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. aborg
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For those who captained Spurs players, they’ve really dodged a bullet if Salah blanks !

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

      By not having © points ?

      1. @persecuted_by_mods
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You have misunderstood the post

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

        Not really because Salah is overrated on here.
        Whenever I captain him he disapoints.
        Didn't captain against Palace because I knew about the benching then he hauls. When he's home against WBA he does nothing.

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          That doesn’t mean he’s overrated. His record speaks for itself. World class player

        2. TRE2
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          He is overrated because you chose the wrong captain?

      3. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Salah was nearly in if not for that save from Darlow. Newcastle will be very lucky if this finishes 0-0.

        1. KAALI_DAAL
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Disagree. The game has been good and a 0-0 score at HT is very fair.

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

      Sorry bottomed.
      Would you start Reguilon or Dallas?

      1. Miniboss
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Dallas is the man in form
        atm

      2. Esalman
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Reguilion

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

        Reguilon

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

        cheers

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

        Dallas

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      LMS safety score currently 28 with autosubs.

      1. FER FUSCH AKE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        on 26 with autosubs as in, that's me out then.

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

        32... phew close call

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The only positive thing this week is that I won't be kicked out of LMS with my current 23 pts 🙂 Should that have happened also, it would have been harsh.

        1. KAALI_DAAL
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          You're going out

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

        This season brings a whole new meaning to Last Man Standing

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

      Robbo baps as good as locked in, lads. Cheeeerrrsss

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

        Newcastle will score in the 2nd half.

      2. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Unless he's subbed at half-time due to knock on his ankle

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

      Salah with 13 touches in 45 mins half.

      When I don't have him he scores.

      When I have him and don't captain he hauls off the bench.

      When I'm on 20 game week points...

      1. KAALI_DAAL
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        ... he keeps touching?

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

          Yes, himself and...

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

      Sterling has scored a second half hatrick before.

      Only takes a goal to blow this game open. If Salah plays 90 I’m not worried, the goal will come

    7. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Can't wait for my perma captain Salah to do the business in GW30.

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

      It must have been relaxing in 2013-2014 when everyone had Suarez and captained him?

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

        Oh yes, Triple up of Suarez, Sturridge and Gerrard.
        Felt like a penalty a week for Gerrard that season.

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

          In fact that may have even been the season Gerrard had 3 penalties in the United away game (scored 2 missed 1)

        2. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Gerrard and his trailing left leg. How could we forget?

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

            Yup, it was the Palace away game that season that killed them - I have memories of Suarez crying at full time I think?

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

              How good was that game!

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

                I think I only caught the last half hour or so!
                Bizarre game, Palace came out of nowhere

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

        Suarez was good.

        But Vardy(c) was sweet too when Leicester won the title.

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

          Suarez was next level for me, unreal that season - to get that points total as a striker

          1. Optimus.
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yeah and after missing 5 matchs through suspension and not on penos either

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

              Ah yes I forgot about that!!

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

          Got Mahrez at the start of that season. It was a joy having seeing his price skyrocket

          1. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Me too! He cost 5.5 incredible

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

        RVP in 2012/13 was excellent too

        1. Make United Great Again
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Unreal

      4. Optimus.
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Especially Vs Norwich

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

        Especially v Norwich

      6. riot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        It was terrible because it was so hard to gain ground

      7. Corkyote FFS CWC Champion 2…
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Seasons can be defined by how much you buy into top player each season. Perma captain Suarez was the ultimate but rvp year before and then yaya and mahrez/vardy the seasons after could properly make or break a season

    9. McSauce
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Not watching does salah even look like scoring?

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Should of scored

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

        Got a sitter and should have scored. Other than that nothing.

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

        no

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

        nope

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

        One chance ; amazing save

    10. Wılly
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Is Branthwaite to Struijk the sensible move here to give myself a bit more bench cover?
      Lewis doesn't seem to be playing either.

      McCarthy (Forster)
      TAA Dallas Coufal (Lewis Branthwaite)
      Salah Mane Bruno Son Grealish
      Bamford Adams (Brewster)

      1. Third Eye Vision
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I’d do Grealish to El Ghazi or Raphina and upgrade those two defenders.

