Dugout Discussion

Starts for Salah, Firmino and Mane in Liverpool’s season opener

As expected, there are starts for Liverpool’s attacking trio of Mohamed Salah (£13.0m), Sadio Mane (£9.5m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.5) as the Reds welcome West Ham United to Anfield this afternoon.

Fabinho (£6.0m), who missed a penalty in the Tuesday night friendly win over Torino, is only fit enough for a place on the substitute’s bench after struggling with illness this week. James Milner (£5.5m) however has recovered from a head injury to take his place in the three-man midfield alongside Georgino Wijnaldum (£5.5m) and Naby Keita (£7.5m).

Joe Gomez (£5.0m) has won his own fitness battle to line up in the Liverpool defence, which is otherwise at full strength. Alisson (£5.5m) makes his league debut for the Reds between the sticks.

Having missed West Ham United’s final pre-season fixtures with a hip injury, Andriy Yarmolenko (£7.0m) only features as a substitute for the Hammers today. Michail Antonio (£7.0m) takes his place on the right flank.

Declan Rice (£4.5m) looks set to feature out of position in the West Ham midfield, while there are competitive Irons debuts for Lukasz Fabianski (£4.5m), Ryan Fredericks (£5.0m), Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m), Jack Wilshere (£5.0m) and Felipe Anderson (£7.0m).

In the other 13:30 BST kick-off, Cedric Soares (£4.5m) has been passed fit to play at wing-back after missing all of Southampton’s pre-season.

Jack Stephens (£4.5m) gets the nod over Jan Bednarek (£4.0m) in central defence, while Manolo Gabbiadini  (£6.0m) is only among the substitutes – along with Danny Ings (£5.5m).

Charlie Austin (£6.0m) is supported by Nathan Redmond and Stuart Armstrong (both £5.5m) in attack.

Matthew Lowton and Stephen Ward (both £5.0m) return at full-back for Burnley after being rested for the Thursday night Europa League fixture in Istanbul, while Chris Wood (£6.5m) is the sole striker in the attack.

Joe Hart (£4.5m) makes his Burnley league debut, with Tom Heaton (£5.0m) watching on from the bench.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Milner, Keita; Firmino, Salah, Mane

West Ham XI (4-3-3): Fabianski; Fredericks, Ogbonna, Balbuena, Masuaku; Noble, Rice, Wilshere; Arnautovic, Antonio, Anderson

Southampton XI (3-4-2-1): McCarthy; Hoedt, Vestergaard, Stephens; Soares, Romeu, Lemina, Bertrand; Armstrong, Redmond; Austin

Burnley XI (4-4-1-1): Hart; Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Ward; Gudmundsson, Westwood, Cork, Lennon; Hendrick; Wood

2,783 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TOBY1
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    With Sterling playing - B Silva will play a bit deeper now..

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      same formation as the other day

    2. Football Rambler
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure this is the case. He played in the centre for the community shield, same again here.

    3. FPL.team
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Don't think so. It's just Sterling in for Sane from last week.

    4. My Name Is Pepu
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Infact Bilva's gonna be at the heart of things. Same position he played in CS.

  2. Eddie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Off to watch Arsenal, pretty excited. Wish us luck!

    1. TAT
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      COYG!

    2. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Enjoy. Tell us how Emery looks

    3. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      COYG

    4. Santi sensei
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ready to enjoy the new era #COYG

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        You might not be saying that come the final whistle...

    5. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hope you get smashed 5-0

  3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Unless Bilva hits the ground running it’s Bilva > Mané for me

  4. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    KDB benched!!!!
    I hope he stays there and I get those AWB 😆

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nope

    2. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      KDB against tired legs. Sorry.

      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Sorry, not sorry?

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Jesus Sane KDB on at some point surely

  5. Richd
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Shaw 11
    Robertson 11
    AWB 12
    Mendy gonna haul.

    1. vartshk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Here’s hoping

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      That your defence?

