Team News
9 April 2018 3327 comments
James H James H
Share:

Danny Welbeck is the main beneficiary as Arsene Wenger rotates heavily once again ahead of European action, while even Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is hooked early.

Jurgen Klopp also makes significant teamsheet alterations with one eye on Liverpool’s Champions League trip to Man City on Tuesday.

Elsewhere, Andreas Christensen’s run of five league starts comes to an untimely end, while an injury to Christian Benteke allows Wilfried Zaha to profit from a move up front as Crystal Palace draw Bournemouth.

Here’s part one of Line-up Lessons, assessing the teamsheets and formations from the Gameweek 33 matches, with one eye on what’s to come from the midweek European matches and beyond.

Arsenal

Starting XI: Cech; Bellerin (Holding 75), Mustafi, Chambers, Kolasinac; Elneny, Xhaka; Nelson (Wilshere 64), Iwobi, Welbeck; Aubameyang (Lacazette 72). Subs not used: Macey, Ozil, Monreal, Nketiah.

  • What we saw: Arsene Wenger again decided to rotate for the home fixture against Southampton which was sandwiched in between Europa League matches against CSKA Moscow. Sead Kolasinac started in place of Nacho Monreal at left-back, while there were again no starting spots for Laurent Koscielny and Aaron Ramsey in the Premier League. Reiss Nelson (right), Alex Iwobi (No 10) and Danny Welbeck (left) formed the attacking midfield trio in the 4-2-3-1 formation behind lone striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The introduction of Jack Wilshere in the No 10 role saw Iwobi move onto the right wing.
  • What we learned: With Sunday’s trip to Newcastle coming just three days after the second leg in Russia, we could again see Wenger use his squad at St James’ Park. The Gunners do hold a 4-1 lead over CSKA Moscow following the first leg, though, so he may be able to afford to hold some of his leading players back for Gameweek 34. But should Koscielny and Ramsey be named in the starting XI on Thursday night, they appear unlikely starters on Sunday. However, Mohamed Elneny will now miss the next three league matches due to suspension, so Wilshere or Ramsey will likely be required to partner Granit Xhaka at the base of midfield. Monreal could return at left-back, while Rob Holding and potentially Ainsley Maitland-Niles, providing he recovers from a knock, offer possible alternatives to Hector Bellerin at right-back. After being rested on Sunday, Mesut Ozil could start the next two matches, making Nelson an unlikely starter against Newcastle. But Wenger’s options are limited in the attacking midfield areas with Henrikh Mkhitaryan ruled out for several weeks with a knee ligament injury. The decision to hand a weary Aubameyang a rest with 20-minutes to go indicates that the striker is not quite as bulletproof as anticipated in league matches, with Wenger determined to help Lacazette rediscover some sharpness and confidence.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks, attacking midfield

Bournemouth

Starting XI: Begovic; Francis, S Cook, Ake, Daniels; Fraser, L Cook (Surman 80), Gosling, Pugh (Mousset 62); Defoe; Wilson (King 62). Subs not used: Boruc, Smith, Simpson, Taylor.

  • What we saw: Simon Francis returned to the starting XI following a hamstring injury, allowing Ryan Fraser to move forward to the right side of midfield in the absence of Jordon Ibe, who missed out due to illness. Marc Pugh replaced the injured Junior Stanislas on the opposite flank, while Jermain Defoe was preferred to Josh King in the support striker role in Eddie Howe’s usual 4-4-1-1 system. King entered the fray on the hour mark in place of Callum Wilson, seeing Defoe move into the lone striker role.
  • What we learned: After both scoring as substitutes, King and Lys Mousset are likely to push for starts when Bournemouth travel to Liverpool on Saturday. Should Ibe be ready to return to face his former club, it may be he and Mousset who compete for one of the wide berths, with Fraser appearing a more probable starter after a strong display at the weekend. Wilson’s recent lack of goals means he could make way for King, seeing Defoe lead the attack. The Cherries then face a home clash against Manchester United four days later, but with limited options to rotate, there aren’t expected to be many changes. Andrew Surman may be an option to provide fresh legs in central midfield, though.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, forwards

Brighton & Hove Albion

Starting XI: Ryan; Schelotto, Duffy, Dunk, Bong; March, Propper, Stephens, Izquierdo; Gross (Kayal 76), Murray (Ulloa 67). Subs not used: Saltor, Baldock, Goldson, Locadia, Krul.

