Dugout Discussion

Son and Lucas return to Spurs XI as Saka is benched for north London derby

Two clubs in contrasting form meet in the 187th north London derby this afternoon.

Kick-off at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium is at 16:30 BST.

Spurs produced a limp display on Thursday night, failing to register a single shot on target in a 0-0 draw with struggling Bournemouth.

That came a week after a poor showing at Bramall Lane, although the Lilywhites are unbeaten on home soil in three post-restart matches.

Arsenal, meanwhile, have taken 10 points from a possible 12 in their last four fixtures, conceding only one goal along the way.

Jose Mourinho has made three changes from the side which drew at the Vitality Stadium.

The pacier Davinson Sanchez (£5.3m) returns at centre-back in place of Jan Vertonghen (£5.2m), while Son Heung-min (£9.6m) and Lucas Moura (£7.0m) are recalled on the flanks in place of Erik Lamela (£5.7m) and Steven Bergwijn (£7.1m).

Harry Kane (£10.9m) leads the line yet again, while Serge Aurier (£5.1m) starts once more at right-back.

There’s just the one change for Arsenal, with Bukayo Saka (£4.7m) only among the substitutes and Nicolas Pepe (£8.9m) taking his place on the right flank.

Mesut Ozil (£7.0m) is once again omitted from the matchday squad, while Eddie Nketiah (£4.4m) misses out through suspension.

Son and Kane were both jettisoned by over 100,000 FPL managers ahead of Gameweek 35+.

Of all the players in today’s two matchday squads, Saka was the most transferred in, with almost 75,000 Fantasy bosses recruiting the teenager.

These sides drew 2-2 when they last met in Gameweek 4, although both clubs have changed head coaches since then.

Kane and Son both registered attacking returns in that match, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£10.9m) on target for the Gunners.


Tottenham Hotspur XI: Lloris, Aurier, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Davies, Winks, Sissoko, Lo Celso, Lucas, Son, Kane.

Arsenal XI: Martinez, Mustafi, Luiz, Kolasinac, Bellerin, Ceballos, Xhaka, Tierney, Pepe, Lacazette, Aubameyang.

1,285 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SuperMane Returns
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    Mark Sutton knew to bench Aurier.

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

      Who?

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

        Mark Sutton on his horse, don't you remember?

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

          Nope.

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Blast from the past.

  2. CroatianHammer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 9 months ago

    kdB and Mané my worst 2 players this GW... pure gas

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

    FH team any good?
    DDG
    TAA AWB digne
    Salah dilva foden pulisic bruno
    Jesus giroud

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

      Free up some money in case Tammy starts over Giroud

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

        That's a really good point. Have your alternate plan ready if Tammy starts!

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

          Got 4.8itb so can go tammy if needed. Are we likely to know before deadline?
          Thanks!

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

            Yes, if FPL Rockstar tweets!

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

              Great!

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

      DDG is pony

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

        He is a guaranteed 6 points

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Is he?

          • Amey
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Doubt that

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

              Palace are on the beach and have Benteke up front

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

                I'd be happy to say the least

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

        Meh too much Liverpool.

        They are away from home and have nothing to play for. They were also pretty poor vs Burnley.

        Ings over Giroud/Tammy.

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

          Are you watching the arsenal game currently? I’d fancy myself to score a couple vs that defence

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

            Doesn't matter. They have nothing to play for really and Salah not scoring vs Burnley means his chances of GB have gone down too.

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

          Keen on Salah. Not sure on another decent defender over TAA. Any recommendations?

    3. SH1M1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Best defender to have for the rest of the season? Doubt Aurier starts next game with Tanganga back

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

        Taylor

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

        Tanganga doesn't want to play for Mou

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

      Good day! What would you do with this lot?

