Team News

Lineup Lessons – Gameweek 17 – Part Two

Raheem Sterling drops to the City bench as Manuel Pellegrini starts with a 4-3-3 at the Emirates. Sam Allardyce continues to tinker with Sunderland’s formation, whilst Alan Curtis trials a midfield diamond for Swansea’s clash with West Ham.

After rolling out Part One yesterday, we now turn our attentions to the remaining ten Premier League sides to review the personal, formations and changes made, whilst speculating on the likely Gameweek 18 lineups…

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal; Ramsey, Flamini; Campbell (Gibbs 70), Ozil (Oxlade-Chamberlain 76), Walcott (Chambers 88); Giroud.

  • Arsene Wenger named an unchanged starting XI for the home clash against Man City from the side that beat Aston Villa 2-0 last time out.
  • Wenger stuck with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, with Theo Walcott once again stationed on the left of the three attacking midfield positions. Joel Campbell continued on the opposite flank.
  • Campbell was replaced by Kieran Gibbs in a straight swap. Ozil had been suffering with illness during the week, and was given a breather with 15 minutes to go, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain taking his place. Calum Chambers was once again brought on to help see out the match, taking the place of Walcott.
  • Oxlade-Chamberlain offers an alternative out wide but, given the impressive nature of the victory, Wenger could well name an unchanged side once again when the Gunners travel to Southampton on Boxing Day. Rotating the in-form Olivier Giroud also seems unlikely if he is fully fit following a physical clash against City.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks, Central Striker

 

Man City

Starting XI: Hart; Sagna, Otamendi, Mangala, Kolarov; Fernandinho, Toure; Delph (Sterling 46), Silva (Jesus Navas 73), de Bruyne; Aguero (Bony 63).

  • Manuel Pellegrini made four changes from the side that beat Swansea 2-1 for the trip to the Emirates, with Aleksandar Kolarov, Fabian Delph, Kevin de Bruyne and Sergio Aguero coming in for Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas, Raheem Sterling and Wilfried Bony.
  • Pellegrini opted for a 4-3-3 formation, with Delph starting alongside Fernandinho and Yaya Toure in midfield. David Silva (left) and De Bruyne (right) flanked central striker Aguero. Kolarov slotted in at left-back for the Citizens.
  • Delph was taken off after half-time following an ineffective performance, with Sterling taking his place. That meant a return to the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Sterling on the left and Silva in the number ten role. Aguero lasted just over an hour on his return to first-team action, with Bony coming on in a straight swap. Pellegrini’s final change saw Navas replace Silva, with De Bruyne switching to the left to accommodate the former Sevilla winger on the right.
  • Having got an hour under his belt, Aguero appears likely to lead the line against Sunderland on Boxing Day. Sterling should earn a recall to the starting XI, with Delph the obvious candidate to make way, with a return to the 4-2-3-1 formation expected. Clichy could come in at the expense of Kolarov at left-back, while Martin Demichelis offers another option at centre-back.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Defence, Flanks

 

Southampton

Starting XI: Gazzaniga; Bertrand, van Dijk, Fonte, Soares; Clasie (Ward-Prowse 79), Wanyama; Tadic (Juanmi, 64), Davis (Long 64) Mane; Pelle.

  • Ronald Koeman made three alterations from the side that lost 1-0 to Crystal Palace, with Jordy Clasie, Dusan Tadic and Graziano Pelle coming in for Maya Yoshida, Oriol Romeu and Shane Long.
  • Having played with a 3-4-1-2 system against Palace, Koeman reverted back to the 4-2-3-1 formation for the home clash against Tottenham. Clasie slotted in next to Victor Wanyama in the double-pivot, while Tadic was stationed on the left of the three attacking midfield players. Pelle started as the lone striker.
  • With the Saints trailing 2-0, the Dutch boss introduced Juanmi and Long for Tadic and Davis in an attempt to get back into the match. His final change saw James Ward-Prowse come on for Clasie in a straight swap.
  • Soares got the nod at right-back this time, but after another poor performance, that position remains a huge problem for Koeman, with Yoshida having also been at fault for a couple of goals this season. Clasie earned a recall against Spurs, but doesn’t look sure of holding down that position, with Ward-Prowse, Romeu and Davis all offering alternatives. Long and Juanmi provide different options in the front four. Maarten Stekelenburg has recovered from a toe injury and should return in goal against Arsenal on Boxing Day.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks

