Dugout Discussion

Abraham fit to start as Martial misses out for United

There are six Premier League matches taking place this evening, with all bar the Merseyside derby kicking off at 19:30 GMT.

Liverpool v Everton gets underway at 20:15 GMT, meanwhile.

Perhaps the headline team news comes from Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea take on Aston Villa.

Frank Lampard is able to call upon Tammy Abraham (£7.9m) as the England striker makes a swift return from the hip injury that forced his absence in Gameweek 14.

Mason Mount (£6.6m), Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) and the recalled Willian (£7.1m) make up the attacking trident behind Abraham but there is no place in the starting XI for Fikayo Tomori (£4.9m), who is replaced by Andreas Christensen (£4.9m).

Jorginho, Emerson (£5.5m), Olivier Giroud (£6.6m) and Pedro (£6.8m) also drop out of the team, as N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) and Cesar Azplicueta (£5.9m) return.

Dean Smith has made three changes, two of which are enforced.

Douglas Luiz (£4.5m), the suspended Frederic Guilbert (£4.4m) and the injured Anwar El Ghazi (£5.5m) make way, with Marvelous Nakamba (£4.4m), Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.2m) and Trezeguet (£5.2m) taking their places.

The swirling media reports that suggested that Anthony Martial (£7.7m) would miss out have proven to be accurate, with the Frenchman not in Manchester United’s squad.

Speaking to MUTV before the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said:

Anthony got a slight injury on Sunday so he’ll be out for a little while.

Brandon Williams (£4.1m), Juan Mata (£6.2m) and Andreas Pereira (£5.0m) all drop to the bench, meanwhile, as Jesse Lingard (£6.3m), Ashley Young (£5.4m), Mason Greenwood (£4.3m) and Scott McTominay (£5.1m) come into Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI.

Jose Mourinho is back at Old Trafford after a 12-month absence and has made two changes to his Spurs team, with Harry Winks (£5.3m) and Lucas Moura (£7.0m) replacing Tanguy Ndombele (£5.8m) and Eric Dier (£4.9m).

There were shocks at Anfield, too, with Jurgen Klopp making five changes: two of which see Mohamed Salah (£12.2m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.4m) drop to the bench.

Xherdan Shaqiri (£6.3m) and Divock Origi (£5.2m) come in, while Adrian (£4.2m) replaces the suspended Alisson (£6.0m).

Everton are unchanged.

Brendan Rodgers has made only one change to his Leicester City XI, with Christian Fuchs (£4.3m) replacing the absent Ben Chilwell (£5.9m).

Chilwell reportedly has a minor groin injury.

Hayden Mullins, in temporary charge of Watford, also makes a sole alteration, with Troy Deeney (£6.2m) in for the injured Jose Holebas (£4.7m).

That would seem to indicate a change of shape, with the 3-5-2 abandoned for a back four.

Continuing that trend, Nuno Espirito Santo has only made one tweak to his Wolves starting XI: Romain Saiss (£4.4m), who was banned for the 1-1 draw against Sheffield United, ousts Max Kilman (£4.0m) at centre-half.

West Ham’s only change sees Sebastien Haller (£7.1m) come in for Michail Antonio (£6.9m), who failed a late fitness test.

There is just one alteration at St. Mary’s, meanwhile: Norwich City are unchanged, while Shane Long (£4.6m) starts in Michael Obafemi‘s (£4.9m) stead for the hosts.


Chelsea XI: Kepa; Azpilicueta, Zouma, Christensen, James; Kante, Kovacic; Pulisic, Mount, Willian; Abraham.

Aston Villa XI: Heaton; Targett, Mings, Konsa, Elmohamady; Hourihane, Nakamba, McGinn; Grealish, Wesley, Trezeguet.

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel; Fuchs, Soyuncu, Evans, Ricardo; Ndidi; Barnes, Maddison, Tielemans, Perez; Vardy.

Watford XI: Foster; Masina, Mariappa, Cathcart, Femenia; Capoue, Doucoure; Hughes, Deulofeu, Sarr; Deeney.

Liverpool XI: Adrian; Alexander-Arnold, Lovren, Van Dijk, Robertson; Wijnaldum, Milner, Lallana; Shaqiri, Mane, Origi.

Everton XI: Pickford; Digne, Keane, Mina, Holgate, Sidibe; Sigurdsson, Davies; Richarlison, Iwobi, Calvert-Lewin.

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Young, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; Fred, McTominay; Rashford, Lingard, James; Greenwood.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Gazzaniga; Vertonghen, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Aurier; Winks, Sissoko; Son, Dele Alli, Lucas Moura; Kane.

Southampton XI: McCarthy; Bertrand, Bednarek, Stephens, Cedric; Redmond, Ward-Prowse, Hojbjerg, Djenepo; Ings, Long.

