Team News
20 September 2016 1906 comments
James H James H
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United’s Marcus Rashford stakes a claim for another start by netting his second goal in three Gameweeks. Mauricio Pochettino rotates in attacking midfield after Tottenham Hotspur’s Champions League match, while Nacer Chadli thrives in the central support role for West Brom.

After rolling out part one of Lineup Lessons yesterday, here’s the lowdown on the remaining 10 teams.

Man United

Starting XI: De Gea; Valencia (Mata 62), Smalling, Bailly, Shaw (Memphis 85); Fellaini, Pogba; Rashford, Rooney, Martial (Young 38); Ibrahimovic.

  • Jose Mourinho made three changes for the trip to Vicarage Road, with Chris Smalling, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial replacing Daley Blind, Jesse Lingard and the injured Henrikh Mkhitaryan.
  • Smalling partnered Eric Bailly in central defence, while Martial and Rashford started out wide for United, with the pair regularly switching wings. Mourinho started with a 4-3-3, with Wayne Rooney in central midfield, but changed to 4-2-3-1 after the break.
  • Martial’s afternoon only lasted 38 minutes, though, having suffered a head injury, while he also appeared to take a knock to his ankle. Ashley Young replaced him in a straight swap. Then shortly after the hour mark, Mourinho turned to Juan Mata, with the Spaniard coming on at the expense of Antonio Valencia. That change saw Young move to right-back, allowing Mata to operate on the right of the three advanced midfield positions. As a final roll of the dice, Memphis Depay was thrown on for Luke Shaw, who picked up a groin problem.
  • After a disappointing performance, Mourinho could ring the changes for the home encounter against champions Leicester on Saturday. Valencia may have just been substituted for tactical reasons and should keep his place, though Shaw is more of a concern – he could utilise Matteo Darmian, Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo or even Young at left-back if Shaw fails to make it. Blind could return in central defence following a poor display by Smalling, though, while Mourinho may consider both tactical and personnel changes in midfield, with Ander Herrera, Michael Carrick and Morgan Schneiderlin all options to replace Marouane Fellaini and even Wayne Rooney should he consider using a 4-3-3 system. Ibrahimovic and Rashford should keep their places, with Mata, Young, Lingard and Mkhitaryan, provided he’s passed fit, options should Martial be ruled out.

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

Middlesbrough

Starting XI: Valdes: Barragan, Ayala, Gibson, Friend: Nsue (Nugent 60), de Roon, Forshaw (Clayton 83): Downing: Negredo, Ramirez (Fischer 70).

  • Aitor Karanka made three alterations for the trip to Goodison Park, with Marten de Roon, Emilio Nsue and Gaston Ramirez recalled in place of Adam Clayton, Viktor Fischer and the injured Cristhian Stuani.
  • De Roon partnered Adam Forshaw in central midfield in Karanka’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nsue playing further forward than we’ve seen so far this season on the right of the attacking midfield trio. Ramirez returned in the number ten role, with Stewart Downing stationed on the left wing.
  • With his side trailing 3-1, Karanka initially turned to David Nugent off the bench, with the forward replacing Nsue on the right in a straight swap. Fischer then came on in place of Ramirez in the number ten role with 20 minutes remaining, with Karanka’s final change seeing Clayton take over from Forshaw in the engine room.
  • With De Roon likely to take one of the two central midfield spots, there remains little to choose between Clayton and Forshaw for the other position. Clayton is a doubt for the weekend, though, after picking up a knock last time out. Stuani would appear set to come straight back into the side should he recover from a groin injury, with Nugent and Fischer other viable options in the advanced midfield positions. Calum Chambers could also perhaps be an option in central defence, although he may have to wait a bit longer for his chance.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Right-Wing

Southampton

Starting XI: Forster; Cedric, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand; Romeu, Clasie (Hojbjerg 53); Davis; Long (Austin 53), Redmond, Tadic (Martina 80).