 

Stoke

Starting XI: Butland; Johnson, Shawcross, Wollscheid, Pieters; Van Ginkel (Adam 75), Whelan (Walters 65); Shaqiri, Afellay, Arnautovic; Bojan.

  • Mark Hughes only made one change for the home clash against Crystal Palace, with Xherdan Shaqiri returning to the starting XI in place of the injured Geoff Cameron.
  • The Welsh boss reverted back to the 4-2-3-1 formation against the Eagles, with Shaqiri slotting in on the right of the three attacking midfield positions. Ibrahim Afellay operated in the central attacking midfield position, with Marko Arnautovic on the left. Bojan was the lone striker for the Potters.
  • Hughes’ first change saw Jon Walters replace Glenn Whelan, with the Republic of Ireland international taking over the lone striker position from Bojan, who dropped back into the number ten role. That meant Afellay dropped in alongside Marco van Ginkel in the double-pivot. The Chelsea loanee was replaced shortly after, though, with Charlie Adam coming on in a straight swap.
  • Cameron is set to miss out against United due to his hamstring problem and although Whelan and Van Ginkel look the favoured pair to start, Adam may yet earn a recall. Bojan could perhaps start in the number ten role, with Walters earning a recall in attack, with Afellay perhaps at risk of being dropped.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Central Striker

Sunderland

Starting XI: Pantilimon; Coates (Johnson 23), O’Shea, Kaboul; Jones, M’Vila, Rodwell, Van Aanholt; Toivonen (Borini 46); Watmore (Graham 79), Defoe.

  • Sam Allardyce made three alterations for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with Younes Kaboul, Jack Rodwell and Jermain Defoe coming in for DeAndre Yedlin, Fabio Borini and Steven Fletcher.
  • Big Sam went with a 3-5-2 formation against the champions, with Yann M’Vila, Rodwell and Ola Toivonen starting in central midfield. Billy Jones and Patrick van Aanholt occupied the wing-back positions, with Sebastian Coates, John O’Shea and Kaboul forming the back three. Duncan Watmore partnered Defoe in attack.
  • Coates was replaced after just 23 minutes in a tactical change with the Black Cats already 2-0 down. Adam Johnson entered the fray, with the England international stationed in a central attacking midfield role, meaning a shift to more of a 4-3-1-2 formation. Allardyce’s second change saw Borini come on for Toivonen at half-time, leading to another shift in formation to a 4-2-3-1 system, with the Italian stationed out wide on the left, with Watmore on the opposite flank. The final substitution saw Danny Graham come on for Watmore with 10 minutes remaining.
  • With Allardyce continuing to make major tactical changes during matches, there is little certainty over how is side will line up when they take on Man City on Saturday. Borini could come back into the starting XI after finding the back of the net. Rodwell will miss the clash against his former club due to suspension, so that does free up a spot in midfield. Yedlin, Jordi Gomez and Fletcher could also all come back into contention.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks, Strikers

 

Swansea

Starting XI: Fabianski; Rangel (Naughton 69), Fernandez, Williams, Taylor; Cork (Shelvey 73), Britton, Ki Sung-yeung; Sigurdsson, Gomis, Ayew (Barrow 82).

