Team News
12 September 2016 731 comments
James H James H
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Alexis Sanchez and Philippe Coutinho both drop to the bench after long-haul flights back from international duties. Jose Mourinho freshens up United’s flanks for the Manchester derby, whilst Kelechi Iheanacho proves an able deputy for the suspended Sergio Aguero.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin, Cazorla; Oxlade-Chamberlain (Sanchez 62), Ozil, Walcott (Iwobi 75); Lucas Perez (Giroud 62).

  • Arsene Wenger made three changes for the visit of Southampton to the Emirates, with Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez handed their Arsenal debuts in place of Rob Holding and Alexis Sanchez, while Francis Coquelin started at the expense of Granit Xhaka.
  • Perez started as the lone striker in Wenger’s usual 4-2-3-1 formation, while Coquelin partnered Santi Cazorla in the double-pivot. Mustafi started alongside Laurent Koscielny in central defence.
  • With the score level at 1-1, Wenger turned to Sanchez and Olivier Giroud off the bench just after the hour mark, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Perez making way in straight swaps. Wenger’s final change saw Alex Iwobi introduced on the right wing in place of Theo Walcott for the final 15 minutes.
  • Coquelin was a surprise starter in preference to Xhaka on Saturday, but Wenger may well have had one eye on tomorrow night’s Champions League clash away to Paris Saint-Germain when selecting his side to face Southampton. Xhaka and Sanchez could well both return to the starting XI at Hull on Saturday, then, while Giroud could push Perez for the lone striker role. Iwobi also offers an alternative out wide, so Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott’s places in the team now look under threat. Aaron Ramsey will be hoping to return from a hamstring injury to play some part at the KCOM Stadium, while Koscielny’s status will need to be monitored after he picked up an eye injury during the closing stages of Saturday’s match.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Centre-Half, Central Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Boruc; Smith, Francis, Cook, Daniels; Stanislas (Gosling 73), Surman, Arter, Ibe (Wilshere 62); Wilson, King (Gradel 73).

  • Eddie Howe made one adjustment from the side that drew 1-1 at Crystal Palace for the home encounter against West Brom, with Junior Stanislas coming in for Ryan Fraser.
  • Stanislas started on the left wing for the Cherries, in what was more of a standard 4-2-3-1 formation used by Howe, with Josh King in the number ten role, and Jordon Ibe on the right behind lone striker Callum Wilson.
  • With the match goalless, Howe turned to Jack Wilshere just after the hour mark, with the Arsenal loanee replacing Ibe. Wilshere played in a central attacking midfield role, with King moving out to the right wing. Max Gradel and Dan Gosling were then introduced with 17 minutes remaining, coming on in place of Stanislas and King. Gradel moved out to the left, while Gosling played narrowly on the right side of midfield, allowing right-back Adam Smith to push forward.
  • Wilshere may not have been deemed fit enough to start the match, but he may come into the equation at Man City on Saturday. He could be an option to replace King in the side, if Howe switches to a slightly more defensive 4-3-3 formation. Stanislas may keep his place in the starting XI after the Cherries picked up their first win of the campaign, but Gradel is also a viable option on the left.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield, Left Wing

Burnley

Starting XI: Heaton, Lowton, Mee, Keane, Ward, Gudmundsson (Arfield 76), Defour (Hendrick 76), Marney, Boyd, Gray (Bamford 80), Vokes.

  • Sean Dyche only made one alteration for the home clash against Hull, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson starting in place of Scott Arfield.
  • Gudmundsson was handed his first Premier League start on the left of midfield in Dyche’s standard 4-4-2 formation.
  • Shortly after taking a 1-0 lead, Dyche introduced Arfield and debutant Jeff Hendrick off the bench, with the pair replacing Gudmundsson and goalscorer Steven Defour in straight swaps. Patrick Bamford was then brought on with 10 minutes remaining to make his Clarets debut, taking over from Andre Gray in attack.
  • Gudmundsson got the nod on Saturday, yet Arfield may push for a recall when Dyche’s side travel to Leicester this weekend. Hendrick could also come into contention to make his first start, possibly replacing Dean Marney in central midfield.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Flanks

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta; Kante; Willian (Moses 77), Oscar (Batshuayi 88), Matic (Fabregas 76), Hazard; Diego Costa.

