Dugout Discussion

Injury latest as Tierney misses Arsenal’s Blank Gameweek 18 fixture

Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) has left his Fantasy Premier League owners with Blank Gameweek 18 frustration as he missed out on Arsenal’s Thursday-night meeting with Crystal Palace.

Fresh from an 18-point haul against West Bromwich Albion, the left-back was the most-selected defender by managers playing their Free Hit for this midweek round of fixtures (53.7%).

However, Mikel Arteta has taken the decision to leave Tierney out of his Arsenal squad to face the Eagles as a precaution due to “muscle tightness”.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.6m) comes in to the replace the Scottish international on the left-side of defence, allowing Hector Bellerín (£5.1m) to hold onto his right-back berth.

Tierney is not the only Arsenal defender to miss out due to muscle issues, as Pablo Mari (£4.4m) has also been rested for the same reason.

That means starts at centre-back for David Luiz (£5.4m) and Rob Holding (£4.5m), the latter now featuring from the beginning in 11 of the last 12 Premier League matches. Meanwhile, Gabriel (£5.0m) makes a return from self-isolation on Arsenal’s bench.

The Gunners line up in much more predictable fashion higher up the pitch, with Emile Smith Rowe (£4.5m) handed a fourth-straight start at number 10.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m) and Bukayo Saka (£5.3m) flank the budget midfielder behind Alexandre Lacazette (£8.3m) who has four goals in his last three Premier League appearances.

Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m) is one of the main Fantasy interests in Crystal Palace’s team, owned by 16.1% of managers worldwide.

And Free Hitters were also a big fan of the Eagles’ left-back, Tierney and João Cancelo (£5.8m) the only defenders selected by more managers using that chip for Blank Gameweek 18.

Wilfried Zaha (£7.4m) has blanked in five of the last six Gameweeks but remains in 19.9% of Fantasy teams.

Arsenal v Crystal Palace – Starting Line-ups

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Maitland-Niles, Holding, D Luiz, Bellerín; Xhaka, Ceballos; Aubameyang, Smith Rowe, Saka; Lacazette.

Crystal Palace (4-4-2): Guaita; Mitchell, Kouyaté, Tomkins, Ward; Eze, McArthur, Milivojevic, Townsend; Benteke, Zaha.

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1,247 Comments Post a Comment
  1. SHOOTER MCGINN
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Emile Smith Rowe let's go

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

      Coming on for Tierney

      1. SHOOTER MCGINN
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yep

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

          Same... feels ok 🙂

  2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Oh, lovely. So now I'm left hoping Lacazette and Saka don't hall lest it screw up my Tierney replacement (Mitchell).

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

      Mitchell can get points from attack or get subbed after 60 and a CS.

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        He can. And I can win the lottery tomorrow, as well 🙂

        1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Of course, the more likely outcome is 2-1 to CPL with ESR scoring for Arsenal.

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

      Hope for nothing, expect nothing.
      Be surprised if you get something.

      That's how I got through gameweeks.

  3. The Wanton Trader
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Tears-ny... 😮

  4. Yank Revolution
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Let's go ESR!!!

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

    In your opinion what is the best 9.5 DF/MF combo for this team for next few GWs

    Martinez Johnstone

    Cancelo Coufal Dallas James xxxxxxxx

    KDB Fernandes Mane Soucek xxxxxxx

    Watkins Firmino Wilson

    2FTs No WC or FH

    Any ideas would be welcomed

    1. Buck The Trent
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Grealish ?

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

        9.5 for 2 spots.

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

          Holding and Lookman?

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

      Neves, Cavaleiro, Lookman plus fodder?

  6. Buck The Trent
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Can’t afford Salah, best option then ?

    A Mane
    B Sterling

    *Probably will captain KDB

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mane

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

      Mane

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

      Rashford +2m

      1. Studs Up
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        That's not what he asked

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

          Does it matter if both are bad options?

