Dugout Discussion

Injured Cavani misses out as Solskjaer opts for Martial over Greenwood in attack

Having been leapfrogged by Leicester City earlier in the day, Manchester United will attempt to go back to second in the Premier League table at Old Trafford this evening.

A win over visitors Newcastle United will do just that and keep league leaders Manchester City within ten points’ reach, following a win for Pep Guardiola’s troops in the late-afternoon kick-off.

The last of four Premier League matches to take place on Sunday gets underway at 19:00 GMT.

Daniel James (£6.2m) and Nemanja Matic (£4.7m) are brought into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI tonight.

Both of the United manager’s changes from Gameweek 25 are enforced, with Edinson Cavani (£7.9m) and Scott McTominay (£4.9m) missing through injury.

Mason Greenwood (£7.0m) is again only among the substitutes, with Anthony Martial (£8.7m) preferred up front.

Steve Bruce has made just the one change to the Newcastle side that lost at Chelsea last Monday as Joelinton (£5.7m) replaces Dwight Gayle (£5.9m) in attack.

Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m) is the second-most-popular captaincy pick of Double Gameweek 25 overall and within the top 10k, trailing Patrick Bamford (£6.9m) in both instances.

Selected by the vast majority of the top 10,000, Fernandes’ effective ownership is, once again, in excess of 100% – so any return means a small red arrow for those who own the Portuguese midfielder but haven’t captained him.

LINE-UPS

Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Clark, Lewis, Willock, Hayden, Shelvey, Joelinton, Almiron, Saint-Maximin.

Manchester United XI: De Gea, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Matic, Fred, James, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial.

DOUBLE GAMEWEEK 25 SO FAR…

Ilkay Gundogan (£6.1m) made a swift return from injury at the Emirates this afternoon but couldn’t add to his season’s goal tally of 11.

The German started and finished the game in his now customary ‘number eight’ role but he, and City as a collective, never really clicked in an attacking sense in north London.

Not that Pep Guardiola’s side really needed to get out of second gear, with Arsenal failing to capitalise on some threatening positions in the final third and mustering only one shot on target in the entire game.

This was City’s 15th clean sheet of the season and their 13th in the last 16 Gameweeks.

Kevin De Bruyne (£11.8m) made his first start on his return from injury as a ‘false nine’ and provided some typically incisive through-balls, while the advanced Joao Cancelo (£6.1m) again saw plenty of penalty-box action and wasted a glorious chance to double City’s lead when toe-poking wide from 10 yards.

Raheem Sterling (£11.6m) was the visitors’ match-winner, nodding home Riyad Mahrez‘s (£8.1m) second-minute cross for his 13th attacking return in his last 14 league starts.

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2,309 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    The Paraguayan Messi is a joy to watch

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

    On wc would really appreciate a bit of advice.

    Which of the following would you rather have in your team?

    A. Madison, barnes, watkins, gundo
    B. Madison, saka, gundo, vardy
    C. Kdb, barnes, saka, maja

    Cheers lads appreciate your input.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Barnes Saka Gundo Vardy

  3. @persecuted_by_mods
      3 years, 2 months ago

      What competition did Dan James win? Fastest at school egg and spoon race?

    • FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Interesting numbers on DCL
      He’s scored 8 of his 13 goals away from Goodison. Scored in his first 3 home matches (5 goals) and none since
      Mirrors the form of the team really.

      So blank vs Saints, hat trick vs WBA incoming?

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Looks a great option, I def want to get him. Not sure you can read too much into the home/away thing. Could be fixtures or fitness play a part in that stat

        1. FPL_Crisis
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeh could bring him in alongside Ings and Bamford no Kane as a somewhat differential. Would be 3rd time owning ha

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Same here on owning for third time!

    • istanbul05
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Currently ranked around 3k and considering quite an aggressive -12. What are your thoughts on:

      Coufal, Raphina, Grealish, Bamford to Konsa, Barnes, Son, Watkins (-12)

      Would be playing my BB and in theory getting 3 extra games, not even including Grealish to Son. Would have 5 GW29 players, which I could get up to 7-8 with transfers...

      Martinez, Pope,
      Cancelo, Dias, Dallas, Mee, _____,
      Salah, Bruno, Gundo, _____, _____,
      Ings, DCL, ____.

      1. Ron_Swanson
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        considering something similar myself

      2. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Can’t really argue with the transfers. -12 is a big hit, but you obviously know what you’re doing with a 3k rank.

