Dugout Discussion

Son back in Mourinho’s starting XI but Bale only a substitute for Spurs v United

Son Heung-min (£9.4m) returns to the Tottenham Hotspur starting XI this afternoon but Gareth Bale (£9.2m) once again has to content himself with a place among the substitutes.

Manchester United are the visitors to north London, where the action gets under way at 16:30 BST.

Son is one of three players recalled to Jose Mourinho’s side, with the other two changes occuring in defence.

Eric Dier (£4.6m) and Serge Aurier (£5.2m) are brought into the back four as Davinson Sanchez (£5.2m), Japhet Tanganga (£4.9m) and Carlos Vinicius make way.

Manchester United make three changes from the side that beat Granada 2-0 on Thursday night but compared to Gameweek 31, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI shows just one tweak.

Scott McTominay (£4.9m) is recalled, with Mason Greenwood (£7.0m) dropping to the bench.

That means that David de Gea (£5.3m) is once again only among the substitutes, with Dean Henderson (£5.2m) lining up between the posts.


Tottenham Hotspur XI: Lloris, Reguilon, Aurier, Rodon, Dier, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Moura, Son, Kane

Manchester United XI: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Pogba, Fred, McTominay, Fernandes, Rashford, Cavani


GAMEWEEK 31 SO FAR…

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The phenomenal form of Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.9m) and Jesse Lingard (£6.4m) continued at the London Stadium, with both players bagging braces in West Ham United’s 3-2 win over Leicester City.

The pair are joint-top of the Premier League’s goalscoring table from Gameweek 22 onwards, which marked the start of both of their extended runs in their respective sides.

The in-demand pair were among the top three most-bought players of Gameweek 31 and rewarded their new and existing owners with double-digit hauls; this was Lingard’s fifth such return in nine West Ham appearances.

Also among the points was the injured Michail Antonio‘s (£6.6m) replacement, Jarrod Bowen (£5.9m), who teed up Lingard’s second goal and then scored what turned out to be the match-winner when converting Tomas Soucek‘s (£5.3m) pass.

It was a poor afternoon for owners of the defenders on show, with West Ham almost letting a three-goal lead slip yet again.

It’s one clean sheet in seven for the Hammers, one in eight for Leicester.

Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m) and Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) at least partly compensated with assists but Aaron Cresswell (£5.9m) limped off with a hamstring injury, with his substitution marking the first time he has missed Premier League minutes this season.

James Maddison (£7.2m) and Ayoze Perez (£6.0m) were missing altogether from the visitors’ squad but their absences are thought to be for disciplinary reasons rather than injury-related.

1,340 Comments Post a Comment
  1. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Trashford

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Saw some United fans bigging him up as better than Neymar after his goal against Granada

  2. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    If u have Son but not as cap u want him to fail right?

    1. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      God no

    2. Top Lad Dakes.
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      I don’t think so. Kane yes

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        I think with kane even cappers want him to fail cuz of TCers

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      No. But that is just me

      I always back my players otherwise why own them. Defeats the point of playing for me

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Nah he's under 100% EO.

      Any points he gets is a green.

    5. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Casual comment

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        Think i might be a closet casual

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          The closet comes in handy when i meed somehwere to hide

    6. Reedy
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Depends whether you started him - he's on my bench.

  3. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Anyone scared of their remaining subs? Got Veltman and Forster on the bench after watching those Mendy and Fofana blanks!

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Forster lol

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      I think you need a lie down

    3. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      The mighty Rob Holding

  4. JBG
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Should I bring in Son for Salah next GW? Would be for -4

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Erm, no?

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      No

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      No way

    4. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      No other way?

      1. JBG
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        Either Bruno or Salah... Or -8 by downgrading Azpi/Gundo/DCL.

  5. teneighty
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Will anyone be able to challenge Matsuyama today or will he bring home Japan's first mens major?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Probably in the bag for him. Level par 72 likely to be enough. Will be interesting to see how much they dry the greens out using the sub-air system.

      1. teneighty
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        It's certainly his to lose.

    2. Taff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      He’s not a good pressure putter. Am expecting Xander to get it done.

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Looks a big lead but it's the Masters - that can go very quickly even if he still has it coming into the back 9

  6. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Went Vardy over Nacho,reminds me of Sterling over Gundo mid season...terrible decisions

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      1 goal since GW14 for Vardy, hardly in stellar form

  7. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Mendy > Lloris for the DGW ?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Nah, they play the same amount of games in the next two GWs.

    2. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      No

  8. bso
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Don't wish anyone to be ill, but if Holgate could find himself to be very tired and sit the next match out I would be thrilled. Lingard on bench waiting to come it.

    1. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Did u miss the deadline?

