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. Siva Mohan
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    goalie Edouard Mendy not in squad today and recently Rennes rejected Chelsea £15m bid.. injured or wrapped in cotton wool to ship to London?

    1. Siva Mohan
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      ignore .. he tested +ve for COVID

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It's ok just wait for Donnarumma instead.

  2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    This is brilliant - vintage FFS opinion groundswell 🙂

    The last time I heard “I can just get him in next GW anyways” about Trent was GW18 lol

    Dis gon be good....

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

      Not gonna make that mistake again. TAA stays. Hopefully he plays a few minutes with England.

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

      Shhhhh. Let it build.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I can see it now - people’s seasons over before they start after TAA gets 20 points vs Leeds... transfer hits, early wildcards the whole works 🙂

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

          TAA did not get 20 points v Norwich gw1 last season people have short memories....
          https://i.imgur.com/DqlzLlO.png

          1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            No one said he did 🙂

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

      Absofookinlutely

  3. @persecuted_by_mods
      3 years, 7 months ago

      @Arsenal fans this is honestly baffling me, Martinez has looked way better than Leno to me? Sure Leno made some good saves when Arsenal were utterly crap but he never commanded like Martinez has or was as comfortable on the ball, claiming the ball etc and I don't think Leno could have made some of the saves Martinez has either

      Yet it looks Martinez is the back up and there's heavy rumours he'll be sold to raise funds

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Granted the sample size of Martinez is very small

        • gauzah
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          My hunch given that he’s started today shows that it Emi’s spot to lose at the moment.

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I hope so but it doesn't sound like that from all the rumours, which of course could just be nonsense

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

            Martinez seems to better at shot stopping. Both very good keepers though.

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 7 months ago

                I honestly can't think of what Leno is better at, he's a good enough shot stopper and has good reactions but by in large he saves what he should save and let's in what I'd expect to go in

            2. SAY MY NAME
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I think Martinez has earnt the right to be given a chance as nbr 1, hopefully Arteta feels the same, but who knows at this point

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

                Completely agree with this

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

            That’s it I’m going without any Liverpool GW1. Who’s with meh?

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

              It's just you mate

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

              Salah looked shocking to be fair

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

              Good luck

            4. zdrojo187
              • 9 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Me 100%

          4. gauzah
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Saka would be such a good asset at 5.5. However I think it is likely he will randomly get dropped when everyone is back in contention. Arteta did something similar last season

            1. @persecuted_by_mods
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yup you have to think Pepe, Willian, Laca, Martinelli etc etc all will get minutes too

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

                  Martinelli out until late Dec, Laca potentially leaving, Willian could be playing more centrally.

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

                  Martinelli won’t play until 2021.
                  I think due to Saka’a age, Arteta is protecting him a little bit. I think if Pepe doesn’t perform this season we will see a lot more of Saka.

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

                    Pepe will be 5.5 next season rate he is going.

                3. thegame983
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Honestly, I think Saka is first choice out of all of them, but expect some rotation

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

              Prowse worth extra 0.5 over Armstrong?

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

                Yep

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

                Don't think so. If Armstrong gets more minutes there's a good chance he outscores JWP, if last season is anything to go by.

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

              Bottomed - Everton supporters, is Coleman nailed?

              1. thepuntmaster
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Think so, but wouldn’t go there

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

                We don’t have a lot of choice with sidibie back at Monaco. Kenny likely to deputise for him.

              3. SwissWavey
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Can't answer your question with any authority but I'd imagine he is. He's in my team for now, that will change twenty times yet though!

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

              I wish to squeeze that extra .5 out and go TAA -> Robbo

              Doubt I'll be brave enough to after the 24 pointer

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

                My guess is you will sacrifice flair and go for Virgil.

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

              Is McCarthy still a better signing than Martinez given fixtures 1-8
              ?

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

                Not if Martinez is nailed, but it's a huge 'if'

              2. SAY MY NAME
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Leno might even start gw1 or gw2, on that basis McCarthy the safer pick (unless saints sign a quality gk of course)

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

                Yes IMO

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

                I’ve got both just in case

                1. The Overthinker
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Like this approach

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

                  Idea I never considered. Looking at fixtures could work out well. Flip of a coin gw1 though. McCarthy v Martinez.

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

                    I've got both too. Start Martinez CW1-2. If Leno starts, never mind. If Marty starts both GW1and2, McC's up for sale, 4m in.

            6. Bury94
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              I wish we knew if Martinez and Saka were nailed, they'd be straight in. Too risky to go with them from GW1

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

                Not really. Gw1 is when you can take big risks.

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

                  Why is that then? Having a safe 11 start could be massively advantageous against punts and Carlos’

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

                Saka less risk as you'll hopefully have bench cover, also it would only really backfire if one of the other 5.5s kills it gw1.

                Wouldn't want to pick Martinez as my 1st choice, also Leno was arsenal's beat player after auba before his injury

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

              All the no Trent talk is making me do is mean I'm less likely to put a utd asset in the team for gw1 so I've got bench cover. I'll just transfer them in a week later than planned

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

              Considering swapping McCarthy for Ryan and bring in KWP for Soton def cover

              Yes or no?

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

                No

              2. mark@22
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Have both

              3. SAY MY NAME
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                i'd just double on kwp/mccarthy, better fixtures, better team

                1. mark@22
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Agreed

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

              I'm actually liking the TAA Williams on the bench double up. Never triple up on teams anyway.

