Dugout Discussion

Mourinho benches Alli as Spurs visit injury-hit Sheff Utd

Dele Alli (£8.3m) has been named on the Spurs bench ahead of their trip to Sheffield United.

The England international misses out on a start in Jose Mourinho’s talented attack, fronted by Harry Kane (£10.9m).

Son Heung-min (£9.8m), Lucas Moura (£7.1m) and Steven Bergwijn (£7.5m) are the three options named in attacking midfield, supported by a deeper pair of Giovani Lo Celso (£7.3m) and Moussa Sissoko (£4.8m).

The Fantasy attention will almost certainly be on the South Korean tonight. He is owned by 8.8% of managers worldwide and scored 12 points against Sheffield United back in Gameweek 12.

Those invested in the Spurs attack will be boosted by the line-up that Chris Wilder has been forced to field for the Blades.

Recent injuries to John Lundstram (£4.8m) and John Fleck (£4.8m), have severely limited his options in midfield. With Luke Freeman (£5.0m) also absent with a knock, Oliver Norwood (£4.8m), Ben Osborn (£4.7m) and Sander Berge (£4.7m) start together for the first time in the Premier League this season, Jack Rodwell (£4.5m) the only back-up on the bench.

Jack O’Connell (£4.6m) is still not back from injury either so Jack Robinson (£4.0m) continues to deputise in central defence alongside Chris Basham (£4.6m) and John Egan (£4.5m).

Spurs’ defence continues to offer greater stability though. For the third successive match since Project Restart began, Mourinho has paired Eric Dier (£4.8m) with Davinson Sánchez (£5.3m) at centre-back, flanked by Ben Davies (£5.3m) and Serge Aurier (£5.0m) in the full-back roles.

Sheffield United XI: D Henderson; Robinson, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Osborn, Norwood, Berge, Baldock; McBurnie, McGoldrick.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Lloris; B Davies, D Sánchez, Dier, Aurier; Sissoko, Lo Celso; Son, Moura, Bergwijn; Kane.

FPL Lessons Learned from Gameweek 32+

1,394 Comments Post a Comment
  1. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    It's amazing the amount of people who watch football and don't know the rules of the game. Even Phil Neville on commentary seems completely unaware of what the current handball rule is as it pertains to the attacking team scoring a goal. Intent has absolutely nothing to do with it.

    1. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Pertains is a good word.

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, I hear Trump’s voice in my head whenever I read it tho

    2. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      People are still a bit stuck with the old rules as FIFA didn't put it out clearly

      1. Zilla
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Nevermind it's a stupid rule specially when you have VAR now and you can determine the intent.

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          It absolutely is a stupid rule. Not my point though, so many people don't seem to know what the rule is.

          1. Zilla
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah just mentioned it cause it's related, I fully agree with you.

    3. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      He said he disagrees with the rule.

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Because most of them aren't into detail. They are in their jobs because they played football.

      The fallacy of thought being that just because you played football makes you a good pundit or a good manager.

      Do you have to be able to make beer to be able to drink beer quickly? Of course not. Different skills. But that is the way football is.

      People talk about the old boy's club, but football (and sports management in general) is one of the worst boy's clubs going.

    5. Says
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      The important thing is that the rules result in as few goals as possible.

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

      Didn't see them complaining when it happened to other teams. Bozos.

    7. SackWenger
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      What channel is Phil Neville on - he isn’t on Sky

      1. Sun Jihai
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        NBC I think
        I switched to Sky as I couldn't bear his voice anymore!

        1. SackWenger
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I see - fair enough

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

        Isn't he on Papua New Guinea Sports TV?

        1. SackWenger
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I’m guessing this is humour and it’s bloody funny

    8. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      You’d make a good referee

  2. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    If it strikes the defender's hand under those circumstances in the box...penalty?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      If the defender is playing for Jose, yes.
      If not No

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Like when Man City should have got a penalty at Anfield?

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Only if he’s playing against United.

      1. Amey
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed. That's why i have Bruno & Rashford.
        All Pens covered !

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Probably not but the rules are different with handball for attacking and defending, it's not as clear cut on defence.

    5. Says
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      no, but defensive handball is not officiated the same way as offensive.

