Dugout Discussion

Robertson starts and Wilson returns as FPL managers turn to Salah for captaincy

The final Premier League match of the calendar year draws a shorter-than-expected Gameweek 16 to a close.

Reigning champions and league leaders Liverpool take on Newcastle United this evening, with kick-off at St James Park at 20:00 GMT.

This is the only top-flight fixture of the day, following the earlier postponement of Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham.

Amid all the rotation and cancellations elsewhere, Liverpool’s teamsheet is reassuringly familiar from a Fantasy Premier League perspective.

The usual front three and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.2m) all start, along with Andrew Robertson (£7.3m), who hasn’t missed a single minute of Premier League football all season – earlier rumours that the Scot would be rested on Tyneside proving wide of the mark.

Jurgen Klopp has made two changes to the side that underwhelmed in the match against West Bromwich Albion in Gameweek 15.

The injured Joel Matip (£5.5m) and the benched Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.3m) make way, with budget FPL defender Nathaniel Phillips (£4.0m) and the versatile James Milner (£5.3m) brought in to replace them.

That means another start for the cut-price Curtis Jones (£4.4m) in midfield.

Thiago Alcantara (£5.7m) makes his long-awaited return from a knee injury, taking his place among the visitors’ substitutes.

Steve Bruce has made just the one change to the side that lost 2-0 to Manchester City on Saturday and it’s a significant one from a Fantasy perspective.

Callum Wilson (£6.5m) is back in the starting XI following his benching at the Etihad, with Miguel Almiron (£5.6m) dropping out.

Jamal Lewis (£4.3m) is again on the bench, where he is joined by fit-again goalkeeper Martin Dubravka (£4.8m).

Wilson, whose points-per-match average is inferior to just two other Fantasy forwards, is the only Newcastle starter owned by more than 2% of FPL managers.

There is unsurprisingly a lot more interest in the Reds.

Salah was the most-captained asset of Gameweek 16 overall, with over half of the top 10,000 handing the armband to the Egyptian.

Given that over a third of the other top 10k managers backed a non-playing Spurs or Manchester City asset, Salah will no doubt also be on vice-captaincy duties for many others.



Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Yedlin, Schar, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie, Murphy, Hayden, M Longstaff, Joelinton, Wilson.

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Phillips, Fabinho, Robertson, Henderson, Milner, Jones, Salah, Firmino, Mane.

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1,622 Comments Post a Comment
  1. F4L
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Salah was onside as well ffs

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

    Will probably be VAR'd offside anyway

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

      Nope, clearly on. Amazing save.

  3. LǝgleSs e|even
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Klopper looks pissed..

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

    Wtf salah..

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

      What a save

  5. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A) Mane, Adams and Justin
    B) Vardy, Soucek and Robbo

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      B

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

    Great save tbf

    1. The Knights Template
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fairness is an admirable virture.

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yep Darlow

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

    Great save if onside. Well, great save no matter

  8. Salah’s Sonnet
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Why oh why couldn’t he of just taken it round the keeper?! Ffs

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Good shot just a great save

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

      Lol

    3. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Thats the difference between Messi & Salah

      1. Digital-Real
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        There is no comparison. Salah is levels below Messi

      2. Bram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Along with Messi being a team player

  9. Kellz86
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    It was a good save from Darlow on that 1v2 Salah chance

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      1v1

  10. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    embarassing for world football that this team won the CL

    1. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salty much?

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

        This guy is like the Pacific Ocean.

        1. The VAR Team
          • 4 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          The Dead Sea more like

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Do you hear yourself?

    3. Ron_Swanson
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why world football?

  11. gooberman
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    So if Pool get a penalty who will take it. Salah or Milner?

    1. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Salah is on them now

    2. aleksaa2
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Milner decides.

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

      Milner

    4. @persecuted_by_mods
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's milner, klopp said it within the last week. He could give it to mo though

      • ivantys
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I reckon Milner if it's still a draw, Salah if game's already won.

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

      Robertson lol...

    6. Kellz86
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Liverpool starting to kick up the pressure

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

      Even I would have saved it.
      Even I would have scored it.

