Team News
7 November 2016 1746 comments
James H James H
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Pep Guardiola continues to tinker as he rests Raheem Sterling, Burnley revert to a one-man attack, while Everton are the latest to dabble, unsuccessfully, with a three-man defence.

Here’s part one of lessons learned from the Gameweek 11 teamsheets.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Bellerin, Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Coquelin (Ramsey 65), Xhaka; Walcott (Oxlade-Chamberlain 71), Ozil, Iwobi (Giroud 70); Sanchez.

  • Arsene Wenger made three changes from the side that beat Sunderland 4-1 for the north London derby, with the fit-again Nacho Monreal and Theo Walcott replacing Kieran Gibbs and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, while Granit Xhaka returned from suspension to replace Mohamed Elneny.
  • Xhaka partnered Francis Coquelin at the base of midfield for the Gunners in Wenger’s standard 4-2-3-1 formation, with Walcott returning on the right of the attacking midfield trio.
  • Wenger made an attacking first substitution with the match evenly poised at 1-1, with Aaron Ramsey coming on in place of Coquelin in a straight swap just after the hour-mark. Then, with 20 minutes remaining, he introduced Olivier Giroud and Oxlade-Chamberlain in place of Walcott and Alex Iwobi. Notably, Alexis Sanchez shifted to the left flank to allow Giroud to take over as the lone striker.
  • Arsenal once again missed the craft of Santi Cazorla in the middle of the park, so Wenger will be desperate for the Spaniard to fully recover from an Achilles injury to face Man United after the international break. Xhaka’s place appears the most at risk, while a quiet performance from Iwobi means he could come under pressure from the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey and Giroud, with Sanchez a possibility to then start out on the left wing should Giroud be handed a starting berth.

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

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Boruc; Smith, Cook, Francis, Daniels; Gosling, Arter (Mousset 77), Stanislas (Fraser 82), Wilshere, Ibe (Afobe 46); King.

  • Eddie Howe was forced into making two changes for the visit of Sunderland to the Vitality Stadium, with Dan Gosling and the fit-again Junior Stanislas earning recalls in place of the injured Andrew Surman and Callum Wilson.
  • Gosling started next to Harry Arter in central midfield in the 4-2-3-1 formation, while Stanislas returned on the right of the attacking midfield trio. That meant it was Josh King who operated as the lone striker for the Cherries.
  • With the score level at 1-1, Howe decided to make a change at half-time, with Benik Afobe introduced in place of Jordon Ibe. That substitution forced a reshuffle in attack, with King moving to the right wing, and Stanislas to the left, allowing Afobe to lead the line. After falling 2-1 behind, Howe turned to Lys Mousset and Ryan Fraser, with Arter and Stanislas making way. Fraser played on the left wing, with Mousset on the right, seeing King move alongside Afobe up front in a 4-4-2, leaving Gosling and Jack Wilshere in central midfield.
  • Bournemouth will be without the suspended Adam Smith for the trip to Stoke City following the international break after he picked up his fifth yellow card of the season. Howe may use either Nathan Ake or Tyrone Mings to replace Smith, then, or perhaps consider moving Simon Francis to right-back, with one of that pair drafted in at centre-back. Surman’s hamstring injury means he’s likely to still be out for Gameweek 12, so Gosling may keep his place in the side, while Afobe could push for a start if Wilson (knock) remains unavailable. Ibe’s starting spot appears to be the most at risk.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Right-Back, Central Midfield, Flanks, Lone Striker

Burnley

Starting XI: Heaton; Lowton, Keane, Mee, Flanagan; Marney, Defour (Tarkowski 74); Gudmundsson, Hendrick (Barnes 85), Arfield (Boyd 65); Vokes.