  • What we saw: Chris Hughton decided to hand a recall to Solly March for the home clash against Huddersfield Town, seeing Jurgen Locadia drop to the bench. March was stationed on the right side of midfield in the usual 4-4-1-1 system. Elsewhere, Dale Stephens was fit to return in central midfield for the Seagulls. Following the sending off of Davy Propper, Hughton decided to bring on Beram Kayal for Pascal Gross, switching to a 4-4-1 formation.
  • What we learned: With Propper now suspended for the next three matches, Kayal should replace the Dutchman in central midfield. With a trip to Crystal Palace up next, Anthony Knockaert is back in contention following a three-match ban and will compete with March and Locadia for the role on the right wing. Leonardo Ulloa replaced Glenn Murray shortly after the hour mark but is unlikely to usurp the former Eagles player for the trip to Selhurst Park. Hughton’s men face Tottenham Hotspur in their second match of Double Gameweek 34 but, given the lack of options available to the Seagulls boss, it’s unlikely that there will be many changes. As evidenced at the weekend, though, the veteran Murray could have his pitch-time cut.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, right wing

Burnley

Starting XI: Pope; Lowton, Tarkowski, Long, Ward; Lennon (Hendrick 81), Cork, Westwood, Nkoudou (Vokes 70); Barnes, Wood. Subs not used: Heaton, Marney, Wells, Taylor, Bardsley.

  • What we saw: Sean Dyche was forced into making one change for the trip to Watford, with Kevin Long replacing the injured Ben Mee who missed out due to a shin injury. With his side trailing 1-0, the Clarets boss decided to introduce Sam Vokes in place of Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, switching from a 4-4-1-1 formation to a 4-4-2. Vokes joined Chris Wood up front, while Ashley Barnes played as an inside forward down the left flank.
  • What we learned: The Clarets face two home matches in Double Gameweek 34, hosting Leicester City at Turf Moor on Saturday, before entertaining Chelsea a week on Thursday. If available, Mee will return in place of Long in central defence, while Johann Berg Gudmundsson could also be fit to return. The Iceland international would be expected to replace Nkoudou on the left wing if available. Jeff Hendrick could see some minutes either in central midfield or as a No 10, while Vokes’ goal means he may also challenge for pitch time, perhaps at the expense of Wood. Tom Heaton was back on the bench at Vicarage Road and continues to put pressure on the impressive Nick Pope in goal.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Goalkeeper, central defenders, central midfield, left wing, forwards

Chelsea

Starting XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Cahill, Rudiger; Moses (Pedro 78), Fabregas, Kante, Alonso; Willian, Morata (Giroud 78), Hazard. Subs not used: Caballero, Drinkwater, Bakayoko, Christensen, Emerson.

  • What we saw: Antonio Conte made two changes from the side that lost 3-1 to Tottenham Hotspur for the visit of West Ham United to Stamford Bridge. The fit-again Thibaut Courtois replaced Willy Caballero in goal, while Gary Cahill started in place of Andreas Christensen in the three-man backline. The introduction of Pedro in one of the two attacking midfield spots saw Willian end the match at right wing-back in Conte’s usual 3-4-2-1 system.
  • What we learned: The Blues now face trips to Southampton and Burnley in Double Gameweek 34 before their FA Cup semi-final against Saints on April 22. Christensen remains part of Conte’s first choice defence, but is the most vulnerable of the back three should Cahill earn the occasional start. Davide Zappacosta and Emerson Palmieri offer cover in the wing-backs positions, providing the former recovers from a tendon injury, while Tiemoue Bakayoko and Danny Drinkwater are likely to be handed minutes in central midfield. Having missed just 13 and 22 minutes in the last five matches, Willian and Eden Hazard seem likely to see off the threat form Pedro for Saturday’s early kick-off at St Mary’s, while Olivier Giroud may start one of the next two in the league as the main alternative to Alvaro Morata. Ten points behind fourth, the Blues now have little hope of securing a top-four finish means in general that rotation seems far more likely at Turf Moor, with the FA Cup set to be the priority. Hazard may well be protected in that second fixture, which may actually help cement Willians two Double Gameweek starts.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Central defenders, central midfield, attacking midfield, lone striker

