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. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    4(-4) means I’ve hit my GW target of not ending with a negative score \o/

    1. HashAttack
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      18(-16) ... well pleased to have a positive score

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

    Wanted to do the Foden transfer then after the Villa game was postponed somehow slept after a long day full of meetings etc and missed the deadline.

    Now I hear Salah is a doubt with covid. Foden would run riot tomorrow, and I would 100% have done the FH if Salah romour came earlier as I just feel this will be Kdb's week.

    1. Amartey Partey
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Or Foden might be benched. Hard to tell with Pep.

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

    Anyone know average after hits?

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

      -6

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I suspect overall around 4-5, top 10k 7-8. Maybe wrong.

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

      -2.6 or something like that in top 10k imo, not certain.

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

    ESR is Arsenal's top scorer in the league. He should not be benched imo

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

      Its clearly working

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

      Came back from injury and Arsenal won without him before this gw. Understandable decision.

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

      What's incredible is that he continues to score with his single attempts on goal + his horrible shooting technique...

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

        Lol, that goal was a more than decent half volley. The boy is a top talent.

      2. Going Home
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Same as Dennis. And people on here will keep saying the guy who scores most weeks is a bad pick statistically while owners will just enjoy the points

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

      Resting isn’t a bad thing against a third string opponent.

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

    -1 from 2.
    Any good.

  6. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    LMS safety score currently 1 with autosubs.

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

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

      record!

  7. evilfish
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Just got home, how did my boys Cash and Watkins get on? Good hits, hopefully.

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

      Yeah cash didn't concede.
      Watkins didn't get any chances.

      1. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Didn’t put a foot wrong.

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

    its a funny old game, if i hadn't of used my ft to bring in Martinez this week, i probably wouldn't have taken a hit to bring in Martinelli for an extra player after the Villa game got cancelled 🙂

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

      Yeah, lesson learnt.

  9. BIGREDDOG
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    God I'm having a shocking last few weeks. I got Benteke in for his brace and shot up to top of my cash league and into top 100k only to now have a pretty much wasted Free Hit and down to 350k. Yikes

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

      whom did you bring in?

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

        Not Martinelli. Two leaders of ML got him in and saved their FH (Y)

  10. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Those ESR and Raphinha goals turned a good start pretty sour for me

    1. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Opposite for me; was in the mud until that pen

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

      Could have done without the ESR goal as a Saka, Ødegaard and Gelhardt owner.
      But pretty sure I should be happy with the Raphinha goal 😀

  11. Roy Hudd
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    So happy I didn't waste a transfer of laca. ESR blasting 6 points in 15 mins. Love it.

  12. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Am I the only one in Free Hit this week?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      no

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

      No

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

    Souness is asking the wrong question, its not whether Bielsa holds the style of play higher than winning, its about winning short term or repeatedly winning long term.

    1. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      They’ve conceded 11 goals in 180 minutes. They look like relegation fodder.

      The style of play only works with a bug squad, as it takes its toll on players (as evidenced by Leeds’ injury list). There has to be a plan B. Bielsa doesn’t have one

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

        Another 180minutes of practice is invaluable. Playing ten men behind the ball wont help them learn how to beat the best teams. Got to train and learn

        1. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Leeds’ competition isn’t Man City and Arsenal. It’s making sure they play Man City and Arsenal next season. If they choose to ignore that, then I look forward to Coventry’s trip to elland road next season

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

            Are they not? Are they not competing innthe same competition?

            Compromises kill belief

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

      Bielsa isn’t capable of winning anything. He’s fun, has great commitment, no tactical nouse whatsoever.

  14. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Phew, will take the 6 points from ESR especially as he's my VC! Tavares 1 pointer gratefully received in a gw of scraps.

  15. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Laca doesnt touch the ball
    https://twitter.com/FplCg/status/1472275565076000774?s=20

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

      Yea, he tries, but the defender passes the ball faster.

    2. PartyTime
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He touched it. Not even biased here, it looks like he didn’t but if you take a closer look, he had a slight contact with the ball also look at the direction of his foot

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

      Yeah, I don’t think anyone’s even trying to say he did touch it anymore

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

      Yeah defender touched it. Should have probably gotten an assist for the first one though.

  16. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Gilmour to Martinelli points chasing?

  17. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Goodness I needed that ESR goal!! Incredible how delighted I was with that..

  18. DycheDycheBaby
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    He starts on the bench but we don't care, ESR will give you a nightmareeeeee

    1. Dash444
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      ESR the new David Fairclough…wonder how he would fit into FPL template?

  19. FITZ-G
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is Martinelli a starting option at 5.2 or too much of a rotation risk?

