Dugout Discussion

Rashford fit to start while Hazard remains on the left flank

Six Premier League matches take place this evening before the Gameweek 21 showpiece of Manchester City v Liverpool brings the frenetic festive fixture schedule to a close ahead of FA Cup third round weekend.

Four of tonight’s games kick off at 19:45 GMT, with Bournemouth v Watford (due to a delay) and Newcastle United v Manchester United getting underway at 20:00 GMT.

There aren’t too many surprises in the team selections this evening, with many of the more widely-owned Fantasy Premier League assets getting a start.

Marcus Rashford has recovered from a groin problem to keep his place in Manchester United’s starting XI, with Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial also unsurprisingly named in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

Jesse Lingard, Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez make the bench.

Fabian Schar replaces the injured Federico Fernandez in Rafael Benitez’s only alteration, while Florian Lejeune makes the matchday squad for the first time in 2018/19.

Eden Hazard is again deployed on the left flank as Alvaro Morata replaces the injured Olivier Giroud, but Chelsea are otherwise unchanged from the side that beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in Gameweek 20.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has really shuffled his pack for this encounter at Stamford Bridge, making eight changes – including the recall of Danny Ings – following the 3-1 defeat against Manchester City.

In the delayed kick-off on the south coast, Ryan Fraser returns to the Bournemouth starting XI after his benching at Old Trafford.

Javi Gracia has made five changes to his team, with Jose Holebas, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Troy Deeney among the players handed a recall.

Andy Carroll makes his first Premier League start in over a year for West Ham, who have new signing Samir Nasri among their substitutes.

Glenn Murray replaces Florin Andone up front in Chris Hughton’s only change.

Joao Moutinho and Helder Costa return to the Wolves starting XI, while Jordan Ayew gets his first start since Gameweek 17 as Roy Hodgson switches to a 4-3-3.

David Wagner has made two changes to his team and seemingly reverted to a 4-2-3-1, while Sean Dyche trusts the same 11 players who beat West Ham three days ago.

Bournemouth XI (3-5-2): Begovic, Cook, Ake, Daniels, Brooks, Lerma, Gosling, Fraser, Stanislas, Wilson, King.

Watford XI (4-4-2): Foster, Femenia, Cathcart, Mariappa, Holebas, Sema, Capoue, Doucoure, Pereyra, Deulofeu, Deeney.

Chelsea XI (4-3-3): Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Rudiger, Luiz, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Barkley, Hazard, Willian, Morata.

Southampton XI (3-4-3): Gunn, Yoshida, Vestergaard, Bednarek, Valery, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Cedric, Armstrong, Ings, Redmond.

Huddersfield Town XI (4-2-3-1): Lossl, Kongolo, Schindler, Zanka, Hadergjonaj, Hogg, Billing, Mbenza, Pritchard, Kachunga, Mounie.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Heaton, Bardsley, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Cork, Westwood, Gudmundsson, McNeil, Barnes, Wood.

West Ham United XI (4-4-2): Fabianski, Zabaleta, Ogbonna, Diop, Cresswell, Rice, Obiang, Snodgrass, Anderson, Arnautovic, Carroll.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI (4-3-3): Button, Montoya, Dunk, Duffy, Bernardo, Stephens, Propper, Gross, March, Murray, Locadia.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-4-3): Patricio, Bennett, Boly, Coady, Doherty, Saiss, Moutinho, Jonny, Costa, Cavaleiro, Jimenez.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita, Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt, McArthur, Milivojević, Kouyaté, Townsend, Ayew, Zaha.

Newcastle United XI (3-4-2-1): Dubravka, Yedlin, Schär, Lascelles, Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden, Diame, Atsu, Pérez, Rondón.

Manchester United XI (4-3-3): De Gea, Valencia, Jones, Lindelöf, Shaw, Matic, Herrera, Pogba, Mata, Martial, Rashford.

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5,260 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Uncle John from Jamaica
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Chaps

    Can’t see the wood for the trees. Two free transfers to use and 0.1m in the bank.

