Dugout Discussion
2 September 2018 2514 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
Share:

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.

Become a Member and access our data

Memberships for the 2018/19 campaign are now available for the price of just £15.

Join now to get the following:

  • Plot your transfer strategies using the fully interactive Season Ticker.
  • Get projections for every Premier League player provided by the Rate My Team statistical model.
  • Use Rate My Team throughout the season to guide your selections and transfers.
  • Get access to over 130+ exclusive members articles over the season.
  • Analyse our OPTA-powered statistic tables specifically tailored for Fantasy Football Managers.
  • Use our exclusive tool to build custom stats tables from over 100 OPTA player and team stats.
  • View heatmaps and expected goals data for every player.
  • Use our powerful comparison tool to analyse players head-to-head.

CLICK HERE TO BECOME A FANTASY FOOTBALL SCOUT MEMBER

2,514 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Pierce34
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    "Hector Bellerin violates the rules and gets a yellow card."

    1. Fantastisk
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Hand ball

  2. Exxtreme
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Is Mhky already in to ruin my Ings swap?

    1. XabiAlonso
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He will defo come on unfortunately

    2. Dannyb
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Few more minutes.

    3. Streetad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      If he's coming he needs to come soon.

      He'll start the next match. Unfortunately by that time he'll have lost 0.2 off his value due to the combination of a million wildcards during the international break, and l the fact that we are still early enough in the season that everyone is making kneejerk decisions from week to week. Also tonnes of people will just put Richarlison straight back in and he's an easy swap.

  3. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Mkhi on at 60?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Yup, incoming ....

  4. Beautiful Game
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Maybe it's the transition period but this arsenal team looks shite!

    1. RashFraud
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      When was the last time they looked good? 2004?

      1. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Three years ago when Sanchez was bossing it

      2. SADIO SANÉ
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        when they won the FA Cup 3 times in 4 seasons

  5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Mustafi close

  6. Dannyb
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Ozil is quite possibly the laziest player I've ever seen.

    1. Brap.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Never saw Jardel then #pies #cocaine

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He doesn’t help himself with his posture, the lethargic style... enough, I feel I’m making excuses for him. He’s nicking a living.

    3. Fantastisk
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Check his stats.

  7. Murder On Zidanesfloor
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    On WC
    A) Kane + up to 7.2 mid
    B) Salah + Mitro

    1. Dannyb
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      A

    2. yakirh
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      A with Maddison

    3. Dannyb
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      But see how Kane gets on first obviously.

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      B. Mitro is the best value forward in the game.

      If you want Kane, use your 3rd slot.

      1. CloudSky
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        No he isnt.

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          Yes he is.

          1. CloudSky
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 1 day ago

            No, he isnt. Alonso, Robbo, Etheridge and even Holebas are mileeeees better value than Mitrovic.

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 1 day ago

              Someone hasn't been reading witg their glasses on

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          Who then? He's on all set pieces, PKs and takes a load of shots. He's easily imo the best forward 7 or less.

          1. CloudSky
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 1 day ago

            As above.

      2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        A) Maddison Hazard Mane Fraser
        Kane Kun Ings
        B) Salah Hazard Mane Fraser
        Mitro Kane Ings
        What do you think? Defence is sorted

  8. korbendallas82
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    1-1 good for me as Mkhtaryan owner.

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      How?

    2. korbendallas82
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Bigger chance they need him on the pich.

    3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He’ll be on any minute now.

    4. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Cos you put a bet on 1-1 with Mkhi not to play...?

      1. korbendallas82
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Yes. Thats it. Hehe.

  9. Fantastisk
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Mustafi close again. Essential?

    1. yakirh
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      They can't defend and he won't score every game

    2. Dannyb
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Absolutely not, it's Cardiff.

  10. RashFraud
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Emery gotta get Ozil off. He’s been absolutely useless. Mkhi should’ve started too. Arghhh

  11. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Mkhi coming in for Ozil ..... 🙂

    1. luke
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      about time

  12. hannibalos
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Auba and Ozil have been very poor so far. Mikhi and Welbeck must enter in their places

    1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Auba must have been subbed of in 1st half only

      1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        dont know how that guy is 11M , ridiculous

  13. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Mkhi to block all those jammy benched Ings points 🙂

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      His best assist this season 😉

    2. Richd
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Not jammy to own Ings. The value pick of the game.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Jammy to get his bench points though after playing AWB instead of him

      2. Streetad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        He would have been 7million if he hadn't moved from Liverpool at literally the last minute. As 1st choice he's probably good for 10-15 goals over the season, which is absolutely worth 5.6million for your 3rd striker.

