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. OldBenKenobi
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    If things stay as they are I’m doing Auba + Zaha > Aguero + Mitro (exact funds)

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

      That’s a glory hole of a transfer. Do it.

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

        😆

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

      Looks good. Mitro is my Auba replacement before next GW as well.

    3. THE Wild Rover
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      I’d do it anyway

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

    % chance tonight will be Jose last game in charge of Utd?

    My sources telling me, win or lose, he’s gone.

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

      2%

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

      Anything other than a win and it's got to be c u next Tuesday you massive whopper.

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

        😀

      2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Burger King fan - obvs!

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

          God no

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

      I don't think so, unless things get really bad he'll still be in charge.

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

    If youre determined to play out from the back, dont your attacking players need to be constantly moving into space?

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

      Laziness is too embedded in this Arsenal team. Players like Özil have to be cleared out.

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

      It's terrifying watching Cech Mustafa and Sokratis passing it around themselves without any outlet.

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

    It looks like we're at that part of the season where some people start considering bringing Xhaka in.

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

      I hope so

    2. Pariße
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      To be fair he’s actually being played as a deep lying CM that he actually is instead of being a DM. Guendouzi will take a lot of defensive duties away from him, including yellow cards. Still not a great fpl pick though.

  5. Babit1967
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Slippy G teaching the huns how to fall on their bum and lose a goal hehehe

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

      That is a sectarian team and has no place on here mate.

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

        *term

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

        I'm a Rangers fan and I've never found it offensive or sectarian as I hope The Great Unwashed don't find 'tims' offensive. 😉

        1. Babit1967
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          Nah Tim to the bone I am lol

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

            As a Jags fan, I find you both offensive.

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

      Pub league.

      1. Babit1967
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        epl champions failed to beat Celtic, my nan could score in the epl

  6. MidTableFantasy
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    1) Ings + Hazard
    2) Lacazette + Pedro

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

      1

  7. Oven Glover
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Peltier and Jazz must be really poor players if they’re playing second fiddle to Manga.

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Manga is normally good

  8. Four Hit Wonder
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    So Guendouzi is nailed is he?

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

      Looks to be, has played very well so far.

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

      I think he is. The best player the have on the pitch.

      1. *sigh*
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        I totally disagree.Always seems to be running a few yards from the ball and very often play goes past him.

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

          Stats says otherwise. It's not like his teammates are doing fantastic either.

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

        You may be confusing best with most energetic.

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

    Nice theatrics from Arsenal

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

      6 dives for 32 minutes...all successful. What a mug, the ref is.

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

    Lacazette hits the post

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

      Shot off target = neg baps

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

    Aguero didn't hang about after the Newcastle game. He's just been interviewed by Brundle on the grid at Monza. He should have asked what the hell he was doing in the 92nd minute yesterday.

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

      Another one of his famous international break getaways

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

        Pad up the lampposts

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

          😆

    2. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He's in moza already? tbh I'd be getting out of manchester if I had 2 weeks off as quick as possible

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

        This

    3. Syd.
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He has the next 2 weeks off, hasn't been called up by Argentina

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

      2 hour flight away ffs

      1. Bouncebackability
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 17 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Granted, but what a life. Play football, earn shed loads, fly wherever you want. Well jealous.

        1. Syd.
          • 17 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          Don't forget about the silly haircuts

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

          And wall to wall ho's

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

    I miss the days where watching Arsenal was fun

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

      Showing your age.

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

    Lacazette already done more in this game than Auba has so far this season.

  14. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Laca could have set Bellerin free on the right arghh

  15. *sigh*
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Been on Auba watch since start of the season so ive watched most of the games and I feel Guendouzi is the reason for their underperforming start.Granted he has potential but looks like he’s still in preseason and off the pace.Playing Torreira in his place would’ve given Arsenal more urgency and direction in the middle.

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

      It's almost like he was gold last year playing at pace as is found out playing a slow tempo... Who knows what Emery is thinking...

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

      Lol

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

      Haha

    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Love it!

    4. dvdguy
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Gold

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

      If you're 12

    6. Rock n Grohl
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Brilliant!!

  16. DeathoftheParty
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Hope this Arsenal result holds for maximum lolz will a 2 minute Mhki appearance.

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

      Better than WB off the bench

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

        I started him... What ya gunna do?

  17. BigBillyBass
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Just WC’d. Thoughts on this?

    Patricio (Bettinelli)
    Robertson Alonso Mendy (Bennett AWB)
    Hazard Mane Milner Dilva (Neves)
    Aguero Arnie Mitrovic

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

      No arsenal 10/10

    2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Not keen on Milner and Arnie isn't firing. Good overall tho

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Nice team. Not sure of Milner but it could work out.

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

      Cheers. Taking a slight punt on Milner but he seems fairly nailed and on pens

  18. Four Hit Wonder
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Laca just needs a goal to start the bandwagon.

  19. KadMan
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Is Ozil playing?

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

      Last seen in 2015....

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

    Alexandre Like-I-said

    1. Four Hit Wonder
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      He's a La Cassette player.

    2. FC Barkerlona
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Lack-of-threat

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

    Giggs to be new Cardiff manager apparently

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

      *Tan’s wife buys new outfit*

  22. Macam Dave
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Wc gtg?

    Begovic
    Alonso robbo Mendy wanbiss (bennett)
    Mane hazard Fraser (Guendouzi) (billing)
    Aguero Kane Mitrovic

    Can this be improve? Thanks all very much

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      Plenty of points in that side

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

      That's one of the best I've seen mate tbh. Quietly copies team.......

      1. Macam Dave
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 day ago

        Thanks both for your replies. This year rather than wait with lots of issues and three be forced into wild card I’ve done a wc proactively to try to get ahead on dropping salah and brining in Kane. Feels nice to be making decision on this rather than being forced into it!

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

    If Cardiff or Huddersfield stay up this year I'll be amazed

    1. Bolivian Seaman
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 day ago

      there is no way, what are the odds for a double up?

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

        2/5 and 4/7 so 6/5 the double

        1. Bolivian Seaman
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 1 day ago

          i might put 10 grand on it 🙂

  24. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Cardiff attack made to look good by arsenal defending.

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

    Love Joe Ralls!

  26. Syd.
    • 17 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Cardiff look solid at home

    GW6 - Aguero (C)

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

    Ward 4.5 mid, playing striker no9

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

      My 2nd sub

  28. Federico
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 day ago

    Almost activated my WC yesterday, but decided it was to rash. However, I'm still tempted after giving it another day of thought. How about this?

    Ederson - 4.0
    A- M - R - WB - Bennett
    Haz - Mané - Richarlison* - Fraser - Billing
    Aguero - Vardy - Mitrovic

    Maybe Pedro as a placeholder for Rich.

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

      Nice

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

        Thanks, it's just too difficult finding funds (even scraps) to get what I want with a couple of transfers.

        You like the Vardy pick? Shouldn't be too difficult upgrading to Kane if needed.

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

      no Salah ???

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

        If I keep him, I don't have enough funds to go around. The decision to WC for me, depends on taking the risk to go without.

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

    Hope Arter isnt injured