Dugout Discussion
22 December 2018 1251 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.5m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£9.6m) both start for Arsenal as they host Burnley in Gameweek 18’s Saturday lunch-time kick-off.

Sead Kolasinac (£5.0m) returns to the starting line-up after being a fitness doubt for the game, while Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.4m) is the one to replace the injured Hector Bellerín (£5.4m) at right-back.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Elneny (£4.3m) comes into the side so that Lucas Torreira (£5.2m) can get a rest on the bench.

Aubameyang and Lacazette are joined in attack by Mesut Özil (£8.0m).

Burnley have lined up with a 5-3-2 formation and are expected to try to stay compact and hit Arsenal on the break.

James Tarkowski (£4.7m), Ben Mee (£4.7m) and Kevin Long (£4.2m) are the centre-backs with Charlie Taylor (£4.4m) and Phil Bardsley (£4.2m) flanking them.

Sean Dyche has typically used just one forward this season but he has bolstered the attack today with the inclusion of Ashley Barnes (£5.6m) and Chris Wood (£6.2m) up front.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Monreal, Kolasinac, Xhaka, Elneny, Guendouzi, Ozil, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

Burnley XI: Hart, Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Long, Taylor, Cork, Westwood, Hendrick, Barnes, Wood.

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  1. Digital-Real
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Ozil 3 baps?

    1. Bubz
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Maybe not even 1

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

      No, 0. Kola and Iwobi on for 1

    3. french holiday
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Auba way ahead

  2. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Who's the better pool defender to get from Lovren and TAA for the coming fixtures?

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

      Lovren will play every game until gomez or matip return

    2. MMN
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I would wait until after Arsenal and City unless you're expecting CSs there

  3. HurriKane
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Imagine the scenario when palace holds city 0-0 for 60 mins only to see Aguero KDB and Mahrez coming from bench in tripe substitution.

    The squad depth of city is a joke

    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      I am hoping that isn't the case as it will mean Sterling coming off and he is my captain.

  4. Richd
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Genuinely think City will score 6 or 7 today. Potentially more.

    1. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      cue 1-0

      1. Richd
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        That’ll be 1-0 in about 42 mins

    2. BenDavies
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      >potentially more

      Press X to doubt.

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

      2-0

    4. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Can see a 0-0 until Aguero comes on

  5. Jon Snow
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Need Sterling and Sane to turn up, Salah and Auba performances has my rank in freefall

  6. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Fraser benched again. Time to say goodbye.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Annoyingly I was going to do Fraser/Auba >> Hazard/Jimenez.

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Was going the exact same way myself. What now?

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

        Jiminez 2 points v aubas 13 or so?

        1. Hazz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          For next GW, where Jimenez has Fulham.

  7. Peter Russo
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    How can Iwobi be better than Lacazette?? That goal he just scored he had no idea what he was doing he was wondering into offside and the ball just fell to him randonly, Laca is a much better player and needs the confidence of the manager in him bot keep benching him and taking him off every time.

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

      He'll be benched vs Brighton too IMO

      1. Peter Russo
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Laca has always given a return for the restricted minutes hes played its sad how the manager is treating him. At the start of the season he was doing that to Auba and now him. I believe bith can play well together with auba LW and interchanging positions betwenn them during play theyll be a strong partnership.

  8. Bubz
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Really regretting getting rid of Kola on WC. Going to have to bring him back in at that price, great value

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah some cracking fixtures right through until the end of February too.

    2. RyanC
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, he’s looking good. May drop a premium for him so I can upgrade a mid.

    3. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Nah they can't keep a cleanie for the life of them. Not nailed either once more defenders are back

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

    Can't believe Ville Ronka TC'd Iwobi this week

    1. Critical Observer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      False news.

      Besides, his name is Rönkä.

      1. Differentiator
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        I know, can't believe it

      2. glufs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Finns and their sense of humor

      3. BIGREDDOG
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Ronke*

  10. glufs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Lacazette was a mistake

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      He’s done ok. Yeah it’s not hauls but these small points contributions all add up.

