Probably Davies for a double up. Can't beat (HUD, bou)..

          1. The Royal Robin
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Thanks all. I'm either going to do Jones > Bavies or Walcott > Mahrez. Tough one.

      • Fred54
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Such is the insanity of this game, Aguero and AOC > Mahrez and Firm -4 may turn into par or even worse. Hopefully work out long term.

        1. HNI
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          who is aoc now?

          1. Patch
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Think it is the Ox guy, many ditched him

            1. Fred54
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah Ox, done noting since I brought him in (over Shaq!) and well I do sell finally gets assist.

      • _Ninja_
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Play Adrian or Fabianski next week?

        1. HNI
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          play any. None would keep CS anyway. Fab makes more saves as his defenders are worse

          1. _Ninja_
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Good point. Well made. Cheers.

      • makaveli123
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Gabbi. Ruining GWs since 2016

        1. badgerboy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Possibly 2 double gameweeks for The Gobbler.

      • Steve Stiffler
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        great VVD and Mahrez transfers for alot of people

        1. Teror
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yup. I'm one of those people. I take comfort from the fact that some spastic in my mini league played his bench boost and got a combined total of 0 added points.

          1. Steve Stiffler
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            hahaha good enough for him, our fixtures arent bad for VVD and Mahrez though

      • Rash
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Wilson owners keeping?

        1. HNI
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Removing him will be rash with BGW in mind lol

        2. TallestJohn
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yes

        3. klavan
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          just bench him and play again in gw31

          1. Rash
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            My bench ain't upto the job of replacing Wilson lol I'll keep and play

        4. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah. Bournemouth have fight in them yet.

      • jamie1972
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Just see Butland scores an OG yet gets 3 BPS?

        How's that work?

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          He made the odd save or two.

        2. Steve Stiffler
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          would love to know aswell, want 3 for shaq

        3. TallestJohn
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Missed less chances than Salah

        4. HNI
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          9 saves is A LOT in a game

        5. AzzaroMax99
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          9 saves

          1. jamie1972
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            OK fair dues, didn't check how many saves, but still...

        6. Fred54
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Butland just Heaton'd the system. No biggie. The positive points he racked up clearly out weighed the negative points. An own goal is only a -6 on the bps, so not a big hit as some are thinking.

      • Patch
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I have been a supporter of Ayew...but i feel like im drifting into the Richarlison phase of just "keeping".

        Murray or Mounie seems logical...?

        Ayew is RIP right?

        1. HNI
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Go for shaq/siggy/deulofeu/walcott

          1. TallestJohn
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Think he's talking Jordan Ayew (forward)

          2. Patch
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Yep for Richarlison

            I guess Ayew is a bit more niche...

            1. TallestJohn
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Oh thought you were saying you'd previously got rid of Richarlison.

              I'd probably keep Ayew for fixtures, especially if you were playing FH in GW31.

          3. Toby Lerone
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            They aren't strikers

        2. Concrete
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Niasse?
          GW31

          1. Patch
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            I laughed too hard at Niasse back in the day, supported DCL no end...let's see if he does well today. Could.be a contender (noting he also had a recent price rise tho)

        3. Patch
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I think this GW I will do better than both my Rival.and Nemesis

          But Mahrez has really left a sour taste in my mouth...can't believe FPL can affect my weekends like this...need to get a life or get over it ;0) becoming too invested

      • Deus
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        No cs yet

      • Rainer
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Any update on Tammy getting his goal?

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          There is a chance that it isn't Dunk's OG?

          1. Rainer
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Plenty of places saying the shot was on target.

      • IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Need a dunk replacement
        Have a lot if money. Is vvd still the go to man

        1. klavan
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          yes

        2. AzzaroMax99
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I allready have VVD, so doing Dunk->Dawson

          1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Well its the reverse for me 😉

            1. AzzaroMax99
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              So it should be good for both of us 😀

      • Alex_thekid
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Salah is just a machine 10th double diget haul out of the last 18 games isn't it? Unlucky to hit the post as well

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Incredible. We all thought Klopp would be bad for FPL with his rotation, but he's given us one of the best players in FPL history.

          1. Alex_thekid
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Agree since Suarez and Marhez in Lec winning season but Salah on course to smash them and get the biggest fpl score in history 😉 A fecking bargain at 9m have owned him since gw1 just a shame he will be 10.5 nxt season

      • The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Wally > Mahrez? Could be carnage vs BOU.

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          It should be today vs Sto but it wasn't. I am keeping Wally.

        2. Fred54
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Oh so that's why I brought Mahrez in...

          You might want to keep Wally too.

      • Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        anyone know how likely sterling is to play in reality?

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Only Pep knows

        2. FPL Blow-In
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Well he is in contention for tomorrow so I’d assume all going well should feature in the PL

        3. Piggs Boson
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          All I know is that he is a minor doubt for the cup game.

          So you'd expect him to play next week...

      • FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Salah captainers happy with 10points?

        1. Fred54
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I was just about to post something similiar being a Kane owner and Salah capper.

          If Kane were to score a brace can see him getting 13 points. No biggie I guess.

        2. FPL Scoop
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          faaairly.

        3. Clifford☯
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah

        4. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          10 is far better than average and Aguero isn't at the Etihad so obviously yes

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Kane is my worry

            1. Dr Van Nostrand
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Only a hatrick is worrying and those are extremely rare even for Kane

      • IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Mane or vvd??

      • The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I still think Kane was the man to (C) this week.