  3. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 8 months ago

    I've noticed the people who think that's a handball are nerds

    Just an observation

    1. Frip
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      great insight there mate

    2. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Because only nerds know the rules! Haha. Stupid nerds.

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It shouldn't be handball, but that's the rule. Terrible rule, not VAR's fault.

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        It isn't the rule pal - Lucas fell over and his arms protected his fall... do refs expect him to fall on his head and use his head to pad the fall?

        His arm was in a natural position given the situation

        1. I Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          The rule is that if the ball touches any attacker's arm the goal will be disallowed.

          1. Bruce Lee
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            You are leaving out the fact it has to be an unnatural position

            You act smart but don't even know the rule yourself

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Wrong, absolute clown

                1. jason_ni
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  The rule is pretty simple, for attacking team, if the ball touches hand/arm in any way, means or manner, its disallowed as a handball

              • I Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                No it doesn't you fool. If it hits an arm the goal is disallowed, regardless of position or intent.

            2. I Member
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              "His arm was in a natural position" - you're just displaying the fact that you don't know what the rule is bud.

            3. Lucy2019
              • 4 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              He is a moron and doesn't get it. Ignore him.

          2. Jekori
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Maybe try reading up on the 'new' handsball from attacking team this season. Intent doesn't matter whatsoever in the new rule, neither does a natural position. This nerd thought people would know it by now.

      2. POLSKA GOLA
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Being nerds means they are not ignorants

    4. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I dont know why everyone moan ? It was clear handball and im saying that as objective KAne non owner

      1. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        😆

      2. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe you’ll reach double digit IQ next year mate.

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          i would like it mate !

          1. Salarrivederci
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            I bet you would

      3. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah none knows 😀

    5. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      It's funny to see Mou moan 😀
      Still can't forget him abusing Moss after That United second pen (which afterwards was reversed)

      1. thomashl
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Lol, what did he say? Tempted to do some deep digging to find out

        1. Amey
          • 5 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I don't remember
          Go and find footage buddy
          It's funny

          1. thomashl
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers I will haha

    6. FPL_DON
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      Good god, he doesn't even touch the ball

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        The ball's fault not him

    7. Bubz
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 8 months ago

      I don't even think it hit his arm, he boots it against his back

      1. Wilshere Knowledge
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Clearly hot his arm as he falls on it before defenders kicks it.

        1. Bubz
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Oh I thought they gave it for it being kicked into his arm

      2. Bruce Lee
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 8 months ago

        Some weird people out there defending the incompetent ref

        Even if it hits his arms, that is not a handball - he fell over and used his hands to protect his fall

        I think people who don't understand that don't go out much and aren't very familiar with exercise

        1. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          I can do more one finger push ups than you Bruce. 😉

        2. FPL_DON
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          this

        3. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 8 months ago

            Again, the only weird person is you. The rules are pretty clear, any touch of the hand on ball in the leadup to a goal will be ruled off. Maybe spend more time in your room and do some research?

        4. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 8 months ago

            He falls on it with his arm before it's blasted on him

        5. BobB
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Key thing is the ref saw Moura fouled and waved advantage. Mockery.

        6. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          this one isn't even a rule issue imo, he clearly handballs it just before the defender attempts to clear it, that deflection meant the clearance was shite and rebounded straight off him to Kane - pretty obvious handball

        7. Wilshere Knowledge
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Jamie Redknapp castigating Michael Oliver for not ignoring the rules.

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

            Haha exactly. If VAR indicate to Oliver that is hit Moura’s arm, it’s not like he’s going to ignore them and give the goal. If thats the case, we might aswell start ignoring goal line technology, if it doesnt look in, ignore it

          2. FPL Pillars
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 8 months ago

            What a door nob

        8. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 8 months ago

          Seeing that from those angles, I'm not convinced it even touched his hand.
          Unless it's clear, how can you gave that as a non goal?
          So we cancel goals now that might have touched a hand, but we're not sure?

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 8 months ago

              There's angles where it's definite

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

                yeah the straight on one

                1. jason_ni
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Is there? Not seen it, but if so fair enough. Still a stupid rule when it leads to a goal like that being cancelled.