Crystal Palace

Starting XI: Hennessey; Wan-Bissaka, Tomkins, Sakho, van Aanholt; McArthur, Cabaye, Milivojevic, Loftus-Cheek; Townsend, Zaha. Subs not used: Lee Chung-yong, Cavalieri, Souare, Fosu-Mensah, Kelly, Riedewald, Daly.

  • What we saw: With Christian Benteke sidelined due to a groin injury, Roy Hodgson switched from a 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2 for the trip to Bournemouth. Ruben Loftus-Cheek was recalled on the left side of midfield, with James McArthur stationed on the opposite flank. Andros Townsend joined Wilfried Zaha up front for the Eagles. Hodgson was boosted by the return to fitness of James Tomkins in central defence, though, seeing Martin Kelly drop to the bench.
  • What we learned: Unless Benteke is fit to return for Saturday’s home meeting with Brighton, changes appear unlikely. Hodgson would probably switch back to a 4-3-3 should Benteke return, with Loftus-Cheek or McArthur appearing most at risk of dropping to the bench. Kelly and Timothy Fosu-Mensah provide cover in defence but aren’t expected to push for recalls.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, flanks, central strikers

Everton

Starting XI: Pickford, Coleman, Jagielka, Keane, Baines, Rooney (Gueye 57), Schneiderlin, Davies (Baningime 79), Walcott, Tosun, Bolasie (Calvert-Lewin 61). Subs not used: Martina, Niasse, Funes Mori, Robles.

  • What we saw: Toffees boss Sam Allardyce mirrored Liverpool’s 4-3-3 formation for the Merseyside derby at Goodison Park. Tom Davies returned as part of the three-man midfield in the only change from the 3-1 defeat to Man City, seeing Dominic Calvert-Lewin drop to the bench.
  • What we learned: Following an improved performance against Liverpool, Allardyce is likely to stick with a similar side for Saturday’s trip to Swansea. Idrissa Gueye returned from a muscle injury as a substitute on Saturday and may challenge for a start in central midfield. Calvert-Lewin is a possible alternative to Yannick Bolasie out wide, while Wayne Rooney and Morgan Schneiderlin should battle it out to partner the fit-again Gueye in the middle of the park.

Current Status: Settled
Risk Areas: Central midfield, left wing

Huddersfield Town

Starting XI: Lossl, Hadergjonaj, Jorgensen, Schindler, Kongolo; Ince (Depoitre 90), Hogg (Billing 80), Mooy, van La Parra (Quaner 90); Pritchard, Mounie. Subs not used: Smith, Malone, Coleman, Lowe.

  • What we saw: David Wagner rang the changes for the trip to Brighton after going four matches without a win. Florent Hadergjonaj returned at right-back, while Tom Ince replaced the injured Elias Kachunga on the right wing in the usual 4-2-3-1 formation. The other change saw Steve Mounie recalled as the lone striker ahead of Laurent Depoitre. In search of a late winner against 10-man Brighton, Wagner brought on Depoitre for Ince, switching to a 4-4-2.
  • What we learned: The Terriers will have to check on Jonathan Hogg ahead of the home clash against Watford after the midfielder was unable to carry on after being on the receiving end of the tackle which saw Davy Propper sent off. Philip Billing provides the main alternative in central midfield. Mounie is likely to retain his start up front after getting on the scoresheet, while if Wagner looks to make a change in the attacking midfield spots, Collin Quaner is the player most likely to push for a recall. Tommy Smith remains an alternative to Hadergjonaj at right-back.

Current Status: Slightly Unsettled
Risk Areas: Right-back, central midfield, flanks, lone striker

Leicester City

Starting XI: Schmeichel, Simpson (Okazaki 56), Morgan, Maguire, Chilwell; Iborra (Choudhury 41), Silva; Mahrez, Diabate (Gray 76), Albrighton; Vardy. Subs not used: Iheanacho, Dragovic, Jakupovic, Fuchs.

