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

    No WC'ers to be eliminated from LMS this GW 🙂

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Special treatment. 😉

  2. Blzbobuk
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    16 off the bench which I will gladly take

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

      congrats man, would have been the same with my team but unfortunately the Liverpool game was on 😀

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

    Something is not right, need a breakthrough!
    GW12 OR 1.075M
    GW13 OR 1.087M
    GW14 OR 1.103M
    GW15 OR 1.107M
    GW16 OR 1.124M

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

      That’s incredible. You could try and get a grey arrow, that’s some achievement. I had one once, strange feeling.

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

      Impressive!

  4. michaelington
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    If everyone could wait and not make any transfers until we know what the heck is going on, that would be great.

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

      screw that, let people make their transfers and then laugh at them when they get punished for it.

  5. Gemma817
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Zero bonus for TAA?? He was so unlucky not to get like 2/3 assists

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

      He’s dreadful

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

      Robbo is taking nearly all the corners and finding heads

    3. Gemma817
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mane wasted like two chances from TAA crosses. TAA put Gini through on goal too. Seems like Robbo is the BPS magnet now tho

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

    Had Kane, Son, DCL, Zouma, Coufal, KDB and Stones. 33 points all out.

    4 captain fails from last 4 gameweeks.

    2FT but am losing the enthusiasm for it.

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

      Just unlucky. Chin up. Next week will be better.

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

        Thanks

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

        Or the same or worser than this GW

    2. hueycho
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just cap bruno every week ans you will b alright

  7. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Taylor likely to even be fit for the DGW?

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

      Possible, just need to wait for more news.

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

      Presser tomorrow hopefully

  8. Free Hat
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Sometimes too many cpt choices(salah, bruno, kdb, son) in your team make it hard to pick right.

    Next week probably Son, but after that really contemplating permacap on Bruno. He always looks in for points.

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

      Bruno is my captain for the rest of the season.

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

    Taa was so tired.

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

      From all the rest he had? Ok

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      He was really poor IMO

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

      Just bad, like he's been all season.

    4. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wasn't even able to take that last corner near the end of the game he was so knackered...

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

    Im back in the 1m OR boys, nosebleed territory...

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

      Me too nearly from 3m 2 GW’s ago! Hoorah!

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

      Just 50k outside it. Only took 16 gws ffs

  11. jia you
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    17 points incoming from my bench to somewhat save my GW...
    This is the first season I've had three playing outfield subs (with no BB chip) and first time I've ever needed more than two autosubs!

    1. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I have needed 4 but we only get 3 and I only had 2 (Lamptey injured)

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

    Gents.. if I carry 2 FTs in to GW18, then use Free Hit.. will I still have 2 FTs in GW19?

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

      No, you’ll have 1

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Smashes phone against wall

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

        😆

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

    Is there any way of checking where u finished in a league last yr?

    Think I'm owed money

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

      Only by checking yours and the others overall rank last year in history to work it out (assuming the league started scoring from gw1 ofc)

  14. King of Kings.
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Start one:

    A - Raphina (tot)
    B - Watkins (mun)

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Watkins

    2. Blzbobuk
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would go Watkins due to Grealish , attacking on the break etc. Mourinho will defend deep and attack on the break.

      Raphinha is first on my bench.

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

    Hits don't count this week? So there's people having built the optimal squad for this gw only with -52 that will qualify!? What kind of rule is that, not surprised the whole fpl cup is a joke anyway which is a shame because it has potential. No one cares about the cup anyway, have you ever heard about the fpl cup winner? Neither have I! They probably don't even know they've won it since they haven't been playing since gw 3. What's the prize anyway, a pencil or key chain? Even both? Lmao

  16. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What to do with Adams?
    keep or sell for Rodrigo?? (have Bamford)

  17. Frucke
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What is average?

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      33

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

      47 (top 10k, which seems quite high - must be Dallas), and 39 overall

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

        Thank you !

