Dugout Discussion

Smith Rowe on bench as unchanged Arsenal face injury-hit Leeds

The only Premier League match of the day sees Leeds United face Arsenal, with kick-off at Elland Road at 17:30 GMT.

Five other top-flight fixtures scheduled for today, the last of which was Aston Villa v Burnley, fell by the wayside after Covid-19 ripped through the football calendar.

The evening match is still standing, however, despite the fact that Marcelo Bielsa’s squad has been ravaged by injury.

Ten senior Leeds players are unavailable for the clash with the Gunners, with Diego Llorente added to the nine we already knew about.

Bielsa’s four changes are all enforced, with Jamie Shackleton, Llorente, Daniel James and Junior Firpo all out.

Robin Koch returns from injury, while Joe Gelhardt, Cody Drameh and Mateusz Klich also come into the side.

The Whites’ very youthful bench contains 15-year-old Archie Gray, with the average age of the hosts’ substitutes being less than 19 years old.

Arsenal’s team news is a serene picture by comparison, as the visitors are unchanged for the fourth match in a row.

Emile Smith Rowe remains a substitute as a consequence, with the fit-again Bernd Leno joining him on the bench.

The Gunners do have a confirmed Covid-19 case, however: Albert Sambi Lokonga misses out after testing positive.

Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang also sits this one out following a recent disciplinary breach.

GAMEWEEK 18 LINE-UPS

Leeds United XI: Meslier, Drameh, Ayling, Koch, Dallas, Forshaw, Raphinha, Klich, Roberts, Harrison, Gelhardt.

Subs: Klaesson, Bate, Summerville, Greenwood, McCarron, Jenkins, Moore, Kenneh, Gray.

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Saka, Partey, Xhaka, Martinelli, Odegaard, Lacazette.

Subs: Leno, Smith Rowe, Holding, Soares, Pepe, Nuno Tavares, Chambers, Elneny, Nketiah.

2,028 Comments Post a Comment
  1. df34
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Have FPL showed the angle where they can prove Lacazette didn't assist the third goal? Bilva gets assist v Watford for 'still having control of the ball'. Ambiguous at best. Consistency please , if they have conclusive evidence then fair enough

    1. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      yeah the HT analysis on the stream i was watching, the lady presenter whatever her name is was asking should this be a foul by Laca, and they showed a replay where the defender clearly kicked the ball and Laca didn't touch the defender or the ball

      1. lugs
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        wait that's the first goal i'm thinking of, how did Laca get the assist for that ? lol

  2. Dexter Bracey
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Not awarding Lacazette the assist in goal 1 is a mockery of FPL

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He didn't touch it!

      1. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        And Bilva still was in control of the ball for the third Watford goal?It is all opinion. If it can't be proven other wise then be consistent in giving points for ambiguous matters, like with Bilva's goal.

    2. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      That was the one they gave the assist for I think. Surely it was the one where he didn't get the last touch that they (rightly) didn't give the assist for

      1. cutch
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        This

      2. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        If FPL have camera footage that conclusively shows no assist ,then that is absolutely fair. But, other footage has shown Lacazette did. So like with Bilva with Watford the doubt should be given to the attacker to maintain consistency. FPL have no way of absolutely determining that Bilva had control of the ball

        1. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          I agree with the benefit of the doubt to the attacker and about the consistency and the lack of it they've shown in the past. I do think they got both the Bilva and today's call correct though. I just don't think there was any doubt about today's from the footage I've seen.

          1. df34
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            I respect your opinion. I think FPL for transparency and consistency should publish what angle they have based their decision on to not award the assist. Cheers mate

    3. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It wasn't an assist, though!! Lol.

      1. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Either was Bilva's v Watford then.

    4. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      His assist was for the first goal

      1. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yep

    5. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ask Jesus owners about it

    6. Walter White (WW)
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      That’s the one they gave the assist for. They aren’t always consistent but they did the right thing today point wise

    7. Dexter Bracey
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It's a farce. He did touch the ball and steal it away into the path of Martinelli for the 1st goal.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Can’t you read? He DID get the assist for the first goal.

      2. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        That assist was given mate

      3. cutch
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        That's why he WAS awarded the assist. It wasn't initially given, but the mistake was corrected just before Saka scored the 3rd goal, for which wasn't any assist awarded.

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          This. The confusion arose because by sheer coincidence, they gave him the goal just as the Saka goal was scored.