    Fabianski
    Robbo Lovren Doherty
    Salah FAnderson Richarlison Pogba
    Kane Aubameyang Wilson

    Boric AWB Bednarek Hudson-Odoi

    Anything stand out as my next move. Top 40k currently

    Thanks

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I'd be tempted to free up some cash with Robbo to TAA and upgrade Fab to Alisson.

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      or Richarlison to Shaqiri, for a bit of fun.

    3. Gruu
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Nice team uncle. No change needed imo

  2. Red Rock
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I want Salah in and have a feeling Son has played his final game before Asian cup, how does this sound for two free transfers?

    Auba, Son > Salah, Arnie

  3. WVA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    How did the person ranked 1 overall get there, he put Rashford 3rd on his bench this gameweek lol!?

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe scared of a 1pt cameo, he was an injury doubt for tonight!

    2. Osman
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Rashford was not guaranteed a start due to Groin Injury and in form Lukaku, seems an ideal move to avoid a 1 pointer in case Rashford came in late

  4. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    How about punt Mitro to Firimno ? he is kind of getting into form.

    1. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Could work out. And would be a big differential. See how he looks tomorrow.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        I am tempted. Will again have 2 FT after Brighton and reasses .

  5. Little fekirs
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Need inspiration for my WC team

    Got 104m to spend

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Triple City and LFC.

  6. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    So frustrated with my wrong captain choices for the last 4 games.
    Gw18 Sterling(2) instead of Kane(15).
    Gw19 Kane(6) instead of Salah(12).
    Gw20 Sterling(6) instead of Salah(15).
    Gw21 Hazard(3) instead of Kane(12).

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah same here.

    2. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Same club

  7. Blame it on Traore
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hazard to Eriksen could be a good move if he blanks against Newcastle

  8. Demí
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Could Dele Alli benefit from Son's departure? Looking to get him or Eriksen for Son as Spurs fixtures are superb after United.

    1. Alli 3',17',64�…
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      im thinking Moura

      1. Jimmy Boy
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        If Martial looks like he's no longer nailed I'll probably do Martial > Moura

        1. Alli 3',17',64�…
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          he might need patience idk, but at that price if he works out your laughing. Eriksen still very appealing though

    2. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah! I like Alli too. Could do with assessing how they line up once Son has gone and go from there. I suspect Alli might be pushed further forwards. In which case, could well be a better option than Eriksen. Not so sure about Moura.

  9. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Points predictions for these three?
    Sterling, Aguero, van Dijk

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      2
      2
      7

  10. Prison Mike
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    How do these moves sound?

    Martial & Auba -> Salah (c) & Rashford (-4)

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Good moves. Thinking similar.

  11. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Atsu and Ritchie were very high on the left-hand side. It pinned back Valencia which gave United no width on the right.

    Have to give credit to Rafa, Newcastle were unlucky with the fumbled FK imo.

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Rafa is past it. Should never get a PL gig again.

      1. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Oh, you can't blame Rafa all that much. He's got a terrible squad. Board is no help whatsoever.

      2. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Rafa is a legend. He deserves much, much more in terms of financial support...

        1. Alli 3',17',64�…
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          +

      3. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Definitely can't agree with that. He's done brilliantly with that squad.

      4. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Based on what?

      5. teknicolourfox
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Not true and to be fair they created a lot of chances for a mediocre team. When man its face decent squad think it'll be altogether different result

  12. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Repost guys. Any changes here lads? or good to save and roll the free? (Shocking 30 points up to now)

    Patricio
    Doherty - TAA - Robertson
    Richarlison - Pogba - Salah - Hazard - F.Anderson
    Jimenez - Kane
    _____________________________________
    Button: Digne, AWB, Kamara

    0.0.ITB, 1FT

    Appreciate any opinions (and heartfelt sympathies haha)

    1. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Bad GW, save. Maybe transfer out Anderson?

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        very bad gw, nobody stands out for Anderson, suggestions welcome 🙂

    2. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I’d be looking at downgrading Digne and doing Jimenez to Arnie

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        That's a decent idea, i'd only have 4.3 for a defender though, could go Jonny but then would have 3 wolves eeek

        1. Hits from the Bong
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          I’m thinking of bringing in Bednarek myself.