  • Sean Dyche made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 against Man United for the home fixture against Crystal Palace, with Jon Flanagan coming in for the injured Stephen Ward, while the fit-again Steven Defour earned a recall in place of Andre Gray.
  • Defour’s inclusion meant Dyche switched from the 4-4-2 to a 4-2-3-1, with Jeff Hendrick stationed in the central attacking midfield role behind lone striker Sam Vokes. Defour partnered Dean Marney in the double-pivot, while Flanagan slotted in at left-back for the Clarets.
  • After Connor Wickham pulled a goal back to reduce Burnley’s lead, Dyche turned to George Boyd off the bench, with the energetic midfielder brought on in place of Scott Arfield in a straight swap. With Defour not ready to complete 90 minutes, the Belgian was taken off with 16 minutes remaining, with James Tarkowski brought on to sit in front of the back four alongside Marney to help preserve Burnley’s 2-1 lead. But after Palace equalised, Dyche threw on striker Ashley Barnes in place of Hendrick, ending the match in a 4-4-2.
  • Dyche’s selection for the trip to West Brom in Gameweek 12 will largely depend on whether he looks to hand a recall to Gray up front, and move back to a 4-4-2. Given the performance on Saturday, he may choose to stick with a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1, with Defour and Hendrick both likely to keep their starting roles. Boyd may push Arfield for a berth on the left wing, while should Ward recover from a hamstring problem, he could return in place of Flanagan.

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

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill (Terry 84); Moses, Kante, Matic, Alonso; Pedro (Oscar 71), Costa, Hazard (Batshuayi 80).

  • Chelsea manager Antonio Conte once again named an unchanged starting XI for the home clash against Everton.
  • The Italian rolled out the 3-4-3 formation once more, with Pedro and Eden Hazard again flanking central striker Diego Costa.
  • With the Blues holding a 5-0 lead, Conte took off Pedro, Hazard and Gary Cahill during the final 20 minutes, with Oscar, Michy Batshuayi and John Terry coming on in straight swaps.
  • Providing none of his starting XI pick up any injuries over the international break, Conte is likely to name the same side for the trip to Middlesbrough. Willian missed out due to illness on Saturday but appears unlikely to usurp Pedro for the starting role on the right wing. Kurt Zouma and Cesc Fabregas will be available to return after the international break, but neither player is expected to force their way into the starting XI just yet.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Right Wing

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Mandanda; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Kelly (Fryers 59); Cabaye, McArthur (Ledley 87); Townsend, Puncheon (Wickham 59), Zaha; Benteke.

  • Alan Pardew made three changes for the trip to Turf Moor, with Damien Delaney, Jason Puncheon and Andros Townsend earning recalls in place of James Tomkins, Joe Ledley and Lee Chung-yong.
  • Those changes saw Pardew change from his favoured 4-2-3-1 to a 4-3-3 system, with Puncheon starting alongside James McArthur and Yohan Cabaye in central midfield. Townsend and Wilfried Zaha flanked central striker Christian Benteke, while Delaney partnered Scott Dann in central defence. Pardew interestingly swapped his full-backs around for Saturday’s match, with Martin Kelly starting at right-back, and Joel Ward at left-back.
  • After falling 2-0 behind, Pardew made a double substitution, with Zeki Fryers and Connor Wickham coming on for Kelly and Puncheon. Fryers slotted in at left-back for the Eagles, with Ward shifting over to the right, while Wickham joined Benteke in attack, forming more of a 4-4-2. Ledley was handed a brief run-out late on to provide some fresh legs in place of McArthur in the engine room.
  • Given Palace shipped another three goals on Saturday, Pardew may again make changes at the back, with Fryers and Tomkins options to replace Delaney and Kelly. Wickham’s performance off the bench could mean that Pardew even considers starting with a 4-4-2 in Gameweek 12, though that remains unlikely given the quality of the City midfield. Ledley could push for a recall as a more defensive midfield option, perhaps in place of Puncheon.

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

Everton

Starting XI: Stekelenburg; Williams, Jagielka, Funes Mori; Coleman, Barry (Davies 66), Barkley, Cleverley, Oviedo (Mirallas 36); Bolasie (Lennon 60), Lukaku.

