Dugout Discussion
23 August 2025 766 comments
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Rounding off the day’s Premier League action, it’s the Gameweek 2 fixture that may have persuaded 150,000+ Fantasy Premier League (FPL) managers to deploy their Free Hit.

Arsenal v Leeds United kicks off at 17:30 BST.

TEAM NEWS

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has made two changes from the team that beat Manchester United last Sunday.

Noni Madueke gets his first Arsenal start, while Jurrien Timber comes back in at right-back.

Gabriel Martinelli is demoted to substitute duty, with Ben Whitewho was an injury doubt for Gameweek 2 – missing out entirely.

Joining a stacked bench is 15-year-old Max Dowman, who impressed in pre-season.

Leeds head coach Daniel Farke, meanwhile, makes one change from the team that beat Everton on Monday.

It’s an enforced alteration, too, as Ethan Ampadu is out until after the international break with a knee injury he picked up against the Toffees.

Ilia Gruev replaces Ampadu in the centre of midfield.

Timber aside, each member of the hosts’ backline, including David Raya, was bought by 300,000+ FPL managers this week.

Indeed, of the 20 most-purchased players of Gameweek 2, six start for the Gunners tonight.

Bukayo Saka and Viktor Gyokeres are among that number.

LINE-UPS

Arsenal XI: Raya, Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Calafiori, Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard, Saka, Gyokeres, Madueke.

Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Martinelli, Kiwior, Trossard, Nwaneri, Merino, Lewis-Skelly, Dowman.

Leeds United XI: Perri, Bogle, Struijk, Rodon, Gudmundsson, Stach, Gruev, Tanaka, James, Piroe, Gnonto.

Subs: Darlow, Longstaff, Aaronson, Nmecha, Bijol, Okafor, Harrison, Bornauw, Byram.

NEW: LIVE GAMEWEEK PAGE

New to Fantasy Football Scout this week is the Live Gameweek page, which you can see on the side menu.

Here you can follow the scores, watch the defensive contribution (DC) points roll in, see who the leading players are for xG and more as the games play out, as seen below:


Dango debut

price change predictions
766 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Weak Become Heros
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Konsa, Diouf, Esteve, Rogers, Palmer, Wirtz, Watkins, Bowen.

    That enough up there to hit WC this week?

    1. jayzico
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Damn right

    2. Thanos
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Pretty much yes.

      Anything like -16 to get your changes is WC territory imo.

    3. Gubby-Allen
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I would leave Konsa and Esteve. I have them and not considering moving on yet.

      I have got rid of Bowen today, will keep Watkins. Have Wirtz too. Giving him 4 games rather than one

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Who did you pick up for Bowen mate?

    4. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      It’s up there, depends if you have 2FT’s.

      I’d be looking to get rid of Bowen, Watkins. Need to wait for Wirtz to play in fairness. Konsa, Diouf, Esteve all find. I’d hold Rogers for one more due to the other 2 priorities below.

      Bowen and Watkins > J.Pedro, someone else.

      1. Weak Become Heros
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Hi mate, yes I have 2 FT.

        Wanted to look to squeeze in Haaland if possible hence WC.

        Otherwise would likely be Wood and Pedro up top and go from there.

        What do you think?

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 15 days ago

          It’s so hard with Haaland. I started with him mainly because he’s an explosive differential. Man City showed their issues persist from last year. Not sure he’s worth 14.0m if they don’t sort it quick - they lack a top creator.

          If Salah goes big on Monday he’d be hard to ignore, but if Salah still looks average it’s hard to justify not going with Haaland. Remember though, Salah has Burnley GW4.

          I think Gyokeres, Ekitike are good options for considerably less. But if you don’t have the confidence to captain either of them, you’re struggling for captaincy. Mbeumo a good (C) for GW3.

  2. jayzico
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Kudus now makes sense

    A. Saka to Kudus

    B. Sak to Johnson

    C. Something else

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Semenyo?

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I like Johnson

    3. Thanos
      • 4 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Leaning towards BJ + Kudus double up.

      I like Richa but really unsure of his minutes.

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I'd wait to see how Man Utd look - Cunha and Mbeumo

    5. jayzico
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Got Semenyo. Kudus to jump on price rise bandwagon I think.

      Was NEVER going to do so, but as my team gets progressively cheaper, the more likely, and easier it is to have a Haaland/Salah team.

      S£££t did I just admit to that? Sorry. Kneejerk to F

    6. jayzico
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Kudus in. Done. I'm now so close to a Salah/Haaland team it's laughable.

