Dugout Discussion

Aubameyang benched as Lacazette leads the line for Arsenal

Arsenal and Newcastle United meet at the Emirates this evening in the tenth match of 15 in Double Gameweek 32.

This is both clubs’ only fixture in this round of games but Unai Emery and Rafael Benitez’s sides will be in action again next weekend in Blank Gameweek 33.

The headline team news concerns the benching of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has now only started two of Arsenal’s last six top-flight fixtures (albeit one he missed through illness).

Alexandre Lacazette leads the line for the Gunners and will be supported in attack by Alex Iwobi and Mesut Ozil.

Aaron Ramsey has shaken off a thigh strain to start but there is no place for the injured Granit Xhaka in the match-day squad.

Sead Kolasinac and Ainsley Maitland-Niles will feature at wing-back in what appears to be a 3-4-2-1.

That is also the system that Rafael Benitez has come to favour over the past couple of months and there is only one change to the Magpies’ starting XI from the side that drew 2-2 at Bournemouth in Gameweek 31: Jamaal Lascelles replacing Federico Fernandez.

Fabian Schar misses out through suspension.

Salomon Rondon, who has seven attacking returns in his last nine league starts, leads the line again for the visitors and is supported by Miguel Almiron and Ayoze Perez up front.

Benitez’s side have the fourth-best defensive record away from home this season, having conceded 20 goals in 15 matches.

The Magpies haven’t won on their travels since Gameweek 17, however.

Only Liverpool and Manchester City have scored more home goals than Arsenal (37 in 16 matches) this season.

Lacazette hasn’t failed to register an attacking return in any of Arsenal’s last seven league fixtures at the Emirates.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi, Monreal, Kolašinac; Ramsey, Guendouzi, Iwobi, Özil, Lacazette.

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Yedlin, Lascelles, Lejeune, Dummett, Ritchie, Hayden, Diame, Almiron, Perez, Rondon.

937 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 12 months ago

    Carragher is on top form and getting praised top of the page

  2. adam28193
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 12 months ago

    Is anybody else thinking arsenal's fixtures in 34-36 are very overrated?

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 12 months ago

      Nope, look ideal to me.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 12 months ago

      Looks good considering watford/wolves will still be in the FA Cup

      1. TAArt
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 12 months ago

        Final isn’t for ages and both playing for 7th...

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Fair point considering that then it does not look that good on second thoughts - as the two teams are the best outside the top six

    3. MTPockets
        4 years, 12 months ago

        4 of next 5 away isn't super appealing

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Reading this comments I'm thinking about not getting Leno.
          Not touching any outfield player (kola can be considered)

          1. MTPockets
              4 years, 12 months ago

              He looks reasonable value if rotatable, but their last away cs was Huddersfield last season

              1. Amey
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Yeah.
                Thinking mainly for BB squad.
                Ryan, Foster,Dunn, Leno 4 candidates for 2 spots

                1. MTPockets
                    4 years, 12 months ago

                    I'm thinking Ryan/Gunn, but whatever the fixtures that's still not very promising

                    1. Amey
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 12 months ago

                      Agreed.
                      Ryan/Foster in my mind atm

                      1. Magic Zico
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        4 years, 12 months ago

                        Ryan Leno for me

          2. gaurava1216
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            No idea who to go for in this team...

            Auba or Lacca?
            Miki? ozil?

            Its high risk high reward

            1. Magic Zico
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Laca Kola

          3. FPL Pillars
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Arsenal are a can of worms.

          4. Van der Faart
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Won 1 away game since GW13 and that was v Huddersfield. The away games don't look overly appealing either.

        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          I am neutral but looking forward to this game.
          Nice contrast of styles always makes a good game.
          No fpl players playing so I can enjoy it in comfort 😀

        3. Amey
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Is Lacazatte doing a Sarri in the title picture ?
          😛

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Playing the best DM in the world out of position?

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Ha ha
              Good one.
              Chewing a cigg i meant*

            2. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              he only ever has been excellent in a 2 man midfield why do people think he would be an amazing DM you are all as bad as Sarri.
              Leicester title win 442 CM
              Chelsea title win 343 CM
              France world cup win 4411 CM

              NOT DM

              1. Amsterhammer
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Pretty sure he was the DM in all those teams

                1. Ask Yourself
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 12 months ago

                  never played CDM in a 3 man mid which everyone is for some reason assuming he is the best in the world when he has NEVER played there

              2. Amey
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                CDM*

              3. Team Cruel
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Guys I've found Sarri's FFS account

                1. Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 12 months ago

                  You're a professional for a reason TC 😉

                  1. Team Cruel
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 12 months ago

                    My fishing rod is working perfectly of late.

              4. Jusagoras
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                This. While Sarri is definitely not playing him in the correct position, the answer is not to play him as a typical defensive midfielder. He should be given freedom to break up play/pressurise opponents etc. further forward, which is what Conte realised when he switched the roles of Matic and Kante after a poor start to the title winning season, transforming that Chelsea team.

          2. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Thought he was doing an Ashley Young with a gob full of bird poo

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Good one mate 😀

          3. Skonto Rigga
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            He's "leading the line".

            What I lack in meaningful insight I more than make up for in very literal headline/photo combinations.

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Excellent mate !!

              1. Skonto Rigga
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                🙂

        4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          The guy on the right has a Nanny McPhee vibe going on.

        5. wulfrunian
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Best forward up to 9.0 for gw 33 except Vardy?