  • Ronald Koeman made three changes for the trip to Stamford Bridge, with Phil Jagielka earning a recall in place of the suspended Idrissa Gueye, while the fit-again Maarten Stekelenburg and Tom Cleverley started in place of Joel Robles and Kevin Mirallas.
  • Those changes saw Koeman switch from his usual 4-2-3-1 to a 3-5-2, with Jagielka joining Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori in a three-man backline. Seamus Coleman and Bryan Oviedo operated as wing-backs, with Cleverley starting alongside Gareth Barry and Ross Barkley in central midfield. Yannick Bolasie started next to Romelu Lukaku in attack for the Toffees.
  • But having seen his Everton side run ragged during the opening half-hour, Koeman decided to make a change, with Mirallas introduced in place of Oviedo. That substitution saw Everton switch to a 4-3-3, with Funes Mori moving to left-back, while Mirallas and Bolasie flanked central striker Lukaku in attack. Bolasie was the next player to make way, with Aaron Lennon replacing the DR Congo international on the hour in a straight swap. Minutes later, Koeman brought on youngster Tom Davies in place of Barry to try and provide some fresh legs in the middle of the park.
  • Koeman’s decision to change formations due to the absence of Gueye backfired dramatically on Saturday, but with the midfielder back for the home encounter against Swansea City, Koeman should return to either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. Barry will miss that match due to suspension, though, so Gueye and Cleverley may combine, with Mirallas earning a recall in the attacking midfield positions. The likes of Lennon and Davies provide further options, while James McCarthy would also come into contention should he recover from injury. Funes Mori looks set to drop back to the bench, while Koeman will hope Leighton Baines can return from a hamstring injury to replace Oviedo at left-back. After being partially at fault for a couple of the goals, and given Robles kept a clean sheet in the previous match against West Ham, Stekelenburg’s starting berth is now under threat.

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

Hull City

Starting XI: Marshall; Dawson, Maguire (Huddlestone 74), Davies; Elmohamady, Henriksen, Livermore, Mason, Clucas; Keane (Snodgrass 29) Hernandez (Mbokani 8).

  • Mike Phelan named an unchanged side from the one that lost 1-0 at Watford for the home clash against Southampton.
  • Phelan stuck with the 3-5-2 once again, then, with Abel Hernandez and Will Keane combining in attack for the Tigers.
  • Hull were forced into making an early change, with Hernandez forced off with a groin strain. The Uruguayan was replaced by the returning Dieumerci Mbokani in a straight swap. But the Tigers suffered further misfortune after Keane had to be replaced with a knee injury. The fit-again Robert Snodgrass was introduced, a change which saw the home side move to more of a 3-4-3, with Snodgrass (right) and Markus Henriksen (left) flanking central striker Mbokani. Phelan’s final substitution saw Tom Huddlestone replace Harry Maguire and stationed in a defensive midfield role next to Jake Livermore, as Hull closed the match off in more of a 4-5-1 system.
  • After a stirring comeback, Phelan would seem likely to opt for a similar side to the one that finished the match, with both Hernandez and Keane struggling to be available for the trip to Sunderland. If he goes with a 3-4-3, Snodgrass and Mbokani appear likely starters, with Henriksen or perhaps Shaun Maloney playing on the left. That would leave Ryan Mason and Livermore to patrol central midfield.

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

Leicester City

Starting XI: Zieler; Simpson, Morgan, Huth (Ulloa 87), Fuchs; Mahrez, Drinkwater, King, Musa (Gray 67); Okazaki (Vardy 46), Slimani.

  • Claudio Ranieri made two changes for the home encounter against West Bromwich Albion, with Ron-Robert Zieler replacing the injured Kasper Schmeichel in goal, while the fit-again Islam Slimani earned a recall in place of Jamie Vardy.
  • Slimani led the line for the Foxes, then, with Riyad Mahrez (right), Shinji Okazaki (No 10) and Ahmed Musa (left) forming the attacking midfield trio in the 4-2-3-1 formation.
  • Following a lacklustre first-half display, Ranieri made a change at the break, with Vardy coming on for Okazaki, seeing the home side switch to a 4-4-2. Demarai Gray was then introduced for Musa in a straight swap midway through the second-half, and with West Brom leading 2-1, Ranieri threw on Leonardo Ulloa in place of Robert Huth as a final roll of the dice, ending the match in a 3-4-3.
  • After a disappointing home defeat, Ranieri may consider recalling the likes of Daniel Amartey and Vardy for the trip to Watford after the international break. Amartey could replace Andy King in central midfield, while Vardy may come in at the expense of Okazaki. Gray and Albrighton are also viable alternatives to Musa on the left flank. Zieler looks set to be the starter in goal for the next few matches after Schmeichel underwent surgery on a broken hand.

