Dugout Discussion
8 March 2021 1234 comments
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West Ham United will attempt to once again reduce the gap between themselves and a UEFA Champions League qualification spot to two points when they face Leeds United in east London tonight.

Kick-off at the London Stadium is at 20:00 GMT.

Chelsea were victorious over Everton in the early-evening fixture, leaving the Hammers five points adrift with two games in hand.

West Ham have won seven of their 10 Premier League matches this calendar year, scoring 17 goals in the process; only the two Manchester clubs have netted more.

Inconsistency has dogged Leeds’ otherwise commendable first season back in the top flight, with Marcelo Bielsa’s troops unable to string together more than two wins on the bounce.

There is plenty of interest in this fixture from a Fantasy perspective, with three players on each side owned by 10% of FPL bosses or more.

Patrick Bamford (£6.8m) features in more than one in two Fantasy squads going into tonight’s game, while Aaron Cresswell (£5.8m) remains FPL’s most-owned defender.

On the team news front, there are two changes for the hosts.

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m) is fit again and replaces stand-in Darren Randolph (£4.3m), who himself is unavailable through injury.

Said Benrahma (£6.0m) comes in for Ben Johnson (£3.9m) as the Hammers change shape to a back four.

Bielsa has made only one alteration following his side’s defeat by Aston Villa last time out.

Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m) is back following his recent lay-off, replacing budget FPL defender Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) in the middle of the park.


Leeds United XI: Meslier, Ayling, Llorente, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Costa, Roberts, Klich, Raphinha, Bamford.

West Ham XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Diop, Dawson, Cresswell, Soucek, Rice, Fornals, Lingard, Benrahma, Antonio.

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  1. Gunners in Haaland
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Martínez
    Cancelo | Dias | Cresswell | Shaw
    Salah | Bruno(c) | Son | Gündogan
    Kane | DCL

    Fabri | Bamford | Raphinha | Struijk

    Save FT?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Could switch to DCL(c)

      1. mezza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Don’t

        1. The FPL Units
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          DCL the donkey

          1. GENERATION X
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Eee aww to do better next week

          2. Riverside Red
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            He's getting no opportunities to score due to a poor Everton midfield...

            1. potatoace
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              And a greedy richarlison

  2. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Fulham will shut Leeds out in bgw29.

    1. Chrisitis
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ofc they can
      They can also lose by 4-5

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Nah we've toughened up now.
        Only conceded 2 goals in last 7 games

    2. Kermit Special
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Easily.

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Pride comes before a fall. This is a Leeds team that can spank anyone on their day.

  3. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Which one?

    a) Cancelo, DCL => Bale, Konsa, Antonio (-4)
    b) Barnes DCL => Bale Maja

    Wanting more players for BGW29 as will WC in 30/31. Maja on the bench till BGW29 and will make another 1 or 2 transfers to get 8/9 players on the pitch.

    Leaning towards b) after todays games.

    Thanks

  4. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any word on Grealish return?

    Have Lingard and Grealish on bench.. Wondering what to do, sell or keep 🙁

  5. DycheDycheBaby
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    GTG for GW28? 1FT. Maybe I will transfer Barnes out this week to avoid price drop.
    Martinez
    Cancelo--Digne--Pereira--Targett
    KDB--Gundo--Son--Raphinha
    Kane--DCL
    Areola, Bamford, Struijk, Barnes (inj)

  6. jason_ni
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Start

    1)AWB (WEST HAM)
    2)Cresswell (man utd)

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Has to be 1 for me

    2. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      1

    3. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      2.Cresswell ...he always comes up trumps

  7. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bamford owners will you bench him vs Chelsea?

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yep, playing Raphinha

    2. Kermit Special
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      100% Might drop both Raph and Bam

    3. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      All 3 Leeds getting benched

  8. Hy liverpool
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Predict city line up and win nothing.

    For me
    Ederson
    Cancelo Stones Diaz Laporte
    Rodri gundogan
    Bernardo
    Foden Aguero torres

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      yes i like that

    2. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ederson
      Walker Dias Laporte Cancelo
      Fernandinho
      Bilva Gundo
      Foden Jesus Sterling

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Alot of city fans on manchester city forum suggest kun starting.. But i also won't be surprised with this side

        1. GENERATION X
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Jesus and Cancelo dropped for peeing Pep off

    3. fr3d
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      This looks correct to me

    4. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ederson
      Cancelo Stones Dias Zinchenko
      Rodri Gundogan Silva
      Foden Torres Jesus

    5. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Foden's got to start surely

      Maybe Mahrez again instead of torres

    6. dogtanion
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah that's my fear as a Sterling captainer

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Actually i have no idea why would pep start torres over raz or mahrez but it's me

    7. Kermit Special
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ederson

      Walker Stones Dias Zinc

      Gundo Rodri Silva

      Foden Aguero Torres

      1. Hy liverpool
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Can see this also.. Have cancelo which is annoying thou.

