Dugout Discussion

Alexander-Arnold absent as Martínez starts in goal for Arsenal

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.5m) remains absent for Liverpool as their preparations for the 2020/21 campaign continue with the Community Shield final.

The right-back has already missed two pre-season friendlies this summer and, even though Jurgen Klopp said there was a chance he could be involved at Wembley, Neco Williams (£4.0m) has been handed a third-successive start in his place.

It is difficult to be too downbeat regarding Alexander-Arnold’s fitness issues though, considering he is still set to report for England duty on Monday morning.

The rest of Liverpool’s Community Shield line-up is largely as expected with Andrew Robertson (£7.0m), Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) and Joe Gomez (£5.5m) completing the back-four.

And, of course, Mohamed Salah (£12.0m), Sadio Mané (£12.0m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) comprise the front-three, although, based on Klopp’s pre-match press conference, we could see Rhian Brewster (£4.5m) feature from the bench.

Mikel Arteta may have potentially thrown Fantasy managers a bone with his team selection, handing a start to budget goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez (£4.5m).

The Spaniard has not featured in friendlies for the Gunners yet, Bernd Leno (£5.0m) starting the win at MK Dons, but, at the first chance of availability, he is back in the team following an excellent run of form during Project Restart.

If he were to hold onto the mantel of first-choice at Arsenal, that might ward off interest in William Saliba (£4.5m), who has been named among the substitutes today.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£12.0m) is stationed on the left-hand side of the Arsenal front-three, joined there by Bukayo Saka (£5.5m) and Eddie Nketiah (£6.0m).

Interestingly, after spending last season on loan in Turkey, Mohamed Elneny (yet to be priced) starts in central midfield alongside Granit Xhaka (£5.5m).

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson; Robertson, van Dijk, Gomez, N Williams; Wijnaldum, Milner, Fabinho; Mané, Firmino, Salah.

Arsenal XI (3-4-3): Martínez; Tierney, Holding, D Luiz; Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Elneny, Bellerín; Aubameyang, Nketiah, Saka.

1,404 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    At what point do we start worrying that Liverpool actually just haven’t looked very good for ages. Are they trying yet?

    1. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Don't worry. Act on it early and reap the rewards.

    2. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm wondering about starting without any of them. They just arent up to their own standard

      1. Fudgy
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The VAR standard

        1. Greasy Grealish Gang
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yes, I'm sure that explains the 18 point gap last season.

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

      0-1 Leeds 65th minute.

    4. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      i thought it was 'didnt care cause won already' syndrome, looking now like bad form

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

      This Liverpool side is not assembled to be possession based style side, imo. OK, crosses from fullbacks are effective for Liverpool, but there is big lack of other kinds of creativity, other ways to find the final pass, the assist. Also, Firimino is such an important player for Liverpool, and if he plays poor the entire side looks bad in attack. Henderson out of the midfield three just adds to the problems.

      1. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Main reason why they're going for Alcantara

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

          Seems to me Alcantara won't be brought in until one or two leave the club.

    6. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      We ?

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

        Yes?

      2. just a man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Oui

    7. The Chosen One...
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Teams not replenishing. This team has basically been the same for 3 seasons now, they need to refresh it

    8. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Inclined to agree. Even if they pull out results playing like this, not looking good fantasy prospects atm.

    9. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Psychological hard to reach same heights after reaching ultimate goal last season. Plus not only that won Euro Cup year before. Whats left?

      1. just a man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Fans def want to take that 19 trophies to 21 and overtake Manu. So that should be the goal. Obviously really tough in practice to win back-to-back leagues.

  2. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I told you first that less hair means less goals for Salah don't forget me!

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Salah and Samson the same (smile)

    2. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Hair acts as our aerials to the cosmos. That's why bald men are uptight.

      1. The Durham Bumpers
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Here hare here

    3. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Should grow back in about 2 to 3 weeks, so get him in then?

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes I think the length will be good for the Villa game

        1. tiger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I hope FFS add length of hair to the scouting data...could be vital!

          1. Shark Team
            • 6 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            I agree with you but it all depends on whether his barber is an FPL manager!

  3. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I have seen enough to know I won't be doubling up on Pool defence.

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Doherty?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not with his move. A wait and see there I think

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yup same!

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I have been impressed with Robbo though. I might save the half mil

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Will do if Trent looks like missing the first game

    3. Fudgy
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Absolutely no chance and never was doing

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I thought about it but after lockdown they slipped.

    4. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Easy decision or made easier being blue 😉

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Ha Ha

    5. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I imagine those with triple defence are ripping their teams up.