      2. Maeki2
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Grealish to barnes

        1. Mweene
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I'm probably doing that. Already have 3 Leeds so can't get Raphinha. Probably would have got Harrison anyway - not really sure why everyone is going with Raphinha and not considering Harrison.

          1. Third Eye Vision
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Eye test. He’s exciting to watch and presumably to own. I’d rather have El Ghazi though.

    11. Third Eye Vision
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Even with a disappointing half of football, all these pundits still fawn over Liverpool players. The gobshite media love-in continues.

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

        Everton are good now mate. You can dial down the bitterness can't you?

        1. Third Eye Vision
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I’ll always hate the ridiculous bias towards them.

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

            I think the team at the top always get fawned over don't they? Utd got that treatment in the 90's.

            1. Third Eye Vision
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              I don’t remember all the pundits being ex-United players though. I don’t remember it being disproportionate.

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

                Oh come on there are plenty of ex United pundits. They always favour pundits who have played for successful teams.

                1. Third Eye Vision
                  • 11 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Who were they then? Lawrenson & Hansen spring to mind as the two most prominent of that time.

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

                    I didn't have sky in the 90's so like you I can only remember match of the day. You're right though pundits disproportionately represent Liverpool, Utd and Arsenal. But surely you can understand why?

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

                  McClair, Strachan and George Best!

                3. George Sillett
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Depends which tv company you are speaking about. Certainly untrue regarding radio coverage .

      2. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        The Liverpool hate is also something....

        1. George Sillett
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Mostly imagined by Liverpool fans........

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

            K

          2. Make United Great Again
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Always the victims

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

              Come on mate this is quite offensive.

          3. FPL_Crisis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Imagined ha good one

            1. George Sillett
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              The Liverpool fan endorses the point.

            2. George Sillett
              • 8 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Having been to football matches for 45 years Liverpool fans have thrived on imagining that others hate their club. Its quite sad really.

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

                This just isn't true mate come on.

                1. George Sillett
                  • 8 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  It certainly is in my experience.

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

                    Then your experience is quite poor. My entire family is from Liverpool and I can assure you that what you're describing just isn't true. Perhaps it's your imagination.

                    1. George Sillett
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 2 months ago

                      Perhaps it's my experience from the 70's and 80's in particular . I wouldn't regard my experience as "quite poor" or in my imagination . I It was certainly very real at the time .

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

                        I’m not old enough to know but was there more passion in the game back then? Or at least felt like there was?

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

                        I promise you people in Liverpool don't feel that way. They're no different than people in any city.

                        1. George Sillett
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          I think that what I am trying to say is that it was very different with fans of some other clubs who were doing well at that time such as Ipswich , Villa .

                        2. George Sillett
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          And to clarify I wouldn't just single Liverpool fans out . Fans of other major clubs like to think that others in the word of the Liverpool fan above "hate" them.

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

                          Fair enough. I'll admit I wasn't around in the 70's so you're experience is more extensive than mine. But I know what Liverpool is like now and it's nothing like the stereotype that people like to trot out. I didn't want a fight about it but it grates me when people pull out the tired old criticisms of the city.

                        4. George Sillett
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          I don't hate any club or their fans and I get your point. I do generally believe that there isn't enough appreciation from other supporters when a rival team is exceptional. I have seen the good and the bad from many football fans and things tend to be way better nowadays. There are many that trot out the hatred card on here having never actually been to a game themselves . I believe that they repeat the words of others.

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

                          Yeah no doubt. I'm glad I wasn't watching football in the 70's to be honest and there were times when Liverpool fans certainly didn't cover themselves in glory. But fans are the same everywhere if you ask me.

                        6. George Sillett
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 2 months ago

                          Agree. Some fan groups are a lot worse than others though. Some grounds i went to at that time were very intimidating and some fans were vile. Things have improved appreciably although I think that many online fans who nail their colours to a club are pretty clueless. I did 7sed to love match days and away trips in particular.

