Dugout Discussion

Martinelli benched as Nketiah comes in for Arsenal

Gabriel Martinelli‘s (£4.5m) recent form was not enough for him to hold onto a place in the Arsenal starting line-up for Gameweek 26.

The centre-forward has averaged 4.75 points per game over his last four starts, better than any of his colleagues, but Mikel Arteta has seen fit to name the youngster on the bench.

Instead, the Arsenal manager has opted to hand Eddie Nketiah (£4.3m) a first start for the club since returning from a loan at Leeds United.

The young Englishman spearheads the Gunners’ attack, supported by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.8m) and Nicolas Pépé (£9.1m) in the wide areas and Mesut Ozil (£7.2m) in the number 10 role.

Meanwhile, there are several changes for Newcastle, as Steve Bruce names new signings Danny Rose (£5.3m) and Valentino Lazaro (£5.5m) at left and right-back respectively, the latter, an FPL midfielder, deployed in reverse-out-of-position.

The Fantasy interest in Newcastle’s defence remains largely on the low side but those discussed as budget differentials recently in Jamaal Lascelles (£4.2m) and Federico Fernández (£4.4m) are both in the starting line-up.

Arsenal XI: Leno; Saka, D Luiz, Mustafi, Bellerin; Ceballos, Xhaka; Aubameyang, Ozil, Pépé; Nketiah.

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka; Rose, Clark, Lascelles, Fernandez, Lazaro; Almirón, Bentaleb, S Longstaff, Saint-Maximin; Joelinton.

804 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Forza Papac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Should be a YC for Ceballos. Not for the challenge for the man bun.

  2. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Probably worst GW ever for me. 27 points and Kun(C) and Mahrez to play and i used my WC.

    I sold Lundstram,Wilson, Soyuncu,Grealish, Son and Auba on WC.

    If i didnt use WC i would have 65 and Auba...

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ouch, tough luck

    2. PL Ball
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Your Captain hasn't even played yet lol.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Even if he scores i wasted my WC.

        All because i wanted differential to chase ML leader. Now i dont have chance

  3. Pooodle
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hopefully that Son’s performance has quietened all those who were shouting yesterday that the correct decision was to keep Mané after all...!

  4. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Longstaff just over.*

    *If we are following FFS editorial guides.

  5. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone considering getting Tammy back in if fit? Half an eye on it.

    1. Dennis System
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      He's not that good

  6. iL PiStOlErO
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Thoughts on Vardy&Maupay to Jimenez&Ings?

    I like the fixtures from both. Team now is:

    Ramsdale
    TAA Soy Egan Taylor Cathart
    Salah KdB Son Grealish Dendo
    Firmino Vardy* Maupay*

    0.0itb, 2ft

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Looks fairly sensible but you are a bit late getting rid of Vardy. You are essentially betting against Leicester's good upcoming fixtures.

  7. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I was very dismissive of son 3 gws back but he appears to succeed despite being part of this spurs side!

    1. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Think he needs to be Spurs’ main man with Kane out so a v good option

  8. beric
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I think ill wait a week then do grealish and auba to son and...someone, any suggestions?

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Hopefully wood will be back

    2. Pooodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Traoré seems the most obvious but then was benched... I’m tempted to keep Grealish

      1. Pooodle
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Oh sorry realise you need an Auba replacement. Jimenez or Ings the obvious ones

        1. beric
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Got them both

        2. beric
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks!

      2. beric
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Traore doesnt blank though

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I am looking at Tammy

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah hes on my mind too

    4. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Same quandry. Looking at Tammy else its Vardy + Barnes for Lei top 4 rebound punt

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Leicester are so 2019

  9. Strchld
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Hayden dropped? Just a week ago bought him in to afford Son..

  10. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    This is poor from arsenal. They have looked as poor as they were before the break.

    Everything is so slow and they struggle to create chances

    1. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Simply not fit enough. Getting out energied (if thats a word) almost every game. Especially apparent in the second half

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      They had an option to be successful with Ancelotti available. But they get anxious whenever they have shot at glory. Just a comfortable.club with good to the eye sometimes. Thats what they will always be with the mentalitt the club emnates

  11. HNI
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Which if these 2 looks better?
    1) Vardy + Martial
    2) Tammy + Son

    Currently on 2 with both coming in after chelsea vs tot

    1. Hulk Smash
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      2

  12. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal are so bad. Ceballos, lol why on earth start him when he has been out of his depth since arriving on loan for Arsenal?

