Dugout Discussion
21 August 2026 882 comments
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It’s finally here.

Champions Arsenal get the 2026/27 Premier League season underway against new boys Coventry City.

Kick-off is at 20:00 BST.

TEAM NEWS

William Saliba and Jurrien Timber remain out for Arsenal.

Bruno Guimaraes is also on the sidelines. He came off injured at half-time in Sunday’s Community Shield.

Declan Rice subsequently starts in central midfield, while Bukayo Saka, late back from World Cup duty, also comes into the starting XI.

They replace Guimaraes and the benched Noni Madueke, in Arsenal’s only two alterations from last weekend’s win over Manchester City.

Kai Havertz is again preferred to Viktor Gyokeres up top.

New arrival Christos Tzolis, owned by 25.0% of FPL squads, starts off the left.

As for Coventry City, they include five new players in their starting lineup: Carl Rushworth, who was on loan last season, along with Aurele Amenda, Frank Onyeka, Caleb Yirenkyi and Loum Tchaouna.

Fellow new arrivals Gustavo Hamer and Taiwo Awoniyi are both on the bench.

Ellis Simms spearheads the Coventry attack.

LINE-UPS

Arsenal XI: Raya, White, Mosquera, Gabriel, Calafiori, Odegaard, Rice, Lewis-Skelly, Saka, Tzolis, Havertz

Subs: Kepa, Hincapie, Eze, Gyokeres, Madueke, Nwaneri, Merino, Zubimendi, Dowman

Coventry City XI: Rushworth, van Ewijk, Thomas, Amenda, Dasilva, Onyeka, Yirenkyi, Grimes, Tchaouna, Thomas-Asante, Simms

Subs: Wilson, Rudoni, Sakamoto, Awoniyi, Kitching, Latibeaudiere, Eccles, Torp, Hamer


882 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. PartyTime
    • 5 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Imagine picking Mosquera over Calafiori 😆

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      analytics pick

    2. fantasyfog
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Imagine picking neither......

  2. #1 Arne Engels Fan
    • 2 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Swear I've watched Gabriel make at least 5 defcon yet FPL app hasn't gave him a single one

    Ownership must've be high enough for the Towers threshold

    1. The Tinkerman
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Yeah I’ve noticed this as well, there has definitely been 3

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      He made a block 20secs in to put the ball behind for a corner. It was the first one of the game, not sure after that but him having 0 makes no sense

      1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
        • 2 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Made multiple 50/50 tackles contesting the ball and a couple headers too

    3. Amartey Partey
      • 7 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Yeah, it's very strange. Maybe they have decided not to record his defcons?

      1. #1 Arne Engels Fan
        • 2 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Probably know not enough people own him to kick up a fuss on socials about it

  3. Warby84
    • 11 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    I don’t like the fact they add bonus in play…
    Cala will get the 3 if it stays 2-0

  4. Pariße
    • 11 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Arsenal’s short corners are catching opponents off guard since the end of last season. They naturally diminish the appeal of Gabriel.

    1. Dank Squid
      • 8 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Blame Pep (Arteta). Worked/works well in PL but bad for FPL

  5. FPL_trail_runner
    • 6 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Where is the one other fellow Saka (C) ? Well done on the triple captain.

  6. Puntillimon
    • 10 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    They do half time tunnel interviews now? Whaat..

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      4 x Quarters coming soon…

    2. Royal5
      • 15 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Same last season

    3. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      They're awful. This creeping Americanisation of our game needs to be stopped and then reversed. Any talk of four quarters ought to result in 6 months litter picking community service. (or equivalent)

      1. fantasyfog
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Or 4 lots of 1.5 months

  7. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Arsenal with just one defender on the bench, Hincapie. Gabriel on a YC, I could see Hincapie go LCB and Cala stay on

    1. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Yep

      Very likely if Arssenal go 3 up early in the second half

      That’s absolutely Arteta way of doing things.

    2. FPL_trail_runner
      • 6 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Yep could easily happen. Or Cala to LCB and Hincapie to LB

    3. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Not happy as a Gab owner. Better get the 5 points at least

  8. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Tzolis is more Marwood/Limpar than Hleb.

    1. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Kvaratskhelia

      1. Nomar
        • 16 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        High praise indeed.

        1. GENERATION X
          • 12 Years
          2 days, 22 hours ago

          There is at least a similarity that he just wants to go at his man as soon as he gets it, refreshing to watch over wingers that bottle backwards

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Now there is a player - my favourite in the world at he moment.

  9. Moon Dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 1 Year
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Coventry dominated the Championship last season.

    Poor Hull are going to get ripped apart.

    1. Jafooli
      • 14 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      TC chip targets…

      1. Moon Dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 1 Year
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        If City don't make the EFL quarters, they'll have a free midweek either side of HUL...

    2. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      By Cov next week

    3. Nomar
      • 16 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      It doesn’t always translate that way though. Sunderland weren’t that great in the Championship, Burnley stormed the league, but last season Sunderland were miles better in the Prem.

      1. x.jim.x
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Sunderland actually recruited to try and stay in the league. Hull have done a Burnley after already being the worst team to ever be promoted.

      2. Moon Dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 1 Year
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Sunderland signed incredible quality tbf. Xhaka was a coup. And Alderete was in La Liga team of the season!