  • What we saw: Foxes boss Claude Puel handed recalls to Adrien Silva and Fousseni Diabate for the home meeting with Newcastle United. Silva replaced the suspended Wilfred Ndidi in central midfield, while Diabate took over from Shinji Okazaki in the central support role in the usual 4-4-1-1 system. But with his side a goal behind, Puel decided to bring on Okazaki before the hour mark, forcing a reshuffle. Marc Albrighton moved to right-back, seeing Diabate shift across to the left wing, while the Japanese international played in his regular support striker position.
  • What we learned: After being forced off with a hamstring injury on Saturday, Vicente Iborra is a major doubt for the Double Gameweek 34 matches against Burnley and Southampton. The Spaniard was replaced by youngster Hamza Choudhury at the weekend, and with Ndidi suspended and Matty James injured, he could now earn successive starts. Okazaki, Demarai Gray and Kelechi Iheanacho are all possible alternatives to Diabate in a central support role, while Gray is also an option on the left wing in place of Albrighton. Christian Fuchs may start one of the next two matches at left-back at the expense of Ben Chilwell.

Current Status: Fairly Settled
Risk Areas: Left-back, central midfield, left wing, attacking midfield

Liverpool

Starting XI: Karius, Clyne, Lovren, Van Dijk, Klavan, Wijnaldum, Henderson, Milner (Oxlade-Chamberlain 68), Ings (Alexander-Arnold 89), Solanke, Mane (Firmino 74). Subs not used: Camacho, Mignolet, Masterson, Jones.

  • What we saw: After Wednesday night’s 3-0 win over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League quarter-final, Jurgen Klopp decided to make five changes for the trip to Everton. Andrew Robertson (calf) and Mohamed Salah (groin) missed out with injuries, while Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Roberto Firmino all dropped to the bench. Nathaniel Clyne and Ragnar Klavan came in at right-back and left-back respectively, while Georginio Wijnaldum returned in central midfield in the usual 4-3-3 system. Danny Ings (right) and Dominic Solanke (central striker) joined Sadio Mane in the front three. With Everton pushing forward late on, Klopp decided to introduce Alexander-Arnold for Ings, with the youngster providing cover in front of right-back Clyne.
  • What we learned: The Reds face their major Champions League test at the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday night, before hosting Bournemouth at Anfield on Saturday. Robertson and Salah are both expected to be in contention for the City clash, while Alexander-Arnold, Oxlade-Chamberlain and Firmino should also return to the starting XI. Klopp’s lack of options in attack means if Salah does play tomorrow night and comes through unscathed, he will be expected to feature against the Cherries. Emre Can remains doubtful for the second leg due to a back problem, but Jordan Henderson is suspended for that match, so he appears a sure starter this weekend. Either James Milner or Oxlade-Chamberlain may drop to the bench in Gameweek 34, with Wijnaldum perhaps a more probable starter. Solanke and Ings could be options if Klopp looks to rest either Mane or Salah at the weekend. Given he’s an unlikely starter tomorrow night, Klavan may be an option to replace either Dejan Lovren or Virgil van Dijk in central defence. Alberto Moreno offers an alternative to Robertson down the left if he can recover from a knock.

Current Status: Unsettled
Risk Areas: Defence, central midfield, flanks

Part two of Line-up Lessons, assessing the remaining ten teams, will follow tomorrow.

  1. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    This week, on the talkSport predictor game, I got -35, my lowest of the season. I do it based on the Ladbrokes odds, so this week was the least predictable of the season. I'm position 451 out of 80k but there are drop outs obvs, which is a fault with the game, whereas zombie teams can still score.

    1. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      It was crazy all right - only one home win in the league!

      Bizarrely I had one of my best weeks because I played the banker on Brom 1 - Swans 1. I did that because everyone was predicting that same scoreline - Bookies, Wisdom of the Crowd...historical stats pointed to it, too. But there's no doubt I got lucky - most of my other picks were way off.

    2. Baps Hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      No Manager who respects himself worries about losing to dead teams. If they are better, it is time to take a look at the mirror.

  2. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    What would you do with this lot?