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

Liverpool

Starting XI: Karius: Clyne, Lucas, Matip, Milner: Henderson, Emre Can, Lallana (Sturridge 70): Mane (Wijnaldum 63), Firmino, Coutinho (Ejaria 86).

  • Jurgen Klopp made two changes for the visit of Watford to Anfield, with James Milner returning from illness to replace Alberto Moreno, while Lucas Leiva started in place of Dejan Lovren, who himself missed out due to a virus.
  • Lucas partnered Joel Matip in central defence for the Reds, then, while Milner returned at left-back in what was once again a 4-3-3 formation used by Klopp.
  • With the match won, Klopp firstly brought on Georginio Wijnaldum in place of Sadio Mane. Minutes later, Daniel Sturridge then replaced Adam Lallana, seeing Roberto Firmino move to the right of the front three, with Sturridge taking over as the lone striker. Wijnaldum joined Jordan Henderson and Emre Can in central midfield. Klopp’s final change saw youngster Ovie Ejaria get a brief run-out in place of Philippe Coutinho.
  • With the international break now upon us, Lovren should be fit to return to the starting XI in place of Lucas for the trip to Southampton in 12 days’ time. Otherwise, Klopp will probably look to name an unchanged side, unless he decides to rest Coutinho given that Brazil play in the early hours of Wednesday morning ahead of the trip to St Mary’s on Saturday. Firmino could also be rested, although he is less likely to earn minutes for Brazil.

Current Status: Very Settled
Risk Areas: Central Defence

Man City

Starting XI: Bravo; Zabaleta, Stones, Kolarov, Clichy; Fernandinho; Navas (Garcia 86), Gundogan (Nolito 75), De Bruyne, Silva; Aguero (Iheanacho 90).

  • Pep Guardiola made four changes for the home clash against Middlesbrough, with Pablo Zabaleta, Gael Clichy, Jesus Navas and Kevin De Bruyne coming in for Fernando, Nicolas Otamendi, Raheem Sterling and Nolito.
  • Zabaleta and Clichy started at right-back and left-back respectively, with Aleksandar Kolarov partnering John Stones in central defence. De Bruyne started alongside Ilkay Gundogan in central midfield in the 4-1-4-1 formation, with David Silva (left) and Navas (right) stationed out wide.
  • Guardiola made his first substitution with 15 minutes remaining, with Nolito brought on for Gundogan. Nolito played on the left wing for the home side, with Silva moving into central midfield. Aleix Garcia was then introduced for Jesus Navas, with Guardiola handing Kelechi Iheanacho a brief run-out at the death in place of Sergio Aguero.
  • The numerous options that Guardiola has at his disposal means that rotation looks set to be a constant issue for Fantasy managers. In defence, Otamendi may come back in against Crystal Palace after he was rested at the weekend, with Kolarov perhaps taking over from Clichy at left-back. Vincent Kompany provides another option, though, while Bacary Sagna should also be back from a hamstring injury to offer an alternative to Zabaleta at right-back. Likewise in midfield, Sterling should return after he was rested against ‘Boro, while Sane and Nolito provide further options in the wide areas.

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

The second part of Line-up Lessons, assessing the final 10 teams, will be published tomorrow.

  1. Colonel Klink
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Of two low budget options, Philips v Allen?

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Allen

      1. Colonel Klink
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers.

  2. Too Mane Men
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Any chance of a scoutcast tomorrow night?

    I know its not standard practice but I've always thought the recap isn't as useful or engaging when done more than a week after the GW. Maybe two 45 minute casts either side of the international break? Part one featuring R+S and part two with GW preview and Fantasy Island Risks? Could even be good to assess initial moves given many will jump on Hazard to catch the rise and see how decisions and opinions have developed following internationals a week later. Just a thought. Many thanks to all the mods and cons!