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

      no, you'd have to think he's safe for now

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

      It's like ManC mids now - Saka, ESR, Odegaard, Saka will rotate

      1. ClassiX
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        er..I mean Martinelli, Saka, Esr, Odegaard, obs

  20. BrutalLogiC
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Where are the jammy Tomiyasu CS owners

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

      I’m here but not enough points

  21. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Still arteta out

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      And why?

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

        He’s a Liverpool fan. Presumably he rates Arteta

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Such an idiotic comment. Probably an Ole fanboy

    2. AlCapwnUK
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ridiculous

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He’s a git but not your problem

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

      He just needs to learn. Taking the foot off the gas and letting a third string Leeds side back into the game was woefully naive.

  22. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I remember and miss FPL. Whatever this is it’s not FPL. Should call it “Will it get cancelled?” or something.

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

      What was the game when every gw you were allowed to make transfers, but no games were played. I like this still more than that game.

    2. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Try living in California. 5:00am cancellation.. I was only up until 3…

    3. PartyTime
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Fpl sucks

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

      As Terry Wogan once famously said about Eurovision. ‘This is no longer a song competition.’

  23. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Haaaa what did I say about me bringing in Ramsdale, boom he's gone!

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      You legend

      1. OLD Rafiki
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        not really he's bragging how he jinxed everything 🙂

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

        Ha no problem!

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

      Will you be kind to tell your next transfer in time?

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I always tell everyone my transfers on here

    3. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Stop bringing in my players dude!

        1. WVA
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Sorry dude had to be done, those double Arsenal clean sheets were killing me

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Fair enough

        2. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Much appreciated

        3. Pratik
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Can you bring in salah and see if it works? 😉

        4. Going Home
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Double up on chelsea defence for me please. It’s been great to watch these past four weeks but I know my bubble’s gonna burst soon

          1. WVA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            I had double Chelsea defence a few weeks back and didn't get one clean sheet lol

        5. Amartey Partey
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Who are you getting next please so I know not to get him?

      • Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Jesus to Laca?

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Blasphemy

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

          Might make the same move myself. A departing hatty from Jésus tomorrow would be most welcome. . .

      • Joey Jo-Jo Junior Shabadoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Weird question but is there a way to see what the top rank is for first-year players, or even better to have a table of only those who are playing for the first time this year?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          no

      • Pratik
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        How are non salah captainers feeling? It’s been more than 10gws since I captained him I feel

        1. Pratik
          • 14 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          *didn’t captain

        2. The Ilfordian
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Nervous. Went for Cancelo with about 30 seconds to deadline. Could go hideously wrong

        3. IAWC ( It's a Wonderfu…
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Capped sterling. Pretty confident of a big haul. Nice to see Magnus also captain sterling

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

          Feeling advance Fodenfreude!

      • WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Watkins to Laca for a hit paying off big time this week!

        1. SEXY SALAH
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Nice work SS

      • SEXY SALAH
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Good to see Saka and Gelhardt reward my moves this week.

        Fingers crossed Kane and Son also do tomorrow!

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            2 years, 4 months ago

            No VVD, son usually gets chances even when he's there so should be good for points

            1. SEXY SALAH
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Yes also hoping Spurs well rested whereas Pool fatigued/depleted

          • WVA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Do you two think Son plays?

            1. SEXY SALAH
              • 7 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              I do yes

        2. PartyTime
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Just cancel tomorrow’s fixtures

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            FHers the big winners

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

              😆

              I will gladly prepare a cup of hot coffee for them

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

            Spoilsport

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

              🙂

        3. PartyTime
          • 2 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Breaking Rumours: Salah & James have covid.

          If it’s true then I’ve got fires to put out

          1. Ajax Hamsterdam
            • 9 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            everyone will have fires to put out !

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

            Really hope this is just lies and deciet.

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

              My team lit up like a christmas tree if true after taking hits… Heck!

              1. Salarrivederci
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 4 months ago

                All would be having the problem with Salah, and most active FPL-managers with James, though.
                I got Saka (VC), but I'd much rather just have Salah (C) and James to complete my XI players this GW.

                Oh and Santa - please let Covid go away and let this be my starting XI next GW:

                Ederson
                TAA - Cancelo - Dias - James - Rüdiger
                Salah - Jota - Saka - Ødegaard
                Ronaldo

          3. WVA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Those rumours came from fake accounts earlier. What's your source?

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

            Glad I have WC then- but these are unfounded rumours for now unless you can prove otherwise?

            1. Stranger Mings
              • 3 Years
              2 years, 4 months ago

              Has anyone seen any photos of salah today ?