  • Southampton manager Claude Puel only made one alteration from the side that lost 2-1 to Arsenal for the visit of Swansea to St Mary’s, with Shane Long coming in for the injured Jay Rodriguez.
  • Long partnered Nathan Redmond in attack in Puel’s usual 4-1-2-1-2 formation, although at times it resembled a 4-3-3, with Dusan Tadic drifting to the right, and Long to the left.
  • With the match goalless after 53 minutes, Puel made a double substitution, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Charlie Austin replacing Jordy Clasie and Long in straight swaps. With 10 minutes remaining, Puel made a slightly defensive substitution in an attempt to preserve the 1-0 lead, with Cuco Martina replacing Tadic. Martina played at right-back, with Cedric Soares playing in front of him as a right-sided midfielder.
  • After picking up his first Premier League win, Puel is expected to name a similar starting XI for the trip to West Ham. With three goals in his last two matches in all competitions, Austin could replace Long in attack, while Hojbjerg is a viable alternative to Clasie in midfield. Rodriguez will also return to contention providing he shakes off a minor knock.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central Midfield, Strikers

Stoke City

Starting XI: Given, Cameron, Shawcross, Martins Indi, Johnson, Whelan, Allen, Walters, Bojan (Diouf 68), Arnautovic, Bony.

  • Mark Hughes made two alterations for the trip to Selhurst Park, with Glen Johnson returning from injury to replace Erik Pieters, while Bojan started in place of Giannelli Imbula.
  • The inclusion of Bojan saw Hughes switch back to a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the former Barcelona player flanked by Jon Walters (right) and Marko Arnautovic (left) in the attacking midfield positions. Johnson played in his usual position at right-back, with Geoff Cameron shifting over to the left.
  • Given the poor performance by his side, it was somewhat surprising to see Hughes only make one change during the match, with Mame Biram Diouf replacing Bojan after 68 minutes. That substitution saw the Potters end in a traditional 4-4-2, with Diouf stationed alongside Wilfried Bony in attack
  • While Stoke are on a terrible run of form, it doesn’t appear as if Hughes has many options in which to help reverse his side’s fortunes. Pieters and Phil Bardsley have failed to impress this season, leaving Marc Muniesa as the only other option in defence. Likewise, Imbula was dropped against Palace, with Charlie Adam perhaps another option to come into the side in midfield. Xherdan Shaqiri is still struggling to overcome a calf injury, and Hughes will be desperate for the Swiss international to be passed fit to face West Brom on Saturday.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Attacking Midfield

Sunderland

Starting XI: Pickford; Denayer (McNair 90), Kone, Djilobodji, Manquillo; Kirchhoff (Khazri 79); Januzaj, Ndong, Cattermole, Pienaar (Watmore 63); Defoe.

  • David Moyes made four changes for the trip to White Hart Lane, with Jason Denayer and the fit-again Lee Cattermole replacing the injured Patrick van Aanholt and Jack Rodwell, while Didier Ndong and Steven Pienaar started in place of Lynden Gooch and Duncan Watmore.
  • Moyes opted for more of a 4-1-4-1 formation against Tottenham, with Adnan Januzaj, Cattermole, Ndong and Pienaar forming the four-man midfield behind lone striker Jermain Defoe. Jan Kirchhoff was stationed in front of the back four, which saw Denayer starting at right-back, with Javier Manquillo switching over to the left.
  • Moyes’ first substitution came just after the hour mark, with Watmore taking over from Pienaar on the left flank. Wahbi Khazri was then introduced in an attacking move by Moyes, coming on in place of Kirchhoff to operate in the number ten role in more of a 4-2-3-1 formation. With Denayer tiring in his first start for the club, Paddy McNair came on in his place for the final few minutes.
  • Earlier this morning, Moyes confirmed that Van Aanholt missed out on the advice of cardiologists following test results – the Dutchman has been included in the EFL Cup squad to face QPR but may not feature. Denayer and Manquillo did a relatively good job in the full-back positions, though, so they may keep their places in the side should Van Aanholt be unavailable for the home clash against Crystal Palace. Januzaj will serve his one-match ban in the EFL Cup, so he will be available to face the Eagles on Saturday. Moyes may consider moving to the slightly more attacking 4-2-3-1 formation, which would give the likes of Watmore, Khazri and Gooch more of a chance to earn a starting berth. Jermain Defoe has been ruled out of tomorrow’s cup clash with QPR but is expected to recover from a minor knock in time for the weekend.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Full-Backs, Central Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Swansea City

