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Man Utd v Newcastle team news: Martinez starts

26 December 2025 948 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
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The festive fixture bonanza begins tonight at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Newcastle United.

The 20:00 GMT kick-off not only gets Gameweek 18 of Fantasy Premier League (FPL) underway but also begins a run of 40 Premier League matches in 14 days.

TEAM NEWS

How will United get on without Bruno Fernandes? This is the first time he’s been absent from a league squad in almost exactly a year, with his last missed match ironically being Newcastle at home in December 2024. The Red Devils lost 2-0.

He’s injured and makes way from the line-up tonight but Casemiro returns from a one-match suspension to take his place.

Lisandro Martinez also comes in for his first United start in over 10 months. He replaces Leny Yoro in the only other alteration Ruben Amorim has made to the side beaten at Aston Villa.

Newcastle, meanwhile, are unchanged from the 2-2 draw with Chelsea last Saturday.

There’s no Anthony Elanga, who reportedly has an ankle injury.

Nick Pope does make his return after a month out with a groin issue but is only among the substitutes.

£4.4m FPL midfielder Lewis Miley continues at right-back.

LINE-UPS

Manchester United XI: Lammens, Heaven, Martinez, Shaw, Dalot, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dorgu, Mount, Cunha, Sesko.

Subs: Bayindir, Zirkzee, Malacia, Yoro, Fredricson, J Fletcher, T Fletcher, Lacey, Mantato.

Newcastle United XI: Ramsdale, Miley, Thiaw, Schar, Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Tonali, Ramsey, Jacob Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.

Subs: Pope, Joelinton, Wissa, Barnes, Willock, A Murphy, Shahar, Neave, Alabi.

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948 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. NABIL - FPL otai
    10 months, 1 day ago

    So most articles said Cunha and Gordon are probably one of the best Bruno replacements.

    Wirtz and Rogers to follow the curse?

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    1. The Knights Template
      10 months, 1 day ago

      With any luck!

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    2. Supersonic_
      10 months, 1 day ago

      I hope so...

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    3. Utopsis
      10 months, 1 day ago

      They probably said this over a period of more than 1 GW

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    4. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Fingers crossed

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    5. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      The context is not only for one week though

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    6. GCHILD2K16
      10 months, 1 day ago

      cunha was more over their next few fixtures of wolves and other not just one game against Newcastle.

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  2. Not again Shirley
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Being greedy I guess but that really was a great chance for Dalot in the second half. Quite a few points behind in ML and could have done with those extra 6 points.

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    1. Utopsis
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Got to score

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  3. Manani
    10 months, 1 day ago

    which 3 newcastle to get on FH?

    was going Wolte, Gordon + defender

    now thinking defender double up instead?

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Hall Schar Gordon

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      1. chocolove
        10 months, 1 day ago

        This is it

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      2. tucaoneo
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Schar 20 pointer incoming

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    2. NABIL - FPL otai
      10 months, 1 day ago

      At this rate I'd prefer Barnes only

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  4. The Knights Template
    10 months, 1 day ago

    What’s on Pundit of Punt’s pizza?

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    1. Captain Mal
      10 months, 1 day ago

      He bakes it in loads of hot air, that's for sure.

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    2. Brosstan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      When he makes a good one he will tell us for sure.

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    3. x.jim.x
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Baloney, humbugs, pork pies and bullspit

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    4. The Night Trunker.
      10 months, 1 day ago

      His ego.

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    5. pundit of punts
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Thanks for the fanfare

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  5. Pep Roulette
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Dalot 12 pointer on my bench. Please stay injured Hincapie.

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    1. chocolove
      10 months, 1 day ago

      17 you meant?

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    2. Not again Shirley
      10 months, 1 day ago

      11

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      1. Pep Roulette
        10 months, 1 day ago

        1 bonus

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        1. Not again Shirley
          10 months, 1 day ago

          Ah yes. Even better.

