Dugout Discussion
29 August 2020 1404 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) remains absent for Liverpool as their preparations for the 2020/21 campaign continue with the Community Shield final.

The right-back has already missed two pre-season friendlies this summer and, even though Jurgen Klopp said there was a chance he could be involved at Wembley, Neco Williams (£4.0m) has been handed a third-successive start in his place.

It is difficult to be too downbeat regarding Alexander-Arnold’s fitness issues though, considering he is still set to report for England duty on Monday morning.

The rest of Liverpool’s Community Shield line-up is largely as expected with Andrew Robertson (£7.0m), Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) and Joe Gomez (£5.5m) completing the back-four.

And, of course, Mohamed Salah (£12.0m), Sadio Mané (£12.0m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) comprise the front-three, although, based on Klopp’s pre-match press conference, we could see Rhian Brewster (£4.5m) feature from the bench.

Mikel Arteta may have potentially thrown Fantasy managers a bone with his team selection, handing a start to budget goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (£4.5m).

The Spaniard has not featured in friendlies for the Gunners yet, Bernd Leno (£5.0m) starting the win at MK Dons, but, at the first chance of availability, he is back in the team following an excellent run of form during Project Restart.

If he were to hold onto the mantel of first-choice at Arsenal, that might ward off interest in William Saliba (£4.5m), who has been named among the substitutes today.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) is stationed on the left-hand side of the Arsenal front-three, joined there by Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) and Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m).

Interestingly, after spending last season on loan in Turkey, Mohamed Elneny (yet to be priced) starts in central midfield alongside Granit Xhaka (£5.5m).

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, N Williams; Wijnaldum, Milner, Fabinho; Mané, Firmino, Salah.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Martínez; Tierney, Holding, D Luiz; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Elneny, Bellerín; Aubameyang, Nketiah, Saka.

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  1. Siva Mohan
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    goalie Edouard Mendy not in squad today and recently Rennes rejected Chelsea £15m bid.. injured or wrapped in cotton wool to ship to London?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      ignore .. he tested +ve for COVID

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      It's ok just wait for Donnarumma instead.

  2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 16 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    This is brilliant - vintage FFS opinion groundswell 🙂

    The last time I heard “I can just get him in next GW anyways” about Trent was GW18 lol

    Dis gon be good....

    1. Camzy
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Not gonna make that mistake again. TAA stays. Hopefully he plays a few minutes with England.

    2. Rainer
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Shhhhh. Let it build.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 16 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        I can see it now - people’s seasons over before they start after TAA gets 20 points vs Leeds... transfer hits, early wildcards the whole works 🙂

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          TAA did not get 20 points v Norwich gw1 last season people have short memories....
          https://i.imgur.com/DqlzLlO.png

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 16 Years
            6 years, 24 days ago

            No one said he did 🙂

    3. Limbo
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Absofookinlutely

  3. @persecuted_by_mods
    6 years, 24 days ago

    @Arsenal fans this is honestly baffling me, Martinez has looked way better than Leno to me? Sure Leno made some good saves when Arsenal were utterly crap but he never commanded like Martinez has or was as comfortable on the ball, claiming the ball etc and I don't think Leno could have made some of the saves Martinez has either

    Yet it looks Martinez is the back up and there's heavy rumours he'll be sold to raise funds

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Granted the sample size of Martinez is very small

    2. gauzah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      My hunch given that he’s started today shows that it Emi’s spot to lose at the moment.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
        6 years, 24 days ago

        I hope so but it doesn't sound like that from all the rumours, which of course could just be nonsense

    3. Right In The Stanchion
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Martinez seems to better at shot stopping. Both very good keepers though.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
        6 years, 24 days ago

        I honestly can't think of what Leno is better at, he's a good enough shot stopper and has good reactions but by in large he saves what he should save and let's in what I'd expect to go in

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      I think Martinez has earnt the right to be given a chance as nbr 1, hopefully Arteta feels the same, but who knows at this point

      1. WVA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Completely agree with this

  4. Right In The Stanchion
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    That’s it I’m going without any Liverpool GW1. Who’s with meh?

    1. Fpl_Juggernaut
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      It's just you mate

    2. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Salah looked shocking to be fair

    3. Limbo
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Good luck

    4. zdrojo187
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Me 100%

  5. gauzah
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Saka would be such a good asset at 5.5. However I think it is likely he will randomly get dropped when everyone is back in contention. Arteta did something similar last season

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Yup you have to think Pepe, Willian, Laca, Martinelli etc etc all will get minutes too

      1. UnluckyXI
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Martinelli out until late Dec, Laca potentially leaving, Willian could be playing more centrally.

