Dugout Discussion
2 September 2018 2514 comments
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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. Klopp it
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hows this for a wc team

    Foster
    Mendy, trippier, alonso, awb
    Hazard, mane, maddison, billing
    Aguero, kane,

    Bench, Fabianski, Guendouzi, bennet, joselu

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'd prefer Salah over Kane and wouldn't like to be playing one or more of billing, Guendouzi, Bennet or joselu every week.

    2. TomSaints
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard Aguero Kane and mane all in is the minimum I want from we, so good on that count. Alonso and Mendy also key.

      Bench has to be thin to afford it all. Any rotation / injuries and you're in for a bad week. But first 11 I like a lot

    3. The Baby-faced Assassin
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I’d go 4-3-3 and downgrade Maddison to Fraser and upgrade Joselu to Ings

  2. Doctor Zhivago
    8 years, 1 month ago

    One question: can Danny Ings play against his former club?
    Thanks

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No

    2. JamieC180
      8 years, 1 month ago

      His current club - so no, afraid not.

      1. Doctor Zhivago
        8 years, 1 month ago

        So not a good idea picking him in my wildcard...don't you think so?

        1. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I think fine as long as you have cover for that game. However if you can afford Mitrovic then go with him.

    3. Optimus.
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Danny Ings is ineligible to play vs his parent club(Liverpool)

      d

  3. JamieC180
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is there an argument for bringing in a city double up in defence (Laporte and Mandy) to replace Robertson?

    His attacking returns will stay consistent, I'm sure, but his clean sheet potential isn't great with his fixtures as compared to city's.

    1. Netley Lucas
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You mean citeh's failure to clean in any of their easy games?

      HUD wol NEW

      I'd keep Robbo

    2. Teror
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I don't think there's an argument for doubling up on any team's defence. I'd find it infuriating to have both Ederson and Mendy, for example, then see two clean sheets wiped out. I just don't get it, I really don't

      1. @ocprodigy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Its better to have two defenders room the same team who are more likely to get clean sheets than two defenders from separate teams who are less likely...?

        1. Teror
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I get the logic it's just far too high risk for me.

  4. Big Hands Barry
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A) Play Coleman and Arnoutovic. Save FT.

    B) coleman/Arnoutovic--> Alonso/Ings (-4)

  5. antis0cial
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I was always planning to wc for the IB. Do you think it’s now time, squad below?

    I really would like to get hazard in and have injury concerns over Zaha and wally. B.silva not looking like value now. Stephens/Peltier due to drop.

    Schmeical
    Mendy Robbo Alonso wan biss
    Walcott B.Silva Mane Salah
    Aguero Zaha

    Stek Ings Stephens Peltier

    1. ChelseaKTBFF
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You can get away with a minus 8 probably

      1. ChelseaKTBFF
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Take the Peltier drop on the chin, youll think much better after you have.

        1. antis0cial
          8 years, 1 month ago

          THanks. I think your all probably right and save the WC for now see if there are any injuries over the break. My main concern is no Hazard. If Wally and Zaha come back fit I could probably live with just moving b.silva out.

          Even with the tough fixtures I’m thinking pool attacking assets are fixture proof.

    2. Teror
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Bit of a waste if you ask me

    3. ShababQ
      8 years, 1 month ago

      damn, i have the exact same team, except pickford for schmeichel, and trent for robbo, im seriously considering WC even though the team is alright

      1. antis0cial
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Great minds... I posted a reply above but maybe it’s best taking the price drops and see how the break goes if everyone comes back fit maybe bank the wc for now.

    4. TomSaints
      8 years, 1 month ago

      It's a nice team (better than mine currently!) but several small things that you'd probably like to improve! Not sure a wc this internation break will be as useful as one I'm 4/5 gws time

  6. ChelseaKTBFF
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Robertson to alonso with mitb. Yay or nay?

    1. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yay

    2. antis0cial
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I wouldn’t like to lose Robbo but given the fixtures I think it’s a good move. Who are your other starting defenders? Mendy and?

  7. Farke in hell
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Unai Emery speaks.

    On the benched Henrikh Mkhitaryan:

    “For us he is a very important player.”

