Dugout Discussion
2 September 2018 2514 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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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 Login to Post a Comment
  1. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Come on Cardiff!

  2. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    No Micky, no party

    1. Marc
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not so fine Micky

  3. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Did tell you re Mkhi - Emery is a plastic manager - afraid of not playing 'big' players like Ozil. Was the same at PSG - was afraid of Neymar.

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/08/31/aguero-salah-and-hazard-headline-scout-picks-for-gameweek-4/?hc_page=5&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_18787307

    1. MTPockets
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Still annoyed though

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Arsenal should have tried to get Benitez as their manager. He would do a much better job IMO.

        1. MTPockets
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Maybe but I don't care at all about Arsenal, just my FPL team.

        2. Gaffa914
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Give the man a chance ffs

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      We get it mate

    3. el polako
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Ozil used to be big player then big name, now he is only a big problem for Arsenal considering his wages.

    4. Grounderz
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Oh, shut it, will ya?

      You've been on about that for days on yerself, haven't you?

    5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If ozil played like mkhi last game people would be having kittens

    6. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      what do you think of zaha now?

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I think his injury is worse than Palace are saying, but they are scared of losing Zaha long-term as they are a one-man team and Hodgson's job will be on the line if they go on a losing run.

        1. Bolivian Seaman
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          we won't hear anything will we? damn I'd like to get him back in

        2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I think you’re right. This and Mkhi is going to force me to WC I think. Not sure why people are assuming he comes straight back.

          1. Baps Hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            No need to wc because of -4

    7. doublyG
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Ozil might not be all the hype but he is a better player than Mkhi. Fact!

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Not about the better player. About who makes the team better. Football is still a team game.

        1. doublyG
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          I'd agree if Mkhi offered more than Ozil defensively but is almost as poor as shown vs Chelsea. In terms of breaking down defenses against weaker teams Ozil is by far the better choice. In a game where you are going to be less dominant Mkhi

      2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Depends on the style of football you play. They are both luxury players but Ozil more so. Ozil’s attitude is poor too.

    8. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I’d also be scared if Özil was giving me angry eyes.

  4. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pretty hard but very interesting fpl season so far.

  5. S.Kuqi
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Walcott, Zaha and Mhki. Otherwise team is in good shape.

    Too kneejerky to wildcard?

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      WC

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

      Of course. Good possibility all three will play next gw.

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If Walcott and Zaha are both fit then yes

    4. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      If you only have 3 worries I would save it.

    5. S.Kuqi
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks all

    6. Jackie Moon
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I’ve gone the wildcard, but I had those 3 plus some defensive worries (DDG, Coleman, PVA) so worth it. Really wanted Alonso and Hazard as well to replace.

  6. el polako
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Lacazette to repay my faith in him, Allez alllez my little french poacher !!!

    On a different subject, I could sell Salah for Hazard but I dont feel that 2.4m will upgrade my team enough to justify getting rid of egyptian Messi, what do you think peoples ? Team linked.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Hope Laca works out to pis* off all the sellers you deserve it will be a great pick if he keeps his place !
      Agree re Salah try and find another Haz route imo

      1. el polako
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

      2. maverickga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        It would take a bit of effort for him to p**** me off considering that I sold him two weeks ago for Mitrovic, whom I captained for his haul ;D

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

      Hoping for big things too. Will make;

      Salah>Mane
      Tosun>Laca

      Taste very sweet next week as an option.

      1. el polako
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah nice little run for Arsenal, fingerss crossed.

        1. DeathoftheParty
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Viva la laca

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Agree.

      Salah would be a potential problem in years gone by, but there arebso many good budget options, it’s easy to have him.

      1. el polako
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Talking budget options, thinking of bringing Fraser in for Walcott or Bernardo Silva.

  7. Sasquatch Slayer
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mkhi to do a Pedro?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Naya

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No

    3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I hope so. But given I decided not to put Pedro in yesterday, I just know fate isn’t that kind.