    4. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Mane, have to be off your not to bring sterling in

    5. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Got to be Mane imo. Mane is quite close to matching Salah with stats

  7. Klopp's Kids
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kane>Antonio
    Son>KDB [-4]

    worth it?

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No not for me

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      A popular move

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      No

  8. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    A few more opinions solicited:

    A) A fit again R. James
    B) Creswell in a defensive double up with Coufal

    Thanks!

    1. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I would go B, cressy is nailed

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Think so too. But I am always scared to double up. Which other team is an option. Have Stones. Max budget 5.4

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

    No Tierney, no Partey tonight then!

  10. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Don't be shy and cast your votes!

    A) Salah > KDB
    B) Bednarek > Cresswell
    C) DCL > Antonio
    D) Son + DCL > KDB + Antonio (-4)

    Martinez (Forster)
    Cancelo, Stones, Dallas (Bednark,Douglas)
    Salah, Bruno, Son, Grealish, Soucek
    Kane, Bamford (DCL)

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C

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

      D if you're going to captain KDB

      the only thing is that Antonio is not 100%.

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

    Imagine the Smith Rowe wagon if he hauls tonight

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Terrorist have hijacked my imagination

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

      Don't mind him getting the price hike 🙂 So long as people aren't selling Saka to get him

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

    So what's the feeling on Antonio for double gw?

    Worth the risk?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I feel he won't get full minutes

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

      Worth it, he's so cheap

    3. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Depends who you’re losing, easy swap from Adams or someone like that. I think it’s really risky considering his fitness

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

      Definitely worth a punt for 6.2. Especially for me as the alternative was Adams.

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

    What are the odds on Luiz to give away a penalty that Leno saves?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      High!

  14. manu4life99
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who scores more dgw19?

    A)
    Salah(MUN BUR)
    Laca(NEW)

    B)
    Rashford(liv ful)
    Vardy(SOU CHE)

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

      B

  15. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone who was planning on TC in 19...

    Still going through with it?
    Still KDB for the armband?

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

      I believe we will have better chances to use it, I will keep it. KDB minutes can be managed, Salah not in form, Bruno fixture not great..

  16. Nate(U)dog(ie)
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    What's the biggest haul you've gotten from a single match in FPL? Anyone have KDB and Bernardo in the 8-0 v Watford? Or Grealish and Watkins against Liverpool this season? Vardy and Perez against Soton last season?

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I had grealish and watkins in the liverpool game, also captaind salah who scored twice from memory. Points galore that night!

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

      Villa 3-3 qpr 2015
      Benteke austin(c) phillips

      Or maybe soton sunderland 8-0. Tadic pelle and bertrand

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

        I went OR2 after that 3-3 that year...was a Tuesday night.

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

      More than 80 from Salah (TC), Mane, Robbo against Huddersfield

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

      My user name gives my best haul away...

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

    I have Mitchell coming on for Tierney 😐

    On another note, it's a real deflating feeling to see Luiz in the team ahead of Gabriel and Mari, even if there are good reasons for it.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The feeling is mutual!

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

        Luiz is deflated to see me in my desk chair?

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Haha, maybe! Talking about myself though!

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

      I really thought saliba was gonna be a star straight away aswell

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

        Same. He looks really good. I assumed the reasons for him being sidelined we more personal, too, but it seems he was simply deemed not good enough yet as soon as he arrived, and that was that.

  18. zotter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    For 19 ...

    A. Kdb. Rodrigo. Bamford -4 (already own Bamford)
    B. Sterling. Antonio. Bamford -4
    C. Cancelo. Foden. Vardy -8

    Will captain (or triple captain) Salah regardless

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      C is the aggressive move. A the safe one

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

        Actually tempted by B though !

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

      Would choose B cos I like the Antonio pick over Rodrigo.

  19. Tonyawesome69
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone considering Kane to Vardy for a hit?

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

      Why for a hit?

      Vardy is cheaper

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Already prioritising son to Salah with FT

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am doing it.

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        What is your planned transfers and are you BB?