    8. KUNingas
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Anyone else having second thoughts of using BB DGW19?

      1. Calculated Risks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep, don't think I will any more because of covid uncertainty

        1. KUNingas
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Yeah and injuries also

      2. Top Dog
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep absolutely no idea what to do at the moment! Problem is if I don’t use it now, no idea when to use it

        1. NejiHyuuga01
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          There will be another DGW

          1. Bram
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Assuming the FA Cup doesn't get canned

          2. Top Dog
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Will be in 26, won’t be enough time to plan. Could use Wildcard, but other issue is BGWK in 29 that teams in 26 are unlikely to play in

      3. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Forster, Taylor, Matip and Brewster not helping me..

      4. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes. Set up for it, but think I’ll save it.

        1. KUNingas
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Same

      5. NejiHyuuga01
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        o/

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

      Robbo was in the pen box, poor touch

      1. Here's Tom with the We…
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Control of a Skegness donkey

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

      Robbo what you doing!

    11. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If I bank my FT this week, then FH in GW18, I will still have 2 ready to go for GW19 yes?

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        no

      3. KUNingas
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No

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

        No, resets I believe

        1. HellasLEAF
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          thanks gents

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

      Does anyone knows who are new positive in City? Rumours said it might be Sterling, KDB, Jesus, Ederson... Not saying that is the truth but is there any respectable source for City team?

      1. F_Ivanovic
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Almost like someone listed some of the most nailed on players in the team.

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

          I hope so really

      2. WE GO FOR IT
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Where did you hear your rumours?

        1. seanie3
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Honestly who cares?

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Cause people like him will post something random to create chaos and panic among people who don't follow Twitter as much for news. If he's heard or read these 'rumours', I'd like to see where.

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

              U are right, I hate rumours like that. Because of that i want to know if someone have some real info and not some troll guess

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

          My friend follows City and read it on some forum. I didnt find any confirmation of that info. So i guess that is a lie bit can not be found any real info

          1. WE GO FOR IT
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Haha! SO convinient. Should've asked him to confirm if he follows those forums. He would know who's reliable and who's not.

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

        None of those

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

        Jesus was confirmed in 1st lot with Walker otherwise no

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

      What a surprise, Mane pin point pass when he doesnt pass to Salah

    14. F_Ivanovic
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      i'm glad i jinxed Salah after bringing him in last week for a hit. ofc he's going to blank twice in a row.

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It's always people like you who F things up for everyone else 🙂

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

        Jinx him more, I don't want pool to win the league.

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

      liverpool suck in the final third

      1. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Palace defence say Shalom

    16. yakirh
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Starting to seriously consider Bamford TC for the doubles

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

        Bruno easy

      2. seanie3
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        More like Dallas or rafina

      3. F_Ivanovic
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If i wasn't FH I'd consider it as well.

    17. andres
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      is there any chance city will have a dgw19?

      1. Herman Toothrot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Perhaps.

        Bigger chance it would then get called.off.

      2. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not interested. Very overrated.

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

      I am buying Wilson

    19. S.Kuqi
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just read the news that pretty much whole uk is in tier 4 and travelling is banned between areas. Does that mean that Premier league will be stopped?

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

        No

        Work can continue

        Just essential travel etc.

        1. S.Kuqi
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Thanks

      2. Salah’s Sonnet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No

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

        No. Well not for that reason.

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

        Just no fans - Liverpool was the last place allowing fans but that stops at midnight tonight

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

      Officiating against Liverpool is showing an insane bias. How do you get away with elbowing in the head?!?

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Pretty sure he headed the elbow.

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

      Can you imagine if we have a nil nil or 1.0 OG to finish off super game week 16?

    22. LǝgleSs e|even
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      So any guesses where Diego Costa will be heading as a free agent?

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

        Wolves?

      2. aleksaa2
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Brighton, heard he wants to play under Potter.

      3. Bram
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Wolves seems likely

        1. Bram
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          (Jorge Mendes being his agent ..........)

      4. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Liverpool as central defender

    23. Salah’s Sonnet
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Cannot believe how fast this first half has gone, ridiculous

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

        Life goes quickly

        1. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Certainly does!

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

        End to end poorness