  • Caretaker manager Alan Curtis only made one adjustment from the starting XI that lost 2-1 to Man City, with Bafetimbi Gomis recalled in place of the injured Wayne Routledge.
  • Curtis opted for a slight change in formation from the 4-3-3 system used at the Etihad, deciding upon a midfield diamond. Leon Britton played at the base of the diamond, with Ki (left) and Jack Cork (right) on either side and Gylfi Sigurdsson at the tip. Andre Ayew partnered Gomis in attack.
  • Angel Rangel pulled up in the second-half with what looked to be a hamstring injury, and was replaced by Kyle Naughton. Jonjo Shelvey then returned to action following a recent calf injury in place of Cork, with Curtis throwing on Modou Barrow in hope of that elusive winning goal, with Ayew making way.
  • With the Swans still continuing their search for a new manager, there’s still some uncertainty over how the side will line up against West Brom. It’s looking more likely that Curtis will be in charge once again, in which case changes could be at a minimum. Rangel is a doubt, so Naughton appears likely to come back into the starting XI, while Shelvey could earn a recall in place of Cork or Ki as a more attacking option in midfield. Should Wayne Routledge recover from a minor knee problem, he or Jefferson Montero could come into the equation if Curtis opts for a change in formation.

Current Status: Very Unsettled
Risk Areas: All Positions

 

Tottenham

Starting XI: Lloris; Davies, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Walker; Dembele, Dier; Eriksen (Chadli 86), Alli (Carroll, 79), Lamela; Kane (Heung-Min Son 89).

  • Mauricio Pochettino only made two changes from the team that drew 0-0 against Chelsea, with the fit-again Mousa Dembele replacing Tom Carroll, while Ben Davies came in for the ill Danny Rose.
  • Spurs lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 formation, with Dembele slotting in alongside Eric Dier in the double-pivot. Davies started at left-back in Rose’s absence.
  • Having picked up a yellow card and with a healthy 2-0 lead, Pochettino decided to take off Dele Alli, with Carroll taking his place with 10 minutes remaining. Nacer Chadli and Heung-Min Son also entered the fray late on, with Harry Kane coming off as a precaution at St Mary’s.
  • Should Rose fail to recover from illness to take on Norwich on Boxing Day, Davies should keep his place at left-back. Chadli and Heung-Min Son provide alternatives out wide, but after an impressive team display, they may perhaps be utilised in other fixtures during the Christmas period.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Flanks

 

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Nyom, Britos, Cathcart, Ake; Abdi (Behrami 79), Watson, Capoue, Jurado (Anya 76); Deeney, Ighalo (Guedioura 88).

  • Quique Sanchez Flores unsurprisingly named an unchanged side from the one that beat Sunderland 1-0.
  • With the Hornets on the front foot for much of the match, Troy Deeney played right up alongside Odion Ighalo, with the Watford formation more of a rigid 4-4-2 than the usual 4-2-3-1 formation this week.
  • All three of Flores’ substitutions were more about introducing fresh legs, with Ikechi Anya, Valon Behrami and Adlene Guedioura taking the places of Jurado, Almen Abdi and Ighalo respectively.
  • Flores has admitted he will rotate over the festive period, but with six days between matches, and after such an emphatic victory, that may come in fixtures further down the line. Behrami offers an alternative to Ben Watson in central midfield, while Anya could challenge Abdi and Jurado for a place out wide. Ake cannot play against parent club Chelsea this weekend due to the conditions of his loan deal.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks

 

West Brom

Starting XI: Myhill; Dawson, McAuley, Olsson, Brunt (Lambert 74); Evans, Fletcher (Berahino 90); Gardner, Morrison (Sessegnon 46), McClean; Rondon.