Norwich XI: Krul; Byram, Zimmermann, Godfrey, Aarons; Trybull, Amadou; Hernandez, McClean, Cantwell; Pukki.

Wolves XI: Patricio; Saiss, Coady, Dendoncker; Jonny, Neves, Moutinho, Doherty; Jota, Jimenez, Traore.

West Ham XI: Martin; Cresswell, Balbuena, Ogbonna, Fredericks; Rice, Noble; F. Anderson; Fornals, Snodgrass; Haller.

3,820 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Is Jimenez ok?

    1. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      He's not bad. Happy they won

    2. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yep. Taken off for an early rest. Looked disappointed to be coming off.

      1. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Any chance he gets a rest against brighton?

        Played a lot of minutes this season and could do with a rest

        1. The Polymath
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Probably not. Loves playing and never seems to get tired.

        2. Am sorry to say again it�…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          He plays upfront he doesn't need that much rest, plus they need him! He got his rest by coming off early.

  2. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I’ve never known FFS to be full of such knee-jerkers. Pulisic in out, Abraham in out, Zaha in out.

    It’s become Twitter in another form.

    1. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      #TwistedSaltergaterOut

    2. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      oopps see below mate!

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        😆

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

      Mount out

    4. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Saying it and doing it are two different things TS.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        The game is practically ruined by the massive market forces of knee jerkers! Richarlison has scored 2 games running and dropped in price. People expect immediate returns... Jimenez might be next one to have a fire sale, it’s crazy.

        Yes, you can stick to your guns and be patient (like I have with Aubameyang) but you’re punished by price drops if it doesn’t work out. At least if you follow the bandwagons and miss the points, you gain from team value. And that does matter come the end of the season.

        People should calm the funk down 😀

    5. SweepaKeepa
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I may burn a free transfer for a second week running. Feel like a god.

      1. SH
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        whats your team?

        1. SweepaKeepa
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          ID 22

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Lovely! Nicely played

  3. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Eleven points off me bench. Will take that. Anybody getting more? Nice spot of bench jam. Too much to ask for a sneaky Lundstram no show tomorrow so my captaincy goes to Mané?

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Let me see Tomori, Pieters...

    2. Surfeit of Lampteys
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Tomori and Alonso x

      Kelly and Aurier ✓

  4. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Quick vote Pullisic or Maddison out for Alli?

    Or ignore as I have Son! 2 FTs thanks all!

    1. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      We Son owners may have to face the music...Alli is going to outscore him

  5. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Madisson to Alli, yes or no?

    1. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddison*

    2. wolvesmad
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Toss of a coin really

    3. Babelcopter
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      nope

    4. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      No

  6. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Heavy rotation next gw isnt it?

    1. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Potenitially on the table

  7. The Frenchie
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Current team

    Schmeichel
    Soyuncu / Lundstram / Willems
    Mané / De Bruyne / Pulisic / Alli
    Aubameyang / Vardy / Abraham

    Button / Kelly / Hanley / Cantwell

    What will you change?

  8. Am sorry to say again it�…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Alli or Son???

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Both.

    2. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli at this point.

    3. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli

    4. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      just got myself Alli

    5. wolvesmad
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ali

    6. We Will Klopp you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli if one of the other

    7. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have Son. Looking to get Alli also.

  9. Ajax Hamsterdam
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I have 2 ft

    Shall I do pulisic to alli tonight before price rise ? thanks

    1. wolvesmad
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

      1. Ajax Hamsterdam
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        cheers

    2. Boholad
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes I am doing it, Pullisics is price going down before the weekend

  10. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    best 4.2 defender not named Kelly … Williams? assuming he just got rested tonight?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rested behind Young & Shaw.

      Wouldn't be getting Williams.

    2. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Shaw > Williams/Young

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rico duh

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        he's not 4.2 duh (already have him too)

  11. shirtless
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Well that’s Salah vs Mane settled then. Glad I spent the transfer now.

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wouldn't be surprised if Shaq starts over Salah again. Give him more time to recover fully.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Time to buy a rested Salah? Mane due one...

      1. shirtless
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        I think that ankle is a real problem. Sure Mane will get a rest, but the Xmas schedule plus world club championship in the run up is going to take its toll. Mane 100% the better pick.

  12. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Mane should've got 21 points. Missed two 1 on 1's 😯

    1. Railwayman
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      26

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Oh yeah, I forgot he scored oops.

  13. SH
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Salah > Alli done! Don't care if Salah gets a hatty or brace next week, just need Alli to outscore him over the next few weeks.

  14. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Kane to

    Mousset
    Rashford

    1. HurriKane
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford

    2. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Wait if mosuet played tomorow will get benched next gw so wait and see

    3. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rash

    4. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have kane and want to ditch him. But gonna give him Burnley?