    Surely Auba needs to be moved to CF?

    I actually pity the Arsenal fans.

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Only Arse remaining fans are Londoners in that high end neighbourhood. Dont think they need pity

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      You must have forgotten his first game for Arsenal. He was essential for a while

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Least I did not fall for the Ceballos bandwagon.

      2. Crystal Alice
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        He was essential for one match. I got him in instead of getting Pukki’s hat trick, he trolled me for weeks afterwards

  13. fplking14
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is Son now essential?

    1. Crystal Alice
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No

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

      Since Kane’s injury.

  14. Chucky
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Auba to Jimmy after FT!!

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      I think wait for eve then do

  15. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Almiron not street wise at all

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

    This has all the makings of a classic relegation 6-pointer.

    Two clueless teams holding nothing back.

  17. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Arsenal look like mid table team at best

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

      Harsh on Man United.

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      They are 11th for a reason

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Spurs look like miles better with Jose

  18. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Luiz cluelessly playing the long ball forward every time

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Trying to score

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

      Better than passing to Pepe.

  19. teneighty
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Hayden was supposed to be my playing fodder for the rest of the season. Dammit!

  20. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Those 13 points from Son are my sweetest/luckiest since I can remember. You little beauty

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

      Did you watch the game?

      Could have easily had 20+.

      1. Bielsa's Blue Bucket
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        I did, his finishing was shocking

  21. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Auba looks an awful option tbf.

    He's a winger not a striker anymore.

  22. Steve McCroskey
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Is it madness to consider Samatta as a DCL replacement? There really are no worthwhile sub 7m strikers.

    1. THFC4LIFE
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Why not keep DCL?

    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Whats wrong with dcl? Just fixtures?...

      1. Steve McCroskey
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah fixtures turn horrible. can't see him getting much

        1. Lazaretti
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          How horrible are Arsenal & ManU fixtures?

        2. HNI
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          You cant underestimate Ancelotti. Most successful manager currently active

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

      Push a little and get top 6 striker in tammy

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        League 2 striker in a top 6 team*

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Just keep DCL...

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

      Keep DCL then.

  23. yalala
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else in the Aubameyang trap?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah.

    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah he got me

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Buy yourself out

    4. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah, feels bad

    5. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Till everton. A calculated move which dint work out. Just a placeholder for Tammy/Vardy eho blanking as well

    6. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

    7. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yep

    8. Old Man Willow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Yep

  24. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Saint Max in a good team would be gold 😆

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Saint Maxima!
      Godlike name, godlike flight!

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Proud owner

  25. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Might have made a huge mistake putting Fernandez on the bench for this one

    1. Woy_is_back
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      yeah, this has 0-0 written all over it. Should have put more than 10 bucks on 0-0 ffs

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        100 bucks ?

        1. Woy_is_back
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 2 months ago

          nah 10 euros lol

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Good I brought in Lascelles. NewC def looks good for the easy run ahead

  26. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    That second Son goal still hurting :/

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Its haunting me 🙂

  27. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    I dont understand how come Pepe scored so many goals and assist in a top 5 league. He looks clueless and without orientation

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      They don't call it Ligue Ugh for no reason.

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Its Ligue 1. It wasnt for psg and lyon its easily 8 best not top 5

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Hazard, Drogba anyone?

    3. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Pepe listed at 9.5 was criminal

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah he is 6.5 at best...

  28. tibollom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    any advice on what to do here? 2 ft 0.4 ITB

    Hendo Button
    Rico lunds taa cathcart dunk
    kdb salah grealish doucou cantwell
    ings kun bobby

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Defence needs work plus no blank GK.

  29. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Son debars non owners from green arrows !!!

    I nailed it :)))

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Keep your day job.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        My copywriter ? Ok, done 🙂 😀

    2. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      Ownerships isnt massive to hurt a lot

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 2 months ago

        It does with late minute goal

  30. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 2 months ago

    Arteta is single handedly killing Aubameyang’s career

    1. HNI
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 2 months ago

      No player would leave Dortmund and join Arsenal for 'career' Its all about the money and taste or London alpha city. He will get the dough regardless of goals or not