    DDG Ryan
    Alonso Smalling Lowton Morgan Kiko
    Mahrez Son Willian Groß Cook
    Kane Auba Vardy

    1 FT, 1.1 in bank

    BB34 FH35

    a) Auba + Cook > Sanchez + 4.5 forward(-4)
    b) Auba + Groß > Sanchez + 6.2 forward (-4)
    c) Auba to Lukaku
    d) something else

    Cheers in advance.

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      c)

    2. Rash
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B wood?

      1. merin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        wood is 6.3. meaning he's 0.1 short

    3. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B with Austin?

    4. Scotty B
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    5. BbBb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Leaning towards Sanchez myself over Lukaku, so a for me TM

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        The a is pretty much Tyrese Campbell 😆

        1. BbBb
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Whoooo? 😀

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Only 4.5m forward who played last week for Stoke. 21 minutes.

    6. Strangelove
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    7. arndff_
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    8. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      c

    9. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers all. Might work something out with Alonso later.

    10. Salarrivederci
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    11. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    12. Alnair
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C, may as well stay 4 points up on a 50-50 between Sanchez and Lukaku.

    13. merin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

      Or you can do Auba + Cook -> Wood + Sanchez (if you have enough cash)
      All dipends on who you like the most of Lukaku or Sanchez

    14. CatMac
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Alonso to Vertonghen and Mahrez to Sanchez is what I am almost doing myself (cant afford Vertonghen).

      Auba can score more than a 4.5 or 6.2 forward and you have Vardy to cover Leicester.

    15. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B with Austin looks good

    16. AThousandSuns
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B and austin!

    17. Duffy Dunk
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B with Barnes

    18. Lawrø
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      You'll do c)

      It would be unlike you to do a) or b). Outside chance at d)

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        In other seasons I'd agree. Have done plenty of unorthodox moves this season already.

        1. Lawrø
          • 13 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          What unorthodox moves have you done?

          1. TorresMagic™
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 16 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            28 Oct 02:03 Duffy Davies GW10
            28 Oct 02:03 Sánchez Sterling GW10
            28 Oct 02:03 Diouf Kane GW10
            28 Oct 02:03 Salah Carroll GW10

            1. Lawrø
              • 13 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Hmmmmm

              1. TorresMagic™
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 16 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Practically a -8 to sell Kane/Carroll for Diouf/Sanchez(c).
                Spent -4 to reverse the week after 🙁

                1. Lawrø
                  • 13 Years
                  7 years, 8 months ago

                  Oh I do get it, I even reminded myself of all of the player's forms pre-GW10

                  it certainly qualifies as unorthodox

                  1. TorresMagic™
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 16 Years
                    7 years, 8 months ago

                    Pretty much any unorthodox this season by me has been a fail.
                    Arnie over Mahrez a few weeks ago was another.

    19. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    20. Patch
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Brave man ignoring Salah

    21. Concrete
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    22. European Bob
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

    23. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Kiko to Ward (boring I know)

  3. merin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    GTG? BB active

    DDG
    Smalling Christensen Morgan
    Salah(v) Son Willian Mahrez
    Kane(c) Vardy Wood

    (Fabianski Lowton Dunk Lingard) - remember BB active

    FT: 0, ITB: 0.4

    1. Scotty B
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good

  4. PrettyDick
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    I'm sure this has been discussed, but I haven't seen it so please forgive the repetitive question and/if there's a better place for it feel free to guide me in that direction. So;

    Since Spurs apparently have appealed for Christian Eriksen's goal to be given to Kane (I know, it's proper embarrassing), if they do decide to give it to Kane: will that affect FPL points?

    Cheers

    1. Monkey Hanger
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      No.

      1. PrettyDick
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        thanks

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Points are confirmed.

    3. Strangelove
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Nope

    4. PrettyDick
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      cheers everybody, quick and easy!

      It's gotta sting for the people who had him (and captained him) if they do give it him in the end ..