  • Antonio Conte named an unchanged side from the one that beat Burney 3-0 for the trip to Swansea.
  • It was the 4-1-4-1 formation used again by Conte in south Wales then, with Nemanja Matic and Oscar once again preferred to Cesc Fabregas in central midfield.
  • After falling 2-1 behind, Conte turned to Fabregas and Victor Moses off the bench, with the pair replacing Matic and Willian in straight swaps for the final 15 minutes. Having equalised, Conte threw on Michy Batshuayi in search of a late winner, with the Belgian replacing Oscar as the Blues ended the match in a 4-4-2 system.
  • John Terry picked up an ankle injury during the final minutes at the Liberty Stadium, and is a doubt for Friday night’s home fixture against Liverpool. Should the Chelsea captain be ruled out, it could see Conte consider major changes to his backline. He could bring in David Luiz in a straight swap, or consider handing a debut to Marcos Alonso at left-back, with Cesar Azpilicueta shifting over to right-back, with Branislav Ivanovic then an option to partner Gary Cahill in the middle.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence, Full-Backs

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Mandanda; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly; Ledley (Flamini 83), McArthur; Townsend (Lee Chung-yong 76), Puncheon, Zaha; C Benteke (J Benteke 89).

  • Alan Pardew made three changes for the trip to the Riverside, with Martin Kelly, Joe Ledley and Wilfried Zaha coming in for the injured Pape Souare, Yohan Cabaye and Connor Wickham.
  • Having opted for a 4-4-2 formation against Bournemouth, Pardew switched back to the 4-2-3-1 system on Saturday, with Zaha returning on the right wing, leaving Jason Puncheon in the number ten role and Andros Townsend on the left flank behind lone striker Christian Benteke. Ledley partnered James McArthur at the base of midfield, while Kelly slotted in at left-back for the Eagles.
  • With his side leading 2-1, Pardew made three changes in the final 15 minutes. Lee Chung-yong was firstly introduced in place of Townsend in a straight swap, with Mathieu Flamini then handed his Palace debut shortly after, taking over from Ledley at the base of midfield. Pardew’s final substitution saw Jonathan Benteke handed a Premier League debut in place of his brother Christian for the final few minutes.
  • After picking up their first win of the season, Pardew will likely stick to a similar starting XI for the home clash against Stoke on Sunday. Souare missed out with a knock against ‘Boro, but was then involved in a car accident on Sunday and is now set to be sidelined with a thigh injury. Kelly looks likely to keep his starting spot next weekend, then. Cabaye may come into contention if he can recover from a groin injury, with the Frenchman likely to come in for Ledley should he be passed fit. Flamini also offers another option in that position, although he may lack the match fitness to start.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Midfield

Hull City

Starting XI: Jakupovic, Elmohamady, Davies, Livermore, Robertson, Clucas (Maloney 83), Snodgrass, Huddlestone, Meyler (Mason 72), Diomande (Keane 70), Hernandez.

  • Mike Phelan once again named an unchanged starting XI for the trip to Burnley following Hull’s strong start to the season.
  • The caretaker manager stuck with the 4-1-4-1 formation, then, although Adama Diomande did struggle to support lone striker Abel Hernandez from his starting position on the left wing.
  • Diomande was the first player to make way, with Will Keane coming off the bench to make his Tigers debut. Two minutes later, Ryan Mason replaced David Meyler, with Phelan opting for more of a 4-4-2 system, as Keane joined Hernandez in attack. With his side trailing 1-0, Phelan threw on Shaun Maloney in place of Sam Clucas, with the Scotland international offering width on the left wing, leaving Mason and Tom Huddlestone in central midfield.
  • After making his Hull debut off the bench, Mason could challenge Meyler for a place in the starting XI in central midfield for the home clash against Arsenal. Maloney provides an alternative to Diomande on the left wing, while Phelan could consider a change in system, with Keane an option to partner Hernandez up front. After picking up seven points from their first four matches, he’ll probably keep faith in the 4-1-4-1 formation for now. Eldin Jakupovic was favoured in goal ahead of new signing David Marshall, so the position looks like his to lose for the time being.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Left Wing

Leicester

Starting XI: Schmeichel, Simpson (Hernandez 33), Morgan, Huth, Fuchs, Drinkwater, Amartey, Albrighton (Ulloa 65), Mahrez, Okazaki (Musa 46), Vardy.