          1. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            *assist

      4. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My point is if they have conclusive evidence that Lacazette did not assist the third goal , then fair enough. However , if they are using a judgement call like with Bilva v Watford then consistency should be maintained and benefit of doubt should be given to the forward. They had no way of knowing that ''Bilva still had control of the ball' only Bilva would know that himself.

    8. Dexter Bracey
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      The assist was awarded for the Saka goal

      1. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        You're wrong. It was for Martinelli's

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Nope. Go look at official fpl twitter

      3. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Jeez, give it up.

        1. df34
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Hi WR , like your comments here, massive respect. But, we want consistency and transparency in the FPL game, I think you would agree. Hopefully FPL will show why it wasn't given. No problem whatsoever if they can show why. They determined that Bilva had control v Watford , not sure what they based that on, looked like he lost it control of the ball. Cheers

          1. df34
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            *of

          2. Wild Rover
            • 13 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            I’m talking to Dexter, purely about the first goal mate 🙂

            1. df34
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Sound WR. I see you're on here longer than me ,11 years!!! Hoping to hit double figures myself

      4. cutch
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        No, it wasn't

    9. Dexter Bracey
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not awarding Lacazette the assist in goal 3 is a mockery of FPL

      🙂

      1. df34
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        If they have conclusive evidence I have no problem with no assist, but if they are using a judgement call then benefit of doubt should be given to attacker like with Bilva's goal v Watford. FPL should be transparent on what they are basing a decision on, I think we'd all agree to that.

      2. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Good lad 😉

  3. Grande Tubarão
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    This whole game week seems to have turned it into a 'people who owns players I don't own that got points got lucky'/'people who own players I own that didn't get as many points as I wanted got unlucky' fest.

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Game is pretty worthless at this point.

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        agreed, difficult to summon any enthusiasm for it

        1. Dexter Bracey
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Quite

          so much farce and misfortune today, it brought the game down. The fun has been sucked out of the gameweek and unfortunately FPL won't make any allowances to readdress any of the bad luck for players

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            The assist was given

          2. Baps hunter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            You can always ask your money back?

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It’s always vile on here on match days, try during the week. Very different crowd.

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks mate, will do - seems a bit better tonight already even.

  4. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    At this moment before transfers my team has 9 kings of the season (plus Ramsdale level with Sá sort of makes it 10). Somebody in the top 10k has this lineup. It isn't me.

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      So you have the players that have scored well, not the players who will score well

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        They do both, my problem has been with holding on to Antonio and Vardy too long plus many injuries to other players usually the week after I transfer them in. Vardy gone now to fund upgrades to the bench and a fifth mid.

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Trivial, but has anyone ever had 10 kings of the season in their team before? Normally it isn't possible due to limit of three from each club plus pricing.

  5. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone looking to double up on Arsenal mids?

    1. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Na it's still uncertain who's going to start, ESR looks like he won't be warming the bench for too much longer.

    2. Fabreghastly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Have Martinelli. Will likely bring in Saka if Arsenal game is sure to go ahead and I have Bowen or Gallagher out

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Decent move if the game vs Norwich goes ahead. I’d sell Gallagher

        1. Fabreghastly
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Who I sold Raphinha for 🙂

    3. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Raphinha & Gallagher blocking that for me. With Ramsdale in goal I don't want too many more double/triple ups as already have three Liverpool and two each of Chelsea and Man City.

    4. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Salah, Jota, Bernardo, Foden, Saka atm. Difficult to drop any of them now and I have Ramsdale + Laca atm.

  6. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Despite not having a playing striker when so many brought in Laca I’ve still got green arrows probably coz no hits taken

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Anyone care? Anyone?

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Lmao

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yes, I've been waiting for this update and have taken a note, in mine notebook.

  7. Walter White (WW)
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    The game is shite now. It’s like letting bullets fly in a dark room. Either way you get killed in the end

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yup

    2. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Lol, I'm doing relatively OK out of it but it is just sheer luck at the moment

    3. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah I detest it when it's like this.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I’ve never liked it more.

      1. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Ah ah

      2. Yes Ndidi
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I'm inclined to agree with you, Mr. the Horse. Made things interesting again. Ruined my rank, mind.

    5. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Tis a very unfair and uneven playing field at the moment. What can you do though

  8. FantasyClub
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    You guys think after this game week it’s a good idea to start phasing out the CHE defenders before the tough fixtures and blanks?
    I have James & Alonso, thinking of getting rid of Alonso, I can definitely see Villa scoring next GW then of course there’s BRI but after that it’s tough then blanks…

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely not a priority for me. They can keep a clean sheet against anyone. Plus I'm anticipating using all my ft's in the coming weeks to dodge covid postponements

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Reason why I’m asking is coz I want Ronaldo for either Antonio or Watkins next GW and I have 2 free transfers. I need the cash from someone and it seems like a sensible plan

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          In that case now might be time to downgrade one of them. Villa match could be postponed.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Kante is back soon. Their defence will be better when that happens.