      1. Richd
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah. Plus the bedanak guy oops

        1. THFC4LIFE
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Wow well played

    3. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hope so, I got all 4

  6. Lav
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How many points are staying on your bench?

    For me 17.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      9

    2. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      20

    3. 420king
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      3 + Mendy

    4. Costa in Wengerland
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      24

    5. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Zero

    6. adased
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      30

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Just the 15

    7. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Was 17 but luckily Bednarek didn't play.

      Unlucky that Daniels was first sub...

    8. Martin66
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      32

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Ouch

    9. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      13

    10. jia you
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      all 19 tagged and bagged

    11. odannyboys
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      16!!!!

    12. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      17

    13. Old Boots
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      21

    14. fenolaj
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      25

    15. Root
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      15+Mendy

    16. lugs
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      27 on bench , lucky i played BB though 🙂

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Wow, sweet!

    17. Regin
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      21- awb-12, mee-8, ward-1.
      My main players have 70 after BPS.

      SHould I be happy or little bit sad?

    18. Gangster Panda
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      18 + Fernandinho.

    19. Rash
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      32

  7. adased
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I just captained sturridge

    Should I
    A) Cry and keep Sturridge, hoping he'd become a regular
    or
    B) Cry and sell Sturridge, hoping he doesn't score any more goals

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Rotation with Firmino, not a viable season pick

    2. Alnair
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      C) Be very thankful you got any points at all and transfer him out.

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        yep

      2. adased
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        if he didn't start, fraser would come in for him

        My 11 points gone just like that

        1. adased
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Also my vice captain is Salah

    3. Releasebreaks
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B

  8. Costa in Wengerland
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Captain Fantastic Mane!

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Well done!

    2. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nice job!
      Who else do you have from Pool?

  9. Gangster Panda
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    What a waste of money that Alison GK is, he did nothing all game.

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He kept the goal warm

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      What do you expect from your GK? Goals? Assists?

    3. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ha ha ha

    4. Pumpkinhead
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      what are you on about. he's a keeper and got a clean sheet.

    5. Gangster Panda
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He didn't break sweat, he can skip the shower & be at the players bar first.

  10. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Regretting taking Bilva and Mane out for Jota and Sanchez out last minute 😐

    1. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      First week is all about checking out the players and teams, now is when the real games begin.

      1. The Enlightener
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Totes agree with u, Stanley Burrell

    2. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Oh god yeah I nearly did that, forgot until now. Phew!

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

      Done the exact same.

      I'm leaving it one more week. Sanchez can become KDB or Haz. Chelsea fixtures from GW3 look good.

  11. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Got a CS for Bertie but on the wrong horse with Soton.

  12. Alexis Nonsense
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    If this is the Arsenal formation this season, Ramsey vs. Mhki will be interesting

    1. Santi sensei
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ozil is the one to get with Auba

      1. Alexis Nonsense
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Ozil is 1.5m more so not going that route

        7m for Ramsey in that offensive position look good

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ramsey the better choice as things stand what with Lacazette being massive competition for Mkhi. That said, if Mkhi performs well today I'll be keeping a very close eye!

  13. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Wanted 60pts, and I'm in my way to getting it. Can't complain.

    1. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Sane amongst the manics

  14. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Site still not working...?!?

    1. odannyboys
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Warming up.

    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Surely you know your team and how many points you have anyway?

  15. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Robertson looks good, that's something. Weird seeing Sturridge score, it felt like going back in time.

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Robertson the best defender pick in my opinion

  16. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    43 points so far today after baps, scored 17 yesterday so it was well needed

  17. Tomerick
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Aguero needs to come good for me now!

  18. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Site back.

  19. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I have 254 points before bonus! couldnt be happier

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Get out, how?

      1. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Definitely not streetwise

      2. Udo
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I'd say he pressed 2 and 5 at the same time, prob 54 😉

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      That's only avg on here tbh.

    3. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Cheat codes?

    4. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How many teams do you have. Naughty.