      3. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’d take Watkins Bamford off

        1. nolard
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Agree. Watkins doesn't fill me with confidence, also Grealish out.

      4. wantsharptv
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I'm thinking similar but a -20...

      5. Gizzachance
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        in theory i suppose b boost will pay for the transfers, in regards to gw 29 you would be taking out 4 gw29 players, and bringing in 3?. im also currently around the 3k mark, trying to get b boost out of way, keeping gw 29 in mind to ! (no fh), good luck

    • Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      AWB sighted. Still awaiting his 1st touch of the match

    • el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Martial looks like someone who don't really want to be professional footballer.

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 2 months ago

          It's like Willian for arsenal, at this point only the managers are to blame

          1. el polako
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Slight difference- Willian is at the end of the road, he only found mugs to give him contract.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Ofc, I mean more the how the hell are they still getting minutes part

                1. el polako
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Agreed, it is baffling.

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

            He is trash. Want him out my club.

        • Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Martial = John Cena. Yo can't see him.

          1. Bobby Digital
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            More like Kevin Bacon

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

            Are you blind? You can’t see me? Why you coming fast?

        • michaelington
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Really don’t rate Dan James. Headless chicken. Don’t think he’s cut out for premier league level.

          1. michaelington
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            He’s obviously going to score now.

            1. Bobby Digital
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Ha

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

              Haha no way!

            3. Hybrid.power
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Lmfao!

          2. El Matador
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Lol

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

            Do it again!

            Slander Martial.

        • Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Joelimping

        • Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Which combo would you prefer?
          A. Son Raphinha Watkins
          B. Son Barnes Watkins (-4)
          C. Barnes Raphinha Kane (-4)

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I like C

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

            I like c aswell.

          3. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Thanks both

        • rnrd
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Has Bale time arrived?
          I thought he was really sharp the last two times he came on.
          Spurs need a to make thing happen and it looks like he could be the man to blow some kind of new fresh air in the spurs side.
          A bit punty but quite a great differential

          1. Towsor44
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Ballsy!

        • SEXY SALAH
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          James goal

          1. Magic Zico
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Good boy

        • Londongeezaa
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          That Bruno assist 🙂

        • Dannyb
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Seriously, how many chances does Solskaer need to give Martial before he realises he's utter garbage. Just chuck Diallo in there and give him a go.

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            And play Rashford up front? noooo

            1. Dannyb
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I'd prefer Rash up top than Martial.

        • Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bruno assist

        • Zilla
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bruno possible assist

        • Duke Silver ☑
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Lukaku assist.

        • FantasyTony
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Salah to Dan James for a hit?

          1. Jindaljain
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yes

        • SEXY SALAH
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Get in Bruno, never in doubt

        • Zladan
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Bruno pointssss

        • Nomar
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Goals from players no one owns!

        • Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Classic Bruno assist

        • jdoyle
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Its given

        • Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I hate Bruno.

          And I own him

          1. TheDragon
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            So much this

          2. SEXY SALAH
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Sell him then

        • Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Did those celebrating Bruno assist captain him?

          1. Duke Silver ☑
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Only people that captained him should be celebrating that 😆

          2. SEXY SALAH
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            No, but had him continuously since GW2 so feel I should celebrate it anyway 🙂

            EO certainly needs a fix somehow

        • @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Did he definitely touch that? Didn't get a good enough look

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Ah who am I kidding highly owned player only has to look at the ball for an assist

                1. Duke Silver ☑
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  In fairness he did touch it.

              • Saxe-Gotha
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                He did.

              • BeWater
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                He definitely touched it.

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

              which players are you liking that have a DGW26 and dont blank in 29?

              (basically Spurs, Villa & Fulham)

              1. Jindaljain
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Spurs

                1. OneDennisBergkamp
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  who specifically outside of Son & Kane?

            3. Jindaljain
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Salah to Lookman is differential next week

            4. dunas_dog
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Who would you rather keep for weeks 26 and 27- one needs to go for Barnes to afford Kane DCL

              A Salah ( shu, CHE, FUL)
              B Sterling ( WHU, WOL, MUN, SOU)

              1. Pat Bonner
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                In isolation I’d still have salah. There will be lots of rotation with city but would still have 3 City - prefer combination of kdb gundogan stones Dias cancelo.

                1. dunas_dog
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Cheers- would need extra transfer to get third City player ( Dias) if taking out Sterling but in double week may be worth additional-4