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  6. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Who to bring in for Burnley game?

    A) Gordon
    B) Bruno G

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    1. The Knights Template
      10 months, 1 day ago

      B

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  7. Nightcrawler
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Top 10k EO from this game

    Cunha 31.7 two points
    woltemade 14.7 two points

    now THATS what we love to see

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  8. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Dalot first bench, so I suppose a reasonable chance of someone missing out.

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  9. Jordan.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 1 day ago

    dreadful from cunha,strolling around doing nothing,hardly tried a yard,awful team utd,he will be banished very quickly

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    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Nothing new on this

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    2. Brosstan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      In the first half he was the bright spark in a terrible team. In the second half he got tired around 60 minutes and just walked about moaning for the rest of the game after.

      Not a good pick at all right now. 0 service.

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    3. Three Pints of Schlager
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      I never liked Cunha for his behaviour. He got red cards for nasty fouls and punching a teammate.

      So a yellow card only can be seen as an improvement.

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  10. Hutchiniho
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Chalobah to Keane
    Or
    Anderson to Miley ?

    To free up the money

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Wait

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    2. Utopsis
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Not sure about selling top scoring defender in game. Free up funds for what?

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      1. Hutchiniho
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Have three ft.

        Was planning on Bruno and Thiago
        To Ekitike and Cunha

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        1. chocolove
          10 months, 1 day ago

          Good stuff

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        2. Utopsis
          10 months, 1 day ago

          So that would be a - 4 then? Ekitike and Cunha could make up for it though.

          Tough one, is there no other way to them? For example, do you have Raya?

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        3. Utopsis
          10 months, 1 day ago

          I have read this all wrong - you said OR!

          The Miley one for me

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  11. NABIL - FPL otai
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Fellow non owners,

    Semenyo to Cunha still on the cards?

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    1. chocolove
      10 months, 1 day ago

      No to Semen
      No to Cunha

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      1. Utopsis
        10 months, 1 day ago

        That's what she said

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      2. Three Pints of Schlager
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Yeah, I forgot about the Simon.

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    2. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      dont bother

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  12. #1 Arne Engels Fan
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Not a Cunha owner myself but how hasn't he got any BPS there?

    He was the sensational.

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    1. Utopsis
      10 months, 1 day ago

      You should have kept watching past the first 30 minutes

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      1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
        10 months, 1 day ago

        I did. He was everywhere the entire 90. Best player on the pitch by a country mile.

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        1. Brosstan
          10 months, 1 day ago

          I dont think fooling a few people on here to buy him with fake info will have any influence on your rank...

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          1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
            10 months, 1 day ago

            If you watched that game and didn't think he played well perhaps football just ain't the sport for you.

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        2. Utopsis
          10 months, 1 day ago

          OK then we watched completely different games.

          Lost possession 50% of the time, took shots when others were better placed for the pass and didn't affect the game in his final 3rd.

          Someone said it earlier - lots of effort but lacking quality.

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          1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
            10 months, 1 day ago

            Couldn't disagree more. A couple of poor shots but every time he got the ball he was the only Utd player trying to be positive.

            I'd argue he did the right thing being selfish instead of passing in those moments, as any other player he'd of passed to would of taken 5 touches then stopped to pass it backwards anyway.

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            1. Bennerman
              10 months, 1 day ago

              No way

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            2. Utopsis
              10 months, 1 day ago

              Fair enough, you are entitled to your views. But I think you'll find you're in the minority with your assessment, which should tell you something.

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              1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
                10 months, 1 day ago

                The vast majority on here don't actually watch football and just check the goals & assists on FPL to form their opinions so I'm not overly concerned.

                I've seen your posts here previously and don't count you in that category mate so will also respect your opinion.

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                1. Utopsis
                  10 months, 1 day ago

                  Fair enough mate. And thank you for being able to have a disagreement like an adult without resorting to petty insults - this site needs more people like you!