  8. Railwayman
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Would be great if Mkhi stays on the bench, Cedric would come off the bench for me, but I'll give some 5% chance for that...

    1. Khark
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mkhi Welbeck Torreria ...

      Emery coming so predictable.

      Weak manager IMO

  9. Khark
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mkhitaryan will 100% come on second half.

    1point cameo yay

    1. LSK
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      He might do a Tevez

    2. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      One or two injury subs would help

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Well we no longer have Theo or Ox but Ramsey always good for an injury and Ozil always likely to make up an excuse for a physical game.

  10. Cok3y5murf
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Pretty fitting image 😀

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      thats why they chose it

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

      Yeah, it's real good.

  11. DeathoftheParty
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Let me guess, you all did Ricky to Mhki or Wally?

    I hope you all enjoy this afternoon's Lucas Moura Show...

    1. ljuta zena
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      guess so

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mkhi was already in teams for WHU last week. Wally in for Richarlison was the bandwagon. 750k I think.

      1. DeathoftheParty
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Wow. That is a big number.

  12. Mackans
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Time to WC?

    Foster
    Mendy TAA Smith
    Salah Hazard Mkhi Walcott
    Aguero Firmino Ings

    Bench: Speroni, AWB, Peltier, Stephans
    0.0 ib

    1. ljuta zena
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      No. Just think

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

      Not much wrong there. How many FT's?

  13. WE ARE RANGERS
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Smoooooth big balls move paid off, was at 46k and wilcarded, removed Salah and now sitting at 3k
    I am on 72 points with Bellerin and Trippier still to play.

    Fabianski
    Trippier Bellerin Alonso Mendy
    Sterling Mane Hazard (c)
    Wilson Aguero Mitrovic

    Hamer Bissaka Guendouzi Gunnarsson
    Thinking I should have gone Bennet instead of Wan biz and I actually had McCarthy in goal but changed to Fabianski but small problems.

    1. jwong23
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Tell someone who cares mate.

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

      Did you say 3277?

    3. Klein
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Found you buddy. Nice team. I like it. I am thinking similar but kane/no kane is haunting me

  14. noahzark22
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    So i captained Mhki this week...

    1. noahzark22
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Come on warmup injury!

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

      2points better than 0 ... lol

    3. Carlton P
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Vc?

      1. noahzark22
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        salah D:

  15. DrunkPhilosophy
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Fab foster
    Alonso Mendy Robertson WB Peliter*
    Salah Bilva* Mkhi* Pedro* Cairney*
    King Kun Zaha*

    Time to WC?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nothing wrong with pedro

      1. DrunkPhilosophy
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        The fact that he didn’t start?

        I’m worried he will keep sharing minutes with Willian..

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          Either way if Zaha is out then I'd say its worth a wc for sure

          1. DrunkPhilosophy
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 10 months ago

            Thing is I can’t wait for Zaha, would rather make the decision now to catch some risers and avoid fallers in my team..

            Already missed Mitro’s rise last night 🙁

        2. JamieC180
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          He might, but he's scored 3 goals in 4. For the price I'm not sure anyone can compete with that kind of form. I'm not dropping the guy until he stops returning, myself.

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

      Ya

  16. JamieC180
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    A) Robertson and Neves
    B) PVA/Laporte and Fraser/Schurrle

    Ideal would be Robertson and Fraser, but can't quite afford. Highly conflicted.

    1. ChelseaKTBFF
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Nevez averaging almost 5pts per gw

      Thats fine I think for a 5m!

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Agreed, been great value.

  17. Carlton P
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Mhki and Pedro still worth their price tags? If they come on and pick up points here and there and get a few starts I don’t see the problem

    1. MTPockets
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Possibly. The bigger problem is owning both.

      1. DrunkPhilosophy
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        I have both and Bilva 🙁

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Pedro started against Newcastle and was poor. Willian came on and looked good.