Starting XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandez, Kingsley (Rangel 46), Amat; Cork (Borja 81), Ki Sung-yeung (Montero 65), Fer; Sigurdsson, Llorente, Barrow.

  • Francesco Guidolin only made one adjustment for the trip to Southampton, with Modou Barrow earning a recall in place of Neil Taylor.
  • Barrow operated as one of two attacking midfield players, along with Gylfi Sigurdsson, in a 4-3-2-1 formation.
  • After struggling somewhat at the end of the first half, Stephen Kingsley was replaced by Angel Rangel at half-time. That change saw the Spaniard operate in his usual position at right-back, with Kyle Naughton shifting over to left-back. After falling a goal behind, Guidolin turned to Jefferson Montero off the bench, with the Ecuadorian coming on for Ki Sung-yeung. That change saw the Swans switch to a more attacking 4-2-3-1, with Montero (left) and Barrow (right) providing the width. The final substitution saw Borja Baston handed his debut for the Welsh side, with the Spaniard joining his compatriot Fernando Llorente in attack, leaving just Leroy Fer in central midfield.
  • Guidolin revealed Neil Taylor will start Wednesday night’s clash against Man City in the EFL Cup, and should he impress in that match, he could push Kingsley for the starting spot at left-back. Leon Britton provides an alternative in central midfield, while Montero may only come into the side should the Italian opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation from the off against the Citizens on Saturday. Borja is also likely to feature in midweek, and depending on how many minutes he plays, he could challenge Llorente for the lone striker role.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central Midfield, Lone Striker

Tottenham Hotspur

Starting XI: Lloris; Walker, Dier (Davies 77), Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Wanyama, Dembele (Lamela 74); Sissoko, Alli, Heung-Min Son; Kane (Janssen 87).

  • Mauricio Pochettino made two changes for the home encounter against Sunderland, with Mousa Dembele and Moussa Sissoko coming in for Ben Davies and Christian Eriksen.
  • Those changes meant Eric Dier dropped into central defence next to Toby Alderweireld, with Jan Vertonghen shifting over to left-back. Dembele partnered Victor Wanyama in the double-pivot in the usual 4-2-3-1, with Sissoko stationed on the right of the attacking midfield trio.
  • All three of Tottenham’s substitutions were injury related, with Dier and Dembele both withdrawn due to hamstring problems. They were replaced by Davies and Erik Lamela respectively. Then in the final five minutes, Harry Kane suffered what looked to be a nasty ankle injury, and was replaced in a straight swap by Vincent Janssen.
  • While Davies may have just been rested against Sunderland, Pochettino will hope to have Danny Rose available to return at left-back against Middlesbrough. It remains to be seen whether Dier and Dembele’s injuries were anything worse than just cramp caused by fatigue, but they certainly mean it’s more likely that Wanyama will keep his place in the starting XI, partnered by either Sissoko or Alli in central midfield should Dier and Dembele fail to make it. Janssen is the obvious replacement up front if Kane is ruled out with ligament damage.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Left-Back, Central midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Watford

Starting XI: Gomes; Cathcart, Britos, Prodl, Holebas; Janmaat (Amrabat, 49), Behrami, Capoue (Zuniga 82), Pereyra; Deeney, Ighalo (Success 90).