    5. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I think so. Points will be recalculated next GW

  5. Big Ronnie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Repost
    Mustafi to Smalling for a -4?

    1. BbBb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Tricky, but no

    2. PrettyDick
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Are you using any chips this week?

      1. Big Ronnie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Yep bench boost

        1. PrettyDick
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          then I'd say absolutely.

          It doesn't have to be Smalling, but Mustafi has to go. Arsenal already had about the worst defensive set up in the league, and on top of that Arsene doesn't give a crap about league games anymore. So even if your Arsenal defender doesn't get rotated (Mustafi is relatively rotation proof) it affects the entire teams ability to keep a clean sheet. And unlike say Monreal, Bellerin or even Kolasinac he doesn't offer much of an offensive threat.

          Wait until later in the week to see who'd be the best replacement but if there's no sign of Jones in practice I can't think of one better than Smalling.

          good luck

  6. BbBb
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed, which would you rather?

    A) Lukaku and Gross
    B) Austin and Sanchez

    1. Totally !rre!evant
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Leading ML - A
      Chasing ML - B

      1. BbBb
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Ha thanks, well I'm leading but still drawn to B 😀

    2. Concrete
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A

  7. Salarrivederci
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    WC'ing in GW35.

    A: Otamendi -> 6.1 DGW defender for free
    B: Otamendi & Moses -> Smalling + Valencia (-4)
    C: Otamendi, Moses & Auba -> Valencia, Tarkowski & Lukaku (-8)

    My team for the DGW as it stands:

    Lloris
    Simpson - Mee - Moses
    Sanchez(TC) - Eriksen - Alli - Groß
    Wood - Vardy - Auba

    (Speroni, Otamendi, Lascelles, Richarlison)

    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      C

  8. Mick J
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    What’s the verdict on my Bench Boost team?

    de Gea / Ryan
    Davies* / Christensen* / Tarkowski / Lowton / Chilwell*
    Alli / Mahrez / Willian* / Lingard* / Albrighton
    Kane / Lukaku (c) / Barnes
    0 free transfers, $0.6 in the bank.

    * are all rotation risks, but is there any point in taking any of them out for a hit when they likely will play at least one game each over the doubles?

    1. BbBb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Think I'm keeping Cristensen too, not worth the -4 for me

  9. Scotty B
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Baines Ake Alonso
    Walcott Shaqiri Eriksen Hazard
    Lukaku Deeney Aubamayang

    Elliot Schindler TAA VLP

    Need to do one of these tonight, which one?

    A Elliot, VLP & Aubamayang > Ryan, Lingard & Vardy
    B Baines, Deeney & Aubamayang > Lowton, Barnes & Kane
    C Baines, VLP & Aubamayang > Lowton, Pogba & Vardy
    D Baines, Walcott & Aubamayang > Lowton, Lingard & Kane
    E Elliot, Shaqiri & Aubamayang > DDG, Lingard & Vardy

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Why do you want to lose Aubameyang, you'll want him back next week

      1. Scotty B
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        What would you suggest?

  10. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    The thing is with DGWs is that the nailed players are too expensive to all own. I can't afford all of Sanchez, Hazard, Eriksen, Pogba, Mahrez, Kane, Lukaku and Vardy.

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      or any week...this is why they go to the effort of pricing players.

      1. diesel001
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        That is why you got to accept some rotation risk when building a DGW team. Son, Willian etc. are all prone to rotation.

    2. Blanka
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I've got 6 of that 8. Will do me.

  11. Dacra
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Talk in the article of Haz possible being rested is making me reconsider Salah to Haz..

    Damn, shouldn't read stuff!

    1. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      There was talk on Twitter that Chelsea will announce Conte's sacking tomorrow. Can't believe everything you read!

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      I would not fancy that move even if he got 2 starts. Sanchez on the other hand...

  12. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Any transfers needed for my BB?

    De Gea, Ryan
    Alonso, Azpi, Smalling, Lowton, Ward
    Sanchez (C), Mahrez, Son, Albrighton, Kennedy
    Aubameyang, Vardy, Murray

    £0 in the bank
    Tempted by Lowton to Chilwell

  13. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Please RMT

    Lloris
    Alonso, Morgan, Monreal
    Alli, Mahrez, Willian, Lingard
    Kane, Luka(TC), Vardy

    Any advise about Monreal? 0.5ITB

    1. Alnair
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Monreal to Smalling I think.

  14. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Can anyone tell me their logic regarding Salah and Liverpool tomorrow in terms of how it will affect their transfers?