    2. Digital-Real
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      in last 5 games he's blanked once. Enjoy the points, it could have been worse.

  11. lugs
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Kola MOTM on Sky

    1. Differentiator
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Big fat 0bps

      1. lugs
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        MOTM is 5 extra points in the Sky game though

      2. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Maybe 1bps

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      No chance

      1. lugs
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        its already done, Alan Smith gave it to him

    3. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Kola MoTM sounds about right. Monstrous today.

    4. Jindaljain
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      But with NO BPS

      1. Weasel Boy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        1bps

  12. Ole Gunnar Kush
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 2 months ago

    Kolasinac or Digne?

    1. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Kola by far

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      D for me or Lovren

    3. Richd
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 2 months ago

      Both if you can. Digne if really only want one.

    4. AndyCook
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Digne has set pieces but Kolasinac as he is cheaper

        1. AndyCook
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Oh I lied. Not much in it at all. Digne probably

        2. Critical Observer
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Digne is a must-have, Kola would be nice if Arsenal had actual centre-backs in place of those orange practice pylons.

          I have both.

        3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          have both but if one then kola

          1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            *sorry digne

        4. RyanC
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Ooh, close. Digne, just.

        5. Ole Gunnar Kush
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Cheers fellas

      • FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Who assisted Iwoby?

        1. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Ozil

        2. Volley127
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Ozil

          1. FPL Daniel
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks both

      • Van der Faart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Arsenal have been fortunate today. Deflected goal, deflected assist. Penalty not given against them. Vydra 3 yards onside called offside.

        1. Critical Observer
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Barnes should have been off a good long while before his goal and eventual substitution, mind.

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

            Sokratis should have been off in the first 25 mins.

        2. FPL Daniel
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Bring VAR

        3. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Lol, they oouldve had a hatful and Barnes should’ve been off before he scored

        4. TerryVenables
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          One big chance they had the whole team was offside and the linesman somehow didn’t see it.

        5. Pariße
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Was Burnley’s goal not a deflection?

      • Shatner's Bassoon
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Laca, Fraser, Walker -> Hazard, Jimenez, 4.5ish DF. (-4)

        Pretty set on this for Boxing Day.

        Need that 4.5 DF to play in weeks 20 & 22 so looking at Chambers for HUD/bur.

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

          Good moves

      • OPTA FPL
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        AUba owners happy? I really need his hattrick

        1. My Name Is Pepu
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          FT

          13 points is great TBH

        2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          wow not satisfied with 13

        3. Bees4Lyf
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I agree

      • ZeBestee
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Why sub Laca when Auba has played 2 90 min in the last 7 days already? Clearly Emery doesn't rate Laca

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Keeping him fresh for next week as lonely striker

          1. ZeBestee
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Laca was frustrated at being substituted, he also thinks he should still be on the field.

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

          "clearly"

        3. french holiday
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Auba is to Arsenal ehat Kane is to Spurs.

      • My Name Is Pepu
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Iwobi with the jammiest goal of the GW.

      • FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 2 months ago

        Battle of the six kings continues.

        Salah and Auba delivered.

        Still to come: Kane, Haz, Sterling, Sane.

        Which 3 you have or we have to go with 4?

        1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          well dont have first 2 and remaining 4 hahaha

        2. Bubz
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I've gone with Kane, Haz, Sterling, Sane on my WC this week. Very nervous to see how they do

        3. Critical Observer
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          I've got Aubs, Haz, Kanes, Sanes

        4. RyanC
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Salah, Kane and Sané.

        5. Fred54
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          @Diesel.

        6. Johnny 8
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Salah, Auba and Hazard. So far so good.

        7. the snazzy viking
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Kane, Auba, Sterling, Sane

        8. *sigh*
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Have Salah Sterling Hazard and Kane. I think some very good cheap options allow this without decimating rest of team if you have a decent team value.