      Patricio
      Trent/Maguire/Aurier (Taylor, Holgate)
      Sterling/ KDB/ Son/ Bruno (guendouzi)
      Greenwood/Vardy/Jimenez

      0.1 itb, 1ft
      Maybe just Jimenez > Ings?
      Have a very slight lead in ML so trying to avoid any hits

      1. Pep bites Kun
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        That's the only move I'm looking at. Lot's of attractive games next week, but as you say, you'd like to steer clear of hits and can't have 'em all anyway

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

      Which game(s) do you think Foden will start in next 3 gws?

      MCI vs BOU (15/7)
      ARS vs MCI (FA Cup Semi 18/7)
      WAT vs MCI (21/7)
      MCI vs NOR (26/7l

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

        BOU/wat.

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

          This would be the dream

          He never starts Away though?

          1. HurriKane
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 9 months ago

            Surely city play strongest xi vs arsenal. This means foden is likely to start watford in 3 days

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

        All pl games

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

        BOU and WAT.. Who knows v NOR.. Dilva will defo play tho.

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

          You think Dilva plays all 3 league games?

          If you could pick 2 City mids for this gameweek which would they be?

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

            There's a high chance. DSilva plays all the remaining PL games!

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

            I reckon he might tbf

      4. Karan14
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Bou & Wat

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

        I don't think Foden has started an away game so ...

        1. HurriKane
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          But fa cup semis means he's in pole position to start

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

            I think Foden is in pole position to start the BOU game. Just a hunch.

        2. _Ninja_
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Only the 2 nil defeat to Utd.

      6. HurriKane
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers all

    6. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      What are the chances of sterling starting? He has 58 mins then 29 mins before last game, but Arsenal game making me worried he is benched for rest.

      1. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Not sure. I wouldn't bring him in for a hit, let's put it that way.

        1. Greek Freak
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          But I wouldn't sell either.

      2. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I think he’ll start and have his minutes managed

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

          This

      3. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I think basically one of Jesus or Sterling will start, which I have no idea

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

          I would have said one of Sterling or Mahrez start

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

        He's in my FH at the minute, I think he starts personally but it's anyone's guess

      5. Shankly611
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        As you guys maybe noticed, I'm having a lot of comments lately about City rotation.

        I suppose he will start - but will play around 60 minutes. Wouldn't be surprised at all if he is benched though.

    7. Ady87
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Aurier 3rd on my bench behind Lascelles and Ings. I hope next weeks BB goes better.

      Need a bit more from Son after going through the pain of keeping him.

    8. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Any update on Holgate's injury?

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

      If you had to bench one, which one would you bench?

      A) Wan Bissaka (cry)
      B) Cresswell (WAT)
      C) Van Dijk (ars)

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        C

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

      Kane and son look like theyre trying to play like defoe and crouch

      How far kane has fallen

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

      Ubisoft are giving away free copies of Watch Dogs 2 between 18:30 and 20:30 btw.

      Dunno if it's good or not, but might as well pick it up...

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

        Finished it 3 or 4 years ago. Enjoyed it.

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

      Alonso and Trent blocking Aurier from the bench 😎

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

      Current team:

      Martinez
      TAA Doherty CTaylor (Saiss Lasc)
      Salah KdB Foden Martial Bruno
      Vardy Green (Jimi)

      What to do with this? 1m in bank, 1 ft

      A. Salah to Puli
      B. Jimi to Ings (benching headache)
      C. Save
      D. Something else

    14. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Anyone that wants to make a quick buck, stick money on Kane to score...

      Sold Kane and Son to Vardy and Mane (C) 🙁

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Nice one "Sold Kane"

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Possibly my lowest feeling playing this game right now. Nothing is going my way

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

            It's alright mate! Next season is coming soon! Gear up for that!

      2. La Roja
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Convenient name you have

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Had to be done, woeful past couple of games

    15. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Anyone shipping KDB this week? Could also get rid of Son or Mane.. really fancy Pulisic

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

        I'm planning to. Getting DSilva instead.