  14. Mic
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Ramsey playing poorly.. Emery out of his depth

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Ramsey should be off IMO. Get Torreira on and push Xhaka forward.

      1. Dannyb
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Xhaka? He's awful.

      2. Mic
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        He looks very tired

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Emery had a fantastic record in Spain... his crime at PSG was not winning the CL. Not sure Arsenal is a step up for him.

  15. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    That moment when you accidentally click confirm transfers and lose 0.2m 🙁

    I guess I'm not keeping Robbo on my WC.

    1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      🙁

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Hahaha I did that last week sucks don’t it. Ah well probably for the best

    3. Homer21
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      D'oh!!

    4. Richd
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Good move

    5. Cok3y5murf
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Never experienced it 😉

    6. yakirh
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Its fine, you can go without Robbo on WC

    7. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Ugh. Sorry for your loss. Just annoying when something like that happens.

  16. Homer21
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    So my three Arsenal players today - combined total of 1pt, yes that's right 1pt!!!!!

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      D’OH!!!!

    2. My Name Is Pepu
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      That's what you deserve for tripling up on Arsenal.

      1. Homer21
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        This

  17. My Name Is Pepu
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Ik everyone's saying the Guendouzi kid is Arsenal's best player but I think he kind of kills their play.

    Most of his passes are sideways and backwards which makes his stats look good, that's it. Torreira should be on the pitch.

    Don't even get me started about Ozil's workrate.

    1. ⭐ ABHISHEK - THE CURIOUS …
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Perfectly said 🙂

    2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      You, you might be onto something there (I’ve previously said Guendouzi was great in the first two games).

  18. Brosstan
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Imagine benching your best midfielder for Lazil and Flicksey

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Emery is afraid of 'big' players. He was afraid of Neymar and Cavani at PSG.

      1. My Name Is Pepu
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        I can understand Ozil's reputation but how would one classify Ramsey as a BIG player?

      2. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        They are in a different league tbf Diesel. This is Neymar... he answers only to the Qatari owners and does as he pleases.

  19. Mic
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Gendouzi yc

  20. TAT
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    I hope I can reach 40 points this GW! 🙂

  21. Futile Tinkering
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    I was not planning to WC but I have too much Arsenal dross in my team

    1. Volley127
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Same. That being just 1, Auba.

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        He just did it for you!

  22. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Peltier -> Bennett for free because the price changes? Or is it not worth?

    My other defnders are Mendy, Alonso, Robertson and Wan-Bissaka. I am with my team happy beside B. Silva.

    Thank you!

    1. toystory2wasok
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      i did this last night but regret it. 0.1 million on benchfodder is surely not going to be my most pressing concern over the international breaka

  23. Bulldogs FC
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    What's the max price rise for Alonso until GW5? 0.2 or 0.3?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I say 0.2

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        *a lot of WC

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      0.3

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He won't go up more than 0.1m. Most of the people already have him and those that don't have a hard time fitting him in.

      1. Bulldogs FC
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        I'll wait then until after the break. I need a hit to get him anyway so I won't rush anything now..thanks

  24. DV8R
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Why isn't Mkhi on yet? Emery out

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Watch him come on and throw an Ings shirt into the crowd.

  25. TomSaints
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    This is first full Arsenal game I've watched. Really don't look great...so even with nice fixtures I'm not so worried by no lacazette / aubameyang. I'm certain they'll get a few goals but just not in a very good team.

    1. TomSaints
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Ha

  26. Brap.
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Question: exactly how much of Ozil's wages will Arsenal have to subsidise when he goes on own to Galatasaray in January?

    1) Over £250,000

    2) £100,001-£249,999

    1. Brap.
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      …loan

  27. meksss
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Sane or Yarmolenko from this point on?

    1. Rover
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Sane. Expensive players on the bench seems to work for Pep. No reason why it shouldn't for you.

  28. Fantastisk
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Lovely pass from Özil, shame it wasn't controlled.

  29. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Johnny Johnny...

  30. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    OMG auba

    1. Ha.
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      F