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I've not heard that one is happening (I could have been cut out I suppose 🙂 )

      But I wouldn't expect it to happen, hasn't before as far as I know. Will more than likely be in 8 days time. Shame, I'd have liked to have talked about Ibra sooner rather than later 🙂

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Doubt it. International break so they'll do it next week im guessing. Before the actual gameweek

  3. PvA
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    The international break is here, no more red arrows for 2 weeks 😎

    1. Lecky Legs FC
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No FPL though :/

  4. camarozz
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Hazard, firmino, Walcott or
    Hazard, ozil, redmond.

    Have coutinho
    Have kun,lukaku, Austin.

    1. camarozz
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      And that involves selling sanchez for hazard obviously

    2. George James
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Can you do Hazard KDB Allen?

    3. Colonel Klink
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'd do the first one.

    4. The Chump
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Haz, firmino and wally IMO. although i believe walcott is a slight rotation risk now, even if he starts he would be taken off more often than not.

  5. George James
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking of this...

    Mane + Vertonghan > Hazard + Brunt -4

    Will leave me with this...

    Cech
    Williams Lovren Brunt
    Sanchez Firminio Allen Hazard
    Kun Lukaku Austin

    Yes or No????

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nope

  6. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Any more injuries or suspensions and my lack of squad depth is going to be found out.

    I hope it's like last Christmas where there was barely any rotation.

    1. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Pep will definitely rotate hard during his first winter madness

  7. Live Lad
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    What is your favourite workout?
    (A) Chest
    (B) Shoulders
    (C) Legs
    (D) Back

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

      Chest

      1. Live Lad
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers. Same here

    2. b✪mber
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C

      1. Live Lad
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Interesting. I fear it a lot

        1. b✪mber
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          no worries - most people tend to forget/evade Leg Day.

          1. Live Lad
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            I'm pushing myself not to skip it. Doing legs > growth hormones- have to remind myself

    3. PvA
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      A

      1. Live Lad
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Same. Not so tiring. Can see the result immediately.

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Definitely chest.

      1. Live Lad
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Cheers

    5. Delhidynamo
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      D

    6. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      e

    7. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      the bodypart i like working out the most isnt on that list

      1. Live Lad
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Lol. You mean biceps?

        1. Slartibartfast
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Nah - his brain, of course. Stressing about FPL transfers feels like a workout sometimes.

    8. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      E) Diomande

    9. il Brutto
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      C or D.

  8. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Those Hull fixtures are very nice until about mid to late December. Capoue>Snod might be on the Cards. Bad team, but his involvment is very high.

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      True, looking to bring myself and play Aoa. But then again benching headache for next gws

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

      Jeez, FPL is fickle this year. One decent game and now Hull and Snodgrass are back on the radar are they.

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

      why not Capoue to Allen? plays for a better team with equal or more involvement, and with Arnie and Shaqiri looks quite potent

  9. Pierce34
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Opinions would be appreciated here.

    I'm tempted to go with Courtois & 4.3/4.4 def instead of Foster & Alonso. Courtois and cheap def would cost 9.8/9.9 instead of 10.5.

    Of course, Courtois wouldn't exactly have the attacking or bonus points potential of a Chelsea defender, but the saving would go towards having someone like Chadli/Lallana/Sigurdsson instead of Allen as my 7th attacker.

    Thanks in advance!

  10. The Chump
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Heaton Foster
    McAuley Williams Mustafi Pieters Amat
    Coutinho Firmino Hazard Redmond Allen
    Lukaku Aguero Defoe

    1FT 1.1 ITB
    Just did sanchez to hazard before the next price rise.
    anything else i should look to do after the internationals?

    1. Pierce34
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing for a hit, looks good.

      1. The Chump
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        i have 1 FT left though. although i would prefer to keep it till after internationals in case of any injuries

      2. Pierce34
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Oh wait, you mean you have 1 FT after Sanchez to Hazard. But still hold, unless an injury comes up.

        Maybe Mustafi to Chelsea defender.

  11. Steve McCroskey
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    A. Son > Hazard and Lallana > 4.6 (fifth mid)
    B. Lallana > Pedro

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

      A probably. Son has to go.

    2. Worzel Gummidge
        9 years, 1 month ago

        A

      • Colonel Klink
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        A. You really want Pedro?

      • Cruz88
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Why don't you want Lallana?

    3. Colonel Klink
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Is Mata a bad prospect with fixtures?

      1. Worzel Gummidge
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Any Man U attacker is a bad prospect regardless of fixtures.