  • Claudio Ranieri named the same side that beat Swansea 2-1 for the trip to Anfield.
  • It was the 4-4-1-1 formation once again for the Italian, then, with Shinji Okazaki stationed in the support striker role behind Jamie Vardy in attack for the Foxes.
  • Ranieri was forced into making an early substitution after Danny Simpson suffered a hamstring injury. He was replaced by Luis Hernandez at right-back, while with his side trailing 2-1 at half-time, Ranieri made a second change at the break, with Ahmed Musa entering the fray in place of Okazaki. Musa initially partnered Vardy in attack in what was more of a 4-4-2, although once Leonardo Ulloa was introduced for Marc Albrighton after 65 minutes, Musa moved over to the left wing, with Ulloa operating down the middle alongside Vardy.
  • With Leicester playing in the Champions League this week, we could see Ranieri shuffle his pack for Saturday’s home match against Burnley. Andy King could be an option in central midfield in place of Daniel Amartey, while the likes of Musa, Demarai Gray and Islam Slimani could all come into contention in attack, with a switch to a 4-4-2 formation a possibility. Simpson may well be ruled out for the clash against the Clarets, so Hernandez may deputise at right-back, or Amartey could also play in that position.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Midfield, Left Wing, Strikers

Liverpool

Starting XI: Mignolet, Clyne, Matip, Lucas, Milner, Lallana, Henderson, Wijnaldum (Stewart 76), Mane (Moreno 90), Firmino, Sturridge (Coutinho 76).

  • Jurgen Klopp made two changes for the home encounter against champions Leicester, with Lucas coming in for the injured Dejan Lovren, while Daniel Sturridge was recalled in place of Philippe Coutinho.
  • Sturridge was stationed as the central striker in the 4-3-3 formation, with Roberto Firmino (left) and Sadio Mane (right) flanking the England international in attack. Adam Lallana and Georginio Wijnaldum were again used in front of holding midfielder Jordan Henderson in the middle of the park.
  • With his side leading 3-1, Klopp made a double substitution with 14 minutes remaining, as Kevin Stewart and Coutinho came on for Wijnaldum and Sturridge. Stewart played as the holding midfield player, allowing Henderson to move into a slightly more advanced central position, while Coutinho operated on the left wing, with Firmino moving into the “false nine” role. Alberto Moreno was handed a brief run-out in place of Mane.
  • Coutinho was named as a sub by Klopp following his international exertions with Brazil, but should return to the side for Friday night’s trip to Chelsea. That means Firmino is likely to move back into the “false nine” role from the start, with Sturridge perhaps being dropped to the bench. Lovren missed out with an eye injury on Saturday, but could be fit to return alongside Joel Matip in central defence.

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

Man City

Starting XI: Bravo, Sagna, Stones, Otamendi, Kolarov, De Bruyne (Zabaleta 90), Fernandinho, Silva, Sterling (Sane 60), Iheanacho (Fernando 53), Nolito.

  • Pep Guardiola made four changes for the Manchester derby, with Claudio Bravo, Bacary Sagna, Aleksandar Kolarov and Kelechi Iheanacho coming in for Willy Caballero, Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy and the suspended Sergio Aguero.
  • Iheanacho was stationed as the lone striker in the 4-1-4-1 formation, with Sagna and Kolarov coming in at right-back and left-back respectively. Bravo made his Premier League debut in goal.
  • With his side leading 2-1, Guardiola made a tactical substitution early in the second-half, with Fernando brought on in place of Iheanacho. That change saw Guardiola move Kevin de Bruyne into a “false nine” role in attack, with Fernando slotting in alongside Fernandinho at the base of midfield. Just before the hour mark, Raheem Sterling was withdrawn, with Leroy Sane coming on in a straight swap to make his City debut. With his side holding onto the 2-1 lead heading into the final few minutes, Guardiola brought on Zabaleta in place of De Bruyne to help see out the match.
  • Guardiola’s team selection for Saturday’s home match against Bournemouth may be determined by the side he picks to face Borussia Monchengladbach tomorrow night. We could see rotation in the full-back positions, with Zabaleta and Clichy viable alternatives to Sagna and Kolarov. Sane and Jesus Navas are options in the wide positions should Guardiola start with Nolito and Sterling again in midweek, with the pair then perhaps in need of a rest on the weekend. With Sergio Aguero expected to start on Tuesday night, Iheanacho looks set to lead the line once again against the Cherries on Saturday, with the Argentine still suspended for domestic duty. De Bruyne picked up a minor hamstring injury on Saturday, but should be fit to face Bournemouth. Rotation could be a concern should he start tomorrow night, though, with Fernando and Fabian Delph different options in central midfield. Vincent Kompany is another who is closing in on a first-team return, although he could be held back for the EFL Cup trip to Swansea.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Flanks

Man United

Starting XI: De Gea, Valencia, Bailly, Blind, Shaw (Martial 81), Pogba, Fellaini, Mkhitaryan (Herrera 46), Rooney, Lingard (Rashford 46), Ibrahimovic.