    5. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      lol

    6. vartshk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Lol@u

  20. tafrère
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I think I'm on the verge to do my best "normal" gameweek ever. Already past 80 with Aguero and Mendy left.

    1. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      100 incoming

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Bloomin heck!

    3. Rash
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Nice work. I'm on 74 with aguero Bilva mendy to go and 32 points laughing at me from my bench

      1. tafrère
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Nice. 25 pts on my bench. Could be near a personal record too.

    4. DJDave1979
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Best start ever. 75 with Mendy, B Silva, Ozil and Aguero to come.

  21. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Players playing on Arsenals left-hand side.. Ozil, Xhaka, Maitland-Niles and Mustafi.

    Could be fruitful for Mahrez.

    1. Halftime
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I hope so, got Mahrez, Aguero, Miki and Auba so hoping for a goal fest

  22. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    VVD could have smoked forty ciggies during that! Expected a bit more from WHU!

  23. umerlfc
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Not seeing many talk about him here..
    Auba owners Unite! o/

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Getting him in GW3. Will then switch captaincy between Aguero and Auba

    2. Please Help I Don't Kn…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hope he smashes it cause I have no City players 😮

  24. Bialystrzelec
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    First game gives glimpses that going Salah-less might not be devastating move. Other L'pool assets looked convincing as well and not that pricy.

    1. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Every team is so occupied with containing Salah that the left side opens up for Mane and Robertson

      Happened toward the end of last season and seems to be similar today

      I've all 3 for just this reason alone

      1. Fire Chief Moe
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Andy Robertson just runs all day, what a player, plenty of assists for him this season.

        1. Clintymints
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Yea he's absolutely brilliant. First pick on my team this year (y)

    2. Please Help I Don't Kn…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Exactly my thoughts and why I have no Salah. No Salah means spreading the funds around your team and making it better.

      1. ThisTimeNxtYrRodney
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Me thinks you may rue saying that.

    3. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      You could be right,value wise

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Salah could have had more today easily. Fab had a very good save.

      1. Bialystrzelec
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Could have. But Mane, Wijnaldum or Firmino could have as well.

  25. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Despite owning Firmino over Mane, still not too worried. The trio will all score great this season regardless, no point in switching pool resources for now.
    Sticking with VvD too, unless i have an FT to burn.

    1. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Longer term Robby and Mané should outscore the other two, maybe not by much

    2. sambyy
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I think Mane will outscore Firmino over the season, but I agree that switching them now is pointless. Firmino could very well score a brace next week while Mane gets nothing.

  26. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Aguero (c) for me next week if he scores today.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      And when do you think Jesus gets a game?

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Tempted but keep going back to salah,

  27. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Salah on course for 304 this season. Mane on course for 608.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Richarlison should hit 532.

    2. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      15mil next season

  28. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Game is updating in the middle of games now?

    1. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      They are probably still on holidays

    2. Bada Bing
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      FPL's one and only IT guy is probably off for the weekend, nobody is managing the server.

    3. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It’s dinner time in India where the servers are

    4. Varsenal
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      FPL got to get their stuff together. Site has been on and off all evening!

  29. Gazpilicueta
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Just a quick reality check for Mané owners. He is a great player yes, and he got 2 goals, but he is not gonna score more than Salah over the season, and if the officials got their decisions right today, he would only be on 1 goal!

    1. Grounderz
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      And you are a ridiculous fortune teller.

    2. janowsc
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      That's why I own both...=p

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes. but he is £3.5m cheaper and the difference in points will not be more than 20% different.

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Does Mané give you that (c)onfidence though?

    4. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      For 4 mil less, he doesnt need to score as much as Salah.

    5. Les Bleus
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      So get both

    6. MC Hammer
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      If Mane scores 250 that’s immense value

  30. jia you
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I thought that I would have been one of the very few on here that played BB but seems loads on here played the mediocre chip!

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      BB and WC are used a lot in GW1

    2. Rash
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Wish I played mine.. doubt I'll score more than 32 + whatever Fabianski scored. All season