      1. FantasyClub
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My reasoning just on top of your reply. What you think?

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

      That is my plan but Brighton at home is a good one to keep for. Again covid depedent and as mentioned Kante and Kovacic back makes them a lot lot stronger.

  9. Dušan Citizen
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Why there are no more scout tweets on home page?

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Because twitter is passe.

      1. Mario Balofail
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Are we going to have a proper sports page reading every sunday? 🙂

  10. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    So ... Benteke to Antonio ? 0.0 itb Free transfer and no other issues hopefully if games cancelled let it be !
    Bachman Ramsdale
    Trent James Tomiyaso Cancello Goodie
    Salah Jota Grealesh Gundo Gallager
    Antonio". Watkins Laca

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Go for it, que sera sera!

      1. MagicMessi
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Amen to that just did it 😀 cheers goodluck!

  11. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Top 10k 🙂

    1. FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Nice,500k>200k last 2GWs hope i get there.

  12. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Made the mother of all mistakes today. Had 1ft and had planned a minus 4 to get Ramsdale and Saka, missed deadline by 1min coz of my daughters stupid horse.

    Iv seen a 50 pt lead in ML dwindle down to 1 in the last 4 wks which included a WC.

    So dismayed at recent goings on,

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Please elaborate

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      That horse has a lot to answer for.

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

      Chill at least you have 2 transfers plus ramsdale lost cs and you can get better than Saka ! Really the stupid horse may saved you lol

      1. camarozz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Don't know about that. I'm on 0pts with only 5 to play. Rival on 18 with 7 to play. Was ahead by 50 a few wks ago

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

      Was it Rupert the horse?

    5. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Blame Rupert

    6. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It doesn't matter.

    7. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Its luck. That’s the game. Swings back and forth.

  13. fish&chips
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    My -8 just about paid off. Phew.

    Begovic, Livra & Watkins -> lacazette, tomiyasu & ramsdale

    Only downer is I choose not to get martinelli because I was afraid he wouldn't start. But got to be happy with that overall

  14. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I can't wait to kick lacazette out of the team after norwich ! Terrible player !

    1. Pino
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He is definitively not. He makes spaces for Martinelli and Saka and creates chances for them.

      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah but his fantasy returns!

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Looked great first half, and never drifts deep

  15. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Morning all

    Wasn’t a good Saturday night to go to bed early and make a transfer a few hours before the deadline. Needless to say, Watkins did not return. Next fixture for him ain’t so great either. Hopefully works out in the long-term.

    Would be amused if all the Sunday games are called off and I end up with zero points.

    1. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I went Vardy > Watkins yesterday to fund Raphinha as extra mid plus a playing defender. No regrets as Raphinha 7pts has offset the hits and I'm not staying up to 2:30am just to play FPL optimally.

  16. Sheffield Wednesday
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Timezone differences mean last minute cancellations are announced in the wee small hours here. What time was the Villa game postponement announced in England?

    1. Will Kane
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      About 12:40pm I think

      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        So about 50 mins before deadline? Yikes. Even in a favourable time zone that’s tough to manage.

        1. Will Kane
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yes, I basically made a transfer (luckily not for anyone in that game) and within 2 minutes there were rumours on here if a call off which were quickly confirmed

      2. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Okay around 1:40am here. Not surprised I missed it.

  17. keefy59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    The Premier League will have a meeting on Monday with Ben Crellin
    To discuss when the postponed matches can be played

    1. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Crellin in a Cobra meeting as we speak

  18. Firminooooo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Had to fix the toilet and almost missed the deadline. With 2 min to go I hurried to do my planned moves. Saka and Targett in for Gallagher and Reguilon. Then set up my team and see Targett no fixture……. So -4 to take out a player with fixture for a player with no fixture. Not a happy day.

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      When you say fix the toilet....?

      1. Firminooooo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        My idiot son broke it.

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      +3 though??

  19. Will Kane
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Managed to get 3 points profit on my hit for Brownhill to Saka and got a very lucky clean sheet from Tomiyasu. All in all I think I have to be pleased with my day's work.

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Well I got 4pts from Gelhardt of Riviera!

  20. DavvaMC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Why is Tomiyasu showing as 6 points?

    Is it because he went off after 60 mins before Leeds had scored?