  • Jose Mourinho made two changes from the side that beat Hull City 1-0 for the visit of Man City to Old Trafford, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Jesse Lingard starting in place of Juan Mata and Anthony Martial.
  • Mkhitaryan and Lingard were stationed on the right and left flanks respectively in Mourinho’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.
  • Having seen his side be outplayed during the first-half, Mourinho made a double substitution at half-time, with Ander Herrera and Marcus Rashford brought on for Mkhitaryan and Lingard. The changes saw United line up in more of a 4-3-3 formation, with Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba playing just in front of Herrera in central midfield, while Wayne Rooney (right) and Rashford (left) flanked central striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. As a final roll of the dice, Mourinho turned to Martial, with the France international joining Ibrahimovic in attack, leaving Pogba and Rashford to cover the left hand-side of the pitch.
  • After a disappointing defensive display, Mourinho may consider handing Chris Smalling a starting berth against Watford, with Daley Blind’s starting spot appearing the most in doubt. The Portuguese boss could consider moving to a 4-3-3 formation in an attempt to get the best out of Pogba, although that would cast doubt as to Rooney’s role in the side. If he sticks with the 4-2-3-1, he could play one of Herrera, Morgan Schneiderlin or Michael Carrick alongside Pogba, meaning Fellaini could miss out, while Rashford, Martial and Mata may come into contention in the wide positions. Luke Shaw is a slight doubt after picking up a hamstring problem, with Blind or Matteo Darmian likely to cover in his potential absence.

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

Part Two of Line Up Lessons, covering the remaining 10 teams, will be published tomorrow.

731 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Last Man Standing Update

    Safety score = 16
    Top score = 78
    LMS average = 32.27

    1 game + autosubs left.

    Guessing most here will be safe? 🙂

    1. Assisting you all day
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      am on 21-4 with barkley and lukaku left 🙁

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Have to hope for no Everton CS as Baines and Williams are popular. Any attacking return from those 2 might be enough.

    2. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      code?

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Closed for the month.
        After GW7 - 18487-7273

        1. rdpx
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Hey TM - can we join it now with this code, or do we have to wait until after GW7?

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            League is closed atm and don't want to keep opening it.
            Over 3000 qualified but after GW7 it will be more like 2300 so more manageable.
            Will be plenty of chances to enter before the last chance in January.

            1. rdpx
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Thanks, I'll keep an eye on it.

    3. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Was expecting it to be higher than that, been a poor gameweek though for a lot of people including myself

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Should be a few Capoue autosubs for Aguero at least.

  2. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 3 months ago

    Would love 0-0 tonight. Have got PVA, Williams and Bolasie.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't mind 1-1 with 2 own goals from above. 😛

    2. @persecuted_by_mods
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Could be one of those frustrating games, last year I recall quite a few Monday night kick offs that ended 0-0

      • Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        3-1 Lukaku hatty

    3. Elijah's Wood
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 3 months ago

      Early days but who would you bench out of Capoue (MUN) who i have benched 100% of his points so far, or Snodgrass (ARS)?

      Alternatively i could always punt on benching Hazard (LIV)

      1. Defcons are for Kinnear
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 3 months ago

        Benching Hazard!

        1. Elijah's Wood
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          Haha just a thought!

          1. Defcons are for Kinnear
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Delete it immediately

        2. rdpx
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I wish I'd benched Hazard this week, rather than captaining him.

      2. @persecuted_by_mods
          9 years, 3 months ago

          I'd bench Snodinho for this one, Watford are going for goals. Snod has set pieces though

          1. Elijah's Wood
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 3 months ago

            It is a conundrum, i suppose i can be consistent this season and just never play Capoue lol

        • Worzel Gummidge
            9 years, 3 months ago

            Just bench Ibra for Capoue if you have both.

            1. Elijah's Wood
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Really? I fancy Ibra to score vs Watford, theyre not great at the back

              1. Worzel Gummidge
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  Bench Capoue. United defence better than Arsenal atm and Snodders in a lot of set pieced.

                  1. Elijah's Wood
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Yeh thats what im thinking, though Arsenal arent exactly bad at the back

            2. Niemi
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Bench Capoue. Stats are suggesting regression is imminent. Snodgrass much more likely to be involved in any goals.

              1. Elijah's Wood
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                Thats 2 for Capoue bench, thanks Niemi

            3. Kings of Lyon ★
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Bench Capoue

          • @persecuted_by_mods
              9 years, 3 months ago

              Do you guys believe that come the end of this season we will have a well above average amount of penalties given? Can't see it myself, above average maybe (could easily be below) but nothing drastic- every season there a new initiative for the refs which they enforce for the first few weeks but it slowly dies down

              1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 3 months ago

                I do believe there will be huge inconsistencies

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Yup it's already been happening and I think that's what causes the refs to ease up as they end up taking a lot of stick from managers fans and pundits.