      1. bso
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        No...head not on straight (smile). Have 55 pts with Kane and Bruno...so not crying too loudly.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Will sound harsh, but you don't deserve those Lingard points for benching him. How can you bench the hottest player in the PL at the moment?

      Benching Dallas, I understand. But not Lingard.

  9. Collie01
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Dull match so far.

    1. gooberman
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Terrible isnt it. Constant fouls and players giving the ball away.

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Almost every mouringo match is dull

    3. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Like every United game vs Big 6

  10. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Pick one on WC

    A Son TAA
    B Bruno Philips

    Will be getting Bruno in 36 if i go A
    Can get Son in for 34 if B

    TAA and Philips throughout the rest of the season.

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      A

  11. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Where did Dier come from?

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Cheltenham

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      His Mammy.

    3. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Cheltenham, UK according to Wikipedia

    4. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Cheltenham

    5. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Grew up in Portugal.

  12. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Fred is having... a game.

  13. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Best 5.5 mid for next 2 gameweeks?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Podence?

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Pereira

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Cheers both

  14. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    End the game now

  15. fusen
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Considering Son's form, if he doesn't return anything in this game then everyone making sure (probably me included) that he is in our teams for the double next week are pretty much just doing it out of fear aren't we?

    1. fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      It almost is like the EO Kane captain debate from the IB

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Fear of his incredible footballing ability manifesting itself in attacking returns?

      1. fusen
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        Fear of his ability actually shining through against his actual current form of not scoring any goals

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          You know form is temporary right?

          And you know Son is one of the most insanely gifted players in World football right?

          So don’t sweat it if he doesn’t score - he’s a fantastic pick, regardless of how he scores

          1. fusen
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 27 days ago

            I don't think that is how FPL works.

            You aren't a fantastic pick if you never score FPL points.

            Of course he MIGHT score points, as he is a very very good footballer. But on current form, it looks to make more sense to choose Lucas than Son for next week.

            1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 27 days ago

              Son scores an absolutely ridiculous amount of FPL points though?

              1. Rainer
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 27 days ago

                Past points are irrelevant in the coming weeks.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 27 days ago

                  But his ability isn’t irrelevant?

                  1. Rainer
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 27 days ago

                    Did I question that?

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      3 years, 27 days ago

                      My comment was a response to Fusen’s concern that a player isn’t a great pick if they don’t score points...

                      I think a player can be an absolutely FANTASTIC pick even if they don’t score points, the two aren’t mutually exclusive

                      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        *And Son is an absolutely fantastic pick going forwards

                        That’s not the same as guaranteeing he’ll score points though

                      2. fusen
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        So if you pick a player that in an entire season scores no points then they can still be a fantastic pick?

                      3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        Has Son not scored in an entire season?

                      4. fusen
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        I was going from your comment

                        "think a player can be an absolutely FANTASTIC pick even if they don’t score points, the two aren’t mutually exclusive"

                        If they never score points then they aren't a fantastic FPL pick. A player has to score points in FPL to be worth being in your team.

                      5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        Why have you equated “even if they don’t score points” to going an entire season without scoring lol?

                      6. fusen
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        I'm trying to figure out what you're actually saying.

                        I fully appreciate Son is a great great player and have had him in my team for long periods in multiple seasons. But if a player, *any player* isn't currently returning points then they've been a wasted slot in your team.

                        If you have a player in your team for 10 gameweeks and they scored 1 point every game, then they suddenly score 10 points for the next 5 games they've still been a waste in your team for the 1 pointers.

                        The "key" to FPL is having 11 players constantly returning points every single game.

                        Back to the original point - if Son can get more than just that goal and do it by himself instead of being essentially gifted the goal by Lucas he could be worth transferring him in for the double. But equally right now with both Lucas' and Son's form, Lucas is easily just as viable a selection. Which is why I think it's slightly wrong that everyone just jumps to the "you need Son in your team for the double"

                      7. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        To my original point

                        Yes - people having Son in their teams for the double is purely out of fear

                        Fear of his incredible footballing ability manifesting itself in goals and assists

                2. pingissimus
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 27 days ago

                  The two worst defences in 3 weeks count as relevant?

                  1. Rainer
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 27 days ago

                    Who would argue otherwise?

                    His past points are irrelevant.

                    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                      • 14 Years
                      3 years, 27 days ago

                      Be careful with throwing around the word irrelevant here

                      They are absolutely relevant in so far as evidence it his ridiculous ability to generate FPL points

                      They don’t guarantee he’ll score points in future, but that’s different to being irrelevant

                      1. pingissimus
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 27 days ago

                        🙂

              2. fusen
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 27 days ago

                Right now, using Son's current form and his current ability on the pitch he has scored double figures twice since gameweek 18. Scoring 5 points on two occasions and every other game less than 5.