    12. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Someone in my mini league triple captained Son and Vice kane. It’s so unfair that’s a wasted chip. This year is just so bad

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

        So far Salah is blanking so it might not be so bad

        1. Obi Wan Elokobi
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Doesn’t matter it’s a waste of a triple captain. Not even my team but it’s annoyed me. Should be refunded it if game is cancelled

          1. Pacer.
            • 9 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Come on now. Do you also think chips should be refunded if both players suffer unexpected and unpredictable injuries. This season required adapting to. Playing that chip on the same team at this time of year is... not adapting at all

          2. Third Eye Vision
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            So many comments like this in recent days. It’s a game. A free one. Players have no entitlement.

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

        It is unfortunate. On the other hand, common sense tells you April and May are likely to be much less disrupted as we'll have exited winter pressures. It is a bit of a risky time to play it, to say the least.

        1. james 101
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Plus vaccines...

      3. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He had VC in same fixture. That is totally his own fault. He took a risk and lost it. C Kane, VC KdB would have been very bad luck.

    13. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Any idea who the 3 city players are who tested positive before the Everton game?

      Looking to get in one of Stones or Cancelo so just making sure

      1. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Rumours point towards Cancelo

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

        It hasn't been announced officially, but Ederson and Cancelo were two that have been named.

      3. Obi Wan Elokobi
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Probably 3 reserves. City were just looking for an excuse not too play

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

          I heard that they were down to their last 50 available players

          1. Not again Shirley
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Last 50 full backs more like.

    14. Bobby
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Would quite like a nico Williams entry and goal. How likely is this?

      1. Wılly
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Un

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

      No plans for a season suspension. Some good news.

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

        would be completely over the top 😀

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

      It always feels terrible to have a player only because everyone else has him and you want to cover your rivals teams.
      But then to make him captain because of that is the absolutely worst.

    17. Khalico
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Will James Justin start against Newcastle on the weekend?

    18. pundit of punts
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Spurs getting a DGW 19 of shu,FUL could be on right?

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

        Nope Fulham already have a double

      2. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        18more likely I’d say or am I wrong?

    19. fusen
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Something like the top 30 players in my paid league own Salah and about 25 of them captained him.

      I'd be surprised if many other mini leagues are much different.

      Very uneventful outcome whatever happens

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

        Similar in mine for at least the top 20 apart from the fact that the current rank 1 by some distance doesn't even own him. A haul would be good for everyone else to catch him up

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

          At least there is someone to make ground up on then!

    20. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      How does this team look for GW17 chaps?

      Pope
      Mitchell - Dier - Robbo
      Salah - Bruno - Son - Saka - Mahrez
      Bamford - Watkins

      Bench: Cancelo - Adams - Targett

      Considering doing a -4 for Mahrez --> Zaha as a 1 week punt. Hate having Mahrez in my team...
      Should I consider WC'ing even, to set myself up for GW18 & 19?

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

        Match is on man! But who knows anymore

        1. Dion D's Solo Shower
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          I know, but got a busy day tomorrow, so have to get my transfers in tonight hah!

    21. Pepeye
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Put your money on Chelsea on Sunday as Man City have 5 of the first team down with Covid

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Not a chance. Daft bet.

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

          Chelsea home to a stuttering Man City a daft bet?

          Granted the odds will be close and they've dipped

    22. Mweene
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Question - why is everyone going for Raphinha over Harrison? Because he has a Brazilian name so sounds better?

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

        Just preference I guess, love my rapha

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

        More involved better eye test

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

        Harrison is awful

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

        He does look more dangerous, both similar prices, Harrison always looks more like assisting as opposed to Raphina looks a bit more like scoring.

      5. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Because of his stats

        1. Mweene
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Aren't FPL points the most important stats?

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

            Not necessarily in predicting future points

      6. Karhumies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes.

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

        Newer shiny thing. Harrison has been very solid for his price point this season.

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

      Lolinton

    24. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Joelinton having fun out there. That's all that matter 😀

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        At least it isn’t bouncing off him like usual

    25. FISSH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Time to sell

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

      37 minutes for Salah to score

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

        Could score five in that amount of time, but this is reality, so probably nothing

    27. Duke Silver ☑
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Unlucky from Mané

    28. ‘Tis the Season
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Oh oh Ophelia, you have been on my mind since the flood...

    29. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      As a united fan and Salah captain owner, come on Newcastle!

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

      Salah wasn't offside.

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        2nd time that's happened. Linesman is a salty Kane C Son VC

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

        Officiating against Liverpool is absurd this year