        9. Sandy Ravage
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Hazard, Salah, Auba, Sterling (& Son to cover Kane)

        10. Ruth_NZ
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Go with 4 and you cost yourself points.

          My three are Aubameyang, Salah, Kane and it is likely to stay that way. But Hazard is the one I'd rather like and I may do a HOHO with Salah for GW 21&22.

        11. MTPockets
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Kane, Salah, Sterling, Sane working ok so far

            1. FPL Daniel
              • 16 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Thanks all . Quality discussion

        12. Scapegoat Salah
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          About time Ozil got some points!

        13. french holiday
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Has Raneri gone bonkers. Playing Cairney as the 2nd CAM instead of Kamara and Chambers as a central mid?

          1. My Name Is Pepu
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Chambers has been playing CDM for a while now and he's played there for Arsenal before.

        14. Tsparkes10
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          So i got rid of Laca and Fraser on wc... unless Fraser comes on and bags then i guess that's justified :). Now time for my big boys hehe

        15. Ginkapo FPL
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Mauro Vilhete recieves the ball from Harrison with two still to beat. Neatly goes past them and slots it home left footed.

          2-0 Barnet.

          #Masterstroke Substitutions.

        16. Butcher
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Live rank has me dropping 100k places after that Salah and Auba haul.

          No pressure Sterling (c) and Kane.

          1. My Name Is Pepu
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Nice username *hugs*

            1. Butcher
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Will always be a Flopp until they win something

              1. My Name Is Pepu
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                Don't see that happening anytime soon.

        17. El-Kloppico
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          Had Auba for the last 3 match.. 7pts.
          Sold him this week.. 15pts!

          Story of my season.

          1. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            *13

          2. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            *incoming comments y sold him before burnley*

          3. TerryVenables
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Good thinking selling before the worst team in the league at home

          4. FPL Forward Thinker
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            9pts last 3. Today 13

        18. Tsparkes10
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 2 months ago

          May be a stupid question with an obvious answer but when do people find themselves using the free hit??

          1. Critical Observer
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            For an amputated GW with only a few teams playing, most likely.

          2. MTPockets
              7 years, 2 months ago

              In a blank gw worked ok last season

            • F4L
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              blank GW

            • RyanC
              • 11 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              In a blank gameweek where a small number of teams are playing.

            • Tsparkes10
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Cheers 🙂 makes sense

            • Marvin.
              • 9 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              I think I used mine during an injury crisis last year. It's never really worked out for me though I know that. Neither has triple captain.

          3. yakirh
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Start Jimenez over Laca make sense?

          4. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Quite tempted in getting Shaq as my fifth mid. Likely to start vs Newcastle and he often scores when he starts at Anfield.

            1. Tsparkes10
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Did exactly Same. Squad depth and benching for next week is sending me nuts. Excited he didn't play yday though. Only.means a 7 pointer atleast inbound 😉

          5. BenDavies
            • 13 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            Very, very annoying that Fraser is benched today. Was getting rid regardless of performance today owing to upcoming fixtures but now everyone else will do the same.

            1. Hazz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Yeah. No farewell haul for us loyal lot!

            2. ILOVEBAPS
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              And we could have got in Snodgrass for this match and not have had to downgrade Salah to get Hazard... motherf^*#er!

            3. MagicMessi
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Just did fraser and auba >>> kamara and salah for -4

          6. F4L
            • 11 Years
            7 years, 2 months ago

            that City midfield looks meh. Could be a frustrating afternoon for City mid owners

            1. Tsparkes10
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              I mean... Bilva is super creative as is gundo. And got Kev off the bench. Im ready 🙂

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

              Imagine calling Sane, Raz, Bernardo and Gundo meh.

              1. F4L
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                its their second choice midfield 3

            3. FPL Forward Thinker
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              7 years, 2 months ago

              Which City?

              1. F4L
                • 11 Years
                7 years, 2 months ago

                the one that matters