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    2. chocolove
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Even a hero cant do anythin for that depleted united squad

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    3. chocolove
      10 months, 1 day ago

      The only sensational thing he did is avoiding a red card

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  13. Hutchiniho
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Cunha still worth the wolves - Burnley run?

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    1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Absolutely. Brilliant footballer.

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    2. Utopsis
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Yes

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  14. Voronins Pony Tail
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Should have stuck to my guns with Cunha, this place is a dangerous breeding ground for nonsense that becomes gospel

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    1. Utopsis
      10 months, 1 day ago

      I've been here all week and didn't buy Cunha - play your own game and stop blaming others

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      1. THE Wild Rover
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Ditto

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      2. NABIL - FPL otai
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Same here. Bought Le Fee instead

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        1. Voronins Pony Tail
          10 months, 1 day ago

          Got him too. I’m on a FH so it’s not the worst risk I’ve taken….bit it’s confirmed my thoughts on United generally and Cunha within that team.

          He is a great player playing for a below average team with a sub standard manager.

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          1. NABIL - FPL otai
            10 months, 1 day ago

            Great work so far 🙂

            Cunha can still do the damage vs wolves but United is too depleted that we're justified to look elsewhere

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      3. Voronins Pony Tail
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Hahaha, well done you. I bet you were tempted though. Getting him next week?

        What made you so certain, the fact that Man U are so utterly useless or had better options?

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        1. Utopsis
          10 months, 1 day ago

          Of course I was tempted, but as I'm FH19 didn't have the pressure to get him for Newcastle. And yeah I'll almost certainly get him for Wolves

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    2. Studs Up
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Don't we all love a hindsight story

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    3. Make FPL Casual Again
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Yeah yeah thats great but no one bought him for NEW

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  15. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Thoughts on Gordon after that? Good pick or avoid? 90 minutes puts me off a little.

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    1. chocolove
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Avoid all nufc attack except on FH

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      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Even with bur CRY LEE wol?

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    2. The Night Trunker.
      10 months, 1 day ago

      I'm keeping the faith.

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  16. Assisting the assister
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Best Bruno swap now
    A. Cunha
    B. Wirtz

    Cheers!

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    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Too late on Wirtz imo, you wanted the Wolves fixture.

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  17. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Too reactionary to be getting Dorgu in or is he a good option?

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    1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Considering that's the first time since joining Utd he hasn't looked atrocious for the full 90, I'd say yes too reactionary.

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  18. pundit of punts
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Folks here follow me to the hilt

    Overwhelmed with the fanfare (score check)

    😀

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    1. THE Wild Rover
      10 months, 1 day ago

      You should change your name to Cundit, in honour of Cunha

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      1. GENERATION X
        10 months, 1 day ago

        First 3 letters are right

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        1. THE Wild Rover
          10 months, 1 day ago

          Well obviously the third word would need to fit the first

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  19. Rwilliams90
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Selling Saka for Cunha is going to backfire for quite a few people.

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    1. NABIL - FPL otai
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Imagine taking a hit for Cunha...

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  20. Pep Roulette
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Did Hincapie train?

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    1. Bennerman
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Yes, he did the full session, full contact, had a bath after.

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      1. Bennerman
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Not the case, for matter of truth.

        Sarcastic response to man who wakes up and asks for news they could find on the same internet we're all on.

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  21. NABIL - FPL otai
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Score check a la PoP?

    0 from 0

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    1. THE Wild Rover
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Same. Probably about as good as it could have got

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  22. Punned It
    10 months, 1 day ago

    First FH19 tinker:

    Pickford
    Keane, Dalot, Dorgu, Hall
    Grealish, Szobo, Gruno
    Haaland, Ekitiké, Woltemade
    (Dubravka, Cunha, Palmer, Chalobah)

    Bit kneejerky on Dorgu, and mids aren't really sparking joy.