      2. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        10k ate 40.7 not 47

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

          livefpl says 47?

          1. Forever In Our Shadow
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Yes sorry. I hadn’t updated it.

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

        Hm, top 10 k dumped kdb, son and kane?

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

          Think Robertson too would have helped there

  18. Forever In Our Shadow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    40 all out. 6 no shows. Shocker.

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

      I got 27, whats your problem?

      1. Forever In Our Shadow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        No problem just should have been better.

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

    Son cap anyone? A rested Son vs Leeds hmmm

    1. Forever In Our Shadow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Enticing.

    2. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I’m going Kane.

      3 blanks for me this season from salah captain (SHU, WBA and new).

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

      I have him and Kane but on recent games they'll go 1 up park the bus and Leeds will beat them 3-1.

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

        They will still have to counter attack since Leeds is going to score. Kane is the one to assist him.

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

        Jose would have to be totally mental to try park the bus vs the Leeds, you'd figure its a game Son will punish in. Bruno is the safe pick, but Son could be explosive in this. I think he will be largely over-looked also

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

      Actually worth considering. Time to be maverick. Nothing to lose after this blood bath.

    5. Free Hat
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Think so.
      Looks ideal for him.

  20. OverTinker
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish to Raphinha or keep?

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

      Ask yourself, which one do you want in your team?

    2. Blzbobuk
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You’ve held through a bad fixture already , not sure spurs is the game to bring him in unless it’s a pre free hit move for the double.

  21. JohnnyRev7
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Unpredictable GW boys and girls. I'm pretty sure they'll be many more to follow this season.

    It's only one GW out of 38... so we dust ourselves down, shake off the disappointment and move on.

    Keep the faith.

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

      I prefer to shoulder the disappointment and carry it in a stiff upper lip, British kind of way, like a tired old pack horse

      Giddy up

      1. JohnnyRev7
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks the spirit old chap! Before you know it... your tired old pack horse will turn into a frisky, thoroughbred ready to charm the undergarments off the Ladies at Cheltenham. Chin-chin.

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

          Tally ho chaps! The hunt is on!

          1. JohnnyRev7
            • 13 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            I like the cut of your gib, dear sir!

  22. Casual Player
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Taking my 49 from 10 and running. Slight red arrow.

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Great news, be sure to keep us updated every week

      1. Casual Player
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I will mate, cheers for your support

    2. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Solid score. Well played.

  23. JOELIO8701
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Joke of a gameweek. Only got 68. Sick of all these postponements. I haven’t broken 100 in 3 years. What’s even the point!!

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

      Yawn

      Poor fishing. Take your bait elsewhere

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      You need to do something else mate as you are clearly shite at this game....

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

      I'd give up Pal.

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

    Look on Livefpl and see a 10k green arrow - can’t believe it... great! .... then I see “post autosubs:” .....30k red arrow 😆

    Methinks BB or not I need to up my bench game!!

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Yeah same

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

        Tbf I had a bench of Coufal, Stephens, Branthwaite so I never expected big things!

        Holding off on these GW19 transfers as long as poss but it’s killing me a bit

  25. Yasso84
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Does points deduction reflect on score for Cup Qualification??

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

      No

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

      Hits do not count unbelievably it seems

      1. Yasso84
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks a lot

  26. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Fofana nailed for Leicester?

    1. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would think so alongside Evans

  27. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Ppl with 2fts wats the plan in these uncertain times?

    1. JohnnyRev7
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Totally undecided. Honestly.

  28. Saka Punch
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Hey guys, would you say Grealish to Rashford is worth a -4?

    Thanks

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

      Yes

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

    Is it correct that if you are FH in GW18 then you MUST use your FT in GW17 or loose it as any unused Transfers will not be carried over into DGW19?

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

      Yes

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

    8 fixtures this past GW and Leeds the only team to score more than one goal
    What a way to end fpl 2020