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

          tempted by this also

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

        I’m Seriously considering. I think KDB or Salah is going this
        Week for me

        I’ve got Pulisic already so would be for another city mid

      3. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        You think KDB due a rest?

      4. Greek Freak
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        I shipped him last week, but I don't think he'll be benched for both of the next 2 - so it might be too late.

    16. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Son out even though Newcastle next, right?

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

        Have a look at Spurs away record this season (and Newcastle
        Home defensive record).

        I think getting rid of Son is fine

    17. davies
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      I can’t believe benching Pope for Reina actually worked

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

        It would have on paper anyway

    18. Tempestic
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Laporte and Garcia have got a pretty high potential to be benched vs BOU right?
      Asking coz my draft team has both of them in and I doubt I'll have enough subs to cover it

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, especially if B'mouth lose

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

          Might have to go hunting for some one week defender punts then. Not something u hear too often 😛

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

      Lucas' decision making is as poor as mine was at 4am while at uni.

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        That's when the best life decisions are made though

    20. Almathkourq8
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Rate my FH team

      Kepa
      Aurier AWB Digne
      Dsilva Bruno Sterling Willian Pulisic
      Jesus Ingsy

      I have doubts with Aurier

      1. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Want to go for sth very similar, how sure are you that Sterling will start?

        1. Robson-Canoe
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          I'd do Kepa + Aurier > DDG + Azpi btw

        2. Almathkourq8
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 9 months ago

          Im not sure but crossing fingers that he start

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

        Kepa? Lol

    21. Shankly611
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Everybody (including me) is worried about City rotation this GW. However, Chelsea and United both play in the FA Cup this weekend and have pretty easy fixtures this GW.

      Is nobody worried about Willian, Pulisic, Bruno, Martial, Greenwood etc. rotation?

      1. Traction Engine Foot
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Ole doesn't seem to rotate ever.

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

        Yeh I was concerned about Pulisic but then he was subbed vs Sheffield.
        I didnt watch the match but was that coz he was bad or just rested?

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

        Neither will dare rotate I think unless a player is in a very high risk situation (Thinking Pulisic with his track record, possibly Rashford coming back from the spinal injury)

        Champions league revenue probably dwarfs an FA Cup semi final

      4. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        CL beats playing Man City in a final.

    22. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Martinez up to 20 passes with 90% accuracy

      Would be a very very rare 6 bps if he keep this up

    23. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      So Son scores after failing to score against bottom clubs? Can't understand Mourinho's teams. Done at the top.

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

        Spurs and top in the same sentence?

    24. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Did the comm just call vert vermaelen?

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

        Yes xD

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

        yes

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

        Didn't he play for Arsenal back in the day? That makes it even funnier

    25. el_patron
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Who to play TC and when? still have FH and TC chips. currently have KDB,Jesus,Ings,Bruno,Mane,Foden and Willian.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        In the next 3 games.

    26. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Yes we can't second guess Pep, but theoretically, Foden should start gw36 against BOU at home, probably benched against Arsenal in the FA cup and thus gets a start against Watford in gw37?

      Doesn't that make him the best City transfer in this week?

      1. Traction Engine Foot
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Maybe, maybe not..

      2. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Possibly.

        He doesn't start away at the moment. That's got to change.

        I think David Silva and B Silva too.

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

          I dont think that this "he doenst start away" is even a thing. Its just that every other game is away so far and he plays every other game (aka all the home games so far)

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

        Agreed, him and Dilva looking good bets.

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

        I think you’re right tbh

    27. Areyouthereyet
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Bench 1:
      Willian
      Salah
      KDB
      Martial
      Fernandez
      Vardy
      Ings
      Greenwood

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

        Vardy

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

        sorry whoever you bench will score

      3. Shankly611
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 9 months ago

        Fernandez? That's Federico? Definitely him!

    28. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      AUBA hits the bar

    29. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 9 months ago

      Auba post