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Bednarek is a good low budget option. Would it be for a hit?

            1. Hits from the Bong
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              Nah just for Schindler. I have Digne too, but don’t really like the idea of an Everton defender

              1. Salah’s Sonnet
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                ahh ok cool. I'm a bit wary of Arnie also with his tendancy for injuries, he lives in yellow flags.

                1. Hits from the Bong
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 5 months ago

                  Disagree. He started the season with a knee injury and was too important to be rested so it never got a chance to heal. He looks alright now. Played all last season iirc, and his goal involvement stats are frightening.

        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          oh, my mistake, would have 4.5

      2. Blame it on Traore
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Hmm. Digne has Bournemouth at home next. Would be inclined to hold on to him. And you have my sympathies mate! 36 from 10 here! Think I would just hold. Arsenal are poor at the back and Anderson may be fresher with it being the FA Cup up next.

        1. Alli 3',17',64�…
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          well Everton is gonna concede in that for sure, but they should score also I guess. I just wonder if Digne will be involved to cover his lack of cs

        2. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Yeah i'm certainly inclined to hold Digne, think i will just roll the free then, nothing massive stands out, just unfortunate this week with captain choice mainly. Thank you for your sympathies man, you have mine too.
          From next week the quality of scores should be better.

          1. Blame it on Traore
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            Absolutely. Your squad is very similar to mine and hopefully we should benefit from the fixtures next gameweek.

            1. Blame it on Traore
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 5 months ago

              And thanks pal!

              1. Salah’s Sonnet
                • 12 Years
                5 years, 5 months ago

                Fingers crossed, and the team of mine above is my second WC haha! Very welcome bud.

  13. Red Rock
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    A) arnie & Trent AA
    B) Ings/£6m & Robbo/VVD

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      A

  14. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Would you take Sterling or Hazard out to bring Salah in mates?

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Neither. Keep the former two this week

  15. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Based on tonight’s performance and upcoming fixtures, would you prefer to have:

    Hazard - Richarlison - WB
    Or
    Sterling - Fraser - Digne

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Didn't watch tonight's games, but B

      1. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Eddie! Think I’m leaning that way too!

  16. Bob B
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Which team?

    _TEAM A_

    Fabianski (Button)
    BEDNAREK TAA Doherty Digne AWB
    SALAH Hazard Pogba Richarlison Camarasa
    KAMARA Kane AUBAMEYANG

    _TEAM B_

    Fabianski (Button)
    ROBERTSON TAA Doherty Digne AWB
    SALAH Hazard Pogba Richarlison Camarasa
    JIMÉNEZ Kane ARNAUTOVIC

    Thanks!

    1. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        B.

    2. Blame it on Traore
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      B for me. Double Liverpool defence and Arnie and Jimenez can probably match Auba between them

  17. toystory2wasok
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    alonso, rich > doherty, pogba ?

    if i don’t do it tonight, i lose 0.2 (but could still afford it later). could lose fanderson instead of rich, also.

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Richi has beautiful upcoming fixtures

  18. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Thanks to Mounie's goal, Huddersfield no longer have the two strikers with the worst conversion rate this season. Just the one.

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      They're brutal, no harm to them. Get your house on them to be relegated this season...

  19. Marquis-Cha-Cha
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Not doing it yet but thinking.

    Fabianski & Richarlison to Alisson & Siggy for free.

    Would give me:

    Alisson / Button
    Alonso / Robertson / Digne / Doherty / AWB
    Salahj / Siggy / Pogba / Fraser / Billing
    Kane / Rashford / Jimenez

    Yay or Nay?

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Not sure about Siggy, seems very sideways, but could work.

      1. Marquis-Cha-Cha
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        It is somewhat sideways. Siggy seems to be a bit more involved.

        1. Eddie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Yep, I'd prefer him of the two, but Everton are doing little for me at the moment.

          1. Marquis-Cha-Cha
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 5 months ago

            They are pretty underwhelming. Everyone expects Richarilson to go off every weekend. Just doesn't happen.