  • Tony Pulis named an unchanged side from the one that drew 2-2 against Liverpool at Anfield.
  • With Claudio Yacob again unavailable due to personal reasons, Pulis kept faith in the 4-1-4-1 formation, with Jonny Evans sat in front of the back four.
  • Following James McClean’s sending off after 34 minutes, Pulis made a change at the break, with Stephane Sessegnon coming on for James Morrison. The formation resembled something of a 3-5-1 system, with Evans dropping back to central defence alongside Gareth McAuley and Jonas Olsson, while Craig Dawson and Chris Brunt were playing as wing-backs. Sessegnon, Craig Gardner and Darren Fletcher operated in central midfield. Rickie Lambert was sent on for Brunt with 15 minutes remaining in a bold attacking move, while Saido Berahino was called upon in the dying moment in place of Fletcher.
  • With both McClean and Salomon Rondon now serving three-match bans following their dismissals, at least two changes will be made for the trip to Swansea on Boxing Day. Sessegnon could earn a recall out wide, while Berahino, Callum McManaman and Serge Gnabry offer alternative options. Berahino will also compete with Lambert and Victor Anichebe for the lone striker role for the Baggies. Yacob may still not be available, so Evans could continue in the defensive midfield role, meaning the back four may remain unchanged.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Central Midfield, Flanks, Central Striker

 

West Ham

Starting XI: Adrian; Tomkins, Collins, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Song (Obiang 72); Antonio (Jenkinson 85), Noble, Kouyate, Zarate (Valencia 60); Jelavic.

  • Slaven Bilic was forced into making one change for the trip to Swansea, with Nikica Jelavic coming in for the injured Andy Carroll.
  • Bilic went for a slightly different formation, deciding upon a 4-1-4-1 system. Alex Song was the defensive midfielder, with Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate stationed just in front of the Cameroon international in central midfield. Michail Antonio (right) and Mauro Zarate (left) started on the flanks, with Jelavic the lone striker.
  • Zarate was the first man to be replaced, with Enner Valencia coming on in a straight swap. Pedro Obiang entered the fray with under 20 minutes left for Song, while Carl Jenkinson was brought on in the latter stages to ensure the Hammers held on for a point.
  • On the back of three successive clean sheets, changes at the back appear unlikely, particularly with Winston Reid not expected to return from his hamstring injury in time for the trip to Aston Villa on Boxing Day. Bilic also has few options further forward if he has the same squad available, with only Valencia perhaps a chance to start out wide in place of Zarate or Antonio, though he could also lead the line if Carroll misses out again.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Flanks, Central Striker

 

1,318 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Hi...6m itb ..2fts....Miles behind in my leagues...do I ..

    A...Delofeou and vvd to Ramsey and dier
    B...Kane and Delofeou to kun and Ramsey
    C.. ighalo and kolarov to Kane and ward..........Team is

    Ddg
    Kolarov vvd Dawson Moreno oshea
    Ozil mahrez kdb Delofeou drinkwater
    Kane ighalo lukaku

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      And apologies for top post.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      C is impossible 🙂

      1. Eden Hazardous
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        ?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 15 Years
          8 years, 10 months ago

          Explain why it is?

          1. Eden Hazardous
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Ah.....2 x Kane lol

          2. Flynny
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Sorry fellas....the c option was...

            Ighalo and kolarov to kun and ward.....

            I guess I should stick with ighalo despite fixtures and hang fire on kun...

            A is prob best option with vvd to dier tonight ahead of price rise.. .

    3. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't go for Aguero yet (as tempting as it is for Sunderland). Want to see him get a few games and prove his fitness as apparently he didn't look very good against Arsenal

      And C, you already have Kane? certainly wouldn't get rid of Ighalo anyway

    4. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      B

  2. Yellin' in my Ear
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Benched KdB this week and worked out OK, who would you bench this week?:
    Ramsey (sou)
    Ozil (sou)
    Mahrez (liv) probable captain, including just for completeness
    KdB (SUN)
    Barkley (new)
    Vardy (liv)
    Ighalo (che)
    Lukaku (new)

    Thinking it's between Barkley, Vardy, and Ighalo but keep changing my mind

    1. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Ighalo for me

  3. Japan Boy
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Did anyone watch the Everton game? Was Baines on many set pieces?

    1. Ziro Becomes One
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Mirallas back to steal some next match

    2. L S P
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      on corners. didn't notice him taking free kicks though - i think Barkley was the main guy there.

  4. Recoba
    • 11 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Think I'm keeping Coutihno for now, may well bench him though. Got 2 ft, who's the weakest link at back?