    1. diesel001
      8 years, 1 month ago

      So important he is dropped for a tough game away from home that Arsenal need to be winning if they really want to get top 4. Last season:

      At home against teams outside the Top 6: P15, W15, D0, L0 - that is title winning form
      Away from home against teams outside the Top 6: P15, W4, D3, L7 - that is not good enough

      1. diesel001
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Plus - Arsenal have only won one game away from home since 1 January 2018 (a 1-0 win over Huddersfield).

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Tough game?

        1. diesel001
          8 years, 1 month ago

          When you have only won once away from home since 1 Jan 2018 then every away game is a tough game IMO. Beaten in 2 of their 3 away games against promoted sides last season.

  8. Sancidino
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Would you wildcard this team?
    Patrício Fabianski
    Luiz Mendy TAA AWB Bernarek
    Mané Salah Pedro Walcott Neves
    Aguero Zaha Tosun

    1. thunder_mike
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nope, Just see what happens with Walcott and Zaha and take a hit if needed. If they are okay. Maybe Tosun > Ings, Wilson or Mitrovic

  9. Teror
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Has anyone successfully wildcarded really early on?

    Jonty talking about GW6 but I wouldn't want to do it before GW10 because there's still so many unknowns. Don't know if Salah is going to show last season's form or if Aguero is worth holding onto. It seems like a recipe for heartbreak to do it now.

    1. willl
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Im looking at GW12

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Mark ? 😆

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Still early days. Hold if you can. Lot of unanswered questions yet

    4. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      8 years, 1 month ago

      It depends on your team. There’s no “right” time. If you clearly have a bad team with players who have not performed in easy games, pull the rip cord. It was usually a good idea to WC during an IB for price rises although that hasn’t been the case the past couple of years. I know people who pride themselves on holding until December. They are rubbish players with low OR every year. That said, don’t waste it if your players are playing and have decent fixtures or if you can fix your team with a few hits.

    5. Galza
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I used mine GW2.
      Got rid of Salah and brought in Kane.
      Going well so far as I’ve climbed nearly 1 million places in my OR already.
      No complaints here...

    6. Oven Glover
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I tried a different approach this season. A all in gw1 bench boost side with a planned WC gw2 to sidestep the uncertainty over which players were back from the World Cup and to get an slight edge over the template. Can’t say it worked wonders but I’m decent shape atm. Players in gw2: Sterling, Mané, Hazard, Kun, Pereira, Fraser, Shaw, Hennessey, Vardy (red card but back on people’s radars now’. Think I managed to get a decent team with some differentials early on. Strong team value as well.

    7. ritzyd
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Looking at gw8 personally

  10. Demí
    8 years, 1 month ago

    How was Ruben Neves yesterday? Got him as 5th mid, but thinking i can save the .5 and use elsewhere

    1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He's not an FPL player mate. Too deep. He may score the occasional worldy.

    2. ChelseaKTBFF
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hes on freekicks and penalties.

      1. ChelseaKTBFF
        8 years, 1 month ago

        19 pts from 4 gw is good. You have to consistently play him and wait for the flash in a pan.

      2. The Train Driver
        8 years, 1 month ago

        How do you know he's on pens?

      3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Is he on pens ???

        1. ChelseaKTBFF
          8 years, 1 month ago

          He took 2 or 3 in preseason and is touted as a set piece specialist sort of guy. Ofcourse, you never really know until Wolves gets one.

    3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He played well and is great value at the price. He’s never going to get huge hauls but his points so far and Wolves’ performances suggest he’s great value.

  11. Udo
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Lads, I am just after checking the TOP50 squad for the first time this season, and am I astonished that nobody has Shaw in their team? Pretty much so, why isn't he more popular?

    1. The Train Driver
      8 years, 1 month ago

      The reason people don't have other Man Utd players.... I got rid on a WC, collected his lucky points before that...

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      8 years, 1 month ago

      People didnt start with him because he wasnt first choice last season.

      Then didnt bring him in because United look awful defensively and they had Spurs.

      Could be prudent to bring him in now.

    3. Udo
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks lads, have him since the start, and happy enough for the moment, ask me after game tonight if I still feel the same.

