Dugout Discussion

Fernandes starts at Brighton despite 120-minute FA Cup outing

Bruno Fernandes (£8.7m) has surprised Fantasy managers by starting for Manchester United’s trip to Brighton.

The Portuguese international played a full 120 minutes in an FA Cup win at Norwich on Saturday, suggesting that he might miss out on Gameweek 32+.

Despite having Andreas Pereira (£4.8m) and Juan Mata (£6.1m) on the bench, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has backed Fernandes for a fourth start in all competitions since the Premier League resumed.

In light of extra-time in the FA Cup, it will be interesting to see how long the midfielder is able to last at the Amex Stadium though.

Fernandes will also be under the microscope of eagle-eyed Fantasy managers still curious about how he will cope with Paul Pogba (£8.3m) in the side.

The Frenchman made his first league start since Gameweek 7 when Sheffield United were dispatched 3-0 at Old Trafford, arguably overshadowing Ferandnes in the process.

Therefore, it will be important analyse whether or not the same will be true on the road, especially considering this is the same XI that Solskjaer named against the Blades.

That means another Premier League start for Mason Greenwood (£4.3m) on the flanks of attacking midfield, Marcus Rashford (£9.1m) on the opposite flank and Anthony Martial (£8.2m) in the centre-forward position.

The out-of-position FPL midfielder scored 10 points the last time he faced Brighton and launched himself onto the Fantasy radar with a hat-trick in Gameweek 31+.

Manchester United may not have it too easy at Brighton though. Notorious tinkerman Graham Potter has gone for an ultra-conservative formation, featuring a back-five and a trio of midfielders screening the defence.

Dan Burn (£4.5m) tucks in alongside Lewis Dunk (£4.7m) and Shane Duffy (£4.8m) at centre-back while Tariq Lamptey (£4.0m), who impressed against Leicester, could be up against Rashford.

Dale Stephens (£4.4m), Yves Bissouma (£5.0m) and Davy Pröpper (£4.8m) have been given the task of protecting the back-five, with creative players such as Aaron Mooy (£4.8m), Leandro Trossard (£5.8m) and Pascal Groß (£6.2m) on the bench.

Alexis Mac Allister (£5.5m) looks to be in a rather disconnected number 10 role just behind Aaron Connolly (£4.2m) in the lone-striker role, while Neal Maupay (£5.7m) finds himself among the substitutes.

Brighton and Hove XI (5-3-1-1): Ryan; Montoya, Burn, Duffy, Dunk, Lamptey; Bissouma, D Stephens, Pröpper; Mac Allister; Connolly.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka; Matic, Pogba; Rashford, B Fernandes, Greenwood; Martial.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,724 Comments Post a Comment
  1. POLSKA GOLA
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Offside and own goal. The ball was out of play as well. It’s comical how bad English referees are

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      All offsides are checked automatically by VAR though?

      1. Cholito
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Where's the lines? Why in other matches we're waiting for 2-3 minutes to understand it's offside or not?

    2. Reg83
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      or VAR?

      1. POLSKA GOLA
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        VAR decisions are made by the referees who analyse video footage and male a decision

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      They usually rely on the crowd to make the decisions

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

      Defender on the far side was playing him onside. It was a shot on target so recorded as a deflected goal rather than an own goal. Ball out of play yes, but current VAR guidelines don't permit that to be checked (should be updated moving forward)

      1. JBG
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Shhh MANUNITEDCOMEBACK. Let them be salty.

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

        We saw the defender, still looks offside.

        1. Hulk Smash
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Then your problem isn't VAR, it's blindness

    5. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Out of play was ruled on by Match Center. They said that it happened too far in the past to affect the ensuing goal.

  2. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    83% EO
    Hmm

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

    If that's not a Bruno goal then PL can half Lampard's total goals tally too

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Fair point tbf

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Sure it was struck left of the goal!

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        as long as its on target before the deflection

        doesnt matter if he was aiming at the left post and ends up going in at the right post

    3. JBG
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Haha this, he was an expert at those shots.

  4. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    bruno actually a differential. only owned by 20.9%

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Lol

    2. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      20.9% is basically like 80%. Most people aren't playing the game anymore

  5. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    The overreactions here on Bruno last weekend rofl 😀

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      People called him Portuguese Mark Noble. Like seriously?

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Right?!?! So harsh on Mark Noble.

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

        Noble would've scored that without a lucky deflection

      3. Dannyb
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Lol

  6. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Lamptey looking good

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks like a great young talent alright.

  7. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    One more and Ole can pull Bruno off at half time.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Giggity.

    2. Bartowski
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Never seen that goal bonus on football manager...

    3. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A few on here will pull him off if he scores another

    4. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not a happy ending for captainers 😆

    5. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Who should the five subs be if Utd are cruising?

      Shaw, Fernandes, Rashford, Martial, Maguire?

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Pogba and Rashford back from injury so probably them. Shaw and Bruno because of the 120 mins.

        Not sure on the other. Maguire's important, and probably doesn't need rest.

  8. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rashford looks lively I think. Just too deep for large periods

    1. EWH2020
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Expensive for a left midfielder

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Similar to Son positioning?

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah sadly. Wide and deeper

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Disagree, hes hugging the touchline, not where a striker needs to be, Martial is the main man up top

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, I was referring to those saying he wasn’t match fit. He looks fit and lively to me. Just our wide

    4. Dybala10
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Too much walking football with him now

    5. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      The front 3 seem to be very fluid with 2 up, 1 down at any time.