    DDG (McCarthy)
    Kolarov Alde Bellerin (Dawson Moreno)

    Mcc to Hen seems the most obvious

    1. Yellin' in my Ear
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Moreno the way liverpool have been defending (although has looked more promising from an attacking perspective)

  5. UnitednationsXI
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    any update on hazard? will fall in price tonight sigh

  6. Mahrezexpress
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 10 months ago

    Main captain candidates this week:

    A) Mahrez - most in form player in the league playing away to a liverpool side with a very leaky defense, most people in my ML will captain him

    B) Lukaku - Hasn't blanked in the last 7 game weeks and has had the armband for the last 4, playing against a very unpredictable Newcastle side..my prediction is low scoring game

    C) Kane - I've never owned Kane for any of his big hauls and when I captain him he blanks, scored a very nice goal last week and is playing Norwich at home, best fixture but very hot and cold striker, the leader in my ML will captain him without a doubt, loves kane

    Who to pick???? HEEELLLPP

    1. Evasivo
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Mahrez... Delivers the most returns and Pool who conceed the most.

      1. Toked
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Mahrez

    2. v12w12
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 10 months ago

      A or B

  7. Worzel Gummidge
      8 years, 10 months ago

      Really looking forward to Ighalos first tough fixtures coming up. Should be interesting.

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        No defence is too much for Ighalo, especially this season where no defence has been consistent and reliable

      2. Evasivo
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 10 months ago

        Wasnt that last week and he proved the critics wrong already??

        1. Worzel Gummidge
            8 years, 10 months ago

            Against Liverpools defence which is a shambles? Ok.

          • Pasqualinho
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 10 months ago

            The critics thought Liverpool had a good defence? They're not very good critics.

            1. Evasivo
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Didn't say they had good defence, I said it was a tough fixture...

              1. Worzel Gummidge
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  A tough fixture for Igahlo is a good defence.

              2. Worzel Gummidge
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  This. Although I was probably one. Watching them after 10 minutes changed that.

            2. Monkey Hanger
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 10 months ago

              Most were saying that about the last fixture.

              1. Worzel Gummidge
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  Liverpool defence is a shambles. He has scored against weak teams and blanked against tough. Next 3 will prove what he's is made of IMO.

                  1. Evasivo
                    • 14 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    You sound like a bitter "non owner tbh" lol

                    1. Worzel Gummidge
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        You sound like a delusional owner. Doesn't change the facts here.

                        1. Evasivo
                          • 14 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          Zzzzzzzzzzzz

                        2. Evasivo
                          • 14 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          Go on.then, what 'are the facts'
                          ..
                          Tbh away at Chelsea is an easy fixture imo

                • Az
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 15 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  I sold him last week and I can't wait to buy him back next week...

                • pundit of punts
                  • 11 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  I may bench him this week.

              2. Az
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                8 years, 10 months ago

                Anyone bought in Ivanovic?

                1. v12w12
                  • 13 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  Yip, I have 🙂

                2. Evasivo
                  • 14 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  Thinking about it, may choose Monreal / Kos instead though

                3. Monkey Hanger
                  • 11 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  I will.

                4. Worzel Gummidge
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Me and feels good regardless of the pain it may bring.

                    1. v12w12
                      • 13 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      🙂

                  • Hooky
                    • 9 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Yes. Last week 🙂

                5. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 10 months ago

                  Which 2 would you bench out of :

                  Kolarov, Williams, Ward, Azpi and Moreno ?

                  1. pundit of punts
                    • 11 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Ward and Moreno.

                  2. Sailboats
                    • 9 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Moreno and anyone

                    1. Toked
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Moreno and Azpi

                  3. Worzel Gummidge
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Ward & Moreno. Stick Moreno right at the end of that bench.

                    • SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Thanks all.

                  4. pundit of punts
                    • 11 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Ramsey or Walcott?

                    I'm a Theo fanboy but Ramsey is the logical choice.

                    Can my front 8 cope with a bit of a punt in the form of Theo?