  12. Gaffa914
    8 years, 1 month ago

    decided to be risky and have already used my 2FTs to do Bernardo and Luiz ----> Maddison and Alonso, thoughts?

    1. Udo
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Wise move!

    2. Les Bleus
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Does it matter? Should’ve waited.

      1. Gaffa914
        8 years, 1 month ago

        been burned so far for waiting so dont think waiting is worthwhile when prices are rising so often

  13. The Train Driver
    8 years, 1 month ago

    So what does Özil have on the Arsenal board?

    1. diesel001
      8 years, 1 month ago

      A big contract value and important sale value.

      1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
        8 years, 1 month ago

        This.

        There is pressure on Emery to play him for the reasons Diesel gives.

  14. Sharkytect
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hahaha. Yuss!! So glad i ignored advice to drop moura for mhki (i normally appreciate and listen to advice on here, but was stubborn on this occasion)

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      8 years, 1 month ago

      we will see 😉

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I did it. Nothing to do with here though, it was purely fixtures based and I didn't expect Lemela to pull his hammy

  15. thunder_mike
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I want to try and not use my wildcard. Which two would you ditch?
    A) Zaha
    B) Mkhi
    C) Bilva
    D) Wally

    1. Siggy in the Middle
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Mkhi and wait for news about A and D

      1. thunder_mike
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks.

    2. Duka
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Wally & Zaha

      1. thunder_mike
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Even if fit?

    3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Think you have to wait for news if you can.

      1. thunder_mike
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah it tough to wait after an awful GW, but I have had my best ever start otherwise so shouldn’t panic.

    4. FleckyT
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Bilva and Wally if Zaha looks likely to start

  16. Digital-Real
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Can't see Arsenal win today

    1. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Exactly the type of game we’ve struggled in for nigh on 13 years.

      1. TAT
        8 years, 1 month ago

        It's a Stoke like game, this. As an Arsenal fan, I fear the worst.

    2. TAT
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I highly doubt they get more than a draw from this game.

  17. Siggy in the Middle
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is Moura still an option once Son is back?

    1. Ha.
      8 years, 1 month ago

      X

      1. Siggy in the Middle
        8 years, 1 month ago

        As in, no.

        1. Siggy in the Middle
          8 years, 1 month ago

          ?*

          1. Ha.
            8 years, 1 month ago

            He’s got the X-factor!

            It remains uncertain. There have been a few fan predictions with a lineup that includes both, with Dele playing deeper with Eriksen. Nobody really knows though, probably the same as Pedro/Mkhi; will get some starts but likely rotation.

    2. darth_valdes
      8 years, 1 month ago

      My guess is that it's going to be a while. Son has World Cup + Asian games. He'll need a proper rest. I think Son won't play for at least another 3-4 games and then he should be slowly subbed in.

    3. Desperately Seeking Dusan
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Son will play. Which a whole bunch of people who know said when hysteria took hold on here after the United game.

    4. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hard to tell, CL matches will also be back, so I am guessing they will both be used, but don't know which will play more of the league games.

    5. thunder_mike
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I think so. He provides more pace than Son and he is working well with Kane.

  18. Kanteisking
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Kepa
    Mendy, Robo, Shaw
    Mane, Walcott, Salah, B.Silva
    Aguero, Arnie, King
    Sub: All rubbish

    I need Alonso so I am going Shaw and BSilva out for Alonso and then I have 5.9 to spend. Any suggestions on who to sign?

    1. DanLynch
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Gray?

      1. Kanteisking
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Not convinced by Grey. Great talent

        1. Kanteisking
          8 years, 1 month ago

          But not convinced

    2. *sigh*
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Schurrle

      1. Kanteisking
        8 years, 1 month ago

        That’s what I am leaving towards. It’s a shame about they have city away next

    3. Danstoke82
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Fraser?

      1. Kanteisking
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Yes not a bad shout. But king and Fraser not ideal

    4. FleckyT
      8 years, 1 month ago

      What about Wally, is he going to be fit?