  • Walter Mazzarri only made one change from the side that beat West Ham 4-2 for the home clash against Man United, with Sebastian Prodl coming in for the injured Younes Kaboul.
  • Prodl started alongside Miguel Britos and Craig Cathcart in the three-man defence, while Odion Ighalo was asked to play in an inside left position for large parts of the match, leaving Troy Deeney as the lone striker.
  • After suffering a shoulder injury, Daryl Janmaat had to be replaced four minutes into the second half, with Nordin Amrabat taking his place in a straight swap. Mazzarri then turned to Juan Zuniga off the bench, with the Colombian playing in midfield in place of Etienne Capoue for the final eight minutes. Isaac Success was handed a run-out late on, taking over from Ighalo in a straight swap.
  • Mazzarri will check on the fitness of Janmaat and Kaboul ahead of the trip to Burnley. If the pair are ruled out, Prodl should keep his place in the starting XI, which he could do even if Kaboul is passed fit, while Amrabat is the obvious replacement for Janmaat. Otherwise, the Italian will likely continue with the same side following consecutive victories.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Right Wing-Back, Central Defence

West Brom

Starting XI: Foster; Dawson, McAuley, Evans ,Galloway (Nyom 67); Yacob, Fletcher; McClean, Chadli (Morrison 75), Phillips, Rondon (Robson-Kanu 86).

  • Tony Pulis made two alterations for the visit of West Ham to the Hawthorns, with James McClean and Salomon Rondon coming in for Sam Field and Saido Berahino.
  • McClean started on the left of an attacking midfield trio in the 4-2-3-1 formation, with Nacer Chadli used in the number ten role behind lone striker Rondon.
  • Pulis made his first substitution after 67 minutes, with Allan Nyom coming on for Brendan Galloway. Nyom played at centre-back, with Jonny Evans moving over to left-back. Chadli was forced off with a knock with 15 minutes remaining, with James Morrison taking his place in a straight swap. Pulis’ final substitution saw Hal Robson-Kanu make his Baggies debut in place of Rondon for the final four minutes.
  • After his side’s most impressive performance of the season, Pulis may look to name an unchanged side for the trip to his former club Stoke City. Berahino does offer another option in the number ten role should Chadli be ruled out, but if the Belgian is passed fit, Berahino may again have to settle for a place among the substitutes. Chris Brunt stepped up his recovery with a run out for the reserves last night but is unlikely to be fit in time for the weekend after an extended period on the sidelines.

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

West Ham

Starting XI: Adrian, Nordtveit, Collins, Ogbonna, Masuaku (Fletcher 76); Kouyate, Noble (Feghouli 46); Antonio, Lanzini, Payet, Zaza (Calleri 46).

  • Slaven Bilic made two changes from the side that lost 4-2 to Watford for the trip to West Brom, with Havard Nordtveit and Angelo Ogbonna coming in for the injured Sam Byram and Winston Reid.
  • Nordtveit and Ogbonna slotted in at right-back and centre-back respectively, while Bilic once again used Michail Antonio, Manuel Lanzini and Dimitri Payet in the three advanced midfield positions in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
  • Heading into the break 3-0 down, Bilic made a double substitution at half-time, with Sofiane Feghouli and Jonathan Calleri coming on in place of Mark Noble and Simone Zaza. The changes saw Bilic switch to a 4-1-4-1 system, with Feghouli on the right of midfield, allowing Antonio to move over to the left wing. Calleri replaced Zaza as the lone striker. After enduring a torrid afternoon, Arthur Masuaku was replaced by Ashley Fletcher for the final 14 minutes as West Ham continued to try and get back into the match.
  • Following successive 4-2 defeats, Bilic will be considering changes in almost all positions ahead of the visit of Southampton to London Stadium. Darren Randolph offers an alternative to Adrian in goal, while none of his defenders look assured of a starting role. Byram and in particular Reid could return should they recover from knocks, while Alvaro Arbeloa should be close to being fit enough to feature in the Premier League. Nordtveit is also an option in central midfield, along with Pedro Obiang, with Lanzini’s position perhaps in doubt should Bilic switch to a more solid 4-3-3 formation. Dimitri Payet and Michail Antonio look the only two players certain of keeping their starting spots, with Calleri and Fletcher alternatives to Zaza in attack.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: All Positions

  1. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Who is your differential?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I don't have one 🙁 I guess Mane-Firmino may count as something a little different?