                    We're never gonna get to a stage where 4,5 penalties are given in one game, and under the new rules that should be a common occurrence! Because we see those "fouls" during nearly every set piece

                2. Hibbo
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 3 months ago

                  What's the average roughly 3 a week?

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      Not sure mate, haven't looked into the stats on how much are usually given etc. Just feel that refs usually back down because they get it in the neck.

                      Beauty of football is the variation though, could be other reasons why more penalties are given than ever (worse defences, better attacking players and so forth)

                  2. The Tinkerman
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 3 months ago

                    Yeah, I agree it will die down after a while, as new initiatives often do. Might vary from ref to ref though, worth keeping an eye on who awards the most. It will probably end up a little above average just because of the heavy start.

                    1. @persecuted_by_mods
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Maybe there's already a trend that each year more pens are given than the last, haven't looked at the stats tbh just wanted to make a comment on the new rules. I personally think it will end up slightly above average but because the "lesser" teams are now stronger than ever relatively and they have a real go and attack and defences aren't what they used to be

                    2. stilicho
                      • Has Moderation Rights
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 3 months ago

                      I don't think there'll be any significant difference because there is no "new rule" that means more penalties should be given, despite what you read on this forum.

                      Like you say there's just some wooly initiative to enforce the existing rules, and like the "respect" initiative these things tend to fizzle out pretty quickly because the refs quickly realise they're out there on their own when they deviate from the common line.

                      1. stilicho
                        • Has Moderation Rights
                        • 15 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        FWIW I think there have been an unusal number of penalities so far, but the vast majority had nothing to do with jostling at corners.

                        1. @persecuted_by_mods
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Yup, see my response to the tinker man, in my opinion lesser teams are having a go more so than ever. Again no stats to back me up just watching lots of football, gone are the days when teams would turn up to roll over and have their bellies tickled.

                        2. @persecuted_by_mods
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Agreed 100%. Just called it "new rule" so everyone could easily follow!

                      2. Annie
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        What's happened to Gary Neville and MNF, no longer doing it??

                        1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Don't know but he's not going near management any time soon

                          1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                            • 12 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Will be rich of him criticizing other managers from his armchair

                            1. Annie
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • 13 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Maybe, but a lot enjoyed him and Carragher. Seems an odd move by Sky.

                        2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                          • 16 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Hope not. I have to turn sound down when he's on. Bring back andy gray and keysy

                      3. PlayON
                        • 13 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Killian here from PlayON

                        There's over £1,000 in Guaranteed Pots on offer for tonight's match between Sunderland v Everton.

                        £500 Guaranteed (£22 entry)
                        £250 Guaranteed (£5.50 entry)
                        £100 Guaranteed (£22 entry - 5 player)
                        £80 Guaranteed (£22 entry - 4 player)
                        £50 Guaranteed (£11 entry - 5 player)
                        £40 Guaranteed (£11 entry - 4 player)

                        Once the team sheets are announced, head over to PlayON's Games Lobby below to enter:

                        https://playon.co/#/games-lobby

                        1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Hi Killian.

                      4. nkhoughton
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Who is the best defender to have I'm happy with 1 fodder

                        Valencia Morgan Stones VVD

                        Toying with taking vvd out for Everton or spurs defender

                        Thoughts?

                      5. Wurstmuncher
                        • 11 Years
                        9 years, 3 months ago

                        Did you see souare's car? the guy is lucky to be alive!

                        1. Worzel Gummidge
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Pretty sure they cut the roof off to get him out. Wouldn't have looked like that straight after the crash.

                          • Konig Luther
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            They cut off the car

                        2. Who Ate All Depays?
                          • 12 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Going for WC after this gw so for just one week what transfer or punt would you suggest with my FT for the following team?

                          Heaton
                          Shaw / Williams / Walker
                          Antonio / Haz / Sanchez / Barkley / Redmond
                          Ibra / Lukaku
                          (Jaku / Diamonde / Friend / Amat)

                        3. rdpx
                          • 14 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          I had my worst season ever last time out, and so far this one isn't looking much better [currently 2.5m] , though I'm at 42 with Baines and PVA to play...

                          Maybe its because I wasn;t on here so much last year?

                          Anyway I throw myself on your mercy for some much needed advice....

                          I'm thinking of doing a WC team to be:

                          Jaku Fabianski
                          Smith Baines McAuley Walker PVA
                          Capoue Antonio Cazorla Fer Lallana
                          Ibrahim Aguero Costa

                          >
                          Otherwise it's just Mahrez out for FER then AGUERO in for Gray next week.

                          Which would leave me with a spare WC and this team...

                          >
                          Jak DDG
                          Robertson Baines Dann Stones PVA
                          Capoue Antonio Fer Coutinho Hazard
                          Ibra Aguero Diomande

                          Any comments would be very welcome....

