Dugout Discussion
26 December 2016 3348 comments
Mark Mark
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Gameweek 18 continues in some style, with half a dozen three o’clock kick-offs boasting a strong cast of leading Fantasy assets.

All the top captaincy options are in action, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic carrying huge expectations into Manchester United’s Old Trafford meeting with Sunderland – he is the top choice for skipper, backed by 25% of Fantasy Premier League managers.

Equally, Arsenal pair Alexis Sanchez and Theo Walcott promise attacking returns of their own at the Emirates, though the latter misses out – he is suffering a calf complaint which allows Olivier Giroud to earn a recall up front. Sanchez is backed by 14.6% for the captaincy but finds himself deployed on the right flank today.

Stamford Bridge will also be a major focus.

Without the suspended Diego Costa against visitors Bournemouth, manager Antonio Conte deploys Eden Hazard as his central attacker, with Michy Batshuayi kept on the bench. Hazard has returned six of his eight goals at home but has recorded just a single strike in his last five Gameweek starts.

Elsewhere, Swansea City’s meeting with West Ham in South Wales also promises goals and returns, with Gylfi Sigurdsson the star turn on show.

Burnley’s meeting with Middlesbrough is, on paper at least, likely to be a far more dour affair, while Everton’s visit to Leicester City pairs two unpredictable sides.

Romelu Lukaku is by far the most popular asset on show as he seeks to exploit a Foxes defence without the suspended Robert Huth and Christian Fuchs. However, the Belgian has scored in just one of his last seven Gameweeks.

Mark Mark created the beast. He's now looking to tame it.

  1. sminkypinky
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    WTF?! Mike Jones allows the shot then gives a fk.

    1. Grand Thibauto
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Unusual. Probably a mistake he ddint want to admit

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

      Advantage rule

      1. sminkypinky
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Granted. But he got the shot away without a bother. Shot wide. Then Jones awarded the free kick. Very unusual.

    3. Fred54
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Classic from that Mikky Jonesy lad.

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

    Horrible first half! Will this season just end 🙁

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

    An Azpi goal with Haz assist would be nice

    1. Postman Ty
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      ML rival has Azpi captain... I'll gladly give up my Alonso cleanie to block his effective triple coverage.

  4. La Roja
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Almost another Ibra assist. Pickford too good.

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

    So boring

  6. Over Midwicket
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Sold Pedro. Captained Hazard. My season is over.

    1. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Its fine very few own pedro..

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

    The guy who runs maintenance for the FPL site is an embarrassed Benteke (c) owner.

  8. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    This GW is something special.

  9. The Big Fella
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    How is Hazard playing? I am 95% certain I will be shipping him this week

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Lost confidence in him? Who are you looking at?

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I am torn. He hasn't produced returns for several weeks now and for the money I paid, I think I can expect something every other week, at least. That said, Chelsea are the most in form team in the league and he is still one of the top scoring midfielders despite the lack of returns. I am thinking of bringing in Aguero for him. It would be an (almost) straight swap.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          I have to say as a Hazard owner, that sounds like a solid choice. I'm in the same boat. I feel like I should just be patient and he will come good as the indicators, except returns, are there. Not sure he's playing well enough for his price tag though.

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

    6 games
    12 teams
    45 mins played

    ... 3 goals

    Get in the bin you useless turds

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

      lets play 5-4-1

      1. Postman Ty
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        ML rival has a 5-3-2.

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

      Its cos llorente isnt on.

    3. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      get in the sea.
      https://twitter.com/getinthesea?lang=en

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

      you filthy animals 😉 (in home alone guy voice)

  11. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Where is Boxing Day Berbatov.

  12. Niemi
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Disgraceful dive by Mata

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

    Slightly regretting putting Evans as 1st sub over Pieters (Amat starter)

  14. money face bandwagon
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Dont know why people are moaning every gw. I was 200k last season at this stage and still get into 4k position

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Team link?

      1. money face bandwagon
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Dont do these things

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          You don't like to prove your point?

      2. Postman Ty
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        awkward.

        1. Pep bites Kun
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 1 month ago

          lol

  15. Numb
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Need a Boxing Day miracle from Wally

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

      😀

    2. Chenku╰☆╮
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He just farted!

  16. Venom Snake
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    So Pogba has had 5 shots on goal in the first half alone, 2 of which were very close to being goals.

    Becoming the real deal for FPL

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      He always records stats like that, nothing special for Pogs

    2. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Usually plays deeper though

      1. Venom Snake
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Not since Carrick has been in the team

  17. umerlfc
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Just got a feeling that it's KDB's day today

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

      that was the same feeling I had about Haz. turned out it was just wind

      1. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        That will be the sprouts

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

          Crackers? Yes, but it hasn't stopped me yet!