      I hate the idea. It may become justified in a few GWs

  3. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Save ft here if Palmer is fit? Or move him or Watkins, or Mateta

    Sels
    Williams, Romero, Dorgu
    Palmer, Bruno, Gakpo, Reijnders
    Haaland, Watkins, Mateta

    Dubravka, Devenny, Diakite, De Cuyper 2ft

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Wait and save, or Watkins to Eki tik tok

    2. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I’d be tempted by Palmer > Mbeumo. Ideally you’d use the cash to upgrade Watkins, but that’s not the case.

  4. Nightf0x
    • 10 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    1ft, itb1.5, which of these?

    A) skelly to burn/timber/calafiori
    B) rogers/sarr to elanga/semenyo/gordon/mbeumo
    C) watkins to wood/richar (have kudus)
    D) 2 transfers for -4

  5. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Bowen, Saka, Palmer, Watkins.

    2FT

    Time to WC?

    1. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Im on similar and very likely to. Reluctant of course but need to admit I got my squad wrong and need to correct.

    2. Ser Davos
      • 10 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I just don't see how we have enough info. Things constantly in flux. No confidence in actually picking the correct medium term selection

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Not ideal, but focus on the injured players. Potter will have to change something before the next game, so let’s hope Bowen benefits.

      Unlikely either Palmer/Saka fit. Who’s on bench?

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        You’d argue Emery will change something took

  6. adstomko
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    If I free-hit before GW3, and have already used two transfers today, would I have 1 free transfer before GW4?

    1. 420king
      • 11 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      2

    2. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      1

      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        +1

    3. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Yes, unless you didn’t make a transfer for gw2, in which case you will have 2

    4. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      You will have 2FTs in GW4. FH3 cancels the two transfers made.

      1. adstomko
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Ah right, I never knew that.
        So I'll still have the players I transferred in earlier today (Haaland & Anderson) for GW4 onwards?

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 15 days ago

          No, they will be cancelled

          1. adstomko
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 15 days ago

            Oof. That's a problem.

        2. Tonyawesome69
          • 6 Years
          3 months, 15 days ago

          No, the FH cancels your free transfers that you made so GW4 team will return to how it was at the start of GW3

          Free Hit:
          Make unlimited free transfers for a single Gameweek. At the next deadline your squad is returned to how it was at the start of the Gameweek

      2. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        You are assuthey we’re both free transfers, we don’t know that.

        1. The Bandit
          • 15 Years
          3 months, 15 days ago

          *assuming they

  7. TheBiffas
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Damn, knew it would be rough owning no arse for this one but I didn't know it would be this rough

    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      If you own Joao Pedro I don’t feel sorry for you.

      1. TheBiffas
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Nope, Haaland and Fullkrug my forwards 🙂

  8. Eightball
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Sanchez
    Andersen Williams Porro
    Wirtz Palmer Reijnders Bruno KDH
    Haaland Watkins

    Dubravka Fulkrug Diouf Esteve

    2ft

    A) Go early on the transfers tonight. Fulkrug needs to go and I would like to upgrade him to Wood (That requires 1.6m). So a Watkins, Wirtz or Palmer downgrade.
    B) Eat the Fulkrug 0.1m price drop and do the transfers later in the week with more info. Could end up being 0.2m if the player I want goes up as well.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I would sell Fullkrug before the price change but it depends how certain you are on the downgrade picks

      1. Eightball
        • 5 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Watkins looks a terrible pick and I could do Watkins + Fulkrug to Wood + Richarlison but I am a little worried about Richarlisons minutes if im honest. I am 0.1m off affording Wood and JP which is a bit annoying.

        I could do Watkins + Fulkrug + Wirtz/Palmer to Wood + JP + a mid around the 8m bracket or below but would be a -4. Not super keen on taking a hit, especially with limited info.

  9. Feanor
    • 16 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Timber could go up 0.2 this week

    1. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Think is do you really want him versus Liverpool, Forest, City, Newcastle. Not a nice run of fixtures.

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Before Liverpool away
      The most popular defenders people points chased this GW were Ballard and RAN lol

  10. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    18 from 6. Everyone scoring points except my players. Its ridiculous how bad its possible to run consistently in this game.

  11. 420king
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Considering Salah and Haaland aren't perma captainable, they aren't really worth the cash. Just go for the (next) best odds.
    Eki(c) and Gyok(c) doing fine for me, next week it's probably someone like Cunha.

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      As a non Salah and Haaland owner capping Ekitike and Saka has been ok so far, might go Mbuemo next week

  12. JT11fc
    • 7 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Was the Saka injury bad?

    1. adstomko
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Looked like a hamstring, so I reckon he'll be back for GW4. I might keep him on bench

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Hmm, considering a fh if RAN Palmer and Saka are all short term doubts

        1. adstomko
          • 9 Years
          3 months, 15 days ago

          I'd do FH but I lose Haaland when I transferred him in before price rise last night.
          Annoying.