                    KDB - Ozil - Barkley - Mahrez - _________
                    Kane - Lukaku - Ighalo

                    1. Ayew Serious
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Definitely, but Ramsey is better

                    2. Ziro Becomes One
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Ramsey by far.

                    3. Olivier Bernards watch
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Is the main reason people prefer Ramsey to theo that he is nailed on, or do y'all think he will get more points in general?

                      1. pundit of punts
                        • 11 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        More minutes may probably mean more points.

                      2. Here's Tom with the We…
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        I'm really tempted to get Theo, the thought of being able to captain him against Bournmouth and Newcastle at home!

                  5. The_Socca_Philosopha
                    • 10 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    I don't have any MCI attacking cover, Aguero (Martial) or Silva (Hazard)?

                    1. pundit of punts
                      • 11 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Aguero

                    2. oghash
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Silva

                      1. v12w12
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        +1

                    3. Morbius
                      • 10 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Almost be tempted to do both

                  6. Blue Star
                    • 9 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    I'm looking to get rid of Smalling and have narrowed my options down to Aldeweireld and Dawson. Looking at the fixtures, I can't see many clean sheet for Spurs after the Norwich game, whereas I think Dawson has a pretty decent run of fixtures. Do people have a preference between the two?

                    1. pundit of punts
                      • 11 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      I'd try and get them both.

                      1. Blue Star
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Fair enough, my other defenders are Dann and Bellerin though and I'm happy with those two as it stands. I have the money for either Alde or Dawson...just not sure I trust the Spurs defence all that much!

                        1. pundit of punts
                          • 11 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          dawson

                  7. v12w12
                    • 13 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Have a decent squad for bench boost this week. Is it best to wait until DGW? Just being impatient!

                    1. oghash
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Wait

                    2. Toked
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      If you wildcard to plan a Benchboost for a DGW you'll have much better returns.

                      1. v12w12
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Cheers fellas. Just desperate to climb up the rankings! 🙂

                  8. Toked
                    • 9 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    RP Quick one-

                    Front 8:
                    Mahrez - Ozil - Alli - Barkley - Coutinho
                    Ighalo - Vardy - Lukaku

                    A) Barkley -> KDB
                    B) Coutinho -> KDB

                    RateMyTeam Says Coutinho has better potential next few weeks which is giving me the indecisiveness.

                    1. v12w12
                      • 13 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      B for me

                    2. oghash
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Coutinho to silva

                      1. v12w12
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Yip, I prefer this too actually

                    3. Salah’s Sonnet
                      • 13 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      i just got rid of KDB, really not worth his price tag what so ever.

                      1. Sailboats
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Before Sunderland? gg

                        1. Salah’s Sonnet
                          • 13 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          Yep, most likely wont do anything, he has so many blanks it is unbeleivable for a player with his price tag, ramsey is much cheaper and much more reliable.

                      2. Toked
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Sitiing on 7.5M so price isn't a worry.

                    4. Evasivo
                      • 14 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      B for me

                    5. Toked
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      B it is, thanks

                  9. L S P
                    • 9 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    What are people's general theories on making up ground in their MLs?

                    Better to be 80-90% template (safe) or more like 50-60% template (punty)?

                    Example:

                    I hitched my wagon to Hazard+Mane+Pelle over KDB+Mahrez+Vardy for these past few weeks. You can guess how that's worked out. EVERYONE around me has the Leicester Duo of course.

                    Better for me to jump on the Vahrez bandwagon so i don't fall more behind or go for hopefully better differentials? I'm only about 100 points off the top but the XMAS schedule has me a little more apprehensive about what to do.

                    Anyone with thoughts to share on best practices here?

                    1. oghash
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Ramsey and kane

                      1. L S P
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Strategy > Players.

                        (own Ramsey and not interested in Kane)

                    2. Sailboats
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      100% template. Ignore all punts (eg. Wijnaldum)

                    3. TorresMagic™
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 15 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Find the bad players in the template and get the good differentials.