                          1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                            • 12 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Cool story bro

                            1. rdpx
                              • 14 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Hey Mark thanks for your support. It is certainly the kind of reply that will encourage me to spend more time on the site this season!

                              🙂

                              1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                                • 12 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                You're welcome 🙂

                          2. Kings of Lyon ★
                            • 15 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Id WC and distribute your funds into midfield by downgrading Costa

                            1. rdpx
                              • 14 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Ok thanks...

                              I have Hazard at the moment, so can keep him.

                          3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
                            • 16 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Don't wildcard. 1st team has points in it yet. There is another international soon. Learn from it and maybe look at it then

                            1. rdpx
                              • 14 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              I like this advice as I like to keep WC if possible, but it didn't help me last season...
                              Thanks P.

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

                          Heaton Pickford
                          Valencia Baines McAuley Souare Amat

                          Who is best Souare replacement? I think Holebas rotates best with McAuley, is playing in more attacking position for now and is my immediate thought. (Have Capoue so Watford double not that it matters). But A Smith seems popular on here too.

                          A Holebas
                          B A Smith
                          C Kone
                          D Somone better for likely clean sheets?

                          1. rdpx
                            • 14 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            If Smith can keep his PPG as they are he is a fine choice... look at the value/season stat on the FPL site...

                          2. Dasher0303
                            • 9 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            I really like holebas so I would go for him but the other option is smith or pieters

                        5. S.Kuqi
                          • 13 Years
                          9 years, 3 months ago

                          Anyone here not captaining Zlatan this gw?

                          1. Worzel Gummidge
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Benching for Capoue.

                            • TorresMagic™
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • Has Moderation Rights
                              • 16 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Approx 72% won't.

                              1. S.Kuqi
                                • 13 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                in overall or out of ffs users?

                                1. TorresMagic™
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • Has Moderation Rights
                                  • 16 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  Captain Poll. Expect most of the top 10K to pick him given his 80+% ownership there.

                            • Kings of Lyon ★
                              • 15 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Ihaenacho for me

                              1. S.Kuqi
                                • 13 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                Great shout. Would captain him aswell if owned him

                              2. HVT
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 15 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                Gametime an issue?

                          2. Dr Dream
                            • 13 Years
                            9 years, 3 months ago

                            Any North End fans around?...if so...

                            My son (Sammy Wakefield) is taking a pen in the half time penalty shoot out competition at tomorrow's game...Feel free to boo him and chuck insults at him for bringing in Vardy and Costa and captaining Costa this week.

                            Thanks...

                            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                (C) Sammy, are you sure he's nailed and on pens? 😉

                                1. Dr Dream
                                  • 13 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  Oh aye. Locked and loaded.

                            2. Cruz88
                              • 10 Years
                              9 years, 3 months ago

                              Lamela > Antonio? Or keep Lamela against Sunderland?

                              1. Worzel Gummidge
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  I would drop Lamela like a hot potato if I had him. Sunderland are not that bad defensively either.

                                • Defcons are for Kinnear
                                  • 12 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  I want to keep but Son's performance is creating doubt

                              2. Prison Mike
                                • 10 Years
                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                Will wildcard GW6, what's my best move for this week ?

                                A) Gray > Benteke

                                B) Gray > Iheanacho

                                1. Kings of Lyon ★
                                  • 15 Years
                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                  B

                                  1. Prison Mike
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                    Thanks, could be a great punt!

                                2. @persecuted_by_mods
                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                    Tough one, Benteke is a strong captaincy option imo. Stoke are nothing defensively without Butland

                                    1. Prison Mike
                                      • 10 Years
                                      9 years, 3 months ago

                                      Yeah that's a good point plus he's on pens... Very tough choice

                                      1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          And they've been giving them away like a monkey flinging poo. Captain whoever is facing Shay Given in goal is my new motto; on that note Townsend is gonna have a massive week! Plenty will have got rid

                                  • Lovren an elevator
                                    • 10 Years
                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                    Which player (s) did Mourinho publicly criticise after the city defeat?

                                    1. Ziro
                                      • 10 Years
                                      9 years, 3 months ago

                                      fpl players like us.

                                    2. @persecuted_by_mods
                                        9 years, 3 months ago

                                        Lingard and Mikhi, kinda admitted it was his own fault for playing them too. Sure he'll give both another chance, that match won't decide the league

                                        1. Lovren an elevator
                                          • 10 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Ah cheers. I was hoping he was criticising blind!