    2. Tonyawesome69
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Didn't look good, pulled him when running and he has previous with hammy injuries

      https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/bukayo-saka/verletzungen/spieler/433177

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Mbuemo punt time then haha

    3. Zalk
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Wondering that myself. Somehow it feels a bit worse when he senses something rather than going off with a knock.

      1. JT11fc
        • 7 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Hopefuly none of these injuries are that bad or we will all be running out captain options

  13. Lloyd Xmas
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Do you think Saturday nights where more interesting when you waited for the Bap Chap and the physio guy to post after matches?

    1. Lloyd Xmas
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I guess not lol.

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Before my time I guess or I don't remember. But I do think that for all the FPL content out there, Saturday nights are very neglected. I get why creators avoid it, we only have half data. But honestly, its a good opportunity for someone.

  14. Brosstan
    • 11 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Can anyone top 1200% rank increase on LiveFPL?

  15. OptimusBlack
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Gyökeryes My © Yaaaay

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Nice one, went Saka myself, dunno if I feel lucky or unlucky

      1. Athletic Nasherbo
        • 8 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Unlucky there, really unlucky. But it could be worse…I know it won’t feel like it currently.

  16. Nightcrawler
    • 6 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Current team

    Sanchez (Dubravka)

    Milenkovic VDV Richards (Frimpong* Esteve)

    Palmer* Saka* Reminders Gakpo Rogers

    Haaland Pedro

    1 FT itb....would U use the WC now?

    1. JT11fc
      • 7 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Id at least waiti for injury updates before pulling the trigger

    2. Mother Farke
      • 1 Year
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Really doesn't need a WC, pal. You could carry on with a -4 in the worst case scenario of both Palmer and Saka being ruled out.

  17. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Crikey, finally some terribly good luck.

    Gyokeres(C), Palmer owner with Carvalho first sub and Hartman second sub.

  18. MOZIL
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Palmer likely to start next week?
    Want to free up the cash from him

    1. Zalk
      • 14 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Not sure, here's a Maresca quote:

      "It’s a groin problem. It’s already the Palace game he was not one hundred per cent for, but he has tried to make a big effort for the club, for the team, for the fans, because he is really keen about the team. Tonight he tried again but it was not very good."

  19. Kodap
    • 8 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Really struggling to figure out who to bring in on WC, who are the must haves?

    1. adstomko
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Dubravka, Esteve, Van den Berg.

    2. MOZIL
      • 9 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Arsenal defenses, Joao Pedro and Cucu

    3. Athletic Nasherbo
      • 8 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      I’d go something like this - struggling with the midfielder. Can you afford?

      Kelleher
      Cucurella Porro Romero
      Salah Gakpo Mbeumo Cunha
      Gyokeres Ekitike J.Pedro

      Dubravka Estevao Esteve Rodon

      1. MOZIL
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        not keen on Gakpo

        1. Athletic Nasherbo
          • 8 Years
          3 months, 15 days ago

          If Isak doesn’t join, he’s top value imo.

          1. MOZIL
            • 9 Years
            3 months, 15 days ago

            Or take out one of cunha or Mbeumo, i would go arsenal defenders for future fixtures

            1. Athletic Nasherbo
              • 8 Years
              3 months, 15 days ago

              Providing all looks good tomorrow, I’m looking at Mbeumo (C) GW3.

      2. WVA
        • 9 Years
        3 months, 15 days ago

        Arsenal defender, Not double Spurs defence
        Semenyo

  20. Stranger Mings
    • 5 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Watkins & palmer to sarr & haaland for free? Thanks

  21. Royal5
    • 14 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    So both Ode and Saka injured again. Same story as last season.

  22. pundit of punts
    • 12 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Palmer + Watkins ➡ Wood + Kudus for -4 gives me -

    Raya
    Cucurella - Cash - Dorgu
    Mbuemo - Semenyo - Kudus - Reijnders
    Haaland - Gyokeres - Wood

    Dubravka - King - Reinildo - Gudmundsson

    GW 4 - FH
    GW 5 - Mbuemo + Cucurella ➡ Salah + VdV for -4

    Will get Pedro around GW 7 after Wood’s good fixtures are over.

    Gives me a great core of Haaland, Salah, Gyokeres, Pedro, Kudus, Semenyo who are all talismans more or less. Plus attackers from City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal who are gonna score the most challenging for the title.

    Thoughts? 🙂

    1. Arn De Gothia
      • 15 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      Caicedo insisted of Neto? Saves you 1,5 mil

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 6 Years
      3 months, 15 days ago

      U make far too many moves too far ahead and it never works that way. Using FH already right after WCing seems too much. I'd just get Salah for mbuemo in week 4 instead of FHing

  23. ae
    • 9 Years
    3 months, 15 days ago

    Bowen and Watkins frustrating me…

    Use 2 FTs for Gyokeres & Wood?