        Meanwhile the Hull chairman is posting all their transfer negotiations on X. Madness.

    4. jacob1989
      • 4 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Thats why i c bruno over Haaland

  10. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Havertz is a top finisher

    1. Royal5
      • 15 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      No. But that was a good finish.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Yes. He scores big goals in big games.

        1. Royal5
          • 15 Years
          2 days, 22 hours ago

          Wastes to many chances for me

  11. Nutmeg Ninja
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Cheers to a community win for Calafiori & Tzolis

    1. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      I’m actually pissed about Tzolis becoming a template pick after the CS.

      Had him since 2% ownership. 🙄

      1. Nutmeg Ninja
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Same actually haha

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Was hoping he stayed quiet in the community shield, had him at 3% ownership and it ended at 25%!

      Looks a great signing for Arsenal

    3. Hughes Your Daddy
      • 14 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Yep, I only created my team yesterday, glad I got them two in.

  12. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Gary Neville talking crap as per

    1. JBG
      • 8 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Class of 92 was filled with annoying people it seems... shame, childhood heroes of mine.

      1. x.jim.x
        • 11 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        We still have Becks at least

        1. JBG
          • 8 Years
          2 days, 22 hours ago

          True

  13. FPL_trail_runner
    • 6 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Love a new season, all old narratives getting ripped apart. Arsenal from boring and set pieces dominant to open fluid movement with attacking options making the previous defender picks a debate

    Its the best 45min ive seen them play attacking since 22-23-24, and not surprising given its the first start of Havertz Odegaard and Saka together since 2024 they just mentioned.

    1. fantasyfog
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Against Coventry

      1. FPL_trail_runner
        • 6 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Yep , but last year they beat the three relegated teams 1-0, 2-1 and 2-0 at home with a last minute winner and 3 set piece goals, its early but the community shield and today they are attacking vertically fast , huge difference to last year.

        1. fantasyfog
          • 11 Years
          2 days, 22 hours ago

          Yeah fair enough, 45 mins in, let's give them the medals

      2. SINGH
        • 8 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Lol arsenal slapped every team last season, does matter if its 'against coventry'

        1. x.jim.x
          • 11 Years
          2 days, 22 hours ago

          You must have imagined them slapping Yanited?

    2. GENERATION X
      • 12 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      They have the perfect opposition to start with in fairness, breeds confidence

  14. Tigers Time
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Odegaard and Saka now injury free

    1. fantasyfog
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      I'll take both after game week 3, thanks

  15. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Califiori minute watch

    1. FPL_trail_runner
      • 6 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      This is a myth. Subbed twice when on a yellow at half time away from home last year and on last day.

      Never subbed near 60min once last year in PL. Always after 60min.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      He should be safe due to Gabs yellow imo

  16. Sun Jihai
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    This is the effective ownership of the top 50 Elite all time managers (Ben Crellin, Tom Dollimore etc) from https://plan.livefpl.net//elite

    B.Fernandes 172%
    João Pedro 100%
    Calvert-Lewin 94%
    Maguire 90%
    Mbeumo 86%
    Calafiori 82%
    Szoboszlai 80%
    Haaland 72%
    Verbruggen 72%
    Kinsky 50%
    Ndiaye 46%
    Tzolis 44%
    White 40%
    Gabriel 38%
    Isak 38%
    O'Shea 38%
    Ballard 32%
    Groß 28%
    Palmer 28%
    Raya 26%
    E.Le Fée 26%
    N.Williams 22%
    Gomez 20%
    Ajer 18%
    Rodon 18%
    Roefs 18%
    Davis 12%
    McBurnie 12%
    Scherpen 12%
    Tarkowski 12%
    Thomas 12%
    Wirtz 12%

    Bruno owned by 49 of the 50, 37 capped him
    Interesting Haaland owned by a minority, 23 of the 50, 13 capped him

    42 of the 50 played a chip (all bench boost)

    1. fantasyfog
      • 11 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      12 of my 15 in there

  17. g40steve
    • 8 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Ode G

    1. g40steve
      • 8 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      White A

  18. Royal5
    • 15 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Ben White A?

  19. Milk, 1 Šuker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Benny assist?

  20. lilmessipran
    • 14 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    White A Ode G

  21. Twisted Saltergater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 17 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Odegaard, yes!!

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Odegaard and Tzolis owners unite 😎

  22. x.jim.x
    • 11 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    That is criminal

  23. The Philosopher
    • 6 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Odegaard.

    Never in doubt.

  24. FPL Blow-In
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Odegaard G

  25. The Tinkerman
    • 11 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Should have gone White and Semenyo over Gab and Le Fee 🙁

  26. Jafooli
    • 14 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Ohdearguard….

  27. Totalfootball
    • 9 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Think I am okay with white

  28. Brosstan
    • 12 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    Horrible goalkeeping

  29. FPL_trail_runner
    • 6 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    46min into the new season all 3 players and captain returned. Madness.

  30. Royal5
    • 15 Years
    2 days, 22 hours ago

    A hattrick of assist for my Ars assets

    1. Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 days, 22 hours ago

      Same

      1. Royal5
        • 15 Years
        2 days, 22 hours ago

        Gold