    8. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Looks a likely team to me

    9. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      1 goal from Gundo will be just fine

  9. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Well Antonio (C) was a bust but at least Cresswell helped a lot, plus I actually thought Antonio was great tonight just he was clearly given a role of holding up the ball and drifting wide to cover others rather than playing up front himself, worked great though for West Ham in the end

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      but bad for fpl points

  10. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry I'll try again as left out a player.

    Which one?

    a) Barnes, Cancelo, DCL => Bale, Konsa, Antonio (-4)
    b) Barnes DCL => Bale Maja

    Wanting more players for BGW29 as will WC in 30/31. Maja on the bench till BGW29 and will make another 1 or 2 transfers to get 8/9 players on the pitch.

    Leaning towards b) after todays games.

    Thanks

  11. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    That miss from Bamford makes you wonder how the guy has scored 13 goals. Embarrassing.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      then he will stick one in against Che

    2. Kermit Special
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Always been a poor/inconsistent finisher. Just had a good season but now regressing to the mean.

    3. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      well done for having the guts to c him in the first place

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        oops wrong post 🙂

    4. No Professionals
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Loads of players seemed to rush to 10+ goals this season, and then just stop

    5. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      If he were clinical, he’d be the best striker in the league

  12. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    bench one

    a dias
    b stones
    c awb
    d cresswell

    v tough isnt it?

    1. Kermit Special
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Cresswell.

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        thanks

  13. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Declan Rice on who takes West Ham's next penalty: "The gaffer has just said in there now, it's definitely me again!"

  14. Gunners in Haaland
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Who would you bench this week?
    A) Cresswell
    B) Raphinha

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      b as a can get points with cs and attacking returns

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    2. Kermit Special
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      B. Doubt Leeds score.

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    3. Moderately content penguin
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Getting in Cresswell quite likely so I can bench Raph

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    4. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Cresswell

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers mate

  15. Henryyy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    No Kane is killing me, how do I get him in?

    Martinez
    Dias Cancelo Periera
    Son Bruno Gundo Salah Raph
    Bamford Antonio

    Pope Diagne Dallas Digne

    1FT 1.3 ITB

    1. No Professionals
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Salah out

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Salah probably?

    3. Old Wulfrunian
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Sell Salah+Diagne.

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This

    4. FourLokoLeipzig
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Think I’d roll the FT then lose Bruno and Diagne for Kane and a GW29 mid

  16. Old Wulfrunian
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Would you take a hit for Pope>Martinez?

  17. Moderately content penguin
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Tuchel has taken Chelsea to another level. They could be frightening if he gets Pulisic fit and firing

    1. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      If only he could get Werner to kick straight

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      He’s been incredible

    3. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Great start, but Lampard also had a great start to the season. Remember when Chelsea were keeping CSs for fun and scoring bags of goals under him?

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Totally different; this system has kept out legitimate teams, not bottom table sides.

        I also think he’s getting the best out of Azpi, Alonso, Rudi, Christensen, Jorginho, Kova, CHO

        Kai even looked unplayable with all that space in the middle

        The league better watch out if timo can find the goal

        1. Utopsis
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Agree with everything you say but I'm not getting carried away - every team gets a lift from a new manager, players playing for their careers etc. Listen, I'm delighted with our form and I'm super impressed with what I'm seeing, but I'm not chanting "Thomas's at the wheel!" just yet

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            I hear you, I was pouring cold water on it as little as 2 weeks ago, then Atleti, shutting out Man U and two clean sheets for the mercy side double has me believing!

            When the team is rotated so heavy and the product is the same, that’s surely a strong sign. After giving Frank a lesson in tactics last time out, I expected Everton to give us a run today, and we completely dominated.

            1. Utopsis
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Absolutely - the only team I know that can rotate so many so frequently and achieve the same positive results is Man City. Dare to dream...

              (no, no, stop being daft - early days!)

      2. Moderately content penguin
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This defence has a totally different feel about it to me. The Lampard system always felt like an accident waiting to happen. Such a solid foundation to the team, That's the difference I see - it's being built from back to front and not vice versa. It's not universal I guess but most that's how most great teams I remember operating

        1. Utopsis
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          I'm absolutely delighted he's brought Azpi back in - that man bleeds blue, and playing in a 3 is absolutely perfect for him. As The Suspensed One says, he's also getting the best out of players Lamps completely marginalised.

          A fantastic start - lots to be excited about!

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Excellent point about azpi; really expected him to be the starter over Reece and was disappointed he wasn’t used to be the eraser in the back more.

            I think Kante thrives in this system also, doesn’t have to push forward or get on the ball; he can just read it and help the transitions

          2. Moderately content penguin
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Azpi is the one I'm eying up actually

            I assume he'll get his rest soon enough but there's bench to cover. Is he a good pick? You'll have been watching closer than me. Or do I just get Rudiger? Budget isn't an issue here

            Move in 30/1 likely

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              He’ll never get attacking returns, but has always been decent for bps

              I’m looking at Christensen; he’s been incredible lately. Not sure how nailed..