      Willian started against Bournemouth and was average. Pedro came on and looked good.

      Difficult one, but I expect Pedro to start the next game, barring injury.

      1. Baps Hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Yep, the most likely scenario is that the other starts odd ones and the other evens until something changes. No go zone anyway for me.

    3. JamieC180
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      3 in 4 for Pedro, as I said above. Not sure you can argue with that.

    4. International Richard
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I disagree Diesel. The game where Willian, replaced Pedro, (gw3) Willian wasn’t great.

  18. DanLynch
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Robertson or trippier going forward?

    1. Carlton P
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Robbo

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Tripp for me until GW9

    3. Ha.
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Trippier

    4. Emiliano Sala
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Rotation risk for trippier?

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        Rotation risk for Robertson. Would rather play the lottery on trippier’s fixtures than Robertson’s

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 10 months ago

          avoid both?

    5. DrunkPhilosophy
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Both

    6. Demí
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Robertson

  19. Emiliano Sala
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on david silva?
    A good safe pick or not?

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      not yet firing on all cylinders. Monitor.

    2. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Only for free if money itb.

  20. ljuta zena
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Well done. Getting rid of Mikhi and probably will forget Arsenal even exist. Ozil the savior buhahahahahah

  21. trikster102
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Well that's great. Don't think I'll bother watching this match now.

  22. Digital-Real
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Goes to show the influence of FFS. One jammy goal from Mkhi and someone drops a post about Mkhi's potential during Arsenal easy fixtures. Many then flock to Mkhi only to be disappointed consecutively for two weeks.

    Use your own mind people.

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Exactly.

    2. MTPockets
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Not really. Had 3 x 90mins, decent stats, good fixture run, and ok eyeball test for 7m.

      1. Digital-Real
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 10 months ago

        We all have different standards in the eyeball test.

  23. Mackans
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Time to WC??

    Foster
    Mendy TAA Smith
    Salah Hazard Mkhi Walcott
    Aguero Firmino Ings

    Bench: Speroni, AWB, Peltier, Stephans
    0.0 ib

  24. sjhuk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Tossed up all week, and decided to bring in Rambo over Mkhi. Phew

  25. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Any pva owners? Amazing run of fixtures and think he's great, but without tomkins it's an issue keeping cleanies and therefore getting baps. Been trying to resist alonso because he always trolls me, should I just bite the bullet?

    1. noahzark22
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I have him but without tomkins, thinking of getting rid

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I succumbed to this transfer. Do not regret it at all.

    3. willl
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Im doing PVA to Alonso

    4. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Thanks all, I'm a little resigned to it but will miss the fun of pva whereas alonso feels a little bit sensible.

  26. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Good chance of Son starting later today, now Asian Games are finished and he’s been excused national service?

    1. willl
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Mkhi to Son?

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Is he back already? Surely not.

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      That would be a sensational return 🙂

    4. doublyG
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      I'm wildcarding today to get him in. Essential

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

      Would have been good shooting practice for him, he’d be rifling them in! To date Ashley Cole is the only player I can think of to bring a gun to training.

  27. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Great that games are all done today. Much easier to review the week and make some choices...

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Agreed

  28. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Slight change of topic, but do we think Shaw is fairly nailed now?

    Playing well, big point to prove and seems to be in Mourinho good books?

  29. COYS.
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Ok need help
    McCarthy
    Robbo Tripper AWB
    Salah Gross Mikh Pedro
    Zaha kane Arnie

    Speorni Daniels Romeu Suttner

    25 from 8 so far

    Team actually looked good to me .. and if gross wouldn't have missed that penalty & if there were not so many benching problems.. I would have been par with Avg...

    Is it time to use wildcard ?
    No Manc players & Alonso/Hazard is hurting me now

  30. ChelseaKTBFF
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 10 months ago

    Have money tp do Robertson to Alonso, yay or nay?

    1. In FPHell
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Yay

    2. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on the rest of your team really. I like the idea of both TBH