                      1. oghash
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Perfect answer

                        1. Monkey Hanger
                          • 11 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          Easier said than done.

                          1. oghash
                            • 9 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Still the perfect answer, even if not easy

                            1. Monkey Hanger
                              • 11 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              No. The perfect answer would be naming the bad, and good ones.

                              1. Sailboats
                                • 9 Years
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                Lol

                              2. L S P
                                • 9 Years
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                yes - name names Torresmagic 😉

                    4. Blue Star
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Def get Mahrez, but I'm in a similar situation with Vardy and don't want to get him back in with the possibility of him getting 5 yellow cards...

                      1. L S P
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        I'm 100% going to bring Mahrez back and probably (C).

                        I was proud of the fact i owned him in GW1 and dismayed that i let him go in my WC in GW9 because of Claudio's tinkering...

                        Vardy i think is more of a risk for the next 3...

                    5. Gastar
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Mahrez is non-negotiable really imo... it will be a very uphill battle without him

                    6. Ziro Becomes One
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      How many players between you and leader?

                      1. L S P
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        8 but i'm 10 points off of 4th.

                        (a handful of people under me C'd and TC'd Mahrez this week)

                    7. fusen
                      • 12 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      you need the core template team members, otherwise you fall down the ranks too much when they score and you miss out.

                  10. A-VB
                    • 9 Years
                    8 years, 10 months ago

                    Choose one :

                    1. Rudd
                    2. Elliot

                    1. oghash
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      2

                    2. Spike ⚽️
                      • 13 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Rudd

                    3. Blue Star
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Elliot, although he will constantly be under threat from Darlow...

                    4. Pep's Money Laundry
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Elliot has no competition and gets plenty of save points

                    5. Worzel Gummidge
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        2. More saves, better defence IMO and possible DGW coming up.

                    6. oghash
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Does a wildcard count as boost? Could you triple captain and wildcard in the same week?

                      1. TorresMagic™
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 15 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Wildcard is a chip. One chip a week.

                        1. oghash
                          • 9 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          Chip! Was having a mental blank on the word 🙂

                      2. Gastar
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        You cannot triple captain and wildcard in the same week

                      3. Pep's Money Laundry
                        • 9 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        No

                    7. Mind över Mata
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Any news on Vardy?

                      1. Monkey Hanger
                        • 11 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Ranieri didn't mention him at the presser.

                    8. FPL Maldini
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 10 Years
                      8 years, 10 months ago

                      Best punt in your opinion?

                      A) Ivanovic

                      B) Baines

                      1. Greenbackbøøg…
                        • 10 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        Baines isn't a thing anymore

                        1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
                          • 9 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          Why ?

                          1. Greenbackbøøg…
                            • 10 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            No pens or freekicks

                            1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
                              • 9 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Didn't have them last season and still got 139 points in 2773 min.

                      2. v12w12
                        • 13 Years
                        8 years, 10 months ago

                        A

                      3. Worzel Gummidge
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          I have got A and feel pretty good about it. Now anyway. lets see how I feel in a few GWks.

                          1. FPL Maldini
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 10 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Is Ivanovic 100% nailed though?

                            1. Worzel Gummidge
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                I would say yes.

                        • The Raging Bull
                          • 10 Years
                          8 years, 10 months ago

                          Which City player to bring in for Sunderland (h)

                          1. oghash
                            • 9 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Silva

                            1. The Raging Bull
                              • 10 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              He's looked gash in last few games.

                              1. oghash
                                • 9 Years
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                The whole team has which is why I'm not trying to make this move, but if I did it'd be Silva.

                          2. Toked
                            • 9 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Think I'm doing Coutinho -> KDB this week.

                            1. The Raging Bull
                              • 10 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              I think KDB will score the most points from City players.

                              1. oghash
                                • 9 Years
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                Then why did you ask the question?

