Dugout Discussion

Aubameyang set for more central role as Lacazette and Nketiah are benched

The penultimate Premier League match of the day sees Leeds United play host to Arsenal at Elland Road.

Kick-off is at 16:30 GMT.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.7m) – who hasn’t found the back of the net from open play in over two months – will be aiming to add to his paltry 2020/21 goal tally against a Leeds side that had the joint-worst defensive record in the division heading into this weekend.

And Mikel Arteta’s team selection may give him an additional boost, with the Gabon international set to lead the line given that Alexandre Lacazette (£8.4m) and Eddie Nketiah (£5.6m) are both among the substitutes.

Arteta has hoodwinked us before with his teamsheets, of course, notably when deploying Willian (£7.7m) as a false nine against Manchester City, but his pre-match comments to Sky Sports suggest there is no such deception this time:

I mentioned that it is one of the options we have. We think we have a squad who score goals, a lot with Auba in his natural position on the left, so we will modify that depending on the opponent and the games.

Lacazette’s benching is one of four changes that the Arsenal boss has made from Gameweek 8.

Two of the alterations are enforced, with Thomas Partey (£5.0m) absent with a thigh injury and Mohamed Elneny (£4.4m) self-isolating after a positive coronavirus test.

Dani Ceballos (£4.9m), Nicolas Pepe (£7.6m), Joe Willock (£4.8m) and Granit Xhaka (£5.3m) are the players recalled, with Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) only a substitute after his exertions for England over the international break.

Marcelo Bielsa makes two changes to the Leeds starting line-up following their thrashing at Crystal Palace.

Brazilian Raphinha (£5.4m) makes his first Premier League start, with Helder Costa (£5.6m) omitted.

Kalvin Phillips (£4.9m) is back from a shoulder injury, meanwhile, with Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) the makeweight to accommodate his return.

Rodrigo (£5.7m) is available after his recent stint in self-isolation but is only among the substitutes.

Patrick Bamford (£6.1m) is by some distance the most-owned player in this fixture, sitting in more than one in three FPL squads.

That figure rises to 41.5% in the top 10k.

Bamford has actually blanked in his last three home fixtures although did rack up a 14-point haul at Elland Road in Gameweek 2.


Leeds United XI: Meslier, Ayling, Koch, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Alioski, Raphinha, Harrison, Bamford.

Arsenal XI: Leno, Bellerín, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Xhaka, Ceballos, Pepe, Willock, Willian, Aubameyang.

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1,131 Comments Post a Comment
  1. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Not exactly the goal fest expected... Just yet!

  2. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Leeds dominating Arsenal, totally normal.

  3. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Leeds will destroy lots of teams at home Dallas at 4.5 deserves a shout along with Bamford ofc

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

    Who do you prefer for long term (draft) guys?

    Pulisic or Jota?

    1. djoker_nole
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      none

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

        Helpful

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Pulisic if he can stay fit.

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

      Both very risky

      1. circusmonkey
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        It is draft, you can't just have ideal picks like candy shop fpl.

    4. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

  5. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    No improvement under Arteta at all is there

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

      You probably said that when Klopp in his second season was losing to Swansea and West Ham.

      1. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Unfair comparison entirely ; you could see Klopp’s imprint on the team almost immediately. The results weren’t perfect but the style of play was clear as day.

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

          It’s not, because Arteta isn’t going anywhere and should not be judged yet. He needs this season to sort a lot out.

      2. F4L
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Klopp puts his implant onto his team and you can see his teams working towards an end goal.

        With Arteta it's just the thinking we conceded too many goals, so put 7 in defence and hope for some magic from Auba. 6 goals in 7 and a half games now.

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          *imprint

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

        Klopp took Dortmund to a CL Final and won two Bundesliga titles, wtf is this comparison?

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

          It’s not a comparison ya thicko. I remember people doubting Klopp when he lost to Swansea, West Ham, West Brom, also drew with West Brom at home and celebrated. The point is he needed time and patience, mind YOU the majority of people on this site haven’t got a clue about that when they whine that their captain doesn’t haul after 20 minutes.

