Dugout Discussion

Ricardo Pereira continues in midfield for Leicester as Saka, Aubameyang on Arsenal bench

After starting at right-midfield in Gameweek 25 as Leicester beat Aston Villa 2-1, Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) is again playing ‘out of position’ in the first of Leicester City’s Double Gameweek 26 fixtures.

With James Maddison (£7.3m) sidelined for this weekend at least, Brendan Rodgers has possibly gone for a slight change of shape as Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.6m) looks set to partner Jamie Vardy (£10.2m) up front.

Over one million FPL managers paid out for the services of Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) ahead of DGW26. The England hopeful starts in his customary left-wing position.

With Pereira playing further forward, Luke Thomas (£4.2m) earns a second consecutive league start at left-back.

The defender will not be facing Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) from the first whistle, however. After admitting on Thursday that the winger is fatigued, Mikel Arteta has duly handed Saka a rest.

He drops to the Gunners’ bench alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m), Hector Bellerin (£5.1m) and Thomas Partey (£4.9m).

“We’ve had some problems in the last 48 hours to recover players – players with some muscular issues. We had to freshen up. The reality is that there are other players who are fighting for chances and they deserve the chance to play.” – Mikel Arteta

They are also joined by Rob Holding (£4.4m), who makes his return to the squad after suffering a concussion in the Gameweek 25 defeat to Manchester City.

Kieran Tierney (£5.2m) continues at left-back after making his injury return in the Europa League this week.

Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m) is the major absentee from an FPL perspective as Crystal Palace welcome Fulham to Selhurst Park.

Having started in Gameweek 25, the left-back drops to the bench with Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) favoured by Roy Hodgson for the Eagles’ first DGW26 tie.

Scott Parker is also fond of a full-back switch, with right-sided defender Kenny Tete (£4.3m) returning to the Cottagers’ XI. That leaves Antonee Robinson (£4.4m) on the bench, as the versatile Ola Aina (£4.5m) switches to left-back.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.5m) returns to the Fulham matchday squad but has not displaced Josh Maja (£5.5m) up front. Parker’s men also have another match this gameweek, with Spurs visiting Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Leicester City XI (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Thomas, Soyuncu, Evans, Castagne; Barnes, Ndidi, Tielemans, R Pereira; Iheanacho, Vardy.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tierney, Mari, David Luiz, Cedric; Xhaka, Elneny; Willian, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Lacazette.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Van Aanholt, Cahill, Kouyaté, Ward; Eze, Riedewald, Milivojevic, Townsend; Ayew, Benteke.

Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Tete; Reed, Anguissa; Lookman, Loftus-Cheek, De Cordova-Reid; Maja.

1,370 Comments Post a Comment
  1. bialk
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    C'mon Michel!

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Hoping for a 1 point cameo?

  2. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Pereira, Barnes and Vardy - let's goooo

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I need to hide quick. I have no LEI players.

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        I never seem to do well from Leicester players, so not entirely hopeful.

        Would be happier with 3 blanks and an Arsenal win.

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Wow, that's a nice trio you got there.

      A little bit eggs in one basket, but if Leic smash Ars today then you are in for a mighty green arrow

  3. Tcheco
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    2 main ML rivals don't own Barnes. It's time to shine lad

  4. Utopsis
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    What is Arteta playing at with that starting XI?!

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Read the article

      1. Utopsis
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        The article explains why 1 of of 4 of their key players is on the bench

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 29 days ago

          Extrapolate.

          1. Utopsis
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 29 days ago

            Then your original comment of "read" is moot.

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 29 days ago

              My original comment made the assumption that you were capable of critical thinking, for that I apologise

              1. Utopsis
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 29 days ago

                I think you'll find you are the one incapable of critical thinking, when assuming the state and fate of one player should be extrapolate to all

              2. Utopsis
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 29 days ago

                extrapolated*

    2. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Focusing on Europa by the looks of things. Bit of a gamble as Europa next season looks far from a given.

    3. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      You can probably say the same about any combination of their players tbh

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Tierney, Leno, Partey, Aubameyang, Saka, Gabriel, Lacazette are players who could play for teams in the CL.

        1. JONALDINHO
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 29 days ago

          All bang average

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 29 days ago

            Ah Liverpool fan. Did you even support them 5 years ago?

            They aren’t bang average. Partey is a class midfielder. Aubameyang won the golden boot playing left wing for Arsenal 2 seasons ago. Saka and Tierney are having really good seasons.

        2. Tcheco
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 29 days ago

          But can't get into Europe as a combination?

        3. thegaffer82
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 29 days ago

          A Turkish or Greek side in the CL perhaps!

    4. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Aubameyang on great form so bench him, I think the idea is no idea

      1. Tcheco
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        He'll get slaughtered if they lose

    5. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Trying to do what Jose did 4 (?) years ago.

  5. seewhyaxe
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Almost started Mitchell

    Hodgson is a troll!

