Dugout Discussion

Rodríguez returns on Everton bench as West Ham recall Coufal

Everton and West Ham’s matchday squads are beginning to edge closer to full-strength as of their Gameweek 17 teamsheets.

James Rodríguez (£7.7m) returns for the first time since Gameweek 11 although is only fit enough for a place on the Toffees’ bench.

For now, Bernard (£5.8m) occupies his slot on the right-hand side of Everton’s attacking midfield, joined there by Gylfi Sigurdsson (£6.8m) and Richarlison (£7.8m).

How long until Rodríguez will be ready to start games regularly again remains unclear but Fantasy managers will certainly have him on their radars.

However, anyone invested in Michael Keane (£5.1m) will be disappointed by Carlo Ancelotti’s team selection in Gameweek 17, with the centre-back named on the bench for the first time this season.

Mason Holgate (£4.8m) tucks inside from his recent right-back role to staff the heart of the defence with Yerry Mina (£5.6m) with Seamus Coleman (£4.8m) making his first start since Gameweek 8.

It is a similar story with West Ham who, once again, feature Michail Antonio (£6.2m) on the bench, which makes for a seventh successive start for Sebastien Haller (£6.1m), but suggests they could be back to full-strength soon.

Fantasy managers will certainly have their eye on that situation, especially with West Ham’s appealing fixtures in Double Gameweek 19, where they host Burnley and West Bromwich Albion.

David Moyes has recalled Vladimir Coufal (£4.7m) to the line-up, having rested him against Southampton but Issa Diop (£4.3m) and Fabian Balbuena (£4.4m) remain out of the starting XI, Craig Dawson (£4.5m) impressing enough in his Gameweek 16 audition to keep his place.

Everton XI: Pickford; Godfrey, Mina, Holgate, Coleman; Doucouré, T Davies; Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Bernard; Calvert-Lewin.

West Ham United XI: Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Dawson, Coufal; Rice, Soucek; Benrahma, Fornals, Bowen; Haller.

1,770 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I take it there’s no chance Taylor plays? I started him just in case but Cresswell comes in if not.

    1. BenDavies
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Basically 0, so you should get Cresswell on.

      1. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        I mean I figured he wouldn’t play but though f**k it, it’s Fulham so might as well start him. He either plays or he doesn’t.

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

      I started him too, now desperate he misses out (unless Cancelo does instead)!

  2. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Played Soucek, Coufal third on bench. DCL blank is welcome. All in all a decent start to the week. Hopefully the Burnley game goes ahead, need Lowton to match Coufal for my ML.

  3. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Moyes found his new Fellaini...

  4. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Coufal on my bench and sold Cresswell bringing in ManU defender for GW18/19 prep. At least I played Coufal.

    If Cancelo has COvId I’ll get the Coufal points.

  5. chrismoo75
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    22 from 2. Hoping Stones or Justin have a week off as Coufal on bench

  6. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Will DCL drop before next GW starts?

  7. Baines on Toast...
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Soucek currently at 'new Fellaini' status but he could even end up as 'new Dempsey' if he really performs. Has a great penalty record as too...shame WHU never get them.

    1. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      His price and ownership will skyrocket at the first hint of him being on penalties

  8. Granville
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Soucek on most benches unless playing 5 mids. I guess this is the week where non owners are hoping there are no surprise benchings.

    1. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      First on bench so here's hoping.

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Actually started him in a 352. Can’t believe I’ve got his points, for once 🙂

      1. Long ago I drew a walrus
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        +1 to this. Benched Che Adams instead

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Brave move, looks a good call.

        2. JHolmes
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          I benched Dias, Adams, Dallas (in that order), it was a headache but at least I got soucek right...

  9. FPL_Motty
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Soucek such a nice guy, came accross so well in his interview. What I also love about him as a player is that he isn't a dirty player, he doesn't dive in a hack people, plays smart passes and never does anything stupid. This translates well to fpl as well because he always does well with bonus when he scores. Never getting a yellow card

    1. Digital-Real
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      agree

  10. Wizard of Ozil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    I love you Soucek!! lets hope your price goes up. he`s a machine, hasn't had a break yet all season.
    Antonio looked dangerous again. got a get some Hammers for the double GW!!!

  11. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    any postponments incomin lads ?

  12. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So why is that a Cresswell assist then?

    1. tafrère
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It wasn't.

      It will be taken off.

    2. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Can argue it was a drilled pass no? Why on earth would it be taken off!

      1. tafrère
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        No. It's a shot off target.

    3. RamaJama
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Given

  13. OptimusBlack
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Thank GOd and thank u guys for helping
    Soucek & Coufal here 😀

  14. Tango74
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Why are people hoping for players to get Covid do there bench can play ?

