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. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Greenwood was 4.3 and I got Rashford for 9... I can't believe.

    1. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      sorry, pessimist top of the page post

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

      Gonna be really difficult for Ole to leave Greenwood out of starting 11 tbh.

      1. Qaiss
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You reckon he’s near enough nailed?

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

          First choice but not nailed due to age

          1. Qaiss
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Do you think he might get a good run of games after this though. That price looks tempting.

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

              100%. I had him in my original WC draft but went for Nketiah in the end purely because I wanted Rashford, Martial and Bruno. In hindsight I might forego Rashford, get Greenwood and spend the extra cash elsewhere.

              The only problem is having the balls to start Greenwood in your team which probably means benching someone who costs substantially more.

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

    GOAL: Leeds 0-1 Luton 😆

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

      Leeds only need 2 points from last 3 games to seal promotion right?

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

        Nope...they 8 points clear of 3rd with 7 games remaining before tonight

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

    A. Mahrez, Rashford
    B. Son, Jimenez

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      A by a lot.

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

      B

    3. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Would put jimi over Rash. Rash is playing so wide last 3 games and not getting in the box early so not getting the chance

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

      Martial, Jimenez

  4. pukunui
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Any update on Pulisic?

  5. yer old da
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Bruno is fantastic, what a player. Second only to De Bruyne in terms of midfielders in the PL.

    I’m sorry, but all those who knee-jerked Bruno > Martial last week deserve what they get.

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

      If you're talking about real life, Pogba > Fernandes

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

        Maybe purely on raw talent but you need more than just that.

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

          Agreed. Unfortunately Pogba for whatever the reason may be, never seems to play a string of 15 games

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

            I love Bruno, he's exactly what we needed and completely transformed our attack. Always looking to do something positive, gives 100% and seems to demand that from teammates too, I didn't realise he was such a leader.

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

        Skills wise yes
        As a package I'd pick him ahead of pogba anyday.

        You know you'll get 100% every minute. Not when you're in mood 🙂

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

          Fair enough to be fair

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

      Let's not be too hasty.

      1. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I’m not, I think he’s top drawer. Has completely transformed that team.

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

      The effect he’s had on this club has been nothing short of astounding

      If to ight’s score stays as is:

      - 8 games played (including away to Chelsea, Everton, Spurs, and home to Man City)
      - Unbeaten
      - 3 goals conceded
      - 14 goals scored
      - 5 cleansheets
      - Personally contributed 4G, 3A

      #Catalyst

      1. yer old da
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Exactly. He’s a fantastic midfielder no question.

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

        Things like these have no proof that they would have lost without him. 2nd best in PL? Come on! Too early.

        1. yer old da
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Who would you have instead? After KDB I mean?

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

          There’s been a tangible improvement to the side since he joined - they’re not perfect or anywhere near it - but they’ve improved so much, and at both ends of the pitch - it’s honestly not coincidence

          That record speaks for itself, unbeaten from those 8 league games (providing no bollocks dropped in second half) would have been beyond pre-Bruno Utd

          Just enjoy him while he’s here, the more players of that calibre we have in the league the better

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

    Gw30+: Captain Aguero Vice captain Kdb
    Gw31+: Captain Bruno Fernandes vice captain Salah
    Gw32+: Captain Jiminez vice captain Bruno

    Classic

  7. Woy_is_back
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Blanka for Rash and Martial please

    1. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      As in the Blanka from Street Fighter? That's harsh, but I'll take it

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

      why are you taking too many risks these days??

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

    Lazy Tony is back. Havent seen him run a yard so far this game.

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

      this is how he rolls. Then will.score a brace next game. Still the best value UTD attacker along with Bruno

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

      Deputise to Greenwood

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

    Might keep Pogba, getting a fair few touches in the box

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

      Might change when he loses the assist 😉

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

        Doubt it tbh

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

      For sure

      United have great fixtures

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

        Need to find a way to get a City attacker though

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

          A lot will depend on your budget

          I would love to get Sterling in but just can't afford him so I am going to stick with KDB

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

            At the moment I can only afford Mahrez. Can get KDB if I sell Son but I rather try push up the ranks with a differential

  10. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rashford better get on the scoresheet otherwise my hope of catching ML leader is over

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

    AWB is sooooooooooo advanced.

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

      I am considering getting him for Tash

      1. Vazza
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Tash?

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

      Both fullbacks have attacked well this game. Something I know they've been working on.

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

      I'm getting him for sure
      After Villa game
      Firstly i have to free up some cash for him 😉
      Son to Mahrej on the cards

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

    Rashford is so not match fit. Nostalgia pick from my side. He did well for me earlier this season so was biasef

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

      *biased

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

      Yeah... I commented this before the start. But still picked him myself, as you say nostalgia pick. Luckily I have Martial and Bruno as well.

    3. Dreaming of glory
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Still cant dump him before Bourne at home tho!

    4. Easy Cheesy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yep. Frustrating. He should still get some chances...

    5. SuperMane Returns
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I'd already done Vardy to Rash for my GW33 FT on Sat. Hopefully he plays better v Bournemouth!

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

    Man U really need to keep hold of Pogba, different team with him in it.

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

      One of the best central midfielders in the world. Up there with KDB.

      1. Lucy2019
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Absolutely nowhere near KDB ffs.

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

          At the end of last season he had a better goals/assists per 90 than KDB (not sure what it is now).

          There's a lot of bias against Pogba, for whatever reason, but he is a very very good player.

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

        up there with KDB?? lolz

      3. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Eh.. What

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

      Agreed- do not want him leaving unless his heart and mind are elsewhere.

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

    How many touches in the box now for AWB ...

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

    Ok, Maguire over AWB was such a failure

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

    It's weird how Brighton still sit with a deep defensive line, despite being 2-0 behind in their home ground.

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

      goal difference important

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

      They'll get crooked on the counter

  17. FFSbet.com
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Who would guess Greenwood,Nkeitah,Connolly was the front 3

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

    My nearest rival in the mini league left aguero in his team he has greenwood first bench:(

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Classic casual move.... though in his defence, that’s what the bench is for

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

    Crisis! Rashford C is killing me. The rest of this gameweek is about damage limitation. Just hope i dont get too far behind

  20. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Game over
    Get Fernandes off

  21. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Rashy down, looks tired.

  22. Champions League Varane
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Come on Tony just 1

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      No, 3 please

  23. Dele
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Martial is pony, what a curse.

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

    Rashford needs to get out of my team ASAP: The issue is I don’t know who to replace him with and who to sell in midfield to replace him with Martial. Hmm.

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

      Why do you want Martial? Garbage player...

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

    Bruno should be given a breather now

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

      Rightly so

    2. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Nice and dusty behind that sofa?

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

        United fan here. We need him fit and fine for the upcoming games!

        1. Ci Siamo
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Ah fair enough then 😉

  26. Lucy2019
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Pogba is a poor mans Frenandes.

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Fred Nandes?

    2. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      In fpl, yes.

  27. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    I’ve legit benched AWB and probably 12 points for Saka. What was I thinking.

  28. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Captain Bruno, Martial gets a hattie ..captain Martial Bruno scores this game this game

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

      Last week I captained Bruno, this week Rashford.

    2. Crouching Tiger
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Took out Pogba for Martial.. yeah, should have learned my trade already to not do sideways moves as they always bite back.

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

    Greenwood Nketiah Foden ...

    1. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Connolly Lamptey

  30. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Can't decide what's worse, watching this with Martial (c) and Rashford or watching Burnley without Nick Pope. 2 painful nights of viewing.