                                          1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                              9 years, 3 months ago

                                              Blind did have a poor game, was shown up against better players like he usually is. But no one played well from United. I do feel Smalling could be back in soon though regardless of this match

                                        2. JÆKS ⭐
                                          • 11 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Just the ref as always

                                        3. Dr Dream
                                          • 13 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Mini and Lingard....but he went on to blame himself for picking them.

                                          I was amazed he didn't play Rashford from the off...

                                          1. Lovren an elevator
                                            • 10 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            Do you think he'll bring Smalling and martial back in?

                                      • Ziro
                                        • 10 Years
                                        9 years, 3 months ago

                                        Just a reminder, depending on your team you might not even need to WC GW6 just to get Kun if you save you FT this week. Seems tempting on a few risers but if you are protected against fallers (extra 0.1 buffer etc.) then could be an alternative tactic holding off WC for some other time.

                                        1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                                          • 12 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          The question is who to take out. Are you keeping Ibra? Maybe funds are now stuck in midfield

                                          1. Ziro
                                            • 10 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            Can do Gray to Kun next week if I save my FT. Have Ibra Tekkers Hazard

                                        2. TorresMagic™
                                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                          • Has Moderation Rights
                                          • 16 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Owning Gray isn't helping if he gets a ban. Guess I could play Capoue and take a drop if needed.

                                          1. Defcons are for Kinnear
                                            • 12 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            Gray needs to go. Burnley just won't score enough. Especially with Bony Benteke available

                                          2. Ziro
                                            • 10 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            this I am worried about a bit as well as he doesn't have the 0.1 insurance the likes of Redmond and Lamela have.

                                      • bici
                                        • 9 Years
                                        9 years, 3 months ago

                                        Antonio-Hazard-De Bruyne-Capoue-4.5midfielder

                                        Costa-Benteke-Ibra

                                        Or

                                        Antonio-Hazard-Ozil-Capoue-Snodgrass

                                        Aguero-Gray-Ibra

                                        1. Worzel Gummidge
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            Last one when Aguero is back but someone else but Gray. No idea who.

                                        2. Lone Wolf FPL
                                          • 10 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Anyone build Fantasy UCL team? Any cheap starters?

                                          1. VS10_
                                            • 10 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2016/09/12/this-much-we-know-gameweek-4-4/?hc_page=2#hc_comment_14051509

                                            Emery said that everyone are fit so Kimpembe looks like a no go.

                                            1. Lone Wolf FPL
                                              • 10 Years
                                              9 years, 3 months ago

                                              thanx mate

                                          2. pundit of punts
                                            • 12 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            I want to know this as well.

                                            Struggling with it atm.

                                        3. anish10
                                          • 15 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Terry > Walker?

                                        4. Plagued by indecision
                                          • 15 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Pretty disastrous week after getting Sanchez in and captaining him. What to do now? Got 1 FT and 2m in the bank. Asterisks are for the chop.

                                          Heaton / Jakupovic
                                          Stones / Shaw / Amat* / Paredes* / Olsson*
                                          Hazard / Lamela / Firmino / Sanchez / Capoue
                                          Ibrahimovic / Benteke / Gray*

                                          Can I get away with saving the FT this week? Looking to get Aguero back.

                                          1. rdpx
                                            • 14 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            I am guessing Hazard was your VC?

                                            1. Plagued by indecision
                                              • 15 Years
                                              9 years, 3 months ago

                                              Yes, why?

                                              1. TorresMagic™
                                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                                • Has Moderation Rights
                                                • 16 Years
                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                Same result as Hazard.

                                                1. Plagued by indecision
                                                  • 15 Years
                                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                                  Right, of course. Yes, would have been heart-breaking if I'd VC'd Firmino!

                                                  1. rdpx
                                                    • 14 Years
                                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                                    My GF had Sanchez captain and she brought him in for -4.
                                                    She's not happy.

                                          2. TorresMagic™
                                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                            • Has Moderation Rights
                                            • 16 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            Saving would be nice for sure. Being stuck with a weak 3rd defender and Stones renders your defence a bit weak. Could bench Gray if suspended if needed.

                                            1. Plagued by indecision
                                              • 15 Years
                                              9 years, 3 months ago

                                              Thanks. I think CS are strong possibility for MU and City this week, so will hope Amat can get me through another week before looking at other options.

                                              Will just play Capoue if Gray suspended I guess. Depends on injuries in Europe this week but think I'll save.

                                        5. Earn your Spurs
                                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                          • 11 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          hi - team is currently :-

                                          foster, jaku
                                          walker, shaw, azpi, mee, friend
                                          hazard, lamela, sterling, capoue, fletcher
                                          ibra, costa, gray
                                          +£3.9m itb

                                          thinking for GW6 of gray/ sterling ->aguero/ fer

                                          anything better available?
                                          thanks 🙂

                                          1. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
                                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                            • 10 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            Zaha looked lively.