      1. Rossonero
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        On WC and going with those two, gonna be fun to watch Liverpool games. Do you expect them to score a lot in those so called smaller games or they are going to struggle?

    2. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard and Ibra.

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

      Lovren 😀

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Lovely. Would have gone there if on wildcard.

    4. KOLASINA(C)
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Hazard and Ibra.

      whoops

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

      Calum Wilson and Petr Cech

    6. Clump
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Manè.

    7. El Patron
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Son

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

      Firmino

    9. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ozil

    10. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Some nice punts in there.

    11. Rolls-Royce
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ibra + Lukaku + Aguero + Sanchez

    12. Christina.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Ibra/Kun/Lukaku front 3

    13. ddande
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Benteke and Erikson

    14. Rinseboy
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Coleman!

      1. Rinseboy
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Every in.my.league has Baines!

    15. BB-8
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Chadli if I keep Ibra

    16. KingOllie
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Arsenal defence, firmino, deeney, puncheon

  2. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    If you could have any GK for the foreseeable future, who would it be?

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

      Cechford is beautiful

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

    Guys

    how nailed do you think sterling is with Sané getting fit?

    I have a 8.4 budget (already have Payet and Firmino) and would like to fit him in but I might also consider Dele Alli?

    1. BlzE_94
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I think Sterling is nailed, played in CL and then again in the PL game a few days after. He's playing well under Pep. Sane will probably play tomorrow.

    2. Team Zissou
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I think the spot should be his to lose.. always a risk though. I'm willling to take it watch supersub Capoue on the bench tho

    3. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No Man C players are nailed - rotation ahoy

    4. L9
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      propably now with nolito red card which means he ll lose next 3 matches sterling is more difficult to stay on bench

  4. BlzE_94
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Play Pickford or Foster next weekend?

    1. A-S-H
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      F for me

    2. Moss
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Play Pickford if you're starting a WBA defender

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      F

  5. Lateriser 12
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Got no players on Sunday or Monday.

    *gulp*

    1. My Name Is Prince
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No Capoeu?!?!?

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Bench.

        1. Sess!
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Isn't he always.....sigh

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No Antonio?

      I know Hammers are a bit sh!te at the moment, but the amount of shots the guy is getting away...

      1. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Antonio means Capoue 4th mid.

  6. Team Zissou
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Any 4.5 Keepers better than Foster if on WC.

    1. Team Zissou
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Sorry, terrible punctuation..

  7. ☻ Jon Snow ☻
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Should we turn our attention to Janssen now?

    1. ☻ Jon Snow ☻
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Our could spurs play Son on top?

    2. Jarnathan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I've got my eye on him. So far he seems to be a bit underwhelming compared to the kind of stats he had in the Dutch league...

      Anyone have any theories - just adjusting? Anyway definitely a game to watch this weekend.

  8. Boris Bodega
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Baines as a captain differential? The points ceiling must be very high.

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      NBNC.

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

        This

      2. Boris Bodega
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        No Baines, No ..... Calipso?

        1. TheSteel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          NeverCaptainNeverBench

          1. Boris Bodega
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            That's NCNB, he distinctly wrote NBNC....

            1. Big Sum
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              No Baines, No Calipso then

      3. Lateriser 12
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        No differential ain't your style buddy.

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Yep..a poor start means I'm going a little safe. Iheanacho was my punt for 2 weeks and did well 🙂 Who's your differential?