          Arteta has us drilled since he came, hasn’t even been here for a year yet and we’ve won a trophy in that time as well. Stop expecting so much in such short time. We won’t just be a park the bus team forever.

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

            Not a comparison as in, Arteta is on the same level as Klopp* I wasn’t saying that.

            Point is, he should not be judged yet.

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

            You're literally making a comparison, wtf are you on about pal. Phrase your sentence better next time

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nope, he’s largely clueless. Better than the Villa game mind.

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

      Amusing that Arsenal supporters are defending him when the person they have hated the most over the last decade, Tony Pulis, would have done exactly the same changes as Arteta.

    4. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Well it's hard to get good results with such an average team imho. The transfer policy has been absolutely awful. Apart from Auba their team is quite mid-table.

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

    HT: Leeds (1.16) 0-0 (0.23) Arsenal

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If Leeds get money to buy a decent front line they could be challengers in a year or two

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Haaland's dream is to win the league with Leeds. They get him on board and more top players will flock there...

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Arsenal are getting smothered by work rate and superior tactics.

      They have better technical ability, but no foundation to support it.

  7. turd ferguson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Cancelo nailed on?

    Also a 2-week move on Salah > KDB isnt crazy...right...?

    🙂

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

      Would you do it if Salah plays GW10?

      1. turd ferguson
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yes. Loving KDB against BUR & FUL. Salah back GW 12.

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

          No point asking then 😉

          1. turd ferguson
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            🙂

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

    Arsenal saving all their energy for next season

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hopefully not in the championship

    2. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Is that you Ronnie

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

        Mr. Pickering indeed!

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

      Haha!

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

    Have 2FTs and 3.1ITB - I could do Kane Reguilon to Vardy (c) Cancelo.

    Would you also add Hamez to Sterling for a hit?

    Martinez
    Robo/Kilman/Chilwell
    Bruno/Son/Hamez/Grealish
    Kane/DCL/Bamford

    Martin/Reguilon/Mitchell/Stephens

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No. First moves are gold

  10. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    When do we expect to hear Salah news?

    What are fellow Salah, Barkley + Kane owners planning to do?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Next week, Ronaldo was + for ages.

    2. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      If still an owner its madness to contemplate dropping. I kept salah for a reason, good chance he makes Brighton in my opinion

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        This is the question. But we should get news about him. And then he has been told to have had mild symptoms, which can be an issue. Liverpool should be able to win Brighton even without him. But yes, no way I am selling before we get news.

    3. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Kane to Vardy and Salah (if not fit) to KdB for -4 is tempting. But that leaves me with injured Barkley.

  11. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Alioski OOP?

    1. djoker_nole
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Dallas is

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Alioski playing left back but wearing #10?

        1. djoker_nole
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Indeed

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

    a) Dias
    b) Cancelo

  13. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Remember when auba was essential gw one?

    1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Yes lol

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        *season keeper* according to some

        1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Arteta really not getting max potential of his players

          1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Auba was the best player towards the end of last season even in this negative system

            I think it’s both the tactics and also auba

            1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
              • 6 Years
              3 years, 4 months ago

              When he signed that new contract his motivation fell like a stone imo

              1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                • 13 Years
                3 years, 4 months ago

                Easy to say in hindsight but should arsenal have cashed in

                Probably not at that time but they may have another ozil on their hands

                Massive contract towards the tail end of his career

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Probably would have had a hat trick already. If he played for Leeds.

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Possibly although I feel his work rate and attitude isn’t the same since he signed the new contract

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Agreed

    3. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      'Season keeper' alongside TAA and KDB I believe

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        😆

        How’s that going for some

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

      Nail on the head. I though he was a season keeper from GW1.
      How wrong I was! It really shows how wrong I was based on my current team and GW score. Its a shame I'm not too far from the top so can't give up!

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yep nobody is a season keeper

        Need to adapt quickly or get left behind

    5. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Bemba my guy

    6. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Surprised he's only fallen 0.3m tbh despite being in hardly any active teams - hugely overpriced still

  14. Jensen Luiz Coleman
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Not a supporter but Leeds is the best team to watch, games against Leicester and Liverpool were very entertaining as is this one versus Arsenal, I hope that they stay in the Premier League.

