Dugout Discussion

Cooper return sees Struijk drop to Leeds bench for Yorkshire derby

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has made just one change to his side for the Gameweek 30 meeting with Sheffield United.

Captain Liam Cooper (£4.3m) returns to the starting XI for the first time since Gameweek 27, named alongside Diego Llorente (£4.4m) at centre-back.

With Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m) reestablished in midfield following a positive international break, there is no place in the team for Pascal Struijk (£4.0m).

The budget defender drops to the bench for the first time since Gameweek 14, having only missed the Gameweek 27 defeat at West Ham through injury.

That will be of some disappointment to Struijk’s 5.6% ownership considering Leeds’ latest opponents Sheffield United are the Premier League’s worst goal-scoring side on the road this season.

In 14 away matches, they have found the net just six times, working out at 0.4 per game.

Stuart Dallas (£5.1m) will be relishing this afternoon’s encounter though, considering more time on the bench for Mateusz Klich (£5.2m) should make for another outing at central midfield alongside Tyler Roberts (£4.6m).

The 13 goals conceded by Sheffield United in their last six matches has put some of the Fantasy focus on Raphinha (£5.7m) and Patrick Bamford (£6.7m) this afternoon.

They are the differential captains among the top 10,000 Fantasy managers for Gameweek 30, earning the backing of 3.6% and 3.2% at that level respectively.

Gameweek 30 Line-ups

Leeds United XI: Meslier; Alioski, Cooper, Llorente, Ayling; K Phillips; Harrison, Dallas, Roberts, Raphinha; Bamford.

Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale; Stevens, Jagielka, Bogle; Osborn, Fleck, Norwood, Lundstram, Baldock; McBurnie, McGoldrick.

Gameweek 30 so far…

West Bromwich Albion executed a shock win at Stamford Bridge in the lunch-time kick-off, making a mockery of recent claims about the Chelsea defence.

Matheus Pereira (£5.3m) and Callum Robinson (£5.2m) both found the net twice in a shock 5-2 win, Thomas Tuchel’s first Premier League defeat after a streak of two goals conceded in 10 matches.

The Baggies were helped by a sending off for Thiago Silva (£5.6m) in the first half but were arguably the better side throughout.

There was mixed emotions for those invested in Chelsea, whose line-ups are increasingly becoming as hard to predict as Manchester City’s.

Antonio Rüdiger (£4.7m) was benched for the second time in three Gameweeks and remained there for the duration while Mason Mount (£ was also among the substitutes, although the midfielder came on to grab a second-half goal.

While Marcos Alonso (£5.7m) beat the Tuchel Tombola as predicted, he ended the afternoon with just three points.

He did add plenty of attacking threat, hitting the post twice and coming away with an assist but he lost two points due to the number of goals Chelsea conceded.

Provisional bonus points

  • 3 – Matheus Pereira
  • 2 – Callum Robinson
  • 1 – Mbaye Diagne

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767 Comments Post a Comment
  1. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    That would make me puke.

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Time to triple up on Sheff, WBA and Newcastle it seems!

  2. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Oh as if, rubbish week already

    1. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      THIS

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Badddd week to BB it seems 🙁

  3. sunzip14
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Any reason to wait to WC out of this team?

    Martinez, Forster
    Targett, Konsa, Struijk, Lowton, Dawson
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Lingard, Raphinha
    Kane, DCL, Bamford

  4. Cilly Bonnolly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Don’t feel so bad about my one week Mendy punt now since Meslier was my other option.

  5. moment
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Ah well I don't own Dallas for the cleanies anyway

  6. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Oh eff off Leeds. Sh#t defence!

  7. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    I like this return to goals galore. I’ve seen more goals today than in most of March

  8. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    The problem when the team have got 8 scout picks! Good on paper ...

    1. Pulp Minion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      I've got 10 *facepalm*

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Goodness 😉

    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      The "Chelsea defense triple-up"

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Wowza!

  9. The Ilfordian
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    45+2 mins a bad time for losing clean sheets

  10. HollywoodXI
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Alonso and Dallas. I had such high hopes.

  11. Fudgy
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Dodged a bullet not captaining Raphinha

    1. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Raphina isn’t a defender

    2. TOLV TUMS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      I capped - still hoping. 45 to go and all that.

  12. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Is Dallas essential?

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Negative imo. Not until the last 3 weeks I think

  13. BeaversWithAttitude
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Ayling, lol! Nice try, buddy!

  14. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    WBA + Sheff Utd scoring
    Joelinton hattrick next?

  15. Debauchy
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Jafooli knows

  16. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    NEW will be inspired by WBA and SHU now 😆

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      I'd love to see NEW press high and attack Spurs 😉

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Imagine if WBA somehow turn things around after that

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        I don’t feel like it’s past them, big Sam has done it before.

    3. REDMOND IN SANDALS
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      If wilson is back they might have some chance

  17. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Anyway, time to crack on with the Wildcard.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Always take a screenshot of the first draft and then compare it to what the final cut gets haha

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Yup lol, Man City’s lineup and score line in midweek will have some part to play. Sterling/KDB/Mahrez are all tempting.