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Only issue with it is Moura being fouled which is the only reason he handballed it, then again without the handball and ensuing action Kane doesn't get it with the defender out of action

                    • SADIO SANÉ
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      I honestly don't have a problem with this one, it impeded the defenders clearance - a blatant handball - harsh not to give them a freekick though

            • Abusive_Sgt_Daelrhos
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Son used to score 2 goals per game... lol @ us

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

                Different manager now tbf, settled when 2-0 up

              2. The Ejiptian King
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                He must've had some record.

            • Smurf
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              Is the exact right decision the priority? No, regardless of the money involved nowadays, football is still a spectators sport. It’s for the fans. VAR is not enjoyable for fans and hence the premier league really has been of a much poorer quality this season in general from a spectators enjoyment point of view.

              1. I Member
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                This is an issue with the rules not with VAR.

              2. Qaiss
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Cardiff went down last season because there was no VAR, it needs a bit of tweaking yes but VAR is actually a good thing for football.

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

                  their fans must be loving playing in a league that doesn't use it now though!

              3. diesel001
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I've enjoyed the drama VAR brings. Don't always agree with the decisions, but that is because the rules need changing, not the use of technology, per se.

                It would be better if the large screens showed all incidents though, IMO. Make it clear what is going on. If I can see the pictures at home, then fans should be able to see them in the stadium.

                1. SackWenger
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  There aren’t any in there

              4. Says
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                The enjoyability of the game is obviously fairly low on their priority list.

                On the plus side this rule is easy to rule fairly as it doesn't rely on intent at all.

                On the down side, it (like many rules) results in less goals. I've no idea why they seem to want less goals.

                1. diesel001
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  If you were an Ireland fan when Ireland were playing France in the 2010 World Cup playoff, you would understand why the whole point of VAR is to reduce the number of goals.

                  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLUxMRYJAso

                  VAR also speaks volumes about how many dodgy goals were being given before it came in. Perfection should not be the enemy of the good.

                  1. HashAttack
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    That was the story we were all given about VAR ... to prevent clear and obvious errors ... not to introduce a whole raft of new goal preventing rules

                    Think the ref in that match was the only person who didn't know Henry used his hand - it didn't need the VAR we have now to overturn such an obvious error

                  2. Says
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    I'm not talking about VAR, I'm talking about the rules themselves.

              5. Yank Revolution
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                Yes...Yes it is. You will watch regardless.

            • Rains of Castamere
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 8 months ago

              How many Henderson saves so far?

              1. @persecuted_by_mods
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  1 I think, maybe 2

              2. TomSaints
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                I’m being positive. Son can still get 3 goals second half

                1. Bobby
                  • 14 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  This. Maybe 4.

                2. Miniboss
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  If he gets less than 5 I’ll moan

                3. GOTHAM City F.C.
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  lets settle for 18.

              3. The Train Driver
                • 8 Years
                3 years, 8 months ago

                VAR was introduced partly to delete a bit of inconsistency. Now there's more inconsistency than ever...

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    In this specific instance pretty hard to be inconsistent since it's the first time it's happened

                  • Says
                    • 13 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    This was consistent. It hit his arm, the goal is ruled out.

                    As long as they rule out every goal where it hits an arm it's perfectly consistent. It's the only upside of the rule.

                    1. Nightcrawler
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Hit his shoulder

                2. UnitednationsXI
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  best option to raise 0.6m to do Sarr >> Pulisic

                  A: Aurier >> Taylor....rest of defence: TAA, Doc, Holgate, Kiko
                  B: Rashford >> Martial (-4) and move to a 352
                  C: Rashford + DCL >> Greenwood + Jesus (-4)
                  D: Doherty >> Saiss + 1m (to maybe do guendouzi > foden as 5th mid)

                  A is the simplest option but think Aurier provides great value and the downgrade from Aurier > Taylor is alot compared to Rashford > Martial but that comes at the cost of a hit.

                3. fc_skrald
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Thinking about keeping Auba for his golden boot chance. Will he need to show something - will he want to play for a new club or just stay at Arsenal?

                  1. AlCapwnUK
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    i think he'll go if he gets a decent offer from a champions league side. but whether that happens or not is debatable.

                    1. fc_skrald
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Thanks. One more day to think

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

                  Aurier and Son. The nightmare continue.

