Dugout Discussion

Mkhitaryan benched as Lacazette gets his first start of the season

The first of three matches this afternoon kicks off at 13:30 BST, as Cardiff City entertain Arsenal.

The visitors’ starting XI represents bad news for those who own the most in-demand FPL player on show in South Wales: Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.2m) is only among the substitutes this afternoon. The Armenian features in more than one in five Fantasy squads and was the only Arsenal midfielder or forward to have played all 270 minutes of Premier League action this season.

Mkhitaryan recorded a goal, an assist and two bonus points in his side’s previous away league fixture at Chelsea in Gameweek 2.

Despite a tumble in ownership after three matches without an attacking return, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) is actually the fourth-most-popular captaincy choice of Gameweek 4 – though that only equates to just over 3% of all FPL managers.

Over 148,000 managers lost faith with the Gabonese striker this week and cashed in on his premium price tag.

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) gets his first start of the season today, which presumably means Aubameyang will move out to the left flank to accommodate the Frenchman. Mesut Ozil (£8.3m) returns from illness to take Mkhitaryan’s place, with Alex Iwobi (£5.5m) also dropping out.

The hosts have registered two clean sheets in as many matches, with Neil Etheridge (£4.6m) currently the highest-scoring goalkeeper in Fantasy Premier League following those back-to-back shut-outs and a brace of penalty saves.

The Philippines international is also the most-owned City player in FPL, sitting in over 6% of our squads.

There is further disappointment for those hoping for a start for Lee Peltier (£4.0m) – the Bluebirds’ most-owned outfield player – who is only among the substitutes this afternoon.

Neil Warnock has made three changes to his side, all in attack: Bobby Reid (£5.4m), Danny Ward (£4.5m) and the fit-again Junior Hoilett (£5.3m) come into the starting XI.

Cardiff City XI (4-4-2): Etheridge; Manga, Morrison, Bamba, Bennett; Camarasa, Arter, Ralls, Hoilett; Reid, Ward.

Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Cech; Bellerin, Monreal, Mustafi, Sokratis; Ramsey, Xhaka, Guendouzi; Ozil, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

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2,514 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Russell
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Kane to be essential in 90 mins?

    Moura might also put the Mhki vs Moura debate to bed

    1. EgyptianKing
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Only concern with Moura is that Son will be back soon and that may damage his gametime

      1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        same but might do it until I WC, son has just finished a tournament and will need recovery time and if moura is on form why rush son back

        1. EgyptianKing
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, in the short-term he should still be OK and a very nice option.

          However next GW against Liverpool is tough

      2. Russell
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah true, but think Pochettino is developing a front two with Kane and Moura which could become a strong partnership. Sons first game will come in the League Cup

        1. EgyptianKing
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          If that Kane - Moura duo materializes, then Moura will be absolutely essential at that price

    2. BrutalLogiC
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Kinda hope so. Even though I don't own him. Always think Aguero is going to get dropped or subbed whereas Kane is just steady.

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Never will be this season imo

    4. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      There is no debate. Mkhy is a FPL scrote. Out he goes forever

      1. Russell
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Haha that’s a great description!

  2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    How about this for a -4?

    Trent, Mhki, King -> Alonso, Maddison, Jimenez

    1. EgyptianKing
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Impossible to be Ings instead of Jimenez?

    2. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      I could get Ings instead as have 0.1 spare but do fancy Jimenez as he's been unlucky not to get more goals and more nailed to start than Ings imo

  3. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    'Lads, its Manchester United.'

  4. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Y'all expect Zaha and Walcott to be fit for gw5?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      No idea. Not confident on Zaha as an owner, but no need to rush anything as we have the 0.1 buffer

      1. Whats the Mata?
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Why not confident on Zaha?

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          No reason, just a feeling

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

      I generally expect Walcott to be injured every week.

  5. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    WC redone. Goodbye Mkhi

    Patricio Hamer
    Alonso Mendy TAA Bennett AWB
    Hazard Dilva Maddison Fraser Hojbjerg
    Aguero Kane Mitrovic

    1. Patch
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Billing rather than Hoj?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        That 0.1m is worth saving imo. Hojbjerg is a starter too no reason to make that move.

        1. Pierce34
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          I think Hojbjerg is more likely to be rotated (based on recent history of Southampton mids) but I see no reason not to save 0.1 on a player you'll rarely, if ever, need.

    2. zizzou123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Ward for Cardiff an OOP 4.5 Mid ..might be an option?

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Possibly. Spotty appearance record though. I'll take someone who's going to go up in price though!

        1. Tatty Bojangles
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          This is why it might be best to go Billing. He’s the highest placed £4.5m currently and is on the front page for midfielders which will make a difference. Should hopefully get a few price rises out of him. He’s my cheapie currently.

  6. Brap.
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Foster cleanie or penalty save please baby jesus

  7. Arctic monkeys
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Activated my WC out of rage yesterday and I already have Lacazette;

    Should I keep or sell him now ?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Lol what? Why would you sell him now?

    2. Patch
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      What could have made you angry yesterday...Wally?

      1. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        3 GWs of absolutely nothing

  8. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Sucks that Smalling and Lindelof are ahead of bailly. Any chance he can get back in the starting line up?

  9. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    When do you envisage Son being an option again? GW6?

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Hes back.

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        I know, but he's just played in a competition, he won't be rushed straight back in.

        1. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 7 months ago

          Why not? If he's not playing this intl. weekend he can have 2 weeks rest and possibly start next game (but more likely to be used off the bench).