    5. Railwayman
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford

    6. schwing
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Kane's going to get a brace as soon as you ship him out! Ballon T'roll

      1. ZAMUNDA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Classic Kane

    7. JustPark
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Rashford. Main man. Depends on where rest of the fund goes to with Mousset.

  15. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Rashford form is unreal, anyone else considering transfering in? I'm vey tempted from GW17

    1. Rinseboy
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Jimi to him in a week for me

    2. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Definitely tempted
      Question is which of Jimenez and Abraham to relinquish?
      Obviously can’t lose Vardy

      1. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Jimi

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

      Had him for 5-6 GWs already

      Why not get him before City? They can't defend and he has 7G+1A against top 6 teams this season

    4. svasei - Up (?) the Rovers
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      See above

    5. TomSaints
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yep just went Jiménez to Rashford

    6. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Got him 2 weeks ago and hes been great, sahme that last gw his goal was disallowed

  16. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    damn all my plans for gw18 involved taking rash out.. is rash>tammy bad?

    1. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Dont see why....sell Jimenez instead if u own him

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        have ings n vady

  17. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which duo to bring in...??

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli+Rash 🙂

      1. FPL FREAK
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Sorry the complete question is below...

  18. Babelcopter
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Help me out lads! I have 2ft and dunno what to do

    Pope
    Soy - Robbo -Lund
    KDB - Son - Mane - Mads
    Tammy - Jimmy - Vardy

    Heaton, Cantwell, Rico, Tomori

  19. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I hope laca tomorow do something big, or atleast score 1 goal

  20. FPL FREAK
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Which duo to bring in...??

    Alli + Ings

    (or)

    Maddison/Pulisic + Rashford

    ????

    1. FPL FREAK
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Anyone..

    2. wolvesmad
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Ali and Ings easy

    3. Railwayman
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maddison + Rashford

    4. iL PiStOlErO
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Madds and Rash

  21. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Contemplating:

    Would you rather sell Jimenez or Tammy to get RashMenace ? In this form, he can do harm to City.

  22. Connor's Calling
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Do we get pressed before Sat in a week like this?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes.

    2. Connor's Calling
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      *Pressers?

  23. jez_wright
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Tielemans -> Alli for a hit?

    Got exact £

    1. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      hmm not sure for a hit
      i'm considering for free (or move pulisic instead)

    2. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Did that move last GW for free. Very happy with it.

  24. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Best replacement for Salah ?

    A) Alli

    B) Son

    I have Mane.

    Thanks guys.

    1. Wingate
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli played amazing tonight had some great chances, in amazing form and cheaper... has to be Alli for me

    2. ZAMUNDA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli

    3. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Alli. Just did the transfer with the exact situation

  25. Wingate
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    With SO MUCH value out there, and Captaincy options Mane and Vardy on FIRE, I can’t justify keeping 11.9m Sterling...

    Sterling + Douglas Luiz -> Alli and Maddison 2FT no brainer right?....

    Improves the squad over Xmas too...

    1. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Just Sterling > Alli, FT might come handy

    2. wolvesmad
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yes big time

  26. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Pope
    TAA Lundstram Robbo
    Kdb Mane Alli Pulisic
    Jimenez Vardy Abra
    Button Soy Rico Dendo
    0.2itb 1ft

    Martial to Alli done. Best move?
    A. Pope to Hendo/Ryan
    B. Robbo downgrade.
    C. Save ft
    D. Other

  27. ZAMUNDA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    I've got 2 FT and 0.2 itb

    Pope/McGovern
    Soy/Lund/Kelly/Rico/Clark
    Sterling/Son/Mane/Son/Cantwell
    Vardy/Tammy/Ings

    Any suggestions?
    A) Sterling to Alli (Double up Spurs)
    B) Martial & Son to Alli & Grealish and later Ings to Rashford
    C) Son to Alli

  28. Lukakwho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Hi Guys,

    I’m sorry but I have been out of the loop for a while. Team value is shocking and overall rank is terrible. Need to take it more seriously from here on in. How’s this for a wildcard? Bare in mind the rubbish team value.

    Ryan (Button)

    TAA, Aurier, Chilwell (will change if injured) Evans, Rico

    Mane, Alli, Son, Douglas Luiz, Dendoncker,

    Vardy, Abraham, Greenwood

    Feedback will be very very much appreciated. As I said i’m out of the loop so unaware of the “template” Thanks so much to any that took the time to read this.

  29. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Will Maddison to Alli end up in tears or joy?

    1. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not worth a transfer

  30. TomSaints
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Gut decision.
    Jiménez (great service) and Tierney (shocking differential) to Rashford and Kelly

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'd wait a week myself. Do Kelly perhaps.