                                1. The Raging Bull
                                  • 10 Years
                                  8 years, 10 months ago

                                  Thought checking peoples views was the point of this website? 😉

                          3. Salah’s Sonnet
                            • 13 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Aguero

                          4. Worzel Gummidge
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              I already have KDB & Sterling. Keeping Kane this week before getting in Aguero.

                          5. internal error
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 11 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Uh oh Van Gaal

                          6. faux_C
                            • 12 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Red arrow with 65 points is pretty dispiriting.

                            Should I be able to prioritising a Spurs defender, Igahl or something else entirely? (I suppose I could just accept I can't cover everything and move on).

                            Butland, Krul
                            Moreno, Kolarov, Richards, Dawson, Nyom
                            Mahrez, Coutinho, King, Ozil, Wijnaldum
                            Vardy, Kane, Lukaku

                            1. Pep's Money Laundry
                              • 9 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Your midfield needs some work.

                            2. Toked
                              • 9 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              How much ITB?

                              I'd be looking at King, Moreno and Richards.

                              King to Ali makes sense

                              Spurs fixtures after norwich are wat/eve/LEI which might be a little tricky.

                              1. Toked
                                • 9 Years
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                Palace have a great run of fixtures next few weeks so maybe Moreno -> Dann

                          7. fusen
                            • 12 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            I've been reading posts talking about transferring out 'vvd' and was wondering who W D stood for...doh.

                            1. Monkey Hanger
                              • 11 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              van Dijk, saints defender.

                          8. Pariße
                            • 9 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            2FTs nothing to fix and no idea what to do.

                            Probably selling Moreno, but for who? (5.9m available)

                            1. Acquafresca
                              • 13 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Monreal.

                            2. Toked
                              • 9 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Dann or Cresswell - Both have good fixtures and good attacking returns.

                          9. sinik
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 11 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            joe.co.uk have outdone themselves this time!

                            https://www.facebook.com/www.JOE.co.uk/videos/597496440414426/

                            1. Greenbackbøøg…
                              • 10 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Are gifs the only thing they do?

                              1. sinik
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 11 Years
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                they're a general football site, they just like parody videos a lot

                            2. sinik
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 11 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              PS DO NOT WATCH IF YOU'RE NOT CAUGHT UP ON GAME OF THRONES

                              1. Harper_
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 9 Years
                                8 years, 10 months ago

                                Haha, was just about to say, that's just ruined GOT for me 😆

                                1. sinik
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 11 Years
                                  8 years, 10 months ago

                                  oh man 😥 I'm so sorry

                                  mods just take it down if you want, better safe than sorry

                                  1. Harper_
                                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                    • 9 Years
                                    8 years, 10 months ago

                                    Nah it doesn't matter, it was beyond hyped up before I watched it that it was actually kinda dissapointing.

                                    1. sinik
                                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                      • 11 Years
                                      8 years, 10 months ago

                                      ok good 🙂

                          10. Cojiro
                            • 10 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Targett to Ward a decent use of my FT this week? Make sure everyone on my bench plays with Christmas rotation

                          11. Acquafresca
                            • 13 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Anyone going Aguero(c) this week?

                            1. sinik
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 11 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              looking at Hazard + Vardy + Sinclair > Ramsey + Kun(c) + Stanislas/4.3m max (-8)

                              first hits of the season, need to shake things up

                            2. Cojiro
                              • 10 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              tempting now that I've seen the fixture

                            3. Syd.
                              • 15 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Me

                              Need something to kick start my season

                            4. Arctic monkeys
                              • 11 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Him or Mahrez, not sure yet

                            5. Morbius
                              • 10 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              I think I am yes.

                          12. SMOOTH
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 14 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            how bad is a ivan zouma double up.
                            have zouma, need to replace vvd

                            1. Toked
                              • 9 Years
                              8 years, 10 months ago

                              Would be too risky for me-

                              Maybe vvd -> ward

                          13. FPL Maldini
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 10 Years
                            8 years, 10 months ago

                            Who would you sacrifice over Xmas?

                            A) Moreno

                            B) Kolorov