          1. Team Cruel
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Pride of England, King

            1. wulfrunian
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Cheers

        6. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          As if he's benched, unbelievable

          1. Amey
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            So you BB or TC this gw buddy??

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              TC Amey, took your advice 🙂
              Happy so far apart from Sterling and Hazard who I brought in for a hit.
              You?

        7. Gooner Kebab
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Pick one of King or Wilson

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Kaptain King

        8. WVA
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Could someone help me out and tell me if Iwobi is a good player? I just don't see it.

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            lol yeah he has been impressive this season looks confident which is what he's been lacking at the top level

        9. Weasel Boy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Boruc
          Robbo TAA Kola Schar
          Salah Westwood Brooks
          Wilson Vardy Arnie

          Ederson* Fanderson** Shaw* Pogba*

          Anderson to Haz (FT) and bench Arnie sound ok?

          1. bhh
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Yes. May also consider upgrading Westwood to Maddison as you've got the budget for it

          2. thunder_mike
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            That is okay, not sure if I will get Hazard. Depends on midweek performance.

          3. gaurava1216
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Keep an eye on Boruc... was dropped

          4. Weasel Boy
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Thanks all

        10. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Good decision by the referee

          1. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Dont understand why?

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Clear shirt pulling, would like to see the referees penalise it more often

              1. Amey
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Smalling playing today ??
                😮

        11. thunder_mike
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Fab
          AWB Robbo Digne
          Almiron Salah Mane Brooks
          Barnes Vardy Wilson
          Button Holebas Pogba Doherty

          Priority for GW33 (1FT 5.0ITB WC34)
          A) Fab > Kepa
          B) Pog > Hazard and bench Barnes (Will probably depend on his performance on Wed)
          C) Pog + Doherty > Maddison + Azpi (-4, and have a couple of bench options)

        12. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          BREAKING: Referee Anthony Taylor saves a celebrity's life as he disallows an Aaron Ramsey goal

        13. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Kola assist denied

        14. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 12 months ago

          Looking at GW35

          Has there ever been a DGW with more awful fixtures

          1. MTPockets
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Bad for premiums, good for squad and bench boost

            • The 5% Team
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              at least it makes for some more variety in teams...unlike this current DGW

            • Team Cruel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              The one last season where Barry was spying Spurs' team in the hotel bar in Swansea was far worse.

            • bhh
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Probably not although I'm all for it given some of the 'easy' fixtures the star players had this DGW. Expecting Hazard, Pogba and Sterling all to bag hattricks in 35

            • gaurava1216
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Can make a good squad... for BB its not too bad

            • moment
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              It at least will remove the temptation to over-rotate your WC34 to the BB DGW35, leaving you with a terrible team for 36-38.

          2. Big_Bear
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Curve ball FH team. 200 points behind and LTV. Thoughts?

            Dubravka
            Alonso (c) Azpi Luiz
            Salah Ramsey Ozil Ritchie
            Firminho Wilson King

            (Gunn, Mooy, Lascelles, Zanka)

            1. InSaneMan-e
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Tripped Chelsea def. No city.
              Wow.
              I fear you'll be even further behind, Ha

              1. InSaneMan-e
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Oh sorry. It's a FH team. My bad.

            2. Mo Mané Mo Problems
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              If you want to be bold, I’d go triple Soton defence and triple Huddersfield.

              Then probably triple Everton and someone random like Mark Noble.

          3. Greenbackbøøg…
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Any reason why Auba benched?

            1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              The manager 's a potato head.

              1. Pep Pig
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Haha this made me chuckle. It's a fair comment 😀

            2. Revival
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Rested to keep him fresh. Lots of matches coming up and Europa league to keep an eye on too. Mkhi and Xhaka rested also.

              1. The 5% Team
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Xhaka injured no?

          4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Get Auba on ffs!

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              He has a FPL team ??
              😮

              1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                😆

          5. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Rondon is class.

          6. My heart goes Salalalalah
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Ramsey G

          7. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            RAMSEYyyyyyyyyyyyyy

          8. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Ramsey Goal
            Laca Assist

            1. Syd.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Maybe not a Laca Assist

              1. Wild Rover
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Good save 😉

            2. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Specsavers mate

              1. Syd.
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                Need a bigger TV

                1. Mysterion
                  • 6 Years
                  4 years, 12 months ago

                  Points > pounds

          9. Darth_Krid
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            I would say that wasn't a Laca assist because it came off two defenders before reaching Ramsey, but after yesterday who knows.

            1. Cthulhu @ Left Back
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Agreed, according to FPL it was a Salah assist 😉

          10. Revival
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Rambo!!!!!!!!!!

          11. InSaneMan-e
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Cant believe they let him go on a free!

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              They couldn’t (or wouldn’t) match the high wage he could command by going to a club who didn’t have to pay a transfer fee.

            2. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Helpless.

          12. Do I Not Like Orange
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Is Rambo to Milan confirmed? Would quite like him on WC but is there a chance they start phasing him out early?

            1. Pasqualinho
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Juventus

          13. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            It would be hilarious if Arsenal finished above Spurs

            1. Pasqualinho
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              It’s possible. No easy games and quite a few of them away from home, though.

            2. Revival
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              Oh, I can celebrate St. Totteringham's day again this year....was canceled the last 2 years

              1. Revival
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 12 months ago

                and to collect on bets made by over-optimistic Spurs fans in the off season who thought that "this is the year".

          14. Weasel51
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Is Aguero expected to fit?

            Also what his EO for this particular GW?

            1. Team Cruel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              176

          15. g40steve
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Mustafi playing for Newcastle?

            1. Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 12 months ago

              He's playing for us FH'tters 🙂

          16. Ze_Austin
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 12 months ago

            Someone dribbled AMN into a split