Dugout Discussion

Lundstram benched as Fleck returns for Blades’ second Gameweek 30+ fixture

John Lundstram (£4.9m) is only among the substitutes as Sheffield United get set to contest their second fixture of Double Gameweek 30+.

The Blades are away at Newcastle United this afternoon, with kick-off on Tyneside at 14:00 BST.

Lundstram drops to the bench to accommodate John Fleck‘s (£5.0m) return, with the Scotland international having recovered from the injury that forced his non-involvement against Aston Villa on Wednesday.

That is the only change Chris Wilder has made to his starting XI, with John O’Connell (£4.7m) still not fit.

That means there is another start for budget defender Jack Robinson (£4.0m), who supplemented his clean sheet with two bonus points at Villa Park in midweek.

Oliver McBurnie (£5.7m) and Billy Sharp (£5.6m) start up front yet again, while Dean Henderson (£5.3m) is between the posts.

The on-loan goalkeeper won’t be eligible to face his parent club, Manchester United, in Gameweek 31+, however.

Steve Bruce has also only made one change to his starting XI, despite three months having passed by since the 1-0 win over Southampton.

Joelinton (£5.5m) for Dwight Gayle (£5.0m) is the Magpies’ only alteration.

There is another ‘out of position’ start for Matt Ritchie (£5.3m) on the right wing, meanwhile.

This fixture doesn’t scream ‘goalfest’ on paper.

Only Liverpool have conceded fewer goals on the road than Wilder’s side this season.

And no club has conceded on fewer occasions than Newcastle on home soil in 2019/20.

No team has scored fewer goals on their own turf than Bruce’s troops, either.


Newcastle United XI: Dubravka; Manquillo, Fernandez, Lascelles, Rose; Shelvey, Hayden; Ritchie, Almiron, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton.

Sheffield United XI: Henderson; Robinson, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Berge, Norwood, Fleck, Baldock; Sharp, McBurnie.

1,479 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Greek Freak
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    What kind of channel is Pick anyway and why are they showing all those matches?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      a free to air channel

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Free to air entertainment channel that is owned by Sky

      1. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Ah owned by Sky, that makes sense then.

  2. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Literally everyone in my ML on lord - a CS and he stays on the bench wouldn’t be to bad even though I own him

  3. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Now with just 1 SHU defender suppose I'm hoping for a rare Newcastle goal

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      You are.

    2. _Ninja_
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Newcastle scoring v shu?.... Lol

      1. SHOOTER MCGINN
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Could be waiting a while...

  4. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Has there been any update on JOC?

    Robinson as the 5th defender on WC is hard to ignore.

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Reports are that he had an outside chance to start today.

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Cheers.

    2. Willmissudimitrypayet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      What about Ngakia, the West Ham fella?

  5. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Lundstram owners really cant complain

    He lost his place to club record signing Berge and waa benched in 4 of last 6 pl games before lockdown

    What were you thinking. For him to not to be rotated anymore ?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I expected him to be benched. My hope was that he would explode. If you are taking a one week punt it can pay off to choose explosive players (like Lundstram and Alonso) knowing the risk they could have limited minutes.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      No complaints whatsoever, we knew what we were getting.

      A risk worth taking. He probably comes on today, and I still would fancy his chances to return points.

    3. RoysCallerAnne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      No, more that he might grab a goal or an assist.

    4. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Was always the risk, expect him to come off the bench and could get an attacking return

      1. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        I mean, most of the time he doesn't get attacking returns so I don't see why it's realistic to expect he gets one.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 10 months ago

          Just one of the most attacking defenders in the game but you expect a goal every week

          1. Greek Freak
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 10 months ago

            He scores about once every six times he starts, his attacking prowess is a bit overrated.

    5. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Calm down. It was pretty clear the risk/reward with picking him

    6. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      i think owners expected a goal or assist ... he was phenomenal earlier in the season

    7. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Was hoping for more against Villa. Not surprised he's not started today but hopefully he'll come on for 30

    8. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Oh dear. So many triggered 😀

      Goodluck anyways

      1. Jam0sh
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        I think you just got viable answers from owners and call that getting triggered? I think most knew he could be benched.

  6. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    God dammit I knew Lundstram was a silly risk...

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      It wasn't. We all know two matches weren't guaranteed. He can still come on and make an impact.

      If he returned and you didn't have him, with his ownership, you'd be cursing that more.

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I’ll take him if you have my Aubameyang in exchange 😉

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      This is all hindsight isn’t it. It wasn’t a silly risk though. Lots more upside and the more exciting pick

      1. Postman Ty
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        You're right on the exciting part, that's why I did it I think, I certainly didn't need to.

    4. HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Then Auba waa sillier as Lund already outscored him.

      1. Postman Ty
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        It's about being nailed for me, not their ceiling.

  7. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    I keep having to go back and check with Sheff Utd defender I have 😉

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      *which

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah I dont even remember the 2 from egan baldock basham lol. Only i remember I couldnt afford stevens

    3. Legendary!
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Same here

  8. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Looks like Saka and Targett on my bench will outscore Lundstram.

    1. Feanor
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      And Aubameyang, lol.

  9. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    If anyone has Leno and Henderson and is wondering what keeper to get next week, Watford and Sheff Utd rotate really well until the end of the season. Leno to Foster is the move I reckon

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Expensive rotation. Just get Martinez

      1. HNI
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Is really think playing Martinez + 3.9mn better than Pope + 3.9mn. I am tempted as it saves 0.7mn but will Arsenal ever keep cleanies?

