Dugout Discussion
1 January 2023 677 comments
FPL Marc FPL Marc
Share:

2023’s second Premier League match takes place at City Ground, where Nottingham Forest host Chelsea in the 16:30 GMT kick-off.

A poor end to pre-World Cup life saw Graham Potter’s side be winless in five matches, although this run ended with a Gameweek 17 win over Bournemouth.

It also delivered a clean sheet to the many managers that had bought goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga (£4.6m), who starts again this afternoon.

Marc Cucurella (£5.2m) has almost 300,000 new owners for this round – he remains in the starting XI, with Cesar Azpilicueta (£4.8m) in for the injured Reece James (£5.7m) being their only change.

That means Mason Mount (£7.6m), Kai Havertz (£7.8m) and Raheem Sterling (£9.7m) all begin proceedings.

With a win, Nottingham Forest can go up to 16th place and Steve Cooper makes two changes from the team that lost at Manchester United.

Dean Henderson (£4.7m) was ineligible to face his parent club but immediately reclaims his spot between the sticks from Wayne Hennessey (£3.9m). The other replaces hamstring victim Jesse Lingard (£5.4m) with Morgan Gibbs-White (£5.5m), out with a groin problem since bagging two goals and assist throughout Gameweeks 15 and 16.

Cheap FPL defender Neco Williams (£4.0m) is on the bench.

GAMEWEEK 18 LINE-UPS

Nottingham Forest XI: Henderson; Aurier, Worrall, Boly, Lodi; Yates, Mangala, Freuler; Johnson, Awoniyi, Gibbs-White

Subs: Hennessey, Williams, McKenna, Cook, Toffolo, Colback, O’Brien, Surridge, Dennis

Chelsea XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva, Koulibaly, Cucurella; Zakaria, Jorginho, Mount; Sterling, Havertz, Pulisic

Subs: Bettinelli, Chalobah, Hall, Gallagher, Kovacic, Chukwuemeka, Hutchinson, Ziyech, Aubameyang



FPL Marc Broadcaster, writer and overthinker. Hoping that ‘differential potential’ will catch on.

677 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Qaiss
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Never change Spurs, never change

  2. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Why is Havertz so low on the captain's poll? Seems the standout option from Chelsea to me. Maybe Mount but midfield slots are very competitive and it's easier to find a forward spot to give up.

    1. fusen
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Havertz historically hasn't been very good in FPL

      1. Camzy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Was the best captain in the DGW last year... I still remember because I bottled it and didn't get him.

        1. The Knights Template
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          7-0 Norwich thumping last season. Havertz up front. No goals. No goals.

    2. Drexl Spivey
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Because he's awful.

    3. Gubby-Allen
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably not owned enough.

      I am torn between Haaland, Mitrovic (who I would need to sign) or Pulisic who I do have, signed in the window for these games.

      He could easily get a goal and assist ber the two matches which would justify captaincy.

      The issue is the Man City FA Cup game which they will go full strength with.

      1. gart888
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah. People are guilty of voting for who they are *going* to pick, not who they think the best option is.

        1. Rojo's Modern Life
          • 15 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          'guilty'. If people thought he was the best option, they'd buy him and vote for him

          1. gart888
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            People often make decisions based on more than one gameweek and on price when looking at transfers. I'd rather Havertz than Mitrovic this week, but would rather Mitrovic longer term considering his price.

    4. sulldaddy
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Goal and assist last week.
      Double Game next.
      Lets see what he does today.
      He is good value as 3rd striker at the very least

    5. GreennRed
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Only 173 votes. He'll get a few more. Could be cos he has a more teammates that can take his attacking share of points while Mitrovic has very few, if any.

    6. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Potter's penchant for rotation is one factor. Could easily end up as a single GW. Only had 1 return in the 6 games before the break too, not very reliable

  3. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Spurs. Hahahaha!

    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Lovely result for united 🙂

  4. OneDennisBergkamp
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    ignoring the yellow card, would you bring in Mitrovic or Havertz for the DGW...

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mitro the clear option if you ignore the YC but that is not the case.

  5. El Presidente
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Villa has improved significantly since the departure of slipping Steve...

    1. camarozz
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah he was terrible, negative football.

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

      He was the worst manager in the league. Ole's tactics with Jose's people skills.

  6. Bobadoba
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kdb out for Mount for a hit?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not for me unless looking for a captain

      1. Bobadoba
        • 16 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Really need to lose kdb but unconvinced Mount will be any good long term

    2. The Abyss
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I would.

  7. Gubby-Allen
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Pulisic is my 1st sub and not going to get on.
    So expect a hat trick from him.