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          No BB. Doing Kane + Ampadu to Vardy + James/ Cresswell for -4

          1. Tonyawesome69
            • 5 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Looks good. I would go with Cresswell.

            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
              • 7 Years
              3 years, 2 months ago

              Ok. Thanks. Even if you have Coufal? What is your transfer plan?

              1. Tonyawesome69
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                Balbuena, Son and Kane to Cresswell, Salah and Vardy (-8) or Balbuena and Son to 4.8def and Salah (-4)

                Martinez
                Coufal Cancelo Stones Balbuena**
                Bruno KDB Soucek Son*
                Kane* Bamford*
                (Johnstone Raphinha* Rodrigo* Holding*)

              2. Tonyawesome69
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 2 months ago

                I would have double WHU def if I take the - 8

                1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 2 months ago

                  Kane + Balbuena to Vardy + Cresswell possible?

                  1. Tonyawesome69
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 2 months ago

                    Yup already have 3.3itb but I think I need to bring in Salah

    3. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Nope. Kane will no doubt bag a goal or so against Sheff Utd.

      Which means Vardys gunna have to really go some to make up the handicap you’ve given him

      1. Tonyawesome69
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Vardy also has good fixtures after 19 compared to Kane so can easily cover the hit

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          My thought too!

  20. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Only got Holding & Mitchell...

    A 0-0 too much to ask for?
    With Holding & Mitchell tied for the 3 baps?

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      The exact players I have

      1. thegaffer82
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Well, in that case, good luck to you fine Sir!

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Good luck to you too sir!

  21. BeWater
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Come on Laca, get a hatrick in 3-4 loss.

    Spurs fan.

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

      This

  22. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Pre match quickly... ? 🙂

    A. Son >> KDB
    B. Adams/DCL >> Antonio
    D. Both for -4

    Johnstone*
    Robbo*, Dias*, Lowton*, Coufal*
    Salah*, Bruno*, Soucek*, Son, Raphina
    Bamford
    (McCarthy, Dallas, Adams, DCL!)

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

      D

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thank you. Not sure what happened to C 🙂

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

    Ironic now all the Tierney owners hoping for arsenal to concede.

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

      What is ironic about FPL managers wanting their players to succeed and everyone they don't to fail miserably?!

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

      Not really

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

      Is that irony?

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

      Of course, then Clark 2 pointer doesnt hurt as much

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

        What if AMN assists or scores from his side? 😀

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

    Come on Laca give me an issue about selling you next week..

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

    A. Kane to Vardy for free
    B. Son to Salah for a hit

    Feel one of Kane and Son is enough this gw.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      If I was to keep one then it would be Son but I would transfer him out for KDB or Salah so prob B

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

    Holding and Lacazette owners hands up

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

      Another hand up for Leno trio owners 😀

  27. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Who wins DGW 19 :

    A - Bamford vs Brighton.
    B - Foden vs Palace & Villa -4.

    Ta.

    1. Tonyawesome69
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Tough one. I like both option but I think Foden is nailed and could get some good points in both games

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

        Foden is absolutely not nailed

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

      Bamford. Guaranteed to start in Bielsa ball

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

    Saka vs. Smith-Rowe will be interesting.

    I went for the more expensive one.

    Now I regret not getting the cheaper one.

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

      Holding v Tierney got won by the cheaper one too

  29. Shatner's Bassoon
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Saka > Soucek for free
    No brainer?

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

      I would. If ever there is a GW to own Soucek it's this one.

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

      Yeah if you got no other moves to make.

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

      Is there no one else you can sell for Soucek, or another priority transfer to make? You might want Saka back again, or both.

      1. Shatner's Bassoon
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        I do want both. I want 6 mids is what I want! But Salah, Bruno, KDB, Son and Soucek/Saka looks more likely for the next couple of GWs.

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

      I had mentally penciled this transfer in
      But Newcastle genuinely look awful and Saka has been looking great
      Feel like it could be one of those cases of overlooking a great SGW fixture because of a DGW