Dugout Discussion
18 December 2021 2028 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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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.

  1. Firminooooo
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    WHAT. Why no red card from VAR?

    1. @persecuted_by_mods
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Which one

      • JONALDINHO
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Var doesn’t overturn anymore

      • Rainer
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Arsenal protected...

      • DycheDycheBaby
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        VARsenal officials mate

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

      FFS Gelhardt YC... I actually need those points lad!

    3. EDUARDO DA SILVA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      That gelhardt kid is so dirty player, he won't last 90 minutes.

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Arsenal fan spotted.

        1. EDUARDO DA SILVA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Mr.obvious, you didn't watch first half, stepped on White's foot 2,3 times. Dirty kid.

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

        Should have never been a footballer for the sole purpose of playing for Leeds

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

      Xhaka's was way worse than Gelhardt's

      Xhaka stonewall red, Gelhardt yellow

      1. Samwise the Brave
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Madness. It's at least shared yellows or no yellows.

    5. Gudjohnsen
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Lacazette is an average footballer at best

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

        His holdup and linkup has been brilliant, average FPL player.

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

          Yes

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

        Better than Gudjohnsen

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

          Are you sure he's better than Gudjohnsen? Double premier league champion and played for Barcelona and won Champions league with them.

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

            Only won the league after Romans billions and was not central to Barca winning in 2006. Put Laca in the same place and he would have achieved the same

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

              Well agree to disagree.i think Gudjohnsen was better but that's not saying alot.

          2. Cilly Bonnolly
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Kleberson has a World Cup winners medal. Not sure your logic holds up.

      3. HonestBlatter
        • 15 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Should still have two assist only today

    6. MagicMessi
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Well done Gerhart thats how you play football... If the ref cant stop Xhaka then thats a proper response .

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

      I think I'm gonna triple captain Salah if pool vs Leeds happens

      1. mojoindojo
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        There will be triple gws further down the road...

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

          But he can easily get 4-5 goals against this Leeds team

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

          There will be rest as well

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

        Hmm, interesting idea. Was set to use it at one of the many dgws to come but there will be goals in that match.

    8. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      FPL really do make the rules up as they go along don't they haha, there's not even a glimmer of doubt anymore

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

        What are you referring to? Sry been out of the grid for a while and haven't followed what's been going on.

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Assists being given when they clearly weren't assists, lol it's laughable

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

            ok. thanks for clarifying 🙂

    9. mojoindojo
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Tomiyasu impressive

      1. Arteta
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        What a signing man, what a bargain.

        1. mojoindojo
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          And Ramsdale. Felt like a poor and expensive signing.
          This window has been one of the best in recent times.

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

            Got to admit I was sceptical over Ramsdale but Arteta saw something in him. Would like to see more from White as I feel he hasn't been challenged property yet

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Tomiyasu gives me Azpi vibes, big compliment I know

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

            Better than Azpi

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

              Excuse me?

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

                What you read 😀

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

                  You must be new to football, comparing a champions league winner captain with that new lad.

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

        Dallas YC would have caused tears last season in a BGW.

        1. Sun Jihai
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Funny how he’s following the same path as Lundstram
          Amazing season when cheap and OOP
          Then position changes and completely stops returning

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

        Jota out for Saka or Martinelli next week?

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

          You are aware who Jota may be playing, right?

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

            Yes but Arsenal play Norwich and Jota has been part hit part miss. Plus Firmino back.

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Lol

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

          Jota out vs Leeds, even off the bench?

        3. Lord of Ings
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Selling jota before Leeds lol.

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

          Uh no don't do that just yet

        5. MagicMessi
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Why you take out Jota now?

        6. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Lol, please do that move, it will backfire so badly

        7. Old Bull
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Go ahead, do it. Be sure to come back on here to tell us how it went

      5. The Philosopher
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Grass is greener on the other side.. but this side ain't bad..

      6. Bobby
        • 16 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Assuming no chance of second assist for laca now?

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Simply wasn't an assist

          • Zimo
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            I think Leeds defender poked it after Lacas touch sad to say

          • Salah’s Sonnet
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Firs fine wasn't even an assist, let alone the second

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

              First one is obviously an assist given that he has the points for it and he dispossessed the defender.

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

              Non owner spotted

              1. Salah’s Sonnet
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                And? Lmao, you a detective? Wow! Clearly you don't understand rules

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

          well this has been a big fail as a (L)aca and ESR owner

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

            This.

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

          Arsenal buzz has fizzled out, get ESR on!

        4. OPTA FPL
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          If i am Smith rowe i will ask a transfer request immediately. He has done everything to save Arteta when Arsenal were struggle (remember Spurs game?). Just a small fatigue then Arteta never let him back, it may ruin his career,especially next year is world cup

          1. Lord of Ings
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Mate it’s just 2 games relax lmao

            1. OPTA FPL
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              No, this game could help esr enter to England team

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

            Martinelli will get injured again soon, don't worry.

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

            Lol wtf. He just came back 😆 I was expecting him to start but I guess he needed a little more time

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

            What are you on about? He's been out for 2 games because of injury and is being eased back in. 24 minutes against West Ham and he's gonna get something similar today. It's smart management to be honest.

            1. OPTA FPL
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Lol he is fully fit 2 games

            2. OPTA FPL
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              He will bench him again vs norwich

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

            Lol post of the weekend already

          6. Royal5
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Angry Esr owner spotted

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

          Raph carrying Leeds on his back every time every gw....

          1. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Yep, legs will buckle under the weight soon as well

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

            I hope the guy gets to a proper team next season

          3. The Philosopher
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Just booked him an appointment with a orthopedician

            1. Salah’s Sonnet
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              You mean a chiropractor? Haha

              1. The Philosopher
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 2 months ago

                Nah. An orthopedician. A doctor who looks after bones.

                1. Salah’s Sonnet
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 2 months ago

                  Ahhh ok, but maybe a check up with Chiro once every mo th just to be sure of things? 🙂

        6. Paqueta Rice
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          One goal Leeds please it’s all I ask

          1. The Philosopher
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            What's your deal mate 😉

          2. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            How about no

        7. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Andre Mariner is consistent at least.

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

          3 - Martinelli (49)
          2 - Xhaka (26)
          1 - Meslier (24)

          1. Sun Jihai
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Xhaka on 2 bonus when he should be sent off lmao

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

          Tomi CS banked.

        10. Botman and Robben
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Ben White looks tired, Arteta should rest him now.

        11. Mr. O'Connell
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          ESR likely to not be risked

          1. Sun Jihai
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            Who’ve people got coming off their bench for him? Ronaldo here 😎

            1. Mr. O'Connell
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 2 months ago

              Started Ronaldo myself

        12. Zimo
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Tomiyasu injured and getting subbed. Clean sheet points banked

        13. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Lucky rival banking his Tomi clean sheet

        14. BobB
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Why do refs stand over players when they are receiving treatment?

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

            To assert dominance

        15. Ze_Austin
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Oh, Cedric...

        16. Rainer
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Raphinha wants Boxing Day off.

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

          has Laca got an assist for the 1st or 3rd goal ?

          any idea ? seems like pretty much the same involvement and contact so if he gets 1 he shd get both

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

            First one

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

            1st

          3. Salah’s Sonnet
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            No

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

            He doesn't touch it last for the 3rd goal.

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

              ok cheers need to see the replay again

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

          I would do dirty things for 1 Gelhardt & 1 more Saka goal.

          1. Old Man
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 2 months ago

            who to?

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

            Gelhardt goal would null Ramsdale cs for me, but slight OR advantage though

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

            Like what?