          1. Colonel Klink
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Good point.

          2. Live Lad
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Not that their defenders are producing results.

        • Live Lad
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          He has play first before we think about his fixtures

        • sully29
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Not sure about the Arsenal game but against the easier teams he's a pretty certain starter. Tends to be productive too when he plays. Just depends on whether you think United will start scoring more.

      2. leonickroberts
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Early days to be making a G2G request, but here goes. Assuming no injuries over the break, how's this looking?

        Pick (Heaton)
        Walker Fuchs Mee
        Hazard Coutinho Allen Firmino
        Kaku Austin Kun

      3. The Yorkshire Pirlo
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Sanchez and Williams > Hazard and Alonso?

        Would leave me with triple Chelsea (already own Costa) but no Arsenal cover...

        1. leonickroberts
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          These are good times for triple-Chelsea, and Arsenal are at Old Trafford after the break. I'd go for it to get Eden before the inevitable price rise.

      4. leonickroberts
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Early days to be making a G2G request, but here goes. Assuming no injuries over the break, how's this looking?

        Pick (Heaton)
        Walker Fuchs Mee (Holebas Smith)
        Hazard Coutinho Allen Firmino (Fletcher)
        Kaku Austin Kun

        Just took a 4pt hit to bring in Eden - anything else that needs drastic surgery?

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

          I have the same attack outside of Allen to Sanchez which you make up for in defence.

        2. Delhidynamo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          if you have almost the same attack as TM and better def, you're good to go mate

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

            😆

            1. leonickroberts
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Ha, I'll take that. Always nice to be used as a pawn in some forum dissing.

      5. Rolls-Royce
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Which one looks best option?

        a) Capoue -> Snodgrass/Allen (AoA)
        b) Smith-> £5.7 def(?)
        c) Smith -> Alonso & Capoue -> de roon (-4)
        d) Any Other option.

        Foster (Pickford)
        Mustafi Pieters Holebas(!) (Smith(!) Amat)
        Hazard Coutinho Firmino Walcott (Capoue)
        Kun Lukaku Austin

        1. Delhidynamo
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          C looks good as a long term move

          1. Rolls-Royce
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Includes hit for a defender tho.

            1. Delhidynamo
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              DeRoonaldo disagress that it's just for def

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

          C

        3. Rolls-Royce
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers both

      6. SMOOTH
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        so what is the consensus ranking of KDB Hazard and sanchez. looking to have 2 out of the 3

        1. RustyBz
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Right now, Hazard, KDB, Sanchez.

          Would like to own at least Walcott for GW13 though

      7. A Defender's Nightmare
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        About this Walcott- nailed or not. Lot of nonsense have been spouted by few posters. I kindly request you to stop scaremongering the owners. Yes, everyone knows that he may not be nailed for the season but he has been one of their best player so far this season & has given no reason for Wenger to drop him immediately. He had a minor injury but Wenger didn't rush him back keeping NLD on his mind, that should tell you guys how Wenger trusts in Theo's form. Despite Giroud scoring 3 goals in his return Wenger put faith in his currently established system against Spurs. In case Giroud gets a start against United it will be Iwobi who should make way for him. Neither Ramsey nor Ox have done enough to displace Theo as of now. Come season end he may lose his place if he doesn't keep this form up but for now there's nothing to suggest he will be dropped. Yes, he has been rotated in the past but not while he's on this kind of form. Pointless to be worrying about what might happen in distant future. Carpe diem. 🙂

        1. Atimis
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Amen !

        2. RustyBz
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          Game of opinions at the end of the day...agree with you though

        3. Worzel Gummidge
            9 years, 1 month ago

            Ok Walcott owner. Fact is he is not nailed. Come season end he may lose his place? Obviously, season will be over. Rambo and Giroud have come back from long injuries and Rambo was 1st choice RW last season. Walcott was poor last game and has done nothing past 2 games he has played. Hardly scare mongering. People just stating the pretty obvious facts.

            1. andy85wsm
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              The fact that you start posts with things like "Ok Walcott owner" just makes the rest of your post worthless.

              You are allowed an opinion without the basis of whether you own a player.