    1. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      To get points

      1. Tango74
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        That not right, u want people to sick and unhealthy like lascalles for 8 pts

        1. Neves say Neves
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          Grow up.

          1. Tango74
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 3 months ago

            Meaning ? I don’t want anyone to get Covid

  15. Nicti
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Fricking switched Adams for Soucek at the last min mad tilts

  16. Lukakwho
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Cresswell’s shot was not even nearly on target. According to the rules that’s not an assist. I hate the inconsistency if this isn’t overturned.

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

      I hope it’s not overturned 🙂

    2. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      It’s a pass. You don’t actually think he’s trying to score when he drills it into that area do you. More an assist than most

      1. tafrère
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        "It's a pass".

        Funniest thing I read today.

      2. Lukakwho
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Of course he is shooting look at his body language

  17. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone else having problems viewing livefpl on mobile?

  18. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Soucek just beats Creswell to the full 3 BAPS. Cresswell demoted to 2.

    1. dark91
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Soucek should get all 6 bonus points

    2. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      That's fine, I'll take that

  19. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Key risers tonight look like Barnes, Rash, Saiss, Stones and Harrison

  20. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Lovin Soucek, but I did bench Coufal.
    Antonio looking sharp to get in our teams for 19 but he should have passed to Lanzini tbf.
    And Haller is a waste of space so not like he had any competition for a spot if he stays fit.

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I did the same mate!! It’s was Dallas or Coufal and of course I went for Dallas!!! Sums my season up!! Hoping for a cheeky Dallas goal tmoz

  21. S.Kuqi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Need both Taylor and Mitchell no show to get Coufal points

    1. bialk
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I need Cancelo and Michel no show. Hoping.

  22. Yes Ndidi
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    So, rule 1: make sure you have a playing bench over the festive period
    And rule 2: faced with a direct choice between benching one of DCL or Cresswell, always play the attacker at home and bench the defender away.

    Which is why I've now got 9 points sitting 2nd on my bench.

    1. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Chill

      Cresswell assist will be removed

  23. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Soucek only scores on my bench.

    For once a postponement wouldn’t be too bad.

    Decided against DCL to Wood because of the doubt over the Burnley game. Would’ve been better off doing that!

  24. pundit of punts
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Pretty sure that Cresswell assist will be removed.

    His shot was way off Target

    1. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      When did you escape the house of the Scaremongers mate?

    2. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      it will be removed for sure...

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

      Could say it was a cross/shot really

      1. pundit of punts
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Too obvious a shot to call it cross/pass

      2. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        It was

    4. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Way off target? It was a big deflection, if anything it was very marginally off target. If the assist is taken away I'm happy.

    5. G00LI0
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      No way should it be removed. Defo assist.

      1. DandyDon
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Correct. Loads of bitter people on here. Ridiculous

  25. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Any chance Chelsea game is called off and Adams is completely rested...?soucek 3rd on my bench...

    1. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      3rd 🙁

  26. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Balbuena absolutely done as an option. West Ham don't play until DGW now. Even if Balbuena came back in you absolutely couldn't risk it.

    1. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Def worth paying that bit extra for Coufal and if your budget can allow it Cresswell

    2. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Yep

      Can’t see him getting back

  27. Lukakwho
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Those free hitting, you activating now and catching price rises or biding your time because of Corona?

    1. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Best to bide time. Let the dust settle. Wait until we have more info

  28. FPLShaqiri
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    For people planning to play Free Hit chip - have you activated yet? I'm wondering whether it might be a good idea to wait in case there are complications/cancelations. Downside to waiting is possibly missing out on players who price rise, but you get information.

    Who is waiting and who is not? For context I have 4 players so will free hit myself, but I wonder if there is a scenario where waiting will help (eg all games except 1 are postponed)

    1. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Waiting. Have 7 playing players right now

      1. FPLShaqiri
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Interesting. 7 is probably ok to be honest.

        1. Milk, 1 Šuker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 3 months ago

          8 if I go with my free transfer for next week. So I might be content with that. So much uncertainty ahead I feel.

  29. MGD
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    Was Keane dropped or rested?

  30. PascalCygan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 3 months ago

    2FT but still worth a FH for BGW18 right?

    Martinez
    Holding
    KDB Bruno Son
    DCL Watkins

    Cheers

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      I’m strongly considering fielding 8 or 9 and saving the FH

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        You could use your 2 x FT’s then FH in the DGW?

      2. PascalCygan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        Fair enough, food for thought!

      3. Milk, 1 Šuker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 3 months ago

        This

    2. bialk
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 3 months ago

      Not worth FH.