        1. Thomas Magnum
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 22 days ago

          Don’t mind Mahrez myself, but will be tough to bring him in now Son is all but a lock for the double

  18. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    As it’s HT and quiet around here, I thought I’d once again use this time to check in with my FFS friends and ask you all how are we all doing today?

    1. Nimby
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      As someone who bought Azpi yet hates Chelsea, I'm conflicted.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        The pain of Azpi fail will disappear before the memory of Chelsea conceding 5 at home to West Brom will I’m sure, as an Azpi owner also

    2. Pulp Minion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Lovely weather out
      4 day weekend
      Munster beating Toulouse

      Not going too bad so far

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Enjoy it mate, reached around 30c where I am. Not bad at all for an Easter Saturday in the autumn

      2. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Do Brits have Easter Monday off too?

  19. VaVaVoom14
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Would Raphina captainers have taken this at half time?

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      It's alright. Already points on the board. Want more, as always lol.

    2. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Happy with any returns from a captain.

    3. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      After selling Pereira for him I can conclusively say no

      1. TOLV TUMS
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Oh ouch. Pereira used to be a cheap mainstay in my squad but got rid ages ago (so presumably a little less painful that just having sold)

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 22 days ago

          I probably wouldn’t have started anyway, but would have had him off the bench if Gundogan/KdB no show

    4. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Kane will punish the non greedy

  20. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Predictions for LEI - MCI?

    1. fr3d
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Cancelo on the bench

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      0-2
      Gundogan x2

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Would be fitting considering he’s first on my bench

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      1-2

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      0-3

      KdB plus an assist or so
      Foden
      Mahrez

    5. mezza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Vardy party

    6. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      2-1 leicester

    7. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      2-0 City. KDB and Stones

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Dave Portnoy?!

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 22 days ago

          I did shave today though

          1. Thomas Magnum
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 22 days ago

            So you’re 100% not Dave Portnoy?!

    8. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      3:0 aguero hat trick

  21. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Glad I only spend 15 mins on this game between GWs now.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Planning/transfers I mean, I still waste too much following it!

  22. El Presidente
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    The return from International breaks os always unpredictable. Teams in good runs can turn into rubbish and for teams struggling is a fresh start..

    1. threeputt
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      'Pool rejuvenation then

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        I wouldn't be surprised at all...

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      jota in next GW

  23. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    I know anyone holding a Leeds defender (Dallas basically) has him for attacking hopes as opposed to defensive returns which no one has any right to expect .... but I can’t help being a little disappointed with no clean sheet points against the worst team in the league.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Well Leeds defence is pretty rubbish as well...

    2. fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Yeah, this did seem like a very good chance of easy points.

      He's had one decent shot on target but most likely will end up with 2 points now

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Yup .. I think you will be correct ...

  24. Stranger Mings
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Top 5 essential players please for WC31?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Bruno
      Kane

      Hmmmm. Essential is a big word ..... if pushed ... KDB, Dias and Salah to complete 5 ...

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Cheers already got Kane & Bruno and others look good options

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Couldn’t think of 5 essential players anymore tbh. All depends on your rank if you need to catchup or not, there’s only consistent players in my view

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        No worries I was looking at teams with best fixtures & spurs

    3. POKE JOHN BALLS THE SECOND
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Kane
      Fernandes
      Raphinha
      Antonio
      Son

      1. Stranger Mings
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Thanks I like it

  25. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    The two CS bankers of the week gone. Will have hurt a lot of Bench Boosters too.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Who TF is BBing?

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Seen plenty in here or in my mini league.

        Looked a decent week to use it on paper. Plenty are benching City players this week for example.

      2. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Me, sadly. Wanted to use it before WC next week thiugh

      3. Cantona's Kung Fu Kick
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        I did, my 2 of my D on my bench will probably outscore Azpi/Dallas

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      There is no such thing as a Leeds clean sheet banker.

      1. Eh, just one more thing ...
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 22 days ago

        Sadly (Dallas owner) ... even against the worst team in the league ...

  26. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Well, that's not gonna be goodbye haul from Dallas then

  27. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    WC from this,

    Martinez Forster
    Reguilon Azpi Coufal Veltman Holding
    Bruno KdB Bale Lingard Saka
    Kane Bamford Antonio

    To this?

    Areola Sanchez
    Pereira Boly Coady Rudiger Dawson
    Bruno Son Gundogan Jota Saka
    Kane Vardy DC-L

    BB & FH available.

  28. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    Leeds to score 2 goals in the last 20 mins

    1. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      and 3 in the next 25 minutes

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 22 days ago

      Dallas and Raphinha pls

  29. OLD Rafiki
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    this gw is starting to become such a cruel joke.

  30. Kane and Ablett
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 22 days ago

    So relieved I captained Raphi ahead of Dallas this week