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

    There must be one smug fpl manager with Coutois Alonso and Azpi over last 11 gw's.

    (i wouldnt have the balls to do that)

    1. M.A.G
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      one of my ml rivals just got Luiz-Alonso-Azpi

      1. The Big Fella
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Debating this myself

    2. Pep bites Kun
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Got one in my ML 🙂 Killing me with consistency.

  19. TooDifficuIt
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    all these cleansheets and i have only one

    1. The Big Fella
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Hazard or Kun?

  20. mranonymous
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Crap team award goes to..... Me

    Foster-Pickford

    Luiz-Jones-McAuley-Friend-Amat

    Hazard-Sanchez-Walcott-Siggy-Capoue

    Costa-Lukaku-Benteke

    These guys really stink

    1. Pep bites Kun
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Nothing wrong with that team on paper. Mind you on the pitch is a different matter 😉

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      😀

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

      😆

  21. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Siggy is a useless donkey. Sell to who for a hit?

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Classic!

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Phillips/Zaha/Snodgrass/JAllen/Capoue/Chadli/JayRod all offer similar returns for a lot less cash. Coutinho offers a lot more points for a little more cash... Siggy's on borrowed time in many a team i'd imagine

      1. Postman Ty
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Similar returns, Snoddy/Allen/Capoue? Jokes.

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

      He's actually quite good, just plays for a terrible team

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

    Anyone shipping out Hazard if he doesn't produce returns this GW?

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

      Pedro covers him

    2. ⚽️ Dingo ⚽️
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I'm keeping. He hasn't looked too bad.

    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Giving him the Stoke game, then getting rid.

    4. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      No

    5. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Defo... Many better midfield options emerging & would rather have Costa + 2x Che Defs for the 3x Che slots to be honest.

      Even if he gets a brace today, still tempted to ship.

      1. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Who are the other midfield options emerging?

      2. Cilly Bonnolly
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I'm starting to think like this. ^

      3. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I still have Moses with Haz and Costa, no Chelsea defenders. Am I playing the game wrong?

  23. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone else on for a Clean Sheet Clean Sweep at half time?

    Need Man Utd, Chelsea, Burnley & WBrom to stay solid for another 45 mins to harvest some good points!

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

      Would have been if Friend started.

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Would have if one of my defenders didn't concede.

    3. bigbudgie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      I prefer to compare clean sheets on 90 minutes

    4. Spectrum-FFS Doubles Champ
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Holebas put pay to that

  24. Moin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone watching the Chelsea match?

    Does Hazard look like scoring?

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

      Lively but very selfless

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

        in short,not fpl material

      2. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Selfless is the last word I wanted to hear! hope someone else is more selfless and pass him for a goal

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

      I own him, so no.

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

        😆

    3. some witty pun
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      very good dribbles and turns but looks lost positioning wise at ST

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

        He is not suited to be a striker, so the struggle was expected

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

      He is very interested, want to score a goal. Should get something.

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

        Hope he does!

  25. some witty pun
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    is there a prize for first to trigger WC?

    1. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Your name

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

    Buzzing for MOTD

    1. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Those who have done the MOTD challenge are in for an exciting episode.

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        VERY exciting episode*

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

          exhilarating**

      2. Knowledgeable meerkat
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Gary lineker will still start the show with "we've got a real feast of premier league action coming your way in the next 90 minutes"

  27. Postman Ty
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Whoa I just saw the replay of that challenge on Mata...how the F is that not a penalty.

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

      coz i own ibra

    2. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Campaign against United.

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

      Kone was looking at the ball and was going to block him so that the keeper collects it, not a penalty..

      1. Postman Ty
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        I just watched it and the commentator explicitly stated he wasn't looking at the ball.

    4. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      Campaign against Mourinho.

  28. sminkypinky
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Any news on Theo? Like news news not speculation.

    1. Venom Snake
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      At home making coffee for his friends

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

      https://twitter.com/ffscout

      1. sminkypinky
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 1 month ago

        Thx

  29. Dexter Bracey
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 1 month ago

    Maybe covered elsewhere, but I am gutted to not be in the cup, yet lots of non players are due to an apparent change in rules. I never realised entry was based on week 17, I thought it was based on being in the top quota of players 🙁

    1. jmcclory123
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      The guy i got matched against is a completely dead team, he has like 4 player not playing in his starting XI just has Ibra (C)

    2. Epic Fail
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 1 month ago

      What change in rules?