                It's like constantly picking Bale because he has a great history. The only thing that matters FPL points wise are what they have recently scored.

                1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 27 days ago

                  He has generated 67 points for me in the last 9 gameweeks... despite only starting 6 games in that timeframe...

                  He’s among the top scorers in the league for a reason

                  You need to back your own but though - if you feel Moura’s the better pick you definitely need to act on that

            2. GreennRed
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 27 days ago

              Lucas hasn't Son's attacking threat.

            3. pingissimus
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 27 days ago

              Actually precious little recent Son form to go on though.

              19 points in his last 3 complete outings isn't too shabby. Compares okay to the premium mid everyone has got in.

            4. Saka Rice
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 27 days ago

              Yes he does. Form comes back like TAA Salah etc. It's a double gameweek next no reason to get rid

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          Depends a bit on what you think the options are next week

          Personally don't think Leeds away is great. Also think WBA are fairly durable. Newcastle and Burnley are both worth attacking but who would you get apart from Lingard and Bruno?

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Two of the leakiest defences around in one DGW

      Southampton Everton are at least as good a prospect as Burnley Fulham were.

    4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 days ago

      This has not aged well 😉

  16. @ocprodigy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    I’ve had the most ridiculous gameweek. Transfers were Cancelo, Antonio > TAA, Iheanacho and captained Lingard. Dreamland.

    1. fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      The good luck makes the bad luck easier to take

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        I've had no good luck

        1. JONALDINHO
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          You still have Nacho and Trent

    2. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      You are indeed a prodigy - not sure about the OC

  17. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Regret getting son. Wasn't in great nick before injury but wouldn't know he's there so far.

    Double clouded judgement again.

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Early days.

    2. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Without hindsight, did you have a better choice?

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        It's a fair point. I probably would have got kdb for a hit which wouldnt have gone well.

        1. GOTHAM City F.C.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          Ya, 3 games in two weeks, I'll take 10 points as more than decent.

  18. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Imagine not playing Bale when you’re in the race for a CL spot. Reckless

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Why?

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        Check how many double digit hauls he managed when he’s been starting

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          'When'.

          1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 27 days ago

            Yes, he’s clearly not injured so it’s down to Mou

        2. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          And check the opposition

          1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 27 days ago

            Check Celsos contribution regardless of opposition

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      2016 Bale maybe.

  19. jimbe4mXL
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Gundo > Lucas Moura? 😀 Rest of team is great and playing BB next GW, Gundo is obviously a concern, Moura, well, has a double.

    1. fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      I'm considering this instead of Gundo to Son. If he looks lively in this game then it isn't a bad transfer

  20. bialk
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Bought Sanchez on WC for DGW. Is he injured now?

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Probably dropped.

    2. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      No spurs CBs are nailed. One bad game and you are out.

  21. Lemongrab
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    I've been very hit averse this season but I'm thinking of this -8 to set me up for the run in.

    Cresswell, Stones, DCL out
    TAA, Coady, Nacho in

    Yay or nay

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Yay on the cards but see what’s happening come Friday.

      1. Lemongrab
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        I'm very likely going to get priced out unless I do it today :/

        1. AC/DC AFC
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          Do it.

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Yay and nice OR.

    3. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      I think Id still prefer Fofana over Coady, even after today

  22. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Have we had any more info about Cresswell?

  23. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    why are people surprised Bale benched. Shaw and Rashford would have a field day if he played.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Exactly.

      Bale hasnt fared well against anyone half decent. Any trust earned went out the window with the arsenal and europa defeats.

  24. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    I’ve not watched a game of football for a couple weeks and looked forward to watching this game.

    Going to be 0-0 isn’t it.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      You've missed a cracker earlier.

    2. Alisson WondHaaland
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Literally every other game this GW was more exciting

  25. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Boring game. Both teams look like they would rather not lose the game than take the initiative and drive forwards

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Spurs have to win. Just dont know how to attack.

      1. JONALDINHO
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 27 days ago

        What do they know to do. Can’t defend either

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 27 days ago

          Throw away leads, mainly

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      They're playing for points not TV ratings.

    3. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Plus Leeds and Chelsea were decent enough matches yesterday.

  26. Alisson WondHaaland
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    Aubameyang out with flu

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Will anyone notice?

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Manflu.

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      Closer and closer to being out the door in the summer.

  27. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    This game has 0-0 written all over it

  28. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    This game is perfect for a Sunday nap

  29. hueycho
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    This game is so dull its making me fall asleep

    1. Cantona's Kung Fu Kick
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 27 days ago

      you mean tactical

  30. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 27 days ago

    I imagine this is old news, but why does pogba have a sleeve on one arm?