Dugout Discussion

Dugout Discussion – Middlesbrough vs Arsenal

After Diego Costa and Zlatan Ibrahimovic managed a single point between them at Old Trafford yesterday, all eyes are on Alexis Sanchez as Arsenal roll up to the Riverside in tonight’s final Gameweek fixture.

Recently shuffled onto the left flank, a run of three matches without a goal has knocked our confidence in the Chilean ahead of the Gunners’ double Gameweeks 36 and 37.

Indeed, only 5.9% have handed Sanchez the armband as he attempts to reclaim his spot as top scoring player in Fantasy Premier League, having been knocked off his perch by Romelu Lukaku at the weekend.

Tonight’s team selection looks to have handed Sanchez a change of role. To everyone’s surprise, Arsene Wenger appears to have set up with a 3-4-2-1 formation or even a 3-4-1-2, with Sanchez perhaps joining Olivier Giroud up front – a concern perhaps for the 91,000+ who sold the Chilean ahead of Gameweek 33.

Tonight’s encounter also gives us the chance to run the rule over the hosts as they prepare for a potentially profitable double Gameweek 34 against Bournemouth and Sunderland.

Both Victor Valdes and Ben Gibson currently sit second for transfers in among keepers and defenders since Saturday’s deadline, though in the four matches under new manager Steve Agnew, Boro have been somewhat hot and cold – keeping two clean sheets and conceding at least three times in the other two.

Valdes misses out this evening with a rib problem sustained at Burnley last time out – an injury kept under wraps until tonight: Brad Guzan claims the keeper’s jersey.

Sitting six points from safety, the Teesside team are in desperate need of wins now. Having failed to score in six of their last eight, though, most will likely steer clear of the hosts’ attack unless they can punish the Gunners this evening.

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

4,192 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sergioaguero67
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Why is Valdés not in the starting 11? Injured? :O

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Spare rib

  2. nkhoughton
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Arsenal playing 3-4-3?

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I would be surprised. More likely Gabriel or holding playing right back. Arsene doesn't take risks normally.....

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

        This could pay off, after the 4231 wasn't working it seemed, this game could make Alexis the stand out TC if he thrives in a 3-4-3 like hazard seems to

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

          Yeah, if this releases Sanchez, I'll be bringing him straight back in. Still to be convinced that a change in formation is all that is needed to shake Arsenal up though.

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

            I mean it worked for hazard, he was in this position for barca

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

              Hazard has Chelsea behind him though.

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

                True it's a similar position as to his one for Belgium

    2. ekul the lokonga enthusiast
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      they are playing 3-4-2-1

      look on their twitter

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

        I was going off sky sports 1

  3. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Can see Giroud scoring here

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Giroud apparently is the only person in the Arsenal XI to have scored against them.:
      "Olivier Giroud is the only member of the Arsenal squad to score against Middlesbrough, with two FA Cup goals in February 2015."

  4. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    You can bookmark this.
    Middlesbrough won't score. My head to head had me 2 points ahead with wally,him with Gabriel.
    I don't win these.

  5. thunder_mike
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Madness to do
    Lukaku + Origi > Rashford + Benteke (-4) and then not get Ibra. Will WC in GW36

    1. n-doggg
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Yea

    2. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wait til Thursday

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

        Yeah I think I need too

  6. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Last chance, Alexis!

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

      I'd want him for the North London Derby. Will be a goalfest as usual do

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

    3 at the back for arsenal

    ozil and sanchez pretty much given the pedro & hazard role

    this has to end 4-0 to arsenal

    2 goals to giroud

    1 to ozil

    1 to ramsey

  8. Oven Glover
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Is Kompany an option now?

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

      Yep. Was sure he was going to injure himself during that goal celebration though.

      1. Oven Glover
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Hmm. Still a risk with injuries and rotation a la Pep but he's on my shortlist.

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      for the DGW in 37, yes

  9. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Why is Bellerin not playing? rested or just not nailed?

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

      Dropped, Wenger said he needs defensive improvement

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Got skinned by Palace then booed by sections of away fans. Probably taking him out of the limelight.

    3. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      He still carrying an injury but I think Wenger has chosen Ox over him.

    4. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'm not convinced he's nailed. But if Ox has a howler he'll be back next match.

  10. gorilla
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    already brought in valdes...

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

      You and a few of us...

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Me too, last night under the influence, forgot they were playing tonight 🙂

    3. rivercityransom
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      do we know any details about the injury? should he be ready for the dgw?

    4. gorilla
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      hoping he will be but who the hell knows maybe out for the season

  11. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    C'mon you useless turds!! 😀

    1. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      This

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Torn between wanting Arsenal to turn the corner and not wanting Alexis to explode. Be happy with a modest 3-0 win.

  12. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Big game for the arse tonight, could be the difference between Europa league qualification or not

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      C'mon Boro!! 😉

      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        😆

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      and a big game for Boro too, essentially a must-win game for both teams tonight

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Mind the gap

      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Wonderful gap that it is, even Spurs couldn't throw this away..