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 10 months ago

          No, I meant for next week and as back up keeper

    2. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I don't think having two keepers that cost is the way forward. Pope and Martinez and free up funds elsewhere

  10. Chenku╰☆╮
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    FPL aside, I don't think berge is actually any good. What's your take?

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      He is better than Lundstram

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        How? He doesn't score goals, his stats are bang average..

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 10 months ago

          Don’t think he’s in the team to score goals though

        2. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 10 months ago

          He doesn’t need to, his passing, positioning and possession retention not to mention his defensive capabilities exceed Lundstram. You’re looking at it from an FPL perspective

          1. Chenku╰☆╮
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 10 months ago

            Your missing my point. He hasn't done anything this year since he joined to impress me.. him in any other team and you would know he isn't special

            1. IRBOX ⚽
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 10 months ago

              You’re also missing my point. He isn’t in direct competition with Lundstram. He has been brought into the team as a different positional player

            2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 10 months ago

              Berge’s made 4 starts, and has completed less passes per game than Lundstram’s per game (significantly less) - Lundstram’s distribution is (much) stronger than Berge’s

              Lundstram also recovers possession (significantly) more than Berge, makes more clearances, and has significantly more touches of the ball & passes received - in all areas of the pitch apart from the penalty box - where Berge has more touches per game than Lundy

              So basically Lundstram’s passing, positioning, and possession retention exceed Berge’s, and quite comfortably too for the most part

              Where Berge has excelled so far is in his tackling and his aerial ability - Lundy gets beaten in the air more, and whilst they both make the same amount of tackles, Lundy loses more of them than the 4-starts sample Berge has played to date

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      He’s a defensive cm, will be better when he takes Norwoods place as the holder hopefully but Yh been disappointed so far

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        I know his position, pointing out that he hasn't blown me away during games. Agree with you by the way..although Norwood has created so many forward moves

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 10 months ago

          Yh for sure, touch seems poor but slowly seeming more confident. Very young also 🙂

          1. Chenku╰☆╮
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 10 months ago

            Time will tell.. fingers crossed. You guys do miss goal scorers though.

    3. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I don't see any upgrade on Lundstram to be honest.

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      He's been poor so far
      But his usual position is where Norwood plays, so is having to adapt

  11. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    At this moment I'm glad I avoided rotationstram

  12. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Template WC defence seems to be:
    TAA, 1xWol, 1xShu, 1xNew, X

    Who is everyone having as their 5th defender?

    1. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      United

    2. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      someone inexpensive

    3. HNI
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I think Manutd and Burnley defenders better than Sheff now with that tough run

    4. JabariParkersEyelid
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Template WC has a United defender in it, not SHU.

    5. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Alonso, Trent, Boly, Soy, C Taylor presently but looking to add Doherty

    6. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Aurier

  13. CHARLIE HULL
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Any ideas why Schelotto started yesterday? Could it be his spot now?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      It’s always him or Montoya, not much in it, wouldn’t touch either.

    2. grumpyman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Good pick for 3rd bench spot. Won't play every game but for 4.0 that's fine.

  14. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Hendo save number 1

  15. HNI
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Is there any inclination for fellow Wildcarders to go with Arsenal Martinez(4.2) + 3.9mn over Pope +3.9mn for the season run in? That 0.7mn is massive money for low team value managers like me

    1. Greek Freak
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Unfortunately there is - my TV is quite low so I'm very tempted.

  16. Hotdogs for Tea
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    better game than most so far

  17. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Looks like another 9+ pointer for Henderson

    1. FPL_Devil
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      I’m so happy I switched him for Leno at the last minute

  18. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Please stay 0-0

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      This

  19. Liastro ⭐️
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Just want to apologise for not helping more on here.

    I appreciate the help that users on here have given me in the past and it’s time to repay that.

    Hopefully my FPL pedigree will mean that the advice I give is useful!

    1. La Roja
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      That’s a great constructive feedback to yourself

      Do you reckon I should go with Son, Bergwijn or Spurs asset on WC?they really don’t convince me

      1. Chenku╰☆╮
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        I wouldn't touch spurs with a bargepole.. they don't look like scoring many goals.

      2. Liastro ⭐️
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        I’d go with Son although as above Spurs don’t convince me going forward atm.

    2. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Which midfielder would you have from now until the end of the season for 8.5 or less?

      1. Mambino
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Pog assuming you have Bruno already

      2. Liastro ⭐️
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 10 months ago

        Richarlison

        1. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 10 months ago

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Fair play. You will find you get a lot more back

  20. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    This game is nailed on for 0-0 shitfest

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

      Language Timothy!

    2. Big Mac 24
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Hope so, have 3 Newcastle n 2 SHU at the back

    3. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Doesn't look so at all

  21. HNI
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on Saka over Cantwell for 5th midfielder? Norwich seems all set for relegation now and dont seem to have fight in them

    1. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Saka over Cantwell but still considering other options - Davis is only 4.3 and allows me to have a 4.3m 5th defender as opposed to a 3.9 one

  22. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Both of these teams desperately need a proper Premier league quality striker.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Timing 😀

    2. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      Yup

  23. Greek Freak
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Thank God for Joelinton.

  24. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Lucky Joe Linton is Joe Linton.

  25. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Poor poor shot by Joe... Gosh

    1. Mambino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 10 months ago

      thank God Joe is bob

  26. Lev Yashin
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Rubbish.

  27. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    I love how they were just talking about Joelinton's issues being the system and he just scuffed a 1v1 worse than a drunk toddler.

  28. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Joelinton :facepalm:

  29. Silecro
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    A) Rashford, Saiss
    or
    B) Ings, Doherty

    Cheers.

  30. Feanor
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 10 months ago

    Shocking effort that.