      2. gauzah
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Martinelli won’t play until 2021.
        I think due to Saka’a age, Arteta is protecting him a little bit. I think if Pepe doesn’t perform this season we will see a lot more of Saka.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          Pepe will be 5.5 next season rate he is going.

      3. thegame983
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Honestly, I think Saka is first choice out of all of them, but expect some rotation

  6. BNMC
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Prowse worth extra 0.5 over Armstrong?

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Yep

    2. Jusagoras
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Don't think so. If Armstrong gets more minutes there's a good chance he outscores JWP, if last season is anything to go by.

  7. mgilbert86
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Bottomed - Everton supporters, is Coleman nailed?

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Think so, but wouldn’t go there

    2. Limbo
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      We don’t have a lot of choice with sidibie back at Monaco. Kenny likely to deputise for him.

    3. SwissWavey
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Can't answer your question with any authority but I'd imagine he is. He's in my team for now, that will change twenty times yet though!

  8. Flair
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    I wish to squeeze that extra .5 out and go TAA -> Robbo

    Doubt I'll be brave enough to after the 24 pointer

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      My guess is you will sacrifice flair and go for Virgil.

  9. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 17 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Is McCarthy still a better signing than Martinez given fixtures 1-8
    ?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Not if Martinez is nailed, but it's a huge 'if'

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Leno might even start gw1 or gw2, on that basis McCarthy the safer pick (unless saints sign a quality gk of course)

    3. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Yes IMO

    4. Right In The Stanchion
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      I’ve got both just in case

      1. The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Like this approach

      2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Idea I never considered. Looking at fixtures could work out well. Flip of a coin gw1 though. McCarthy v Martinez.

        1. Andy_Social
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          I've got both too. Start Martinez CW1-2. If Leno starts, never mind. If Marty starts both GW1and2, McC's up for sale, 4m in.

  10. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    I wish we knew if Martinez and Saka were nailed, they'd be straight in. Too risky to go with them from GW1

    1. Fudgy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Not really. Gw1 is when you can take big risks.

      1. Limbo
        • 16 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Why is that then? Having a safe 11 start could be massively advantageous against punts and Carlos’

    2. UnluckyXI
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Saka less risk as you'll hopefully have bench cover, also it would only really backfire if one of the other 5.5s kills it gw1.

      Wouldn't want to pick Martinez as my 1st choice, also Leno was arsenal's beat player after auba before his injury

  11. UnluckyXI
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    All the no Trent talk is making me do is mean I'm less likely to put a utd asset in the team for gw1 so I've got bench cover. I'll just transfer them in a week later than planned

  12. JELLYFISH
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Considering swapping McCarthy for Ryan and bring in KWP for Soton def cover

    Yes or no?

    1. WVA
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      No

    2. mark@22
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Have both

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      i'd just double on kwp/mccarthy, better fixtures, better team

      1. mark@22
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Agreed

  13. WVA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    I'm actually liking the TAA Williams on the bench double up. Never triple up on teams anyway.

    1. Rainer
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Which one would you start in GW1?

      A benched Trent will very likely get minutes.

      1. WVA
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        I'd always start TAA

    2. SwissWavey
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Yup, unless you're using the 3rd Liverpool spot, having Williams on the bench seems an obvious move

  14. Fudgy
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Definitely going without Trent.

    1. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      How the tables turn

      From being essential to I can go without trent

      1. KAALI_DAAL
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        How the turn tables

    2. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      So much nonsense on this. He's got 2 England games coming up in the next week.

  15. balint84
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    A) Werner + Soucek
    Or
    B) Jimenez + St-Maxim

    1. ivantys
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Jiminez most likely firing blanks in first 2 GW so I'd go with the first.

  16. Paulie Walnuts
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Triple Arsenal essential!

    1. BNMC
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Currently on it!

  17. Wirtzle Gummidge
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Salah this year's second season Michu?

  18. The Overthinker
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Everton sign Allan

    1. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Allan to Everton, here we go! Total agreement reached with Napoli for €25M + add ons. Medicals scheduled and personal terms agreed. Talks on for James Rodriguez.

    2. Fudgy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Wow nice. Great box to box mid.

      1. The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Looking like a good team in making with James Rodriguez joining them soon
        With those fixtures , I believe 1/2 players are worth considering

        1. Fudgy
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          I'm looking at DCL personally. 1.5 less than Ings and Jimenez.