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Should imagine so

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

      Based on this game? How many games was your previous assessment based on?

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        The majority of games after lockdown. Not so much the goals but performances. The friendlies were not any better either.

  4. Arctic monkeys
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Robbo and Tierney looking a better choice than TAA and Davies

    Considering Trent not having any preseson games

    1. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That's quite a good option.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm binning Trent. Everyone is terrified of not owning him but it's not like you can't get him in later. No preseason and mediocre opening fixtures. Much prefer Robbo and Davies/Dier to TAA and a 4.5 def.

      1. TheBrazilianRonaldo
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Just think Liverpool have a tough start and they did get stuffed by city not so long ago. Defence looks prone. I didn’t have TAA and Z on forum convinced me on data, but gut says no and I’ll wait it out

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

        Bravo, but team shape afterwards and ability to reinstate?

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      This

  5. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Very tempted to stick Tierney in my team

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

      Thinking same. Had been put off with fixtures but Liverpool week 3 perhaps not so bad!

  6. Differentiator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Don't bother with Mitrovic*

    *Based on prior years' experience, he'll frustrate you into a coma

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Did great for me. Will never forget...

    2. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I had him for a pair of back to back home braces. Was joyous.

    3. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Just because everyone who jumped on the bandwagon late were punished, he was great to start the season and theres no better striker at 6m

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        What about Eddie N?

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          If he starts sure

    4. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      His xG numbers were immense.

    5. yousunkmybattleship
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Didn’t he start really well last time?

      I may be having selective memory

    6. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      134 points two seasons ago and started off strong. I'm very happy to start with him considering the fixtures and then pivot if someone emerges with good form.

  7. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Arsenal are back lads. 50/1 for the league...

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

      Their year.

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If you say so

      1. Right In The Stanchion
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I do x

  8. I Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    LEE, che, ARS. Do we really need a Liverpool defender for the first three?

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

      TAA. Can get points any game. Essential.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not sure if serious.

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

          Very srs.

          1. I Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            How can someone who's missed all of preseason with injury be essential for GW1?

    2. Limbo
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It’s not ‘just’ clean sheets.

      Points. Points. Points.

      4th best in the game last season - still a bargain at £7.5m

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Not starting with him doesn't mean you're not going to own him for most of the season. Can't even be sure if he plays GW1 at this rate.

        1. Limbo
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I’m building the backbone of my team around him, Auba, Werner and in add GW2&3 Bruno & KDB. Made that call and can’t see a reason to change. Too much faff. Also what if he starts and gets Baps GW1 - instant regression.

      2. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah there's no real sense in going without him at that price, if he's fit to play

    3. SH1M1
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Certainly not, I can see them conceding in all 3, money can be spread elsewhere too

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

    Is David luiz a right winger now?

    1. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He probably thinks he is.

  10. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Saka looking a good option at 5.5

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Very good first half.

    2. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I wonder if he's won the spot over Pepe. Probably not

      1. BNMC
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        They play on different flanks

        1. beric
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Willian is on the right too isn't he? Or is he more versatile?

        2. Flair
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Both playing on the right...

        3. UnluckyXI
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Right now saka is playing on the right, Pepe is a right winger I believe

    3. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Saka will play, where is the question. LM or RM in a 3-4-3 or RW or LW in this system. He's in for me

  11. Young Lingard
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Whilst I saw absolute no value in the England fixtures
    They will be key to see what stages Trent and Kane are. Their clubs would absolutely limit their minutes or rule them out at the first chance if they felt they were not fit enough to play contributing minutes
    So my eyes on that but I had Robertson in mind already as my team needs money more spread around

  12. beric
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Saka, Nketiah and Auba too much or not enough Arsenal?

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Too much with the fixtures

  13. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Odd watching Salah without Afro

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Harder to spot on my SD stream for sure

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Delilah cut Samson's hair and Samson lost all his strength. Salah gets his hair cut and loses all his strengths and becomes anonymous...

      Moral of the story: Don't get your haircut. Wear a tinfoil hat. FPL and FFS are watching. Seriously.

  14. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Is Bellerin nailed?

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thought he might be leaving

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        looks great in this formation, I guess he's not as great in a back 4 though?

    2. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      If Ainsley stays, no

    3. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He is more than nailed imo

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Hammered?

  15. UnluckyXI
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Saka has taken a corner and a free kick in an attacking position already.

    Was in my team but not locked, that's changing quickly

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Early good call but it may not last. great ball to Auba

  16. badgerboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any more news on the the Doherty to Spurs transfer?

