Dugout Discussion

Lacazette and Luiz benched as budget FPL forward Martinelli gets first start

The final match of Gameweek 16 takes place this evening, as West Ham United take on managerless Arsenal.

Kick-off at the London Stadium is at 20:00 GMT.

Interim boss Freddie Ljungberg takes charge of the Gunners for the third time and has made a big call with his team selection, dropping Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) and David Luiz (£5.8m) to the bench.

Nicolas Pepe (£9.1m) and Calum Chambers (£4.4m) come into the side, as does Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) at left-back.

Budget Fantasy Premier League forward Gabriel Martinelli (£4.5m) is handed his first-ever start in the English top flight, meanwhile.

Sead Kolasinac (£5.2m) and Joe Willock (£4.9m) are also cut from the starting XI, with the latter failing to make the matchday squad.

Hector Bellerin (£5.4m) was injured in the warm-up, meanwhile, so Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.6m) comes in at right-back.

The West Ham United team news is far more straightforward: Manuel Pellegrini’s only change sees the fit-again Michail Antonio (£6.9m) replace Sebastien Haller (£7.0m) in attack.

Robert Snodgrass (£5.2m) recovers from a minor knock to start, while there is no place for Andriy Yarmolenko (£5.6m) even among the substitutes.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) is by some distance the most-selected player on show this evening and the only FPL asset from either side who can boast a double-digit ownership.

The Gabon international sits in more than one in five Fantasy squads and in 8.59% of the teams who were in the top 10,000 at the point of the Gameweek 16 deadline.

Aubameyang has scored 50 FPL points on the road this season, compared to just 39 at the Emirates – and has played one fewer away fixture.

FPL’s cheapest playing goalkeeper, David Martin (£4.0m), gets his third straight start for the hosts.

Martin has already banked one clean sheet, three save points and two bonus points in his two appearances so far.


West Ham United XI: Martin, Fredericks, Ogbonna, Balbuena, Cresswell, Rice, Noble, Snodgrass, Fornals, Anderson, Antonio.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Maitland-Niles, Chambers, Sokratis, Tierney, Torreira, Xhaka, Pepe, Ozil, Martinelli, Aubameyang.

1,065 Comments Post a Comment
  1. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Arsenal getting relegated! I wont stop laughing for a decade, plzzz lol

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Not a fan, clearly...!!!!

  2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    These over paid bunch of Muppets should be made to get public transport home sweeping the streets on the way.

    Fruiting Disgrace!

  3. IRBOX ⚽
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    City are going to absolutely destroy this Arsenal team. Toothless in attack and shambolic at the back

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      A bit like Man City last time out then!

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Exactly keeping KDB

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      United were performing at their max level, defending compact as a team for the full 90, and even they only just kept City to 1 goal.

      It's hard to see anything but City goals, whatever strategy they employ.

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

    I need Saka to come on and score a goal at least to save my GW 😀

  5. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    My god I'm so glad I got rid of Cresswell this week. That would've been absolutely disgusting

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

      The Engels way of planning out is always more fun!

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Dunno whether to keep or get rid of him. Nice fixtures, no idea if he will play.

  6. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    i would’ve given Cresswell a red in the first half. Two-footed tackle and something similar now.

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

    Cresswell owner here just got back for second half, feeling good. Anything happened?

    1. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Yellow card and just went off with a hamstring injury.

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

        What?

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

      He tried really hard to come off, then luckily got injured.

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

      You get an auto-sub 🙂

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Why?

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

    Got rid of sterling for Son but kept KDB. Dumb move or?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Probably not the week to do it.

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      How would we know? The next gw hasn't happened. Son is in great form now but if Sterling can ever regain his form he's one of the best players in the league, could punish us all.

    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      KDB is a season keeper. Sterling off form at the mo. Son flying. Correct decisions IMO

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

    Freddie worst Swedish manager since Laudrup at Swansea?

    1. Vlad Tepes
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Haha how can you say he is the worst manager, give that team to Pep and the outcome would have been the same imo

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No, it really wouldn’t.

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

      Laudrup is from Denmark, isn't he ?

      1. The Ejiptian King
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Whyyyyyyyyy

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

      Laughing but not biting. 😉

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Hurdy gurdy

    5. Wolverine
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Don't forget ole

    6. Werkself
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Laudrup Danish.

    7. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Can’t do aynthing with this lot unless you’re Hitler.

      Is this against code of conduct?...Just mentioning his name? Don’t think it should be.

    8. Pras (FPL)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Don’t forget Ole

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

        Oh dear.

      2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        No talent here

    9. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I'll give you your coat!

  10. Fantasy Gold
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    How much did Arsenal pay for Pepe again?

    Robbed.

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

      5 Dan James

      1. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Wowzers

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

        Nice Xmas ring to it this

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

      It was actually a good deal before they saw him play. 72mil in 5 installments over 5 years is hardly a significant investment for such a club, but he absolutely seems to lack in mental aspects and decision making.

  11. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Fixture ticker needs update asap
    Arsenal should be blue

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      dark blue

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

    Bloody hell. Tough next 10 fixture for the gunners.

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

      hopefully auba and laca put in a transfer requests

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Relegation candidates.

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      5 points from relegation...

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

      They actually had easy fixtures this whole period. This team is mentally ill.

  13. The Ejiptian King
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Give Arsenal a chance, get Roberto on.

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

    Just managing to concede 1 goal in a game is progress for Arsenal these days.