          1. Lateriser 12
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 2 months ago

            Beautiful admirable punt there. I've gone Iwobi, Bolasie and Benteke 😀

            Can punt since i have that wildthing left. 😉

            1. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 2 months ago

              Iwobi could rip Ivanovic a new one - good luck!*

              *Bad luck, really. I need to finish on top of you. 😉

              1. Lateriser 12
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 2 months ago

                First lets climb the ladder together?

                1. Davido989
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 2 months ago

                  And let's knock Zasa down 😉

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

    How is this WC team? Would you do any changes?

    Pickford Jakupovic

    Williams Lovren Evans Britos Amat

    KdB Alexis Firmino Snodgrass Capoue

    Kun Lukaku Deeney

    Thanks

  10. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    On WC.... How can I improve my keepers? Any other changes? Drop Capoue? Or just go with this for few weeks?

    Jaku
    Walker Williams McAuley
    Sanchez Firmino KDB Capoue
    Deeney Kun(c) Lukaku(v)

    (Pickford, Snodgrass, Amat, Kingsley)

    1. mashdan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Drop KDB to Sterling to improve keepers...
      Leave you with like 1.5 - so could upgrade either to a 5.5 premium keeper if you want (Cech comes to mind)

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Or wait a few weeks and see if Jaku gets dropped? Then downgrade one of KDB, Sanchez, Firmino, Lukaku if they loose form? Sound an OK plan?

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Rotating capoue and snodgrass should be fine for 4th spot
      Need a decent goalie
      McAuyly only for next 2 GWs

  11. Sylas
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Update on PVA:

    http://www.bbc.com/sport/football/37417135

    1. Sylas
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Analysis

      Nick Barnes, BBC Newcastle's Sunderland commentator

      It seems that, on Sunday, Sunderland decided to take the FA's advice that Van Aanholt should not play against Tottenham after cardiologists tests.

      But the club looked at it since and spoken with the player and feel he will be fine. It appears they are not overly concerned about whatever the problem is.

  12. mashdan
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    On a WC:

    Sanchez and Snodgrass
    OR
    Mane/Firmino and Cazorla

    My other front 6 are:
    Sterling, Capoue, Antonio
    Aguero, Lukaku, Deeney

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Don't like the second options in either. Sanchez if i had to.

      1. mashdan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Thats exactly my problem! :'( Neither do I!
        And in my mini league, many have Liverpool midfielders, so I dont wanna miss out hoping that Sanchez performs...

    2. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Toughie, if Sanchez maintains form I would go with Sanchez and Snodgrass.
      I think I'd go for Mane and Carzola though, a bit of a better spread

      1. mashdan
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        This is my thought process... I think Sanchez would probably outscore Mane and Cazorla normally, but the second gives me better coverage! :/
        I suppose given that Hull fixtures dont get better until a couple GWs time, I could see how Mane - Cazorla works for now...

  13. KUNingas
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    A) Snodgrass, Baines, Walker
    B) Bolasie, Coleman, Walker
    C) Antonio, Baines, 4.5?

    Thanks x)

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

      1. KUNingas
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

    2. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Volley127
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      C

  14. Speédy
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    forward 8
    sterling - capoue firmino antonio
    kun lukaku deeney
    who shd b the 5th mid,i hav 8.0

    1. mashdan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Same dilemma as me!
      You might be able to do Sanchez and Snodgrass (replacing Firmino too!) though I too am unsure!
      I think its a waste of money if I put Snodgrass in there (as Id have loads in the bank...)
      How about Cazorla?

      1. Speédy
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        me too am thinking cazorla,or maybe e1 walcott,arsenal hav easy fixtures coming up,no point in having both snod and capoue
        i like four solid mids and capoue on bench

    2. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Is it possible to find 0.1 for Coutinho? If not I'd just get Snodgrass and keep the cash.

      1. Speédy
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        can hav the 0.1,but pairing up on liverpool doesnt seem worth it,arsenal hav better fixtures

        1. I Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Cazorla then. Or Walcott.

  15. DrunkPhilosophy
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Is De Roon an automatic starter for Boro? or I should get Fletcher for that 4.4 spot?