                  1. POLSKA GOLA
                    • 10 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Same here

                    1. Bruce Lee
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Ignorant

                      1. Lucy2019
                        • 4 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        We know you are

                5. Miniboss
                  • 5 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Hi fellas. 2ft to use, 0.0 itb and thinking on following moves which leave me 0.7 itb:
                  DCL -> Ings
                  Son -> Martial

                  Team atm is:

                  Pope
                  TAA Doherty Maguire
                  Salah Son KdB Fernandes Foden
                  Jimenez DCL

                  Button Richie Kiko Nketiah

                  Any other suggestions?

                6. Pep Roulette
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Praying for a Sterling rest. So he starts the next game for sure.

                  1. Amey
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    Mahrez you mean 😉

                7. KUNingas
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  Already have Bruno and Rash, third spot

                  A) Greenwood
                  B) AWB
                  C) Martial

                  1. Bun Rab
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 11 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    I have 3 Man U with B. So B.

                  2. Amey
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 8 months ago

                    I'm also in the same boat
                    Currently leaning towards AWB
                    If Son scores second half hattrick might end up getting Greenwood 😀

                8. Harn1
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 8 months ago

                  So if I'm defending a corner, and there's a skirmish in the box and an opposition player falls down to the floor, all I have to do is kick the ball at the players arm and then no matter what happens from then on my team is safe and can no longer concede a goal from that passage of play? Is that correct?

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      And that seems like a legit tactic to you? That a player under pressure in the box will risk kicking it onto a player's arm instead of clearing it

                      1. Harn1
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Why not? The opposition player could be 2 yards from the ball. No matter what happens after, you can't concede so why risk clearing it anywhere else?

                        1. @persecuted_by_mods
                            3 years, 8 months ago

                            I think the bigger risk would be aiming for an arm that can be moved out of the way but sure

                      2. SADIO SANÉ
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        he handballed it before it was kicked at him

                      3. Says
                        • 13 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Correct

                      4. I Member
                        • 8 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        You'd be a fool to try to kick the ball at an opposition player's arm instead of clearing it but if you did manage to hit his arm then yes any goal that resulted from it would be ruled out.

                      5. HashAttack
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Instead of grappling with players, defenders should just grab one of their arms and push / pull it towards the ball - maybe something Azpi should have thought of last night

                      6. Forza
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Maybe, but if you have the time to specifically aim for the arm then you might as well hoof it away anyway.

                      7. Scholes Out For Summer
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 10 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        lol if you have the option to clear it or kick it at an opposing player so precisely that it'll hit their hands and you pick the second option, you're either incredibly naive or incredibly good at football

                        1. Harn1
                          • 9 Years
                          3 years, 8 months ago

                          Well seeing as the league I'm hypothetically playing in has VAR I assume I'd be competent enough to be able to hit a players arm from a few yards

                    • balint84
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      How's Son doing?

                      1. Pep Roulette
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Spurs are toothless in attack

                      2. FPL Pillars
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        It’s raining, the son isn’t out

                    • Bobby Digital
                      • 6 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      C'mon Sonny boy!

                    • Nightcrawler
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Thats a penalty if moura goes down

                    • Gudjohnsen
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      How's the mouth breather doing?

                      1. Dannyb
                        • 6 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Still useless

                    • Weak Become Heros
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Who is the better option, Pulisic or Willian?

                      Pulisic looks more lively and creator. Willian on pens and FK.

                      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        I wouldn’t want to rely on pens and free kicks.

                        Pulisic for me mate.

                    • Nightcrawler
                      • 4 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      What is the point of sissoko?

                      Dreadful on the ball

                    • FPL_DON
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 8 months ago

                      Really not sure where to start with this lot? Got 2 FT, any ideas?

                      DDG - (fodder)
                      TAA - Aurier - Doherty - (Lascelles - Holgate)
                      Mane - Son - Fernandes - KDB - (fodder)
                      DCL - Jimi - Rashford

                      1. DandyDon
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 8 months ago

                        Not bad. I’d transfer out son and DCL this week.
                        Going for Tammy and Mahrez myself. No doubt Pulisic and Jesus will score more points based on my recent picks!