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    1. tucaoneo
      10 months, 1 day ago

      That's some expensive bench

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      1. Punned It
        10 months, 1 day ago

        I temporarily feel like punting on Palmer, but I'm also afraid to commit!

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    2. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      You're spending 10.4m on Cole Palmer just to bench him for Grealish? What am I reading...

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  23. GENERATION X
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Cunha looks the perfect Bruno replacement. Lots of pointing, moaning and cheap fouls. Just needs to miss a few pens and find some fantasy points from nowhere

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    1. Bennerman
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Hilarious.

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      1. Bennerman
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Most chances created in Premier League: stats last several years.

        Can't argue.

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  24. THE Wild Rover
    10 months, 1 day ago

    How close are Man U to actually being good again? Obviously they need a top draw keeper and striker, who else?

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    1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      A manager with a functioning brain?

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      1. THE Wild Rover
        10 months, 1 day ago

        I think it would’ve been easier to criticise his subs if he hadn’t won the game and kept a clean sheet.

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        1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
          10 months, 1 day ago

          I meant overall, not just tonight. How he's still in a job just shows how far the standards have fallen at Utd.

          Tonight the only reason they won that game was due to how poor Newcastle were going forward

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    2. fedolefan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      I think it feels like they need to come up with a solution depending on the opponent. In general the dominant teams have a way of playing that can handle most opponents. Which is why they draw against Everton, West Ham, beat Newcastle etc. It’s the manager more than anything. They barely had any possession in the 2 nd half today at home.

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  25. NABIL - FPL otai
    10 months, 1 day ago

    At this rate, might keep Semenyo after all and do Esteve to Dorgu instead..

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  26. Taegugk Warrior
    10 months, 1 day ago

    A. Bring in Keane, hall or dorgu..?
    B. Is Cunha stil god replacement for BrunoF..?

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  27. Royal5
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Missed the game. How did Cunha look? Was it a mistake to get him for Bruno?

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    1. THE Wild Rover
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Busy, energetic, up for it, rubbish.

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      1. Royal5
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Wolves next at least

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    2. Jordan.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      10 months, 1 day ago

      dreadful,looks like it is,wolves next though

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    3. #1 Arne Engels Fan
      10 months, 1 day ago

      He was outstanding. G/A merchants will disagree but you asked how he looked, not how many FPL points he got.

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    4. Count Olaf
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Manchester United did a lot of defending, so he didn't get many chances. But the next three are so good that you have to keep him I think.

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      1. Royal5
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Thanks, yeah not too bothered yet, although maybe Mbuemo and Bruno out is a blow a bit too big for Uniteds offense

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    5. Bob.
      10 months, 1 day ago

      He was great in the first half and quite involved. Fancy him to do well against Wolves

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      1. Royal5
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Fingers crossed. Should have pens as well.

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        1. Bob.
          10 months, 1 day ago

          I won't even count the second half it was attack Vs defense

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  28. Count Olaf
    10 months, 1 day ago

    If Gabriel is back, who would you sacrifice to get him?
    A) Semenyo
    B) Thiago

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    1. Bobby Digital
      10 months, 1 day ago

      B

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      1. Count Olaf
        10 months, 1 day ago

        Interesting, thanks. I thought Semenyo having Chelsea and Arsenal as his next two fixtures and being potentially close to a tranfser would make him a sell. Any reason you'd keep him?

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        1. Bobby Digital
          10 months, 1 day ago

          Thiago is worse

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          1. Count Olaf
            10 months, 1 day ago

            Ok, got it, thanks.

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  29. g40steve
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Correct in thinking this is last gw to play 1st FH?

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    1. g40steve
      10 months, 1 day ago

      Apologies FFS I forgot the first rule, don’t feed the TROLL 😉

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  30. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    10 months, 1 day ago

    Yuck, just seen both Vicario and Minteh are dropping. Minteh won’t impact my SV but Vicario will… might use my ft on him

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    1. Hutchiniho
      10 months, 1 day ago

      When do drops affect the SV ?

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