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. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Can any experts explain the thinking behind why why Emery Emirates (the replacement for Arsene Arsenal) decided to bench Mkhitaryan and is this likely to continue?

    🙂

    1. FPL Scoop
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I really couldn’t tell you and am trying to figure this out too.

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

      To play 2 up top

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

      Arsenal fan here - Mkhi is really hit and miss, so who knows how he will perform. Combined with the front line of Laca-Auba-Ozil, difficult to see that he will be a regular starter. I would personally sell for Pedro or Richarlinson when he comes back.

      1. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Thanks.

    4. BIGREDDOG
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Seriously no idea.. He also brought on Torreira who was awesome and Xhaka was so so poor. Even Ramsey and Ozil were poor so no idea what this guy is doing.

  2. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    What are Mhki owners doing?

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Guess he'll have to go

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Watching build up to utd game

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Don’t know yet

    4. BenDavies
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      sticking. no point taking him out yet.

    5. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Creating a voodoo doll of Unai Emery!

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

        Also tell me how to do that. that voodoo doll thingy

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          You don't have to bother, just tell me where you want me to stick that pin. 😀

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

            back side. Right in the middle

            1. The Polymath
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 1 day ago

              That's been taken 😀

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

      Hoping for a Luke Shaw haul

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

      Keeping him vs Newcastle next GW and reassess.

    8. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Being salty that they didn't get jammy autosub points

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        And this of course

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

      Lunch.

    10. Kemosabe1
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I would imagine they are in a corner somewhere miserable...

    11. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Enjoying the extra point.

      1. CL4PTRAP
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Some of us have a bench TM. Wolves cleanie could have been nice. So annoyed.

    12. sambyy
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Just finished watching F1, Burnely-United next.

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Check reply 😉

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

    All down to united game.

    Clean sheet and it's a poor but ok week.

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

      Mou out would be a VERY good week!

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

    Having a feeling of deja vu if i get Wilson (for Zaha ).

    Last year like now Wilson was in fine form and had great fixtures. and did absolutely nothing for nearly 2 months after i got him.

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      he got 7 blanks just after his hattrick

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

        surely he will fare better this time round no ?. id be happy with atleast 3 goals from next 6

  5. kysersosa
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Managers, is there an Arsenal asset worth getting? Lacazette could still not be nailed, Aubameyang seems too pricey for his returns, Mkhi benched, and they have now conceded 7 goals this season so little option in defence. What are managers thoughts?

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

      I think I agree with everything you said, and unless there's evidence to suggest otherwise in the future I will avoid (funny I say that as I have Auba currently mind, but wouldn't bring him in)

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

      Better to get Hazard, Pedro, Alonso than Auba, Mkhi and Mustafi

    3. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Laca

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

      I'm monitoring Ramsey to see if he can nail down no. 10. Definitely avoiding defence

      1. Kemosabe1
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        This... ramsey if he nails down a starting place

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

        I think everyone is. As soon as he score, his price will rocket.

    5. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I don't think I would get anyone if I were wildcarding, but I feel good owning Aubameyang and still having a wildcard to go. Emery still doesn't know what his best team is and that disqualifies practically all the attack.

      1. kysersosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Agreed, this makes it hard for us in FPL. Mkhi not starting today was a surprise. I though he played well against WHU.

    6. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I think Laca should get some more starts now. He was best player today. However I would not be going near anyone for the time being (I have Guendouzi as a benchwarmer but regret not getting in Billings). Was really hoping Ramsey might present himself as an option, but I'd much prefer to have DSilva or a nailed on Pereya or someone.

      1. kysersosa
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        I don't disagree with this but at his price you have players such as Zaha, Mitro, king that are all firing, have good fixtures and a lot cheaper. I just think at this point, finances could be better allocated.

    7. Rust Cohle
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      No. Perhaps Lacazette, but even he is at risk of rotation. I suspect, that once it’s clear Lacazette is a regular starter, Arsenal’s fixtures will turn. In that price bracket, I’d prefer Vardy, who is back from suspension and has a nice run of fixtures.