    1. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      medical tomorrow

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

        Ah ok. Cheers.

    2. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Does it mean Aurier is gunna go?

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

        Dunno. Was going to go with TAA, Doherty, Aurier, 4.5m, 4m in defence. Put a spanner in the works.

        1. beric
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I cant see past TAA and all 4.5s with maybe a 4.

          Cant find value for 4.5 or less outside of defence

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

            Doherty at 6m felt underpriced, but the extra 1.5m you're using further up the field could be handy.

      2. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yep

      3. Pep Roulette
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes

  17. Gerd Mueller’s thighs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Don’t like the Liverpool kit. The white stripe needs to go.

    1. Right In The Stanchion
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      The v at the back of the collar is just bizarre

      1. Muchentuchel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        As if the kit has been made for Quirinus Quirrell.

    2. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Don’t like the green either

  18. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Bellerin at 5.0 > any other Arsenal defender

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Bellerin looks good until injured

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Tierney looks a good call. Saliba will be playing soon too if they play a back 3

  19. WVA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Best asset's from this game

    Auba Saka Tierney

    Robertson Mane VVD

    1. Shark Team
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Tierney is very pricey my friend

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        There's a reason for that, very attacking, shots, crosses etc

        1. UnluckyXI
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          He's doing a lot of overlapping with AMN so could be a good option when aubameyang cuts in

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

        Because it’s likely he will be a LWB most of the time once we sign Magalhaes

  20. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ayew or Mitrovic?

    1. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thinking mitrovic myself, ayew didnt exactly set the league on fire last year and he played most the time

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Nketiah

    3. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Ayew. Looked good for his brace of goals today (even if it was Charlton)

      Was considering Mitrovic myself but always liable to get a yellow/red

  21. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Whats up with Pepe, Willian?

    Injured, quaraintaine or...

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Willian probably hasn't had enough time to train with Arteta philosophy, he will be in soon enough

      1. Free Hat
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Thx!

    2. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not match fit

  22. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Liverpool are still in a strong position to finish in the top 4.

  23. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ooft 7-1 Saints v Swansea. Lot of respect for Ralph picking a starting XI and a back up XI, if only all managers were as generous.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        JWP took the second penalty in the game.

  24. beric
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I wonder how much BT paid bale for that advert

    1. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He did it for free to wind up Zidane

  25. Andy_Social
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Liverpool's defence looking a pretty good attacking force.

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Think I'm going for the Trent/Robbo double unless Trent's fitness remains a big doubt

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Shame they can't defend

  26. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What are people doing with TAA? Surely won’t be fit to start season?

    1. mgilbert86
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      prob getting vvd or robbo now

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      See him in the upcoming 2 England games.

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

      Why is "surely" a part of this statement when the season is 2 weeks away?

    4. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I’m thinking twice about double pool def’s. Maybe TAA to Doherty as spurs have good fixtures

  27. i am jose mourinho
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What is your opinion about Vardy and Traore guys bcz i dont see them in any draft

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Both a bit rubbish post-lockdown.

    2. ivantys
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I have vardy in my team and thinking of adding harvey barnes to it but they drew blank today, so I'll have to wait for their next friendly fmbefore deciding.

  28. davies
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone actually starting with Saka or just tempted by it?

    1. Mr. Mystic
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Still not nailed imo, too risky

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

      If Pepe & Willian get injured.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yes, and Nketiah. Will get fewer minutes than Mitro, but will do more with them.

      1. beric
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Triple arsenal?

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          With Martinez, Saka and Nketiah, I don't think I can find room for aubamayang.

    4. beric
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Definitely tempted

    5. Flair
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Tempted but not until he's a secure starter

    6. I Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I am. Was in my team even before today so now I'm even more confident about it. Think he starts the season with Willian taking a bit of time to get up to speed and his versatility means he can play in a number of positions. Expecting him to get plenty of minutes this season.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Exactly my thoughts Willian fitness, plus Saka seems like first sub at worst.

    7. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Moving to starting very impressed by Arsenal proving FA cup no fluke. Plus Saka would be decent even if was given 30 mins from bench now and again.

  29. Mr. Mystic
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on Team without TAA if misses GW1:

    Ryan
    VVD Vinagre KWP Justin
    Auba Salah Son
    Jimi Werner Mitro

    1.5 ITB for Son->Bruno GW2

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      What about team 'if Messi comes'? 😀

      1. Mr. Mystic
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I reckon he’ll stay at Barca tbh

  30. mgilbert86
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Everton supporters, is Coleman nailed?