    6. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yep too deep and too wide

  9. Rinseboy
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bruno seems to be playing a lot further forward compared to Sheffield game. With Pogba deeper. Anyone else recon the same?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Looks similar for both TBH

      1. Rinseboy
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        true maybe they sense Brighton are pretty toothless. Exciting tho Bruno been involved a lot more

      2. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, if i knew this would've captain for sure

    2. Reg83
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      yeah; Bruno & Pogba have agreed to alternate attacking duties

    3. DD
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      His positioning is identical to the Sheffield game. If you look at Martials first 2 goals, he was in the box close to Martials position each time. Balls could easily have landed at his feet and it would've been a different conversation here all week.

  10. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    cant believe i selected DDG & Rashford over AWB & Bluewood!

  11. sandman58
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Shaw was clearly onside...what are u all on about!!!!!

  12. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bruno EO anyone?

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      76%

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Sorry - 83.07%

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      83 I think

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks lads

  13. FOO FIGHTER
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Martial and Rashford here.

    Spare a thought for me lol

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Unlucky

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Time will come

  14. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Can’t really sell any of Bruno, AWB, Martial now tbf

    Spanner in the works with trying to get Rashford

    Maybe Ings or Jesus instead of Rashford as a Vardy replacement... or just keep Vardy...

    1. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Martial looks sellable and Rashford is no Ings

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah I’m not selling Martial when he’s just started his 22nd game out of the last 23 thanks

        Fitness, not ability, was always his issue - as an OOP mid he’s gold

      2. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Insane take on Martial

  15. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Come oooooon Marcus. Brace is needed

  16. Zladan
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Liverpool very strong,
    City always up there,
    United seem to have finally found themselves,
    Chelsea are solid and have recruited well.

    2020-2021 could be a very exciting season at the top.

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Exciting with no fans in the stadiums.

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Hopefully we will be back in the stadiums soon enough into the next season.

        1. Right In The Stanchion
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Coronavirus is going nowhere until next summer in my opinion.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      The purchase of VAR over the break might just edge it for United.

    3. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Leicester and Wolves are both still very solid, Mourinho with a full preseason and some new blood.

      Top 6 is going to be nuts next season

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I wonder if Wolves can hang onto Jimmy. I just feel there aren’t that many top top forwards and he’s certainly working his way into that bracket.

        There’s always something about LCFC I just don’t trust but they seem to do very well.

        I think Spurs are way off it tbh. But not as far off it as Arsenal.

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

      It'll be a top two and the rest

    5. BUZZBOMB
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      City
      Liverpool -7
      Spurs -15
      Chelsea -17
      Arsenal -20
      Wolves -21

      Final table May 21

    6. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      United and Chelsea are nowhere near City and the Pool. Wolves are far more consistent than them

      1. Zladan
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        United haven’t lost in 14 games. Something just clicking there.

        I do think the jump to top 2 could just be too big, but let’s see.

        1. HNI
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Need a RM/RW and CB. Attack wins you matches, Defence wins you titles

  17. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Ighalo on for Martial around the 60 min mark. Martial buyers running out of time...

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yawn

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Go to bed if you’re tired.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          If I have to listen to you anymore I might have to!

          1. Right In The Stanchion
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            I’ll come back when Ighalo comes on for Martial around 60 mins

  18. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rashford wideeeeeeeeeeeeeee

  19. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    That's a fantastic hit, thanks Trashford

  20. Cholito
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Wow, how lucky MU are.
    2 goals at near post from 2 shots on target, no offside checking in second goal, Bruno shot was in different direction before ricochet.
    Same old United, like for 7 seasons now. Fans are start shouting about "ManU back" and "Fernandes is the best". Just check all his G or A, it's hilarious

    1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bruno’s shot back off the post early on too

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

        off the post is not on target by the way. 🙂

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bruno has been great, even discounting his goals and assists.

  21. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who’s a worse pick, Rashford or Vardy? Both useless

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Vardy because at least Rashford can produce something out of nothing. Vardy is totally reliant on others and his team have went missing.

  22. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Has Rashford forgotten how to play football?

    1. KGFC
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      He's got Bruno as captain in his FPL team 😆

  23. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Martial(c) fail it seems

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      If united score again Ighalo is coming on. Could be an early bath for Martial

      1. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ighalo played 120 minutes against Norwich.

  24. Amey
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    It was before 30 seconds ...
    Now stop moaning 😛

  25. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    the good thing DDG gets 6 pts by doing nothing; the bad thing AWB being the new TAA

  26. Reg83
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    ManU are gonna pip Leicester for that 4th CL spot arent they?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Probably

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Hope so.

      Add FA Cup and Europa League trophies too while you're at it 😛

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Not a Man Utd fan, but I hope so. Want Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Man Utd to be England's CL reps. With Wolves, Leicester and Spurs in the EL.

    4. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Chelsea drop points in a couple of games and United will finish third.

    5. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      F yeah

  27. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Does anyone have the link to that site that shows what you points would have been if you reversed your captain and vice captain?

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks you. Almost 80 points worse off than if I always captained my VC

  28. Rolls-Royce
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bruno price in FPL next season?

    1. Begbie.
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      9.5 or 10.0

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      9-9.5m.

    3. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      10 maybe?

    4. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      10

    5. Zladan
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      9.5m

  29. FPL_Devil
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Last week captained Bruno this week Marcus sometimes I wish fpl got rid of captains to spare my sanity

  30. Hazz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Come on Tony. Liven up...