        *Recalls last year, shudders*

    4. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      7th = Europa League this year as one of City/Spurs/Chelsea will lift the FA cup giving a extra place to the league

      1. Old Schoolᴼˢ “disa…
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        😆

      2. the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        If West Brom and/or Southampton win all their remaining games it's not over yet ;D

        1. Jigger & Pony
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Would love for Pulis to play in the Europa League

  13. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchez brace would be just delightful

    1. Chris_White
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I'll settle for a goal

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Still wouldn't make selling him weeks ago a bad move 😉

      1. Bubz
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Depends who you've had instead of him I suppose

    3. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Sanchez needs to get like 5 goals, and make up for his previous failings

  14. gorilla
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    wenger out

  15. Godot - Fashanu Zealand
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Giroud's first start in six weeks? Has Welbeck been good, or is there something I'm missing?

  16. Dosh
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    How about Rashford as a DGW pick??

    1. b✪mber
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I got him, but apparently I play bad 🙂

    2. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      I've gone Tekkers over him. Some merit, but doubt he'll play v city.

  17. Diva
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry, probably been asked, but where is Mustafi?

    1. Sterling is £11Mill..…
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Nandos

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

    2. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Thigh injury

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

        Thanks. Darn, I was hoping for a nice Sanchez hat trick. Now every goal going in will be a goal conceded by my back up defender, Gibson.

    3. gorilla
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      hiking

    4. Chris_H
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Thigh injury

    5. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Thigh Injury

    6. Konig Luther
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      birthday party

  18. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Just got home, minor injury for Valdes or something serious?

    1. gorilla
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      i dont know im not jesus

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Rib injury, no other update.

    3. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Rib injury, yet to get anything concrete about it.

    4. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Valdes has Sanchez captain, so he faked an injury

    5. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Cheers all

  19. tm245
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Theoooo!

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Hope he comes on because rival gets Capoue points from 2nd on bench.

      1. tm245
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Redmond is my sub. Meh.

  20. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 1 month ago

    Live stream anyone?

    1. MTPockets
        7 years, 1 month ago

        reddit

      • Fred54
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Come round to mine to watch the game.

        Match occasionly interrupted by 4 year old...and I don't mean Wenger.

    2. Individual
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Keeping an eye on Ramirez here. Could be a decent option at 5.2 for the next couple of games!

      1. gorilla
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        are you drunk?

        1. Oven Glover
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          That's why he's only keeping one eye on him

      2. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Log out of the FPL site, quick!

      3. Greenbackbøøg…
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        He's a disaster waiting to happen

      4. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Are you ok?

      5. Individual
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Sorry, was a bit of a troll hehe

    3. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Should origi. Be replaced to benteke as dgw punt for ft?

      Also what's the news on Alonso? Is be out for long ?

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Alonso was just will, will play the FA Cup game...and the match after that..

        I think it is worth a punt either him or see how Negredo performs today as he does have the easier fixtures..

        1. The Overthinker
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          I halved my rank by TC'ing Kane this week. Feel good. Hoping to take more such risks as i have got nothing to lose.

          Also i have firmino which i guess should be enough cover

          1. Moin
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Wow! Well Done! I am just happy with Kane(c)

    4. Jigger & Pony
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Wow where is Valdes?

      1. gorilla
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        behind the sofa

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

        Rib Injury

        1. Jigger & Pony
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Thanks

      3. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Eating spare ribs

    5. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      The Ox yellow

    6. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      FFS I didn't even know Valdes was injured 🙁

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Hardly anyone did.

      2. Jigger & Pony
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        🙁

      3. gorilla
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        how does it make you feel?

      4. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        I found out from Sky, how uninformed is that?

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

      why hasn't Valdes start?

      1. KingNidge
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Injured in training

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 1 month ago

          Hi Nidge.

          Massive win yesterday, you guys were awesome. Professional and controlling.

          1. KingNidge
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 1 month ago

            Hello berbs

            Was a huge performance psychologically more than anything still feel the dropped points at home will ultimately cost us top 4 but the EL looks very achievable.. but to rest players like Ibra Mkhi Martial and dominate a fresher Chelsea side was extremely satisfying

            1. goriuanx
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 1 month ago

              Aye, you did a number on Chelsea. You may just fall short of 4th but pretty sure you'll win Europa anyway. If you beat City, you may well fancy yourselves to do it via the league too

              1. KingNidge
                • 8 Years
                7 years, 1 month ago

                We'll see what happens.. but very promising signs yesterday with the pace and youth up top.. Herrera bossed it too.. we add a defensively minded mobile destroyer type in the summer and the midfield has serious potential in the coming years as Pogba finds his feet

      2. EmreCan Hustle
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Rib injury at training.

    8. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      Barragan on set pieces!

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        Is he a nailed on starter?

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

      so if guzan plays great we can forget about valdes

      1. Moin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 1 month ago

        If he keeps a clean sheet today, certainly makes a case for himself

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

      Leadbiter yellow unlucky owners

    11. nkhoughton
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 1 month ago

      This is ozils audition for the doubles 😉