  8. Firminooooo
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    At last a GW with no lucky Kane points. Now Kepa CS!

  9. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kulu➡️Mount? (if he looks good today)

    Could bb with

    Ward/Andreas/bueno/patterson

    All have good fixtures

    Im liking it 🙂

  10. FFFoxy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    If you get 5 yellows, does the rule mean you miss the fa cup game (if it’s the next game up) or does it work for league only?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Accumulated bookings leading to suspension is only applicable to the PL

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Only the league as it's an accumulation within one competition. A red card is different and counts across any domestic game

  11. WVA
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    24 million on KDB and Kane, 3 points....

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Welcome to the club, thinking Havertz or Mount for a gamble DGW?

    2. Babit1967
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Same number of points with Salah & KDB, ditched the latter for Odegaard tho and I feel good even with the dgw

  12. Digital-Real
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    NFO 0-2 Chelsea
    Havertz
    T. Silva

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

      Already? Wow what a team. Doesn't even need the match to start.

  13. putana
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    This seems like a 0-0 or 1-1 type of game

    1. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely

    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      1-1 would be amazing for me at least, as long as it’s an OG or something and not a popular Chelsea asset

  14. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cancelo owners, what are we doing with him?

    1. fusen
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Leaving him as other transfers are more important

      1. TheBiffas
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Play or bench?

    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I am undecided but I won’t be doing anything with him for this GW ie tomorrow

    3. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Leave. Not exactly any stand out options to replace him.

      1. TheBiffas
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Play or bench?

        1. Bartowski
          • 15 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Playing him over White as it stands.

    4. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hold

    5. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keeping for now.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Currently starting ahead of white

    6. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Keeping and starting

    7. Blue Moon Rising
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I’m close to shipping.

    8. zdrojo187
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Playing him over Trippier

  15. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    MGW returning is a big boost for Forest, looked really good in his new role further forward in the last 2 games before the break. Wanted to punt on him but the injury at the end of the break put an end to that. If he looks good today I might consider him with Forest's good run (although their general lack of goals is an issue of course)

    1. TheBiffas
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I like him but he doesn't stack up with the other midfield options being so good at the moment

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

      Henderson too. Forest have failed to score at home just once in PL this season and beat Liverpool. No pushovers.

  16. Bartowski
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Reckon Olsen might get the Wolves game?

    1. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      What a weird, heroic pick. Kudos

      1. Bartowski
        • 15 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks.

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably after today, no reason to rush Martinez back

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe, difficult to say. Don't think it matters though as it's 0 or 90 mins

  17. Will
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Kane or Darwin out for Mitro?

    1. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane for the extra funds.

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Darwin

    3. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Spurs may double in 20 and the games may be better for them to score on the counter

    4. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Darwin

      1. DycheDycheBaby
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Y'all are seriously saying Darwin is a better option than Kane right now? Oh my days...

        1. DycheDycheBaby
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Ah sorry I misread the question. Still drunk 😀

  18. Konstaapeli
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Never forget many were predicting spurs for the title back in august 😆

    1. Bartowski
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Were they? Who?

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        There were plenty. Nailed for top 3 in most lists. Should have taken names.

      2. Sailboats
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I remember many people were saying Spurs "won" the transfer window

        1. Bartowski
          • 15 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah, Bissouma and Perisic certainly didn't live up to all the hype.

      3. FantasyTony
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I thought they'd do well. Just didn't have the mentality for Conte.

  19. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Darwin or Martial out for Mitro?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'm currently selling Martial over Darwin

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

      Martial over Darwin but I a struggling with idea of selling either and may hold. Fulham double not easy even if Mitro avoids yellow card v Leicester and future fixtures not great so probably booking in transfer

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        * I am

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah, not happy losing either really. Darwin always has a haul in him and Martial likely has a DGW soon

          It's just the huge EO Mitro will have that scares me

      2. Tonyawesome69
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Fulham fixtures beyond 19 are decent. I don't necessarily think you need to book in a transfer

        1. ryacoo
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          The extra funds from Darwin could come in handy in targeting other DGW players though, assuming Arsenal get DGW21 and Utd get DGW20

    3. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Martial, as prob won’t want him v city and ars after this week anyway

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        City might be a DGW though with Leeds

        1. Gizzachance
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Good point, it’s if it is confirmed, or when confirmed

  20. Disco Stu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Went to bed last night wishing for Kulusevski to not play today so I could get Martinelli's 10 points off the bench. If I had known wishes were actually being granted, I'd have asked for Ana de Armas and a million bucks instead

    1. FantasyTony
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      She'd only distract you mate.

      1. Disco Stu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Sadly, I'm not sure I would distract her

        1. Bartowski
          • 15 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          She might also not be best pleased with you once she realises you also demanded a million bucks alongside her.

