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.

GET IN-GAME DATA AT LIVE FPL

Check your own rank and in-play FPL stats on LiveFPL.net every Gameweek

1,131 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Zilla
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Where is Castagne..

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

      Castaside

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

      France about 50 miles east of Paris

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

      Yeah what happened?

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

    Would just like to point out something:

    Salah record v. Brighton. Played 6, scored 5 goals, 3 assists. 8 returns in 6

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

      Has he tested negative yet?

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

        No

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

        just because he tested negative doesnt mean he's good to go to training

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

          If he has tested negative he can return to training from Tuesday.

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

      and Mane's record?

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

      Good to know for the reverse fixture at Anfield

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

        😉

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

    Kilman has trained with the first team so should start on Monday

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

      Hope so. Lamptey first on the bench!

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

      Ooh, Gabriel on the bench.

    3. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Horrible news.

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

    Hoping Fabinho marks Vardy off the pitch

  5. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Being a Leno and Bellerin owner, I've been so lucky today. Regretted having Coufal on the bench until this game finished.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Having Arsenal defensive double up is just...

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

        great?

        1. El Presidente
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          It was tonight

  6. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Blankford 🙁

    1. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      There is a reason why he's priced what he is.

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Nonsense point. Still an excellent pick, was unlucky to strike the post.

        1. el polako
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Why nonsense ? I own him myself but don't call him names or get upset when he blanks because you get what you pay for.

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

          He needs three times the chances of a top striker ; hence the price.

  7. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Is Arsenal new Burnley ?

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

    Trying to decide between Maddison, Tielmans and Jota. Perfect game coming up for that.

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

      Madding for me but nothing to pick between them.

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

    Wijnaldum Keita Jones midfield, defending not found

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

      The disrespect to the Guinean Kante

    2. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Not as good as Spurs

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

        Agreed, they were excellent against City.

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          3/10 I'd say

  10. Babit1967
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bellerin 3 naps? Not complaining But that just came out of nothing

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      All that sleeping and he still gets bonus

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

        Great key pass for Saka.

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

          Yep

      2. Babit1967
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Haha

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

      He was playing?!?!

  11. Skogen89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A)Jimenez > Jesus
    B) Taylor > Cancelo

    My defence and attack:
    James, Taylor, Lamptey, Coufal, Mitchell (i know its weak)
    Kane, DCL, Jimenez

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

      B)

      1. Skogen89
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        In that case, are you picking Cancelo over Dias? when rest of defence is poor

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

          Yeah Cancelo has some decent shots and positions vs Spurs. Think he's got the highest ceiling (a 15 pointer in him)

          1. Skogen89
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Thank you! Last question 😀 Would you wait with the transfer to the cl games are done? taylor price drop incoming, but...

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

              Id probably do it tbh.

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

    I'm having a poor game week (No Bruno or DCL, I've got Barkley and Mitrovic instead) but whats helped me stop getting an embarrassing score is Chilwell, Digne and Leno. If PVA can score 7 this surely will be my first ever 7+ from all the 'back 4'.

    Two doses of rough but at least there's a smooth.

    1. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      I don’t have Bruno or DCL but I have Barkley and Mitrovic instead

      LOL

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

        We're not very good at this game are we.
        Both coming out for me, with 1.8ITB take me too Zaha+Watkins, ASM+DCL or Torres+Wilson.
        You getting rid of them?

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 4 months ago

          Sorry. I do own Bruno and DCL I just found your statement funny and I shouldn’t have. I have been making terrible decision since the beginning and am doing awful rank wise.

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

            Haha sorry. You not terrible then!

  13. Frucke
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bellerin 3 baps?

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

      yes

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

        Ty

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

      Only watched last 30 but he looked decent. Nearly an assist too.

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

        Saw the game and he was ok:)

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

    Thought Castagne would at least be in squad- must have been set back to his recovery?