                                            More of a goal scoring team with Benteke in.

                                        6. TorresMagic™
                                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                          • Has Moderation Rights
                                          • 16 Years
                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                          Who here is planning on getting Kane in this week?

                                          1. stilicho
                                            • Has Moderation Rights
                                            • 15 Years
                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                            Not me, but I'm probably bringing in Toby and I think this could be the start of a solid spell for all the Spurs premium assets.

                                            1. TorresMagic™
                                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                              • Has Moderation Rights
                                              • 16 Years
                                              9 years, 3 months ago

                                              I might get Walker soon 😯

                                              1. Kolarov Fpl Legend
                                                • 11 Years
                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                Valencia > Walker is what i m thinking....

                                            2. @persecuted_by_mods
                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                Going Walker myself, just holding off for news of Rose's injury, if he's out for an extended period then Davies would come in to save the pennies

                                            3. @persecuted_by_mods
                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                Considering it, will see how Romelu gets on tonight first

                                              • Frank Black
                                                • 13 Years
                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                Not me, fixtures are about to turn bad, i'd rather have Son if he was nailed on.

                                                1. TorresMagic™
                                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                                  • Has Moderation Rights
                                                  • 16 Years
                                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                                  Only the City game looks hard there.

                                            4. @persecuted_by_mods
                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                Townsend owners, keep for the Stoke game! Can see him being the highest scorer of the week

                                                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                                    Townsend owner*

                                                2. trimmtrabb
                                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                                  • 14 Years
                                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                                  Pulled the trigger:

                                                  Mandana Jakupovic

                                                  Baines Shaw Williams Pieters Evans

                                                  Sanchez De Bruyne Firmino Capoue (4.5 - 5.0 mid)

                                                  Kane Benteke Bony

                                                  Pulled the trigger on Sat night - have money ITB to do Kane to Aguero - will put Kane captain home to Sunderland.

                                                  Any suggestions on who my 5th mid could be? Depending on rises and falls could be as high as 5.0 budget. Looking at 4-3-3 and playing Capoue anyway so will rarely get game time.

                                                  Like the Everton double up at the back, am a little nervous about selling Ibra , will mean I have Mandana, Pieters (due to drop this week), Firmino, Sanchez and Bony all in my team bought after drops which represents a bit of value I think.

                                                  Any other feedback appreciated.

                                                  1. Teror
                                                    • 11 Years
                                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                                    Needs more Aguero and Ibra and less KdB and Pieters and Evans

                                                3. Ziro
                                                  • 10 Years
                                                  9 years, 3 months ago

                                                  Suarez has netted 88 goals and claimed 43 assists for the Catalan giants in all competitions in just 100 matches 😯

                                                  http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11096/10574246/suarez-beats-ronaldos-record

                                                  1. Teror
                                                    • 11 Years
                                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                                    It's like playing FIFA on amateur mode.

                                                  2. @persecuted_by_mods
                                                      9 years, 3 months ago

                                                      His record has been better than any player in the world since that Liverpool season hasn't it. Monster of a player

                                                  3. Who Ate All Depays?
                                                    • 12 Years
                                                    9 years, 3 months ago

                                                    On WC who would be the better pick if money not an issue?
                                                    A) Sanchez
                                                    B) Hazard

                                                    1. Worzel Gummidge
                                                        9 years, 3 months ago

                                                        Money is always an issue. hazard for me as there are valid alternatives in Arsenal midfield. There are not in Chelseas.

                                                      • @persecuted_by_mods
                                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                                          Right now Sanchez, Chelsea have tough fixtures coming up and I don't see them finishing 4th myself

                                                      • Frank Black
                                                        • 13 Years
                                                        9 years, 3 months ago

                                                        Is Son going to start against Sunderland or is Poch going to rotate?

                                                        1. Worzel Gummidge
                                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                                            Let me text him. 2 minutes

                                                        2. Teror
                                                          • 11 Years
                                                          9 years, 3 months ago

                                                          A. Negredo > Kane

                                                          B. Save FT

                                                          1. Worzel Gummidge
                                                              9 years, 3 months ago

                                                              Get rid of him but not sure Kane is the best option

                                                              1. Teror
                                                                • 11 Years
                                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                                But Dembele is back this week. And Kane and Dembele are BFF's (Best Football Friends)

                                                          2. Gabantoya
                                                            • 13 Years
                                                            9 years, 3 months ago

                                                            whats up with lukaku?

                                                            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                                                9 years, 3 months ago

                                                                Troll? (You, not Lukaku)