    1. BbBb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      He's already out of my team

    2. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      unless he gets injured im holding

    3. Totally !rre!evant
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Not at all fussed about whether he plays or not, but who goes through. Liverpool win and he's gone for me. City win and he stays

      1. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        same for me

    4. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      More chance for rest if they qualify is the easy answer.
      Niggles can be an excuse for a rest.

    5. Alnair
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Keeping if he doesn't get injured again.

  15. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    A few commentators have said Chelsea players have given up. The results would suggest they are underperforming given the squad.

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      yeh never thought id be thinking that che players would be stinking up my wc

    2. diesel001
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      GK: Courtois, Caballero, Eduardo
      CB: Azpilicueta, Luiz, Christensen, Rudiger, Cahill, Zouma (when back from loan)
      LB: Alonso, Emerson
      RB: Moses, Zappacosta
      CM: Kante, Drinkwater, Bakayoko, Fabregas
      LM: Hazard, Pedro
      RM: Willian, Barkley
      FW: Morata, Giroud, Batshuayi (when back from loan)

      They have the players IMO

  16. Snoop
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Gudmundson fit for this gw?

    1. ZimZalabim
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      no news as yet

      you will have to wait till the presser on thursday or friday

    2. BbBb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Wait for press release

  17. Snoop
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    I'm considering

    A. Salah + gudmundson to ali + gross
    B. Salah + Lukaku to pogba + kane
    C. Alonso + gudmundson to Davies + gross
    D. None/ something else

    I've got two ft. Worried about salahs and gudmundsons fitness.. anyone think they will play?

    Im putting Salah back in on free hit gw35 but I won't have him for last three games after.

  18. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Predict points for these 2 next gw?

    Auber v Vardy

    1. BbBb
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Auba = 8
      Vardy = 13

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Auba - 8
      Vardy - 15

    3. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Auba 2
      Vardy 10

  19. Neo-Viper
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Who comes in for Mustafi for a hit?

    DDG - Ryan
    Smalling Morgan Azpi - Mustafi Lowton

    BB played

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Valencia, Alonso or no one

      1. Neo-Viper
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Can't afford em both.. 5.7m

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      How much to spend?

      1. Neo-Viper
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        5.7m

  20. MGD
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Is Smalling nailed on now or Jones a threat?

    1. Neo-Viper
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty nailed after that goal

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t think either are nailed as have loads of options there: Bailly, Lindelof and Rojo could all get game time too.

    3. mogadishu
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      All at risk

  21. Jigger & Pony
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    For FH34 which option to pick:

    xxx
    Cedric Lowton Chilwell
    Sanchez Alli Willian xxx
    Kane Lukaku Vardy

    A. Lloris + Pogba
    B. DDG + Arnautovic
    C. Ryan + Son

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      You dont need both of Luka and sanchez. Snachez will do.

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Cedric though?

      I like B

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I know. He could become Dunk or Tarkowski.

    4. Alnair
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A

      Don't agree with the Willian pick though.

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Why don’t you like Willian? He’s been Chelsea’s best player recently.

        1. Alnair
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Inconsistent and prone to rotation.

    5. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B - by quite a distance.

      1. Jigger & Pony
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks man. Because of Arnie or DDG?

        1. Reuser
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          Think both are great shouts this gameweek - I have both:

          DDG
          Tarkowski, Morgan, Lowton
          Sanchez, Eriksen, Mahrez, Arnie,
          Kane, Lukaku, Austin

          1. Jigger & Pony
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers. I see you lost Alonso?

            1. Reuser
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              7 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah - I realised that I could get Lukaku instead of Pogba if I went for a cheap back-line.

              Might back-fire of course, but feels good to have that front 8.

              1. Reuser
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Or 7 even....

                I reserve the right to re-tinker, but am quite comfortable with that as it stands, considering my lower team value.

              2. Jigger & Pony
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                7 years, 8 months ago

                Yup the frontmen have much higher ceilings than defenders. DDG, for example, will at best end up with 12-13 points over 2 games. That could be points for any one of the attackers in one game.