              1. Worzel Gummidge
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  It is because it is mostly Walcott owners who say he is nailed when the rest can see he is probably not. This is relevant to the post and as such is in it.

                  1. andy85wsm
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Well isn't that kind of always going to happen?

                    I got rid of Walcott because I didn't think he was going to play against Sunderland. I wouldn't have gotten rid if I didn't think it was true.

                    Perhaps people are keeping hold of Walcott because they believe he is nailed and as such are posting that.

              2. Atimis
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Before injury he was as usless as Sanchez against MID and scored 2 against SWA

                1. Worzel Gummidge
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    It doesn't matter how useless Sanchez is. He is nailed.

                2. Emp
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  why was walcott poor? He looked lively and hit the post. He was never going to play the full 90 after just coming back from injury... He is nailed , if in four games time he looks like he did last season then yes hes in trouble but at the moment hes nailed for sure.

              3. Rhinos
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                its a game of opinions but Sanchez is more nailed than Theo, that is a fact

                1. andy85wsm
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  No-one is disputing that 🙂

            2. TheBusDriver
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Already took a hit to sell Ibra. Should I sell Smith for another hit or use AoA and play Capoue? Have only 2 defenders.

              1. RustyBz
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                AOA

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

                Who are the 3 defenders?

                1. TheBusDriver
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Amat, Alderweireld and Smith.

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

                    I see. Maybe you can upgrade Amat and find someone who rotates well. Expected Holebas listed. Can't believe you still have Toby.

              3. Dr Mantis Toboggan
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Either play your AOA for a likely gain of 2 points or just play with 2 defenders

              4. ANON.
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                AoA if your defence looks fine for next few weeks. Otherwise take a hit now to sort it

              5. andy85wsm
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                I'd probably just play AoA unless you get more bad news over the break

            3. Licious Lizard
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 1 month ago

              Gundogan or Snodgrass?

              1. RustyBz
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Gundo

              2. Worzel Gummidge
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Gundo for me. Better team and plays mostly in the front 4. Peps rest/rotation is annoying so easier to take if its a 5.7 mid.

                • Rolls-Royce
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Snoddy all the way

                • Licious Lizard
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Cheers all. Sold Snoddy for Gundo gw 11 because I thought he was out for a while. Now I am not sure who to go for on WC.

                • ANON.
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Snodgrass

                • The Chump
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  snodgrass. i feel that pep will look to play debruyne and silva in the middle 2 more often than not in a 4-1-4-1 or 3-2-4-1

              3. Red Scout
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Foster (Jaku)
                Clyne Williams McAuley (Amat) (Holebas)
                Sanchez Coutinho Hazard Allen (Hojberg)
                Lukaku Aguero (C) Austin

                Did Firmino Wally Smith > Hazard Allen McAuley for a single hit.

                My reasons for sacrificing firmino and not Sanchez
                1) Sanchez strong captaincy pick in GW 13 versus BOU
                2) His price gives me more options and greater flexibility such as a move for KdB
                3) Coutinho looking the better pick of the two Pool mids. Crucially he's got much higher ownership

                Thoughts? Any counter arguments very welcome..cheers

                1. ANON.
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Would rather have Firmino + Walcott over Sanchez + Allen imo. Also Coutinho more chance of being rested next game so would have dropped him instead of Firmino. 1 and 2 are very good reasons though

                  1. ANON.
                    • 12 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    In fact would rather have Firmino than Hazard next 3

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

                  Agree with your points. Hojberg may well get a game for Coutinho and Firmino may play as should be used less by Brazil.

              4. Starvaiger
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Which one? (or not)
                A) Siggy -> Walcott & Clyne -> McAuley
                B) Redmond -> Lallana & Clyne -> Nyom
                2 FT 0.0ITB

                Stones/Clyne/Smith/Walker/Holebas
                Hazard/Siggy/Firmino/Redmond/Capoue
                Costa/Aguero/Defoe

                1. sully29
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Wouldn't sell Siggy. He's getting consistent returns even before his fixtures turn good.

                  So B.

                2. Rolls-Royce
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Redmond-> Snoddy/allen

              5. b✪mber
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                What's the deal with this Brunt fella? Been noticing him in the comment section quite a bit. Noticed on flashscore he played MF in the last 2 but he's classified as a defender on FPL.