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

                Which one would you start in GW1?

                A benched Trent will very likely get minutes.

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

                  I'd always start TAA

              2. SwissWavey
                • 10 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Yup, unless you're using the 3rd Liverpool spot, having Williams on the bench seems an obvious move

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

              Definitely going without Trent.

              1. The Overthinker
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                How the tables turn

                From being essential to I can go without trent

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

                  How the turn tables

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

                So much nonsense on this. He's got 2 England games coming up in the next week.

            11. balint84
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              A) Werner + Soucek
              Or
              B) Jimenez + St-Maxim

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

                Jiminez most likely firing blanks in first 2 GW so I'd go with the first.

            12. Paulie Walnuts
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Triple Arsenal essential!

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

                Currently on it!

            13. Herman Toothrot
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Salah this year's second season Michu?

            14. The Overthinker
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Everton sign Allan

              1. The Overthinker
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Allan to Everton, here we go! Total agreement reached with Napoli for €25M + add ons. Medicals scheduled and personal terms agreed. Talks on for James Rodriguez.

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

                Wow nice. Great box to box mid.

                1. The Overthinker
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Looking like a good team in making with James Rodriguez joining them soon
                  With those fixtures , I believe 1/2 players are worth considering

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

                    I'm looking at DCL personally. 1.5 less than Ings and Jimenez.

                    1. The Overthinker
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Digne is the one for me

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

                        He was mailed in my team at 5.5 but 6.0 I'm unsure

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

                      Agree, Ancelotti seems to trust him and was fantastic before the restart

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

                Fantastic upgrade to their midfield, Ancelotti effect in action

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

                Source?

                1. The Overthinker
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  You don't know who signature is "here we go"?

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

                    Nope

                  2. Amey
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 7 months ago

                    FR

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

                    Now I know, thanks

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

                What is he??
                CAM ?

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

                  At his best as a second striker

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

                    Wrong reply my b

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

                      Bo worries
                      Thank you

                2. The Overthinker
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  DM

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

                    Wow
                    Siggy #10 ????

                    1. The Overthinker
                      • 7 Years
                      3 years, 7 months ago

                      Apparently James Rodriguez is also joining Everton

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

                        😆
                        DCL looks amazing all of a sudden

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

                Decent signing. Was getting worried it’d only be rumours and no gains this summer. Need more of this.

            15. SAY MY NAME
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Liverpool looking quite flat, not the 'heavy metal football' we can normally expect

              1. The Overthinker
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Hungover

                1. SAY MY NAME
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  must have been one hell of a party 😀

              2. Bun Rab
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                More Goth Rock.

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

              Only a matter of time before Luiz concedes a penalty.

              1. Bun Rab
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                This can be said at any time.

            17. PlayPercentage
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Charlie Austin@5.5
              Good fixtures, on penalties, bargain price.
              Could he be the next Danny Ings?

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

                😆

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

                The next... he's older and had his time back at QPR... think his legs have gone but will pop up with the odd goal next season

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

                He could be the last Danny Ings.
                The one who never played, never scored.

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

                  WBA's top scorer last season.

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

                  I like this comment a lot

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

                He’s got frazzles for knees.

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

                A lot of data on him in the prem since ‘that QPR’ season says he won’t

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

                Danny Ings dad maybe

            18. Arron Wan Bissaka Nil
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Over the season, which combo gets more points:
              A) Bruno and Soucek
              B) Ziyech and Greenwood

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

                If someone could predict the future I'd doubt theyd be messing around on here...

              2. mark@22
                • 9 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Iimo rashford and peierra get more over season

                1. mark@22
                  • 9 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  Imo

              3. el polako
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Who cares, game is about ownig right players at the right time. Very few options is worth keeping for whole season.

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

              Wheres Henderson?

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

                Injured, doubt for GW1

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

                  Cheers, think he is needed

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

                    Performances are night and day without him, doubts over Salah (C) increasing for me

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

                Getting his head deflated after last season..

            20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Good save from Martinez from mane shot

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

              Martinez wins 1 on 1 with Mane. He plays GW1 for me

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

                He looks like he gives the Arsenal defence confidence for sure. That’s got to count for something with Arteta

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

              United looking to Van De Beek according to extremely reliable sources in Ajax... Bruno and Pogba rotation should increase if it goes through

              1. The Overthinker
                • 7 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Nope.

                A midfield of Bruno VdB Pogba

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

                  Zero balance in that, I'm not sure you have any idea what sort of player VDB is.

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

                  All attacking. Not happening

                3. el polako
                  • 6 Years
                  3 years, 7 months ago

                  In United's case it will be more like Bruno VAR Pogba.

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

                Who’s defensive in that?

            23. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Bellerin subbed on 58
              Cedric on

              1. SAY MY NAME
                • 6 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                no cs points

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

              Holding looks like he's 35. Balding already at 24... He's like Robben.

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

                Such an unnecessary jab

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

                  Comb over here and say that

            25. Lucky Z
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Will be nice to see Milner in Leeds shirt again in the final years of his beautiful career.

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

                That would be a nice finish indeed

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

              There's no need to panic over this game, Leeds are nowhere near arsenal's standard

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

                Hmmmm

                Checks Arsenal last 5 PL appearances 🙂 🙂