    1. Tcheco
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Roy Roulette!

      1. Ruth_NZ
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Woy Woolette.

        That's the brand name for his new comfy cardigan range by the way. 😉

        1. Leaf
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 29 days ago

          Like a woollen Gilet

          Could make fortunes

  6. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Is Kevin Friend a penalty friendly ref? Need all possible help for TC Kane to deliver today 🙂

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      We’ve hardly had any pens this year, well over due 🙂

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Spurs don’t spend any time in the box to get pens.

    3. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      oh ffs you've got to be joking me. Yes, he's a penalty friendly ref. At least he was a few years ago when i remember seeing he gave the most out.

  7. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Hopefully a nice Barnes blank to disappoint all his new owners

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Love it if this happened

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I'll take his 13 pointer from last week and stoically march on...

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Ok, enjoy your blank

  8. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Went Hames instead of Barnes let's see how this goes , probably not well lol

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Could have been worse. I went Raphinha...

    2. michaelington
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      No Maddison put me off getting Barnes, hoping he does naff all!

  9. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Just realised even though I have Kane TC, I’ve only got Son, Bruno and Lowton too today so probably still a red arrow!

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Damn I almost forgot also got Lowton, score again lad!

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Haha this

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Not if Kane smashes it.
      Almost definitely a red if Bruno goes mental and Kane blanks however

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Yes and then there’s Salah to worry about 🙁

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Then you realised that the gwk ends on the 4th or March and it doesn't really matter what your arrow is until then?

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        Good to keep track for expected arrow - e.g no Stones or Dias so likely a red arrow atm!

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 29 days ago

          It is actually really unhealthy, it is what it is

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 29 days ago

            Yeah good point, I do actually try to avoid livefpl etc during the week, but obviously see other players I don’t own haul give me a good indication

            1. Dynamic Duos
              • 10 Years
              3 years, 29 days ago

              Your doing well anyway mate, so just keep it up and you will of had an amazing season, good luck

              1. Big boy Bowen
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 29 days ago

                Thank you

  10. CrouchDown
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Only got 3 players today.

    Anyone have less?

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Today?

      I hope they are Kane/Salah/Bruno 🙂

  11. Hey_Arnold
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Dry your eyes mate

  12. Hey_Arnold
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Maja Hatty. Gonna be a BB of dreams.

  13. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Thomas + Smith Rowe — two most interesting enablers at the mo.

    1. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I may end up getting ESR if I need to free up some cash from my 'un-benchable front 8'.

      But he seems like one of those David Silva style players who looks very pretty on the eye and helps his team to play better as a whole... but won't get that many returns himself.

      Obviously, that's acceptable for his price bracket to be fair to him, but he's still not exciting to bring in at all

      1. Limbo
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        No. he's not. At £4.3m he's the most interesting cheap playing MF in an around that mark. More so than Anguissa/Bissouma/Mendy IMO. It'd 100% be bench fodder. Like Thomas - on the late season WC.

        1. thegaffer82
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 29 days ago

          No he's not what?

          (A David Silva type player? ... I'd say he is, but you're entitled to your opinion)

  14. Davros
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Strong Fulham team. Hopefully much needed win against Zaha-less neighbours

  15. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Curious fact time

    In 5 of the last 6 seasons Palace have finished within a 6 pointer of Everton (we generally lose to them).

    It amuses me anyway

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      We do have a sh!te record at Palace. London clubs in general.

      Times a re a changing though... Amazing week with Anfiedl, new Digne contract, stadium agreement and Carlo's talk of wanting to be there top open it.

  16. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Who are the players to target for GW29?
    Trying to work out whether to FH or not.

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Martinez
      Dunk Cresswell Dallas
      Saka Son/Lingard Raphinha [blank]
      Kane Bamford [blank]

      This is potentially my team using FTs

    2. Big Hands Barry
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Martinez, kane, son, triple leeds will be plenty

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      The good ones from the teams that play.

  17. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Benteke to break the hearts of many today?

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Yes

  18. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Gonna be a scary watch with no Leicester players in my team. Hopefully Arsenal pull through

  19. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Arsenal resting their best players for next season - sensible management from Arteta.

    1. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Madness. Willian/Pepe 😐 ?!

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Congrats Leicester defence owners

  20. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    A Fulham win today and the great escape is in full swing.

  21. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Palace 1-0 Fulham
    Leicester City 0-1 Arsenal

    Fantasy fantasy football...

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I have different fantasy

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Ward & Mari goals - perfect

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        I’d never heard of Mari until today 😀

    3. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      I live in the real world, not the fantasy world

    4. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Well that was wishful thinking...

  22. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Tielemans Goal

  23. JJO
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Why the f is Iheanacho playing
    Ruining both of my Leicester pick

  24. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Arteta's judgement and team selection deserve the sack today

    1. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Unfortunately true

  25. hueycho
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Not Barnes but Tielemans!! Hah

  26. Limbo
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Walked that in.

  27. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Tielemans in the Maddison role does Maddison things.

  28. tiger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 29 days ago

    Arsenal defence having a Sunday snooze

  29. @persecuted_by_mods
      3 years, 29 days ago

      No assist

    • Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 29 days ago

      Surely that's not Xhaka at full sprint? I jog faster than that

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 29 days ago

        TBF he has alot of mental baggage.