  6. OverTinker
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    I think its not Emery's fault but its my mistake to play WB instead of Ings despite so many of you suggesting me to go with Ings

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

      I think majority of the advice here was to play AWB.

      That 12 points on the bench in GW is still stuck in everyone's mind.

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

        Agreed

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

      I'd have played WB

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

      My ings comes off the bench for zaha. Hope this cheers you up buddy

    4. OverTinker
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      But atleast the ones who advised me were not favoring WB over Ings

  7. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    What Liverpool asset would you get on a wildcard. Thinking of dropping Salah as I would only captain him for a game in next 4 and Mane offers value.

    1. Demí
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Mane and Robertson if you don't have

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Mane and TAA/Alisson

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

      None.

      Then get Salah (c) for the Huddersfield game.

    4. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I had Salah and Robbo start of season, took all out on WC this week. Don't plan to get any back just yet due to rotation risk over fixture congested run.

  8. ★Kuntheman★
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    0-0 in MUN vs BUR would be ideal

    1. COLLIN QUANER
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      1-1 with two own goals would be better

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

        aligned with that. No CS would surely be a positive result from
        a fpl perspective.

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

          not owning any of the Man u liabilities lol

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

      1:0 De Gea screamer from 100 meters out would be better.

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

      1-0 to United.

      Luke Shaw masterclass.

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

    Am I the only one who thinks that Gundouzi is one average footballer? That midfield is suffering with him.

    1. Podge
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He not average, if it wasn’t for the hair no one would notice him.

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

      He has work rate. But he needs Torreira and Xhaka next to him. Let Guendouzi win the ball back like Kante and let Xhaka and Torreira do the forward passing.

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

      That midfield could have Zizou in and would still suffer with Xhaka in it.

    4. Dr. Agabuse
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Torreira played very well again.
      Surely this was his last start.
      Guendouzi is 19 and very confident. Aint average at all and if we're lucky Arsenal will be controlled by both of them from the double pivot from 2019 on

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

        He has no speed, he can't pass forward at speed.

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

    Oops my bad. Dunno what team sheet I saw 😯

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

      You did the same yersterday IIRC. Use another website......

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

        No I didn’t

  11. Midlands Saint73
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Going to end up with 64 which I'm happy with, not so much the 15 on the bench.

    1. Football Heaven
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Ings and Ward? That’s who I have

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

    I'm liking Lacazette. Sadly I need a bit more security to invest. Might hold off one more week but if he looks like a sure starter, I'll give it a shot.

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Good to know

  13. FPL Scoop
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    MUN 1 - 1 BUR
    WAT 1 - 0 TOT

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

      wishful thinking.....

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Shh.

        Can’t be having no Kane hauls or Spurs CS today especially

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

      That would be sublime

      Are you usually wrong?

      1. FPL Scoop
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        50/50 I guess lol. Couldn’t have predicted Mhki bench, obviously. More 70/30 against me recently though 😆

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Unless you're a Photon I'm not convinced.

  14. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Tyrone are off to a great start 4 points up 🙂

  15. Cabellafan
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    I want Lacazette

    1. Podge
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Go on then I’ll let you have him

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

        Cant afford. Need 1 mill

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

          I'll help you out.

          Give me your account number and internet pin.

          You're welcome!

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

            And the CVV

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

      Permission granted

  16. ZakAFC_
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Would you WC this?

    Fabianski (Foster)
    Robertson, Mendy, AWB (Tomkins*, Bednarek)
    Salah, Dilva, Pedro, Walcott*, Fraser
    Aguero, Auba (Kamara)

    0.1 ITB

    1. Demí
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Nah, give it a week

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

      No

  17. Patch
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Hi guys those looking for a cheap differential

    I give you Kennedy.

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

      Off form IMO. Stormed off yesterday after being subbed.

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

      Not a bad shout but I give you even better one-time Yedlin

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

      Just feel he has been incredibly unlucky so far, seems quality...

      Don't want to triple up on Chelsea (i.e. Kante, Jorgino etc), so going for a differential

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

      Had him for the Cardiff game.