    1. Fingerspitzengefühl
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Get Fletcher, gives you minutes and the occasional CS for 3 points.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Not an automatic starter. Manager has to manually pick him

  16. Lovren an elevator
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Any news on the severity of kane's injury yet?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      8 weeks.

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Great thank you.
        I don't suppose you know about dier and Shaw aswell?

    2. Azathoth
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      2 months out.

    3. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Check tweets above.

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

      Will miss the Scotland game

  17. Leeds-Utd
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Should I keep Hazard or spent 4pts to bring in A Liverpool Attacker?
    if yes which ) Liverpool player ?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Firm

    2. Speédy
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      firmino or coutinho

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

      Firmino

    4. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I dont know if its worth -4

      1. Leeds-Utd
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Cheers guys

    5. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Not sure if I'd do it for -4 especially since you've already taken the Hazard price drops.

  18. Fingerspitzengefühl
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    My main rival in my ML had his team rise from 101 to 101.4 overnight.

    How is that even possible when he only made 2 transfers and didn't own ANY of the risers from yesterday beforehand?

    1. Bleach †
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      He is on WC?

  19. ROOTY7
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Current attack. 2 FT.

    Firmino Capoue Sterling HAZARD BARKLEY
    Lukaku Ibra Rondon

    Will transfer out Hazard and Barkley and take -4 to do one of the below. Which one?

    A) Aguero, Rondon, Sanchez, Zaha
    B) Aguero, Ibra, Zaha, Snodgrass

    1. mashdan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Given fixtures, Id say A

    2. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

  20. Sune
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Sanchez or Firmino if no other cover?

    1. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Alex

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

      Sanchez imo

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Firmino

    4. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Sanchez, more explosive

  21. @theTinkermen
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    With Hazard looking set to drop for the third time in a game week, can anyone remember a premium priced player who dropped three times in the space of a week without being injured or suspended?

    Is it also too soon to write off Hazard or is it a case of getting in the form players with better fixtures?

    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Getting the form players with better fixtures. Hazard could easily be back in our teams when Chelsea's fixtures ease.

    2. Slumdog-Mignolet
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Took him out this week for Firmino after having him from the start. His away form is too poor for his price tag. If funds allow would rather have KDB or Sanchez.

      1. @theTinkermen
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I ditched him to still make .1 but I cant member ever seeing such a high value player drop so much in such a short space of time.

    3. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nice and cheap again when he comes back to me 😉

  22. Rinseboy
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    @ Lateriser can I get your thoughts on this wildcard team. No Ibra I know!

    Jaku Pickford
    Coleman Walker Holebas Evans Amat
    Sterling Sanchez Firmino Antonio Capoue
    Aguero Lukaku Deeney

    1. Lateriser 12
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Nothing wrong with that team. Looks well balanced. Good luck. Not a fan of those keepers though.

      1. Rinseboy
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks yeah keepers are risky will wait and see on those. Thanks for your feedback

  23. ANON.
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    What are people's thoughts on Mane v Firmino? Most people seem to pick Firmino out of the 2, is this just due to price? Are you expecting similar retrurns?

    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      The 0.6 does help but I expect Firmino to score just as many points as Mane, if not more.

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I picked mane, hes just looked so good and is more fun to warch. I may double up next week though.

      1. ANON.
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I wildcarded last week and saw Firmino wasn't in squad 20 mins before the deadline so switched to Mane

      2. Sess!
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I had the double up and mane(c) vs Leicester 😎

        1. Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Well played.