            2. Utopsis
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Azpi or T. Silva for me - I think those 2 are the closest to being nailed. Azpi more of a threat from open play, T. Silva from set pieces.

              I might go wild and get both on my WC!

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Totally agree, Frank tried to play with wingbacks and a false 9 also and nobody knew their job; it’s was constantly stretched. TT has the CBs coming forward and the 6s sitting rather than frank trong to make them 8s and having the CBs be the last line of defense. I still think our best formation is 4-3-3, and I think we can easily change if teams start to overload the center of the pitch

          1. Utopsis
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Dear I say it, playing like Sheff Utd with underlapping CBs! I think Lamps was tactically inept - players said as much. Tuchel knows EXACTLY what he wants each and every player to do, in each and every phase of play. That's what experience gets you.

            I'd rather we stuck to 3 at the back, only because Azpi doesn't suit a 4 and I want him playing all the time.

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 1 month ago

              Agree; just feel optimistic about TT having another trick ready when teams start to figure it out (flood middle; counter through wide areas, pulling cbs wide, etc)

              Let’s see how the run in goes; all still to do

  18. Khalico
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any defenders I can get for 4.2m and they play in BGWK29?

    1. Ain't No Holebas Girl
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Lascelles

    2. tambourineman
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Burn or Lascelles

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Is Burn still 4.2?

      1. Khalico
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah he is

  19. jason_ni
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Cresswell has me sneaking inside top 50k for 1st time this season whoop whoop.

    Was sitting just outside top 1 mill in gw17, been a long slog!

    1. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      And he has me slipping out of the top 80k 🙁

      He's a must have for me for 29 now

    2. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Link says 800k?

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        There are a few romancers on the site..Fudgy is right up there

        1. jason_ni
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          No romance lol.. link is below.

    3. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Jason ...your league position is 780k?

        1. Riverside Red
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Fine...but the link against your name is bringing up a different result

          1. jason_ni
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah.. it was id 7 for some reason.. ive updated it.

    4. Chandler Bing
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Think he means Top 500K

      1. Riverside Red
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Hmmm

        1. jason_ni
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 1 month ago

          Updated profile now.. not sure why it was linked to team id 7

    5. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      only counts when the game week is over 😉

      1. jason_ni
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        True enough... should be ok if dias cancelo start and gundo has a blank.

        Cancelo benching incoming, along with gundo haul.

  20. Gunners in Haaland
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Are you planning to WC30 or 31?

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Only WC left

  21. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone needs me, I’ll be behind the sofa for the next 24hrs

  22. Scapegoat Salah
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I’m surprised Dawson has such low ownership!

    1. Riverside Red
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Why

      1. Scapegoat Salah
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Amazing goal threat from one of the best and consistent deliverers of a dead ball right now

    2. mezza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Stealing all the Soucek goals!

    3. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Really wanted to bring him in for this week but couldn't justify a hit for him with those fixtures when I already have Cresswell, he's been superb this season though

  23. Chandler Bing
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance Elmohamady plays GW29? Or can we certainly expect Cash to come back by then?

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Doubtful but cash is only just starting to train

  24. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Chances of sterling starting against saints(?

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      50%

  25. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Bench Bamford or Raphinha againsr Chelsea?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Raphina. Bamford could get a pen.

    2. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Bamford. Raphinha is on all set pieces.

  26. Gudjohnsen
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Gundogan should start against Southampton right?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      doubtful

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      We all hope

  27. Chandler Bing
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    I know I'm scraping at the barrel here but who out of Lookman and Trossard would you have?

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Lookman as he plays Leeds in BGW29

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      If you have to pick one of them then Lookman

  28. Ruinenlust
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Cresswell owners are proof that this game is about luck and not skill

    1. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Ha!!

    2. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      What about Shaw owners?

      1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        Hey, it was pure skill having Shaw coming on from last on bench this week I'll have you know.

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Remind me who is the top scoring defender in the game at the moment?

    4. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I mean he could have had 3 or 4 assists today, even a goal if the deflected free kick hit off of Ayling the wrong way. Don't really get it

      1. Gunners in Haaland
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 1 month ago

        This

    5. Utopsis
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Nonsense comment

  29. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Was pretty pissed that the ML rival Im chasing had made the same 2 transfers as me leaving us with 10/12 identical players in our starting XI.

    The 2 differentials for both of us got 2 pointers.

    All good though, I had Shaw first on the bench and we both have Rudiger 🙂

    1. Gunners in Haaland
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Enjoy the Shaw

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      I've had the same thing a few times, it's meant I ended up going a bit wild (excuse the pun) on my WC with a few differentials and I continued that a little with players like Mount (which a rival also copied after last week). Congrats with Shaw though!

  30. Baron Penguin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 1 month ago

    Play Burn or Raphinha?

    1. Baron Penguin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Or Cresswell?

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 1 month ago

      Raphinha - he will haul at very soon. Brighton will concede