    1. FPL_Motty
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Its amazing the quality difference between Leeds and Fulham. Fulham shockingly out of their depth, Leeds look so sharp and creative

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Shows how key good management is.

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Agreed. Love to watch hem playing the beautiful game.

  15. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Moronic to claim Salah will start tonight when he's not even in the squad.

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He’s not allowed in the squad!

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

      It would be a good soap opera if he did though.

    3. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Imagine it transpires all of his positive tests were false positives and he starts

      1. Dr. Ante Pavlovic
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Official FPL would be idiotic if it was true

        1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Son scandal part 2!

  16. Yeboah Power XI
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Evening all. Is Cancelo nailed on?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Ask Pep

      1. Yeboah Power XI
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks Steve, appreciate all your help. Can I turn to you for more help, in the future?

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      No one knows but he is clearly first choice ATM. Could be different when Mendy is back.

      1. Yeboah Power XI
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks In Sane. I’d be bringing him in for a hit. Probably best to avoid

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

    Chances Created In The First Half

    Jack Harrison (3)

    Arsenal (3)

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

    If you could only have 2 in your team from next week which 2
    would they be?

    A Salah
    B KDB
    C Bruno
    D Son

    1. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      B and D

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

        Ha see below

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

      A
      C

    3. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Any of them which does not cost me transfers

    4. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think A and C. Or A and D.

    5. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      A
      D

  19. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bielsa is so stubborn with his favorites. Just buy a striker that can both press and finish and this Leeds team would be unreal

    1. djoker_nole
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Should press for Ingsinho

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

        No way Ings' body would handle Bielsa's system

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          He'd drop dead.

    2. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Hasn’t been given the money has he? Rodrigo may not have been the best buy mind

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        apparently it takes a while for a player to settle in a Bielsa team cause of how much conditioning he requires in training. Could be good in the later parts of the season. Also doesnt help that its a new country and a pandemic happening

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

      They can't afford someone that good.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Callum Willson, Troy Deeney even. And thats only the relegated teams

        1. Steve The Spud
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Don’t think big Troy suits the pressing game

  20. SEXY SOLO SAUCE
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Absolute bedlam and SCENES at 18:15

  21. dicky2014
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Jota EVEN money to have shot on target with Paddy Power, buying money surely?

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Think yes

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

      Special?

      1. dicky2014
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah, max £20 on

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

          Just put it on. Cheers regardless of outcome.

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I'd go for that.

  22. HellasLEAF
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    In my bring Salah right back in plan I can do James to Salah and on a free and it's 0.0.

    Ideal situation is wait right up until game time for latest press on if he plays but could cost a .1 either way.

    Over/Under or Even 0.0 by this Friday??

  23. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bamford 100% the most frustrating asset to own

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      He's 5.9 for a reason though.

      1. HellasLEAF
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        sorry 6.1 I have him at 5.9 lol. Same diff.

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

      59 points from a 5.5 striker is not frustrating!

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

        Lol. Sums some people up

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Needs Costa, everyone’s firing from long range

  24. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    How has Bamford been so far?

    1. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Couple of SOT but not much supply, lots of players shooting long range.

  25. Kodap
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Not even being bias as a Leeds fan, but we're so exciting to watch when you compare us to the likes of Fulham & West Brom..

    1. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Agreed. Nice to see Leeds back up reminds me of the 80's and I like that lol.

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

      Yeah, but you also have better players than them. Would say you are more on par with Palace, Newcastle and West Ham with your players.

      Ahead of Brighton, Sheff Utd, WBA, Fulham.

  26. Wheyyyy
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Total shots at half time:

    Leeds - 13 shots, 2 on target.
    Arsenal - 5 shots, 0 on target!

  27. R.C
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    LOL Auba one touch in the penalty box playing up front

  28. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Willy cut off halfway

    1. tiger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      ouch!

    2. Wheyyyy
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Giggity

  29. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    That far side looks pretty dark, need to light a few more candles I reckon.

  30. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Chaps with no players in tonight’s game, what’s the ideal result ?

    I’m thinking a 1-1 Fabinho and tilemans goals

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

      2-1 Mane brace Vardy own goal after missing 20 penalties