          1. The Overthinker
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 24 days ago

            Digne is the one for me

            1. Fudgy
              • 6 Years
              6 years, 24 days ago

              He was mailed in my team at 5.5 but 6.0 I'm unsure

          2. Flair
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 24 days ago

            Agree, Ancelotti seems to trust him and was fantastic before the restart

    3. Flair
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Fantastic upgrade to their midfield, Ancelotti effect in action

    4. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Source?

      1. The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        You don't know who signature is "here we go"?

        1. The Pesci challenge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          Nope

        2. Amey
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          FR

        1. The Pesci challenge
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          Now I know, thanks

    5. Amey
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      What is he??
      CAM ?

      1. Flair
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        At his best as a second striker

        1. Flair
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          Wrong reply my b

          1. Amey
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 24 days ago

            Bo worries
            Thank you

      2. The Overthinker
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        DM

        1. Amey
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          Wow
          Siggy #10 ????

          1. The Overthinker
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 24 days ago

            Apparently James Rodriguez is also joining Everton

            1. Amey
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 24 days ago

              😆
              DCL looks amazing all of a sudden

    6. Limbo
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Decent signing. Was getting worried it’d only be rumours and no gains this summer. Need more of this.

  19. SAY MY NAME
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Liverpool looking quite flat, not the 'heavy metal football' we can normally expect

    1. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Hungover

      1. SAY MY NAME
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        must have been one hell of a party 😀

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      More Goth Rock.

  20. Camzy
    • 16 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Only a matter of time before Luiz concedes a penalty.

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      This can be said at any time.

  21. PlayPercentage
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Charlie Austin@5.5
    Good fixtures, on penalties, bargain price.
    Could he be the next Danny Ings?

    1. Fudgy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      😆

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      The next... he's older and had his time back at QPR... think his legs have gone but will pop up with the odd goal next season

    3. Andy_Social
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      He could be the last Danny Ings.
      The one who never played, never scored.

      1. PlayPercentage
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        WBA's top scorer last season.

      2. TheBrazilianRonaldo
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        I like this comment a lot

    4. Limbo
      • 16 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      He’s got frazzles for knees.

    5. TheBrazilianRonaldo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      A lot of data on him in the prem since ‘that QPR’ season says he won’t

    6. TheBrazilianRonaldo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Danny Ings dad maybe

  22. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Over the season, which combo gets more points:
    A) Bruno and Soucek
    B) Ziyech and Greenwood

    1. Fudgy
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      If someone could predict the future I'd doubt theyd be messing around on here...

    2. mark@22
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Iimo rashford and peierra get more over season

      1. mark@22
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Imo

    3. el polako
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Who cares, game is about ownig right players at the right time. Very few options is worth keeping for whole season.

  23. Ginkapo FPL
    • 15 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Wheres Henderson?

    1. Flair
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Injured, doubt for GW1

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 15 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Cheers, think he is needed

        1. Flair
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 24 days ago

          Performances are night and day without him, doubts over Salah (C) increasing for me

    2. Right In The Stanchion
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Getting his head deflated after last season..

  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Good save from Martinez from mane shot

  25. Right In The Stanchion
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Martinez wins 1 on 1 with Mane. He plays GW1 for me

    1. TheBrazilianRonaldo
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      He looks like he gives the Arsenal defence confidence for sure. That’s got to count for something with Arteta

  26. Flair
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    United looking to Van De Beek according to extremely reliable sources in Ajax... Bruno and Pogba rotation should increase if it goes through

    1. The Overthinker
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Nope.

      A midfield of Bruno VdB Pogba

      1. Flair
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Zero balance in that, I'm not sure you have any idea what sort of player VDB is.

      2. Right In The Stanchion
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        All attacking. Not happening

      3. el polako
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        In United's case it will be more like Bruno VAR Pogba.

    2. Right In The Stanchion
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Who’s defensive in that?

  27. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 16 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Bellerin subbed on 58
    Cedric on

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      no cs points

  28. Camzy
    • 16 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Holding looks like he's 35. Balding already at 24... He's like Robben.

    1. Over Midwicket
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Such an unnecessary jab

      1. Limbo
        • 16 Years
        6 years, 24 days ago

        Comb over here and say that

  29. Lucky Z
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    Will be nice to see Milner in Leeds shirt again in the final years of his beautiful career.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      That would be a nice finish indeed

  30. ivantys
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 24 days ago

    There's no need to panic over this game, Leeds are nowhere near arsenal's standard

    1. Moderately content penguin
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 24 days ago

      Hmmmm

      Checks Arsenal last 5 PL appearances 🙂 🙂