      Almost turned out to be a great punt. Could have been a double digit haul but that bum missed a penalty.

  18. Klein
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Is there any chance Haz/laca price rise or salah/arna fall before the end of todays all fixture?

    1. Podge
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Can’t fall for about 10 hours

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

      Price changes don't happen until 2am UK time.

    3. Klein
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Thanks a lot guys. Thats nice to hear

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

    Anyone thinking Mhki will be benched again? Ozil never seems to get benched and laca getting game winning goal. It must warrant another start...

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Surely the best attack is Lacazette, Aubameyang, Ramsey and Mkhitaryan, but then again I'm sure Emery knows more about football than I do!

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Ozil could go off for a cup of tea during the game and Emery would still play him.

  20. tafrère
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    United fans going after Woodward and praising Mourinho. They're so stupid lmao.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      why?

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

        Because Mourinho is a poison.

        1. ingus
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          Do you work for the press as well?

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

      lol

    3. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Only needed the first 2 words of the first sentence.

    4. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I bet i would trounce you in a I.Q. test.

      1. El Lobito 10
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Not for spelling anyway, considering it's "an IQ test" 😉

        1. Ógie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          My spelling was never the best but that does not make me bad at I.Q. tests. 😉

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 day ago

            Good for you mate. IQ tests are a pile of shite anyway.

      2. Rogue Todd
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Trump-esque

  21. Toby Lerone
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Luke shaw to haul

    1. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      What? A bag of coal up a hill?

  22. Ginkapo FPL
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    What languages do Torreira and Gendouzo speak?

    Xhaka and Gendo share french.... I wonder if this may have something to do with it

    1. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Cunning linguists

    2. The Train Driver
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      They need only a few words and body language to communicate effectively on the pitch som I doubt this is the case..

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

      English. On the pitch.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        A 19 year old probably doesnt, thats the point. You need communication from someone in the centre of the pitch and thats been Xhaka doing the shouting for a while. Torreira isnt looking ready to do that even if he is a better player.

  23. Tobeno
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Anyone take a punt on Lingard? Could pay off if Jose gets the reaction he's looking for!

  24. JONALDINHO
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    When teams have games in Europe do they tend to rotate the weekend before the match or after? Also will defenders such as Alonso/Mendy/Robertson not be rotated?

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I remember Emerson and Moreno starting in CL matches. Lucky that there's no Europe for Chelsea!

  25. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    early days and will wait till IB over but mulling over 2 transfers, not for a hit and will obviously depend on injuries. have my WC in my back pocket still

    A - wally/bilva to Pedro/moura
    B - salah/zaha to haz/laca (have mane)

    hmmmm

  26. The Train Driver
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Play:

    A. Pereira (bou)
    B. Bennett (BUR)

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      A by a mile

  27. The Left Duke #3
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    That Mkhi cameo cost me 1 pt. Damn you Fantasy Gods 🙂

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Why are you smiling while angry you weirdo?

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

        He also cries when he has intercourse

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          LOL

        2. The Left Duke #3
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          brilliant

      2. The Left Duke #3
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        I'm just an emotional guy

  28. Whats the Mata?
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Would you WC if you own Zaha, Walcott, Mkhi and Peltier?

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Instantly!

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

    removing Moura was such an error, really not looking forward to this - with Lamela sniffing around I got rid, but he is looking like one of the best players to have right now 😐

  30. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    auba 1goal in 4 gws...... gotta sell at that price right?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I’m going to give him another game given he’s scored

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        feels like a trap

    2. Demí
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Keep

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        cheers demi, you know how painful it is to watch an expensive player for little return

        1. Demí
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          Yeah, it's painful reading the Salah out comments as well but his quality will surely come through, just like Auba. Good fixtures for Arsenal and he was a bit of a flat track bully last season.

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 day ago

            Painful? It's great, let them sell while you pick up his points.

    3. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Switch him to Laca

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I don’t look at his play and think a haul is coming to be honest, I think there are much better options out there - Haz for example if u have 2 FT’s

    5. El Lobito 10
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He also has 1 sensational goal in his last game