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. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    The ONE motd match will be interesting

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Haha.

      1. Gizzachance
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Like de javu

  2. yanky
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    as an Odegaard owner this game has been an absolute disaster to watch!!!

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Try to have ESR

  3. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ahhh ... only ESR in my team 😛

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Snap.

  4. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    ESR must be gutted about his injury a few weeks ago
    Going to struggle to get back to being a starter with Arsenal in this form

    1. Dammit_182
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He does feel like the midfield spot I can lose.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Aubameyang out the team has been good for Arsenal. Auba is meant to be playing the role that Laca or Martinelli plays (depending on whether he is up front or on the left). And Auba has been poor in both roles.

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        They are moving the ball much faster and the youngsters have nothing to lose ... great stuff

      2. FDMS All Starz
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        He just doesn’t have the same passion as the others anymore for some reason

  5. beric
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Laca should 100% be on 1 point right now

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      As an owner, I agree. Not sure he touched either. But he deserves half an assist for each 🙂

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Ok, it is Christmas after all!

    2. Steve McCroskey
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Now type that again without crying

    3. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Be grateful he’s not on 12

    4. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Yes u know better than Opta

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        In this case, yes, yes I do

    5. xHaTr
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Delicious casual tears

  6. keefy59
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Meslier
    The most saves this season
    The most goals conceded

    1. Ze_Austin
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds like Johnstone

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      It's the circle of life.

    3. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      That’s some stat.

  7. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys, if you get goal updates via cargo ship or carrier pigeon, please dont do a goal or assist shout

  8. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Yorkshire fans in racism shocker

  9. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Arsenal alleging that Leeds' fans have been shouting racist abuse at the Arsenal subs. Damn

  10. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Leeds playing like the Dog and Duck third team. Laca second half hattrick confirmed SIUUU

  11. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Ganja babe, my sweet ganja babe..

  12. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Where is Laca’s 2nd assist?

    1. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      How's he evn got any is the real question, and you want 2?! lol

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        I want 3 tbh

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Won't be getting the second, tackled.

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        :/

    3. OLD Rafiki
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      this

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Will get added shortly
      Source: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/entry/56371/event/18

      1. AzzaroMax99
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        LoL

    5. HonestBlatter
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Has to be given soon

    6. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      BBC gave first laca assist for the 16 minute goal. Classic FPL Towers if they eventually awarded it 25 minutes later when he has a 50-50 shot of another! They do like to make life confusing some times.

      Personally it looked like two to me as his touch for second assist was heading in direction of player. First one clear as day on half time replays.

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

        Has to be 2 assists

  13. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Only Arse player I have is White. Ranking taking a good old beating tonight.

    1. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Try having none.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        🙁

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

      ...until the CS comes in?

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Rank or arse?

  14. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Guess going for Saka over Tierney might have been best, ah well, I'll happily take a clean sheet

  15. Amartey Partey
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Gelhardt would have a goal if Raphinha had passed to him. That’s me clutching at straws.

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

      Really. Damn...

  16. Old Man
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Don't expect Leeds to be so accommodating in the second half. The most likely result is 1-3 or 1-4.

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Too many key players missing imo. This could get very ugly

    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Thought they wouldn't capitulate like this after man City. Don't have much hope for them in the 2nd half

      1. Old Man
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        This Arsenal team is not as good as the Man City lot though.

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

      0-4 or 0-5 more likely

    4. Costa Nostra
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Wishful thinking... more like 5 or 6 nill

  17. ZimZalabim
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    curious to know opinions on if you would have sold watkins (bought at 7.6 prior to gw 17) or Antonio (owned all season) for Laca with a view to maybe getting the one u sold back if not getting Ronaldo ?

  18. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Come on Martinelli my son. Get your hat trick

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      If I knew he was your son, I'd have surely brought him in tbh

  19. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anything less than a brace from Laca against this defence is going to be a fail

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Then failure is locked if so

    2. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      He missed 2 great chances. He just ain't that great. But Leeds suck. So could get a goal still

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        'He just ain't that great" .
        Lol. What game are you watching ?

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          His link up play is lovely and he's good for Arsenal but his scoring ability is average.

  20. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Get ESR on

  21. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    get Saka off for ESR

    1. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Hope so

    2. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I wish

  22. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Could do with Leeds getting a shot on target but then Ramsdale not saving it. Think it's called a goal.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Shoot the ball, man!

  23. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Could really do with a Leeds goal.

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Gelhardt, pls. Have owned him since GW4.

  24. wolvesmad
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Took a 12 point hit but got in Martinelli though.

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Buy a Lotto ticket tonight mate!

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Nice hit.

    3. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      nice, i brought him in as a last minute -4 and put vc on him, so if the Pool game is off tomorrow i wont be sad

  25. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone who plays FM knows not to man-mark a striker that is playing as a false 9. Zonal all the way.

  26. HonestBlatter
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Still second Laca assist missing
    https://twitter.com/KaramTayser/status/1472271539638841344?s=20

    1. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Which pixel is Lacazette?

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      OMG

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Think that leg might be the Leeds defender behind Laca.

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

      Lowest quality gif ever. I saw it in HD and swear the Leeds player poked it away, which is where Saka took it from?

      1. HonestBlatter
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No last touch to ball was from Laca before Saka took it scored

        1. HonestBlatter
          • 13 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          that is assist by definition

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      Sky Sports 4K looks great

    5. Zimo
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 6 months ago

      I think Leeds defender poked it last tho unfortunately

      1. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        Whether Laca touched it or not it’s hardly going to go on his greatest footballing moments video

        1. Zimo
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 6 months ago

          Okay?

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

    "I want all my players to score a hattie" -talk is slightly annoying... Why not just chill and enjoy watching football (?) Too much asked here, I know 🙁

  28. EffPeeEll
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    |Raphina wondering why he's at this club

    Bielsa wondering if if should hide under his bucket

  29. OrmskirkFC
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    This is the leader's team in my draft league. He's already 120 points clear at the top before this week. 2nd place is a trophy.

    Alisson
    Cancelo / Laporte
    Salah / Saka / Martinelli
    Jesus / Lacazette

  30. Mr. O'Connell
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 6 months ago

    Right. New half. Let's can it with the Lacazette assist.

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

      Do you own him

      1. Mr. O'Connell
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 6 months ago

        No but was a big advocate of the first one being added