                1. Reuser
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  7 years, 8 months ago

                  It also means that the 3 dgw main captaincy options are covered. If one of them hauls whilst the others blank, the impact is limited.....

                  If they all come in - happy days.

                  1. Jigger & Pony
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    7 years, 8 months ago

                    Yes indeed

  22. Don Kloppeone
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Split opinions on this atm - appreciate people’s views!

    Got a couple of template pre-BB34 transfer options and a more drastic one. Can you help me decide?!

    A) Auba, Firmino, Son >>> Lukaku, Vardy, Eriksen (-4)

    B) Auba, Firmino, Son > Kane, Pogba, Vardy (-4)

    C) Auba, Firmino, Gros, Alonso > Kane, Lukaku, Mili, Long (-8)

    Current team:
    2FT £0.7itb
    DDG, Ryan
    Vertonghen, Morgan, Lowton, Mustafi, Alonso*
    Salah, Mahrez, Son*, Willian, Gros*
    Auba*, Firmino*, Barnes

    I’ll FH in GW35. No TC left - A), B) or C) lads?!

    Cheers

  23. The Mandalorian
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    If Liverpool win against City then Salah will likely be rested for at least one game maybe two if they make the final. That leaves just 3 games two of which can be covered by a DGW player and the other a FH chip.

    1. Alnair
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Will he? Salah is still chasing the all-time goal scorer record and Bournemouth, West Brom and Stoke seem the perfect fixtures for him to do it in...

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Probably. Klopp likes to meddle

      2. A.T
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        I doubt Klopp will care too much about that. If he wants to rest him he'll rest him.

    2. Flynny
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Are you getting rid?

  24. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    austin always seems to be back in contention come dgws............tempting me again

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      He will score. But for a hit i wouldnt.

  25. mogadishu
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Maverick or dullard move??
    BB active

    De Gea Ryan
    Alonso Lowton Morgan Tarkowski Cedric
    Salah Mahrez Son Willian Kenedy
    Lukaku Auba Barnes

    a) Lukaku, Auba & Son ➡️ Kane, Austin, Sanchez (-4) (Maverick-ish)
    b) Auba & Alonso ➡️ Kane & Smalling (Dullard)

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      a) mallard

      1. Reedy
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Don't duck the question

        1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          sorry im just quackers

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      A is just silly.

    3. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      B I think

    4. Concrete
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Not A

  26. England23
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    How does this BB team look?

    DDG Pope
    Alonso Robertson Mustafi Morgan Lowton
    Alli Son Willian Mahrez Groß
    Lukaku(C) Wood Vardy

  27. Gudjohnsen
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Risky FH team?

    De Gea
    Morgan,Lowton,Tarkowski
    Sanchez,Eriksen,Alli,Kante
    Kane,Lukaku,Vardy

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Can't see a risk there. JWP over Kante?

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Is JWP nailed?

        1. AThousandSuns
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          No

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Kante your only problem. Get someone else.

    3. Whats the Huth
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      Very similar to mine. Except I'll go for Willian and Albrightion over Alli and kante.

      I'm still 50/50 if I should sell Salah

    4. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      1st time ive seen kante in a draft

      1. Gudjohnsen
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Ibe? Is there a 4.9 midfielder with 2 games that is nailed?

  28. Concrete
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Auby, Vardy, Son to

    Kane, Lukaku, 5.9...blocks ml rival

    Yes or no

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 8 months ago

      do it for your own team, not blocking rivals

      1. Concrete
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

  29. HD7
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    BB team for next week (-8 points), any good?

    De Gea
    Alonso Baily Morgan
    King Son Willian Mahrez
    Kane Vardy Lukaku(C)

    Subs: Ryan, Tark, Gudm, Lowton

    *FH in 35

  30. Fpl-king
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 8 months ago

    Not sure if this was covered but

    I personally can’t see it as Kane’s goal

    But if they do give it to him will the points be adjusted?

    1. JohnnyMagrinho
        7 years, 8 months ago

        “Not sure if this was covered.”

        Lol.

        1. Fpl-king
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 8 months ago

          1. Fpl-king
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 8 months ago

            Lol

      • Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 8 months ago

        No points are set.