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

      Give it Ljungbergsy til the end of the season

  15. JoePavs
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Yo guys! My team is so f*ckin strong for the next round and I got 2FT. Team value @105.1

    Gaz/McG
    TTA/Kelly/Rico/Pereira/Lund
    Mane/Son/Pulisic/KDB/Cantwell
    Tammy/Ings/Vardy

    Basically nothing I can do, Martin for McG ? Or any inputs ?

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      It’s like everybody else’s. Your TV is a bit low at this point...i’m on over 107...not that it matters.

    2. Iceball
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I have same team except gk and Söy and Tomori instead of Pereira and Kelly...

    3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      You need a City player for Arsenal

      1. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Not true

    4. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Pretty much same team as everyone else, could even do with a bit of improvement.l but it is good 🙂

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

      Got a good plan for GW18. Taking out TTA & Cantwell for JackG & Aurier and keep TTA out of the team a couple of rounds. Im stuck at 30-50k placement, have to gamble to move up

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

    Pepe Pig or Maguire.

    Which one is the worst Prem buy of the decade?

    1. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Maguire hasn't been bad for us but we obviously overpaid, not even close to worst signing of the season.

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

        Jonny Evans 3 million ;). Maguire how much??

        1. how now brown cow
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Evans was a snip.

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

          Not sure how that's relevant, I've never said our transfer business has been good since Fergie left.

        3. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Evans was TRASH at United don't forget that (on much better united teams as well).

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

            Thats utter BS. He was underrated by clueless fans and should never have been sold.

            1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
              • 9 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              LOL clown

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

          Jonny Evans doesn't play for England.

      2. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        If city had got him they might not be in their current predicament.

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Was Maguire worth 80m, No. Man U defense hasn't been that bad. He's just not worth it as a FPL prospect cause they concede 1 goal a game.

    3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I’d say Everton signing Moise Kean after mistakenly signing Tosun must be up there.

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      There are very few CBs available at the required level. There's a lack of supply and huge demand, so Maguire's price was rightly inflated in comparison. City wanted him too, as I'm sure everyone in the league would have.

  17. CRO KLOPP
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    And they put some relegation battle on Munday night football ffs

    1. CRO KLOPP
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      *Monday
      Sorry David

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Should have hired his proof reader

    2. Je suis le chat
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      MNF should be binned. Matches usually guff. Friday footie would be much better.

  18. Trippier Hazard
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Anyone considering their TC chip on Vardy at home to Norwich this GW? Or better to save for DGWs later this season?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      I would save for DGW

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      DGW

      1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        And I don't want y'all book marking this and next gw being like 'everyone told me not to do it, can't believe Vardy scored a brace.'

    3. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      dgw

    4. The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Vards biggest scores are away from home were he plays on the counter attack. If Norwich park the bus it's over.

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

      Thanks all - fairly conclusive then. Don't worry - I'll take full responsibility for my decisions 🙂

      1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        🙂 If you do it. Let me know how it works out, I've had luck using mine in dwg, but know some have horror stories about Andy Carroll in a dwg.

  19. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    What an awful Pfornals this is

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

    Xhaka is one of football's biggest frauds ever. I can't believe he is a "footballer" and even gets money for this. Wow, just wow.

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

      Arsenal fans were convinced he was the next big thing after one good game at Euro 2016

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

        He is just too stupid for football and has no cojones. Look at him turning his back every time he faces a shothahahahaaa

  21. aapoman
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 3 months ago

    Coady to Kelly/Cahill or Mount to Grealish to fund Jimmy to Rashford for (-4)? Or just Jimmy to Tammy?

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

    This is shameful from arsenal. Don't think it's about effort, more about moronic decision making.

  23. Party time
      4 years, 3 months ago

      How did Pepe become a footballer

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

        One worth 70mil

      2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        He can run fast

    • The Mandalorian
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 3 months ago

      Arsenal went to Ikea for a manager and came back feeling pleased they got a bargain.

      1. Party time
          4 years, 3 months ago

          tbh not Freddie's fault. They need a total squad recruitment in the transfer window

      2. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Lacasaviour?

      3. aapoman
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        The scenes when Emery takes control or Everton and finishes above Arsenal

      4. Fantasy Gold
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Embarrassing how easy this is for West Ham.

        Arsenal showing all the fight of a dead fish.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Timing

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            😆

            Always the way

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

        Maddison against Norwich at home surely gets a double digit FPL score? Considering doing Zaha to Maddison for a hit. Y or N?

        1. Gentle_Turks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Double digit might be pushing it, but gotta be odds on for another couple of assists at least?

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

            Couple of assists at least, but double digits pushing it...

            1. Gentle_Turks
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Reckon the hit gets paid back over next few?

        2. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Nope

        3. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 3 months ago

          Not for a hit

          1. Gentle_Turks
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 3 months ago

            Don't think it will pay off over next few?

            1. Gentle_Turks
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 3 months ago

              Exact cash.

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

        Martinelli G

      7. C'mon the Fylde
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 3 months ago

        Apart from the obvious Rashford move (0.1 short of Connolly to Rashford,) who do you think I should focus on improving?

        Ryan
        TAA Lundstram Kelly
        Mane Alli Grealish Son Maddison
        Abraham Vardy

        Button, Soyuncu, Rico, Connolly

        4.2m itb