  20. GazPage
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Hennesy + Fabianski
    Wan B/Daniels/Alonso/Kolisinac/Bennett
    Mane/Sane/Pogba/Perrerya/Camarasa
    Kane/Aub/Jiminez

    2 FT

    I'm thinking hennessy - etheridge and just leaving it as it is. then next week ill have 2ft again and can maybe make 3 transfers and look to see who will take me forward. i want rid of jiminez and hennessy at the moment thats it, as im convinced sane willl come good again.

    thoghts? any welcome,

    1. GazPage
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Or hennessy to guiatia, but im concerned he wont always start, either way surely he's got a couple games left before that comes into question, as he basaiclly saved palace tonight.

  21. Big_Andy_GAWA
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Reckon Alonso might avoid the drop in price later...?

  22. amplifiedAnt
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Fabianski (Button)
    Robertson, TAA, Digne, AWB (Doherty)
    Salah, Hazard, Pogba, Richarlison, Camarasa
    Kane (Ings, Jimenez)

    2FT, 0.3 ITB. Likely to wait until at least tomorrow, but either of these considerable?

    A. Hazard + Jimenez > Deulofeu + Aubameyang
    B. Hazard + Ings > Brooks + Aubameyang

    1. Maneonthemap
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Wouldn’t consider either, both make your team worse imo

  23. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Thinking jimenez to rashford. Good idea?

    1. El Lobito 10
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Dunno. After City Jimenez will post returns again.

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      vs Spurs? Why not wait? Can you bench Jim this week?

    3. waltzingmatildas
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah, rashford is tempting though

  24. mir
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Who wins

    3 points ahead plus Salah

    V

    Aguero, Robertson and Ederson

    Completely up in the air. Could even be a draw!

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      I think I'd prefer to have the three players left.

    2. YEAH PITCH!
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      That is tight. I'd say second scenario.

  25. El Lobito 10
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Will Martial get rotated with Sanchez? Utd missed Lingard tonight, in particular Martial.

    1. Demí
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Very possible, making him a risk. But Sanchez still has a lot to prove to show he should be a regular starter. Martial already has credit under Ole.
      Rashford and Pogba the safest, Mata will drop out for Lingard next game, think Alexis starts on the bench again, getting a start in the FA Cup before that

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        This ^

        Rashford and Pogba are the best options atm.

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Not sure he gets a start in cup but hope so. Rashford seems to be an Ole favourite but he might switch it up should big fat Lukaku keep banging them in.

  26. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    I made a mistake ditching Deeney for Mitrovic.

    Play Misty for me.

  27. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    The ultimate question.... Camarasa or McNeil

    1. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Cammy

  28. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Can’t decide now between these two WC teams. Welcome a vote cheers guys:

    A) Etheridge - Button
    VVD - TAA - Luiz - *WB* - Bednerak
    Salah - *Hazard* - Pogba - *Richarlison* - Camarasa
    Kane - Rashford - Arnie

    B) Etheridge - Button
    VVD - TAA - Luiz - *Digne* - Bednerak
    Salah - *Sterling* - Pogba - *Fraser* - Camarasa
    Kane - Rashford - Arnie

    1. Maneonthemap
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Easily A

      1. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 5 months ago

        Really? I’m leaning towards B. Why A can I ask? Cheers!

        1. Maneonthemap
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 5 months ago

          Might just be personal preference but Haz a better option than sterling over the next few, no chance of being rested and will be involved in pretty much everything Chelsea do. Also prefer Rich to Fraser as far more goal threat plus better fixtures-downgrade from Digne to WB is then easily worth it imo

  29. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Is Rashford a rotation risk with Lukaku and Sanchez coming back in?

    1. Andy Mac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      Def a risk but seems to be in favour and on form and babyface is happy to play all three at the same time by the looks of it!

  30. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 5 months ago

    Guaita (Button)
    taa PEREIRA Digne (Holebas Doherty)
    Salah Haz STERLING Pogba Rich
    ARNIE Rashford (Kamara)

    Guaita (Button)
    taa BEDNAREK Digne (Holebas Doherty)
    Salah Haz ANDERSON Pogba Rich
    KANE Rashford (Kamara)

    a) Pereira Sterling Arnie
    b) Bednarek Anderson Kane

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 5 months ago

      reposting..