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

      I think its partially also the fact that Firmino plays as a ST whilst Mane is out wide (logically Firmino would have more chance to score...)
      Plus Firmino always seems to get something even when he's not necessarily playing well (people have pointed this out)
      However, it comes down to personal preference and most prediction sites have Mane to score more than Firmino over the coming weeks

  24. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Kane to return just in time for spurs' kind schedule 😎

  25. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    I did this for a -4 last night before Zaza dropped again, also Ibra and Hazard are looking to drop tonight I think (would have been a total loss of 0.3 overall)

    Hazard, Ibra, Zaza > Snodgrass, Aguero, Lukaku

    Gives me a front 8 of
    Sanchez, Snodgrass, Capoue, Sterling, Bolasie
    Costa, Aguero, Lukaku

    Looking good or knee jerk?

    1. I Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good.

    2. ANON.
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Not bad, might have been better keeping Ibra for next 2 and not taking a hit but time will tell

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        It was either Costa or Ibra to fund Aguero, dont like Costa but at least he is getting the points and United at the moment...

        1. ANON.
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          I think keeping Ibra for next 2 and getting Aguero in GW8 is a decent option. I got Aguero in for Benteke already but with your frontline I would have been tempted to wait rather than take a hit. At least you're in a less risky position now in case Aguero gets a hat trick v Swansea

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Good

    4. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Relying on 2 of Bolaise Capoue and Snodgrass every week would work me

      1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        It is going to work me too but no fun otherwise 😉

        1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Giddyup 😉
          Good luck

  26. john25
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, is getting Pickford and Jaku for GKs in WC team too risky?

    Don't mind using the extra cash elsewhere.

    Cheers

    1. FF Dirtbag
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      I'm doing it. I don't think Pickford will get changed... unless he has super poor performances, but he looks like a good keeper.

  27. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on this defence?

    Cech Pickford
    Baines, Lovren, Walker, Zuniga, Kingsley

    1. KLOPPS AND ROBBERS... the s…
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      No to Zuniga

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Need Brom cover

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

        The next 6 are awful

        sto sun TOT liv MCI lei

        1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks KoL
          Watford over Brom fixtures are waaaaayyyy better

    3. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Holebas over zuniga. Looks good otherwise.

      1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Holebas over Evans?
        What if Zuniga was now nailed?

        1. FDMS All Starz
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Zuniga isn't nailed, he come on for capoue

    4. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Lovren is a liverpool defender so you'll rarely get a CS out if him. Zuniga not nailed. Rest is fine

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

      For security would go Ward and Amat over Zuniga and Kingsley

    6. Slumdog-Mignolet
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool fan here, chances of clean sheets are minimal. Would also swap Zuniga for Holebas as he's more nailed.

      1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Fulani, your fixtures are amazing. Surely you'll get a few

        1. Slumdog-Mignolet
          • 14 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Will always concede a sloppy goal. Suppose Lovren has good goal threat. Would still swap him for Evans/McAuley though.

    7. mashdan
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Decent... although Id be inclined to swap Lovren as Liverpool never seem to keep clean sheets...
      Also, if you can find 0.1, then id get rid of Zuniga for Holebas - we're still unsure on his game time

      1. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        I do have 0.1
        Hoping on Zuniga for a punt

        1. Belalugozi78
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 2 months ago

          Zuniga won't play. Only 15 -20 minutes from bench.

    8. gbpearce - AMERICAN DYCHO
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Thanks all
      Appreciate your input

  28. karvs155
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    Best GK combo these days?

    1. karvs155
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      longterm

      1. Slumdog-Mignolet
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 2 months ago

        Foster Pickford

    2. FDMS All Starz
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Any 4.5 & 4.5 gks that rotate, dnt see Pickford/jaku being a season long pick

  29. Richard Norris
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    a) Firmino and Antonio

    OR

    b) Chadli and Payet

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    2. karvs155
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    3. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

    4. Slumdog-Mignolet
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      A

  30. Mr. O'Connell
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 2 months ago

    anyone playing 3-5-2? Always seems to get shot down on here

    Pickford, Jaku
    Baines, Walker, Holebas, Smith, Amat
    Sanchez, KDB, Firmino, Antonio, Capoue
    Aguero, Lukaku, Diomande

    no benching headache at least

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Good team.

    2. Sess!
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good.