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Good for Justin want him in next week

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

        (Sean is the ITK)

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

          Thanks

  15. Davros
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    What is the site with the average scores for week?

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

      Livefpl

  16. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Proudly Bellerin owner, great diffrential

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      o/

    2. Arteta
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Oh yeah! Could it be 9 pointer?

    3. Fozzyb34r
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Same. Meslier as well, couldn’t have gone better

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

      Very lucky

  17. Arteta
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    We didn't deserve to get anything from this game. Huge point at Elland Road though.

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Sorry to say mate but Arsenal plays like shaite.

    2. My neck my back my Saed Kol…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Agreed fella. Not looking great at the minute but we have to back the manager, he’s learning. Hopefully he’ll come good but we have to find a way to start scoring again

  18. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Not sure why people think bellerins bsps were out of nowhere, he setup Saka in the 2nd and Auba in the 1st for 2 very good chances.

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

      Yep, pretty simple.

  19. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Wheres Salah, why is he not in the squad?

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Covid19

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Whats that?

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

      What flavour bait is that? Cant quite put my finger on it.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        That is a weak pool team. Should have captained Vardy

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

          Cheese and onion?

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 4 months ago

            Ready salted

      2. MOTHRA
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Irrespective of type of bait, it caught a big one.

  20. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Once castagne and pereira are match fit will they both play?

    1. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Definitely

    2. Gobigorgohome
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      yea

  21. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Cengiz Under not good enough?

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

      Being eased in.

    2. FPL Blow-In
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Underrated

      1. OverTinker
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Yeah thats what I feel

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

      Super sub

  22. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    I think I'll be on Maddison watch tonight, if he's back playing full games then he could be coming into my team for Rodriguez

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

      Yeah me too. Those next 3 fixtures are sublime.

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

        Next 4

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

          Yes I suppose Everton haven't been doing well at the back.

  23. puhd
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Does anyone know what’s up with Mason Greenwood?

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

      Staying away from this one.

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Personal problems

    3. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Reasons

    4. el polako
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Drama innit

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

      New Fifa release

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

      Check his TikTok probably

  24. Parsnips
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    4 mil ITB and 1 FT

    Martinez
    Robo Chilwell Coufal
    Barkley* Zaha Fernandes De Bruyne
    DCL Watkins Werner

    What should I do with the team? Need to get Barkley out now

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

      Barkley to Son.

    2. MOTHRA
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Barkley to Grealish.

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

      Werner to bamford and barkley to salah

  25. ceerus
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    A) KDB + Wilson
    B) Zaha + Vardy

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

      Why Wilson?

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

        Fixtures

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

          Butis he even ready to play?

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

      Sterling and Wilson (Inknow that wasn't an option but your having it))

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

    LMS safety score currently 34

    https://www.livefpl.net/LMS

  27. drughi
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Son and Watkins > zaha and vardy for a hit? Yay or nay

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

      Neigh.

    2. MOTHRA
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Nine.

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

      No

  28. OleBall
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Salah tested negative?

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

      No news to that affect.

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

      Ask Klopp

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

      Don't know for sure.

    4. NATSTER
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      On Twitter, but no official yet.

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

    Anyone comment on how Klich looked today? Have him as my team as a low budget playmaker in an attacking team and on penalties, but not the best fixtures coming up.

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

      Was he playing?

    2. House Frey Wedding Planner
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 4 months ago

      Played a bit more forward than he has done in recent weeks. Possibly because Phillips has returned to the team.

      That said I've had him since gw3 and he'll be coming out of my squad next week

      1. House Frey Wedding Planner
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 4 months ago

        Missed a couple of decent chances

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

      Had a couple of chances, but lacked composure. Didn’t really impact the game.

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

      He was ok without returning points. Couple of chances where he could have scored and obv has pens if they get any.

  30. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 4 months ago

    Bench one please:
    a)James
    b)Coufal
    c)Targett

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

      Targett

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

        cheers