          1. Disco Stu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            That's a fair point

  21. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Captain option between following (tempted with Rashford as showing good form)

    A Rashford v BOU
    B Use transfer on Martial to Mitro v lei CHE and hope no yellow
    C Haaland v che
    D Salah v bre

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A

  22. james 101
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Any of you seriously considering captaining Mitro?

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Him or Mount but probably Mitro if I get

      1. james 101
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I’m in mitro just now

        It’s him or Haa for me

        1. james 101
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          *on

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes I'm considering him for captaincy if I bring him in. He has the good fixture against LEI, look at the Chelsea fixture as a bonus

    3. putana
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No. Feels like if I do he will get a yellow in the first game. Whichever attacking player does good for chelsea today ill bring in and captain

    4. DycheDycheBaby
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes, only for him to miss two penalties and get sent off.

    5. The Mentaculus
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Of course

  23. Gazzpfc
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GW 20

    What city players will you have?

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sticking with Cancelo, KDB and Haaland for now

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Haaland

  24. Under my Cucurella
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Team is a mess, any advice?

    Kepa Ward
    Cancelo Trippier Shaw Patterson Bueno
    KDB Rashford Kulu Martinelli Andreas
    Haaland Darwin Wilson

    1FT 1.1ITB

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kulu to Mount

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

      kulu out this week. See if cancelo starts next game

    3. Konstaapeli
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      That's almost identcal to mine and I'm quite happy woth it. 😆

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not so happy with my typing tho.

      2. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Fair enough, I want rid of KDB, Wilson, Kulu & Cancelo probably. Will either do Wilson > Mitro or Kulu > Mount tonight most likely

      3. GoonerSteve
        • 16 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Same! I've got White and Saka instead of Shaw and Kulu.

    4. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Thinking I may now bench Kulu instead of Almiron for andreas .
      Kulu has dgw in 20

      1. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Good point. What is the news on his injury?

        1. Gizzachance
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Not sure , why im thinking of benching him, saves headache of benching Almiron if I bring mount in

  25. FPL Brains
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    GW19 - who you captaining?

    1. Sailboats
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mitrovic or Kepa

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

      Haaland - 21 goals in 15 games is good enough for me

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        I'm with you.

    3. Gizzachance
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Haaland, if get havertz maybe him, mitro y/c is still a slight concern, look what happened to madds getting that last minute yellow when we needed him for a blank gw!

    4. Babit1967
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Salah

      1. FPL Brains
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not sure where she's getting those numbers from.

        1. Bartowski
          • 15 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          I think she's doubled points to signify two games in a game week. Nonsensical though really.

      2. No Salah
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Not even remotely correct!

    5. DLLM
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Should be salah

    6. The Mighty Hippo
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Mount

      1. The Mighty Hippo
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Or Haaland

    7. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Haaland

  26. zelio78
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Who to bench?

    Mids: Odegaard, Rashford, Almiron, KDB and Andreas
    Fwds: Martial, Darwin and Haaland

    I'm leaning toward Almiron as I think Darwin may come due and I don't see the Newcastle vs. Arsenal game being favourable.

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Almiron is easily the choice. It might backfire but he's by far the most logical one to bench.

      1. zelio78
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks

  27. fusen
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I could really do with Forrest scoring a goal in this game 😐

    Seems unlikely

  28. Deer-in-headlights
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Which upgrade makes most sense for use of cash in the bank?

    A. Almiron to Saka
    B. Andreas to Odegaard (wait until next week)

    1. fusen
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A only makes sense if his purple streak has ended. Otherwise you'll get more out of B

  29. Zoostation
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2FT.

    A: Kane to Mitro
    B: Kane to Mitro and Robbo to Ream
    C: Other

    Kepa (Ward)

    Robbo Shaw Trippier (Patterson, Bueno)

    KDB Andreas Rashford Martinelli (Almiron)

    Haaland Kane Darwin

  30. thegaffer82
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    2 saves for Kepa 🙂