                Haven't watched any WBA, so if you guys could fill me in on the situation, that'll be nice.

                What are the chances he keeps his spot in MF?

                  1. b✪mber
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    thanks for that numbers. nailed?

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

                      Expect him to be at left back if the attacking positions are filled.

              6. Live Lad
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                I think many have already taken hits already. Or did Sanchez to Hazard.

                Have you?

              7. Atimis
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Now about def:
                Pick/Grant
                Walker/Holebas/Cameron/McAuley/Amat

                I think I will play Grant this GW + McAuley and Cameron (hope he will be fit)
                But what to do with Walker ? I'm rly tempted to bring Alonso for -4
                Any other ideas ?

              8. Give Me the Mane
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                A)KDB Hazard

                OR

                B)Sanchez Sterling

                1. Give Me the Mane
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Already have Walcott

                2. HurriKane
                  • 13 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  C) Sanchez Hazard Kun ?

                  1. Give Me the Mane
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Not possible

                3. Dr Mantis Toboggan
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  A easily imo

              9. HurriKane
                • 13 Years
                9 years, 1 month ago

                Is Manchester united away right now a difficult or easy fixture ?

                1. Worzel Gummidge
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Moderate. For Arsenal they could easily score 2/3. Since it is Arsenal they could also get beat 6-0

                  • Atimis
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    If you are asking about Arsenal's game I would say it's not an easy game. I saw Liv vs Utd and it was rly hard to go through this bus and I think that Liv is a better attacking team than Arsenal

                  • sully29
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Middley. Not a fixture you'd bring someone in for but not one you'd be worried about either.

                    Depends on the team too though. For example, United will park the bus against Arsenal in a way they wouldn't against, say, Swansea.

                  • Ziegler1988
                    • 11 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    We have a mental block at Old Trafford in the league and against Mourinho, definitely not an easy fixture

                  • Point-one short
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Man U will be Ibraless, probably with Rooney playing. I think Arsenal will beat them comfortably.

                2. Total Foot 5
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 1 month ago

                  Best Duo: thx

                  1 Walcott + Lukaku
                  2 Hazard + Bentekke
                  3 Haz + Defoe
                  4 Haz + 7.6 or under (rondon, etc)

                  1. Worzel Gummidge
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      4 with Austin if you dont have him and assuming you have Sanchez.

                      1. Dr Mantis Toboggan
                        • 10 Years
                        9 years, 1 month ago

                        Agree 4 with Austin

                    • Sjaugen
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Haz + Austin

                    • Give Me the Mane
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Haz and Austin

                    • Total Foot 5
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      my bad. Already have Kun + Austin as probably most everyone has,

                      basically
                      1 Walcott + Lukaku
                      2 Hazard + Bentekke
                      3 Haz + Defoe
                      4 Haz + Rondon good fixt
                      5 Haz + Rashford/Bony/Negredo

                  2. MJFainty
                    • 9 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Hey guys,

                    Thinking of the followInh transfers:

                    Sanchez and Redmond > Mane and Hazard

                    Rest of team in

                    Foster/Pickford
                    Azpi/Stones/McAuley/Williams/Amat
                    Redmond/Sanchez/Firmino/Gundogan/Capoue
                    Lukaku/Aguero/Wilson

                    Thoughts appreciated

                    1. The Chump
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      get coutinho instead of mane and save some funds. coutinho better long term i feel. and there's also the AFCON coming up in feb (although its still early days)

                  3. Ronnies
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 1 month ago

                    Keep Lovren or sell for Mcauley ?

                    Have foster / firmino / coutinho

                    Tnks

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

                      If you think WBA defence will easily outscore Pool defence especially in the next 4 then perhaps. I have Lovren and Evans and will probably play them most weeks.

                    2. Sjaugen
                      • 10 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Liverpool defenders are awful. Learned my lesson with Moreno last year. On paper their defense looks good, but who cares if you lose a CS when you're 4-0 up right...

                    3. Rhinos
                      • 12 Years
                      9 years, 1 month ago

                      Serial killers have a better defence than Liverpool