      1. Kanteisking
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I have 2FT. Going to stick with him for now and will shift if he is out. He has time to get fit

  19. Dybala10
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Does this team need a WC?
    * are the doubts

    Ederson*, Hamer*
    Mendy, Robertson, PVA*, AWB, Boly*
    Mkhi, Salah*, Mane, Walcott*, Stephens*
    Ings, Arnautovic*, Aguero

    Or should I just do PVA & Walcatt > Alonso & Fraser (-4)?

    Dropped from 8k to 35k and counting recently and feel like I may need a shake-up.

    1. BrutalLogiC
      8 years, 1 month ago

      -4 For me.

    2. Holmes
      8 years, 1 month ago

      When your doubts are likes of Ederson, Van Aan, Salah and Arnautovic 😮 dont think WC is required...

    3. Jack Frost
      8 years, 1 month ago

      What are your doubts about Stephens? what were your expectations about Stephens? curious

      1. Dybala10
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Can upgrade to Fraser to rotate with Ings.

        1. Jack Frost
          8 years, 1 month ago

          OK, asterisk covers a lot.. Good move.

  20. Differential C (Mark)
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bellerin over Mkhi on WC paying off!
    *smug smile of satisfaction*

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Both scored zero points so far. Cardiff bound to score and Mkhi come on

      1. Ha.
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Errrr

        1. Annie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yes?

    2. BIGREDDOG
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yuck

    3. lifes a pitch
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Dont do it to yourself. Could be another pedro walcott fiasco.

  21. Sánchez
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Odds on mkhi staying benched?
    Hoping he does but thinking 100/1

    1. Siggy in the Middle
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Slim to none

      1. Sánchez
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Was hoping they bring welbz and iwobi on instead but noticed iwobi not even a sub

        1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Emery said he's unwell

  22. Sánchez
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Ntchaaaaaammm

  23. lifes a pitch
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Yes or No....
    Salah+King out for Haz+Vardy-4(have the exact funds)

  24. HNI
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Any updates on Zaha and Walcott?
    Have exact funds for Walcott to Pedro but then will save ft if Walcott is fit

  25. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Pva and trollcott to alonso and maddison for minus four?

    Also own wan b and siggy, plus no Chelsea or Leicester.

    Thanks

    1. FleckyT
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I am doing a similar change PVA and Bsilva to Alonso and Maddison. I have Zaha so might have to hold off

      1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks, I think I heard Zaha will be two weeks which would be fine, but haven't got a source for that.

        1. FleckyT
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah according to premier injuries, he should be back for the next game. Tasty fixture against HUD

  26. Football Heaven
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Mkhi and firmino > hazard and 6.0 -4?

    If so which striker (have ings)? Thinking Jimenez or vietto (rotated with AWB)

    1. FleckyT
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Ings rotates well with AWB

      1. FleckyT
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Miss read mb Jimenez is good. Looks like Wolves have settled after the city performance

  27. Eddie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hoping for a Ramsey renaissance. If he wows today I'd be tempted to bring him in instead of D Silva.

  28. Ginkapo FPL
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Cardiff have not scored a goal yet this year.

    Comments on here, "tough game for Arsenal today", "cant see Arsenal winning today".

    Whatever you think of how strong Arsenal are this year, there must be some ludicrous bias to be thinking these things...

    1. Pierce34
      8 years, 1 month ago

      They've also only conceded 2 and will be looking to kick Arsenal into submission. 0-0 isn't that unlikely, though I agree an Arsenal win is the more likely outcome.

    2. diesel001
      8 years, 1 month ago

      When you have only won once away from home since 1 Jan 2018 then every away game is a tough game IMO. Beaten in 2 of their 3 away games against promoted sides last season.

      1. diesel001
        8 years, 1 month ago

        This isn't Man City at Cardiff. Or Liverpool at Cardiff.

    3. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      8 years, 1 month ago

      how many cardif conceded?

  29. Mackans
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Time to WC?

    Foster
    Mendy TAA Smith
    Salah Hazard Mkhi Walcott
    Aguero Firmino Ings

    Bench: Speroni, AWB, Peltier & Stephans
    0.0 ib

  30. BIGREDDOG
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Can you block certain users posts from appearing?