  10. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    lol@playing free stock dramatic action music on the stadium

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

    Any owners feel it’s a matter of time before Hart becomes an issue?

  12. zizzou123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Torreira impressed yet again. I'd say Guendouzi may have one more start in him before he's on the bench.

    1. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      at best sharing minutes, more likely rotation

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

      I would love to see Torreira and Guendouzi start together with Xhaka benched. I think it's just his experience and set piece proficiency that keeps getting him starts.

      Torreira is the best defensive midfielder and Guendouzi, though at time a little headlesschickenesque is dynamic and puts some great positive passes in.

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

      Would love to see a 4-3-1-2 from Arsenal:

      Leno
      Bellerin Mustafi Koscielny Monreal
      Guendouzi Xhaka Torreira
      Mkhi
      Laca Auba

    4. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Torreira to start the next

  13. Zebrahimović
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    On WC. Recon it’s worth doing Robbo—>TAA to free up 1.1 to make the 4th place midfield position a 6.7 allowing Pedro as a placeholder for Richarlison?

    1. EgyptianKing
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Because of Liverpool's incoming fixtures?

      I agree that TAA is a good option at 5, but honestly I consider that Robertson justifies its premium. Super involved in attack, great threat. That left wing with Robertson and Mane is very dangerous, despite the opponent in my opinion

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

    Mkhi to Lingard

  15. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    If kane does well today

    Is auba and mkhi > kane + fraser worth a -8? Im not concerned about the hit paying off in one week - generally yes or no?

    1. Captain Knackered
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Yes definitely worth a -8.... In opposite land

  16. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Lamela is the issue for Moura not Son - they can easily move to a 'front 3' when Son returns, leaving the right wing to one of them

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      They've never ever done that.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        they have with Eriksen at CM 😉 and a back-4

    2. Ozzy smith
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Maybe at home against the 'poorer' sides. Doubt it though, certainly not consistently.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        yeah probably

  17. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Slightly unbalanced but theres a team with
    Mendy Alonso
    Hazard Mane
    Aguero Laca Kane

    to build

    other starters would have to be
    Patricio
    AWB Benett
    Cairney

    bench 4.0def Hojberg Schneiderlin

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Yuck

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

      "Slightly unbalanced"!

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah no thanks. Laca isn't worth destroying the rest of your team. You can fit the other 6 in though.

  18. foley200
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Who do you think are the best rotating keepers for the next few Gameweeks?

    1. AC Me Rollin
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Allison and Ederson

      1. Eddie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 7 months ago

        Or this.

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

          pretty expensive though

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

      Foster Patricio looks good.

  19. New Post
  20. alexh87
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Does this look a good WC?

    Patricio Foster
    Alonso Mendy Chilwell AWB Bennett
    Hazard Mane Pogba Ramsey Madd
    Kun Ings Mitro

  21. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Another Dublin goal

    All of a sudden it's nearly double scores

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Dion?

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

        What team are Coventry playing against?

  22. FleckyT
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Worth WC?

    Hart | Pat
    Mendy | Robo | PVA | AWB | Bednarek
    Salah | Mane | Bsilva | Mhki | Guendouzi
    Aguero | Zaha | Ings

    After two great GWs to two poor GWs...

  23. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Patricio/Hamer
    Alonso/Mendy/TAA/AWB/Bednarek
    Salah/Hazard/Mkhi*/Walcott*/Hojberg
    Kun/Zaha*/Mitrovic

    1FT 0.0 ITB

    Already wasted my WC, any advice lads?

  24. ShababQ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Which lineup looks better?

    A:
    Hennessey
    Wan-Bissaka-Alonso-Mendy
    Hazard-Moura-Mane-Fraser
    Lacazette-Aguero-Ings

    B:
    Pickford
    PVA-Alonso-Mendy
    Hazard-Mkhitaryan-Mane-Walcott
    Zaha-Aguero-Ings

    Thinking about WCing-

    Should I go to team A?
    Pickford, PVA, Mkhi, Walcott, Zaha out
    Hennessey, AWB, Moura, Fraser, Lacazette in

    WCing would also allow me to fix up the bench, not just these transfers.

  25. Tibbs
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Mkhi + Zaha>> Lacazette + Pereyra (-4)?

    Worth the hit?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 7 months ago

      Talk to me!

  26. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    If I play WC now, I assume I can still make any changes after IB and ahead of GW start? Also, if you lock down your team changes and price rises occur after but still during WC period you don’t lose out? True??

  27. Sasquatch Slayer
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Come on Lukaka. One more

  28. tractorjess
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Stuck for ideas and already feel like I'm seeking some differentials...

    Thinking Walcott + Arnie --> Kovacic + Vardy for a -4.

    Wishing I could afford Hazard.

    My front 8 is
    Salah Moura Mkhi Walcott Stephens
    Auba King Arnie

    Views/ ideas?

  29. Whits
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    This is my current team. Would you activate the #wildcard? I want two new GK's, possibly hazard for Salah, Mkhi needs and possibly Auba due to playing LW.

    Foster / Fabianski
    Mendy / Robertson / Alonso / AWB / Bedrenak
    Salah / Fraser / Townsend / Mkhi / Stephens
    Mitrovic / Auba / Aguero.

  30. mike09
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 7 months ago

    Activated WC and this is my current team:

    McCharthy - Hennesey
    Mendy - Robbo - Alonso - AWB - Bennett
    Hazard - Mane- Schurrle - Richa - Mkhi
    Aguero - Wilson - Ings

    2.2 ITB

    Any suggestions?