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. Ronnies
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    McCarthy, Forster
    Robbo, Jmes, Coufal, Justin, Ayling
    Salah, Grealish, Bruno, Soucek, Son
    Bamford, Rodrigo, DCL

    Worth a -8, and use BB ?

    Son to KDB
    DCL to Antonio
    McCarthy to Martinez

    Cheers.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Just the last 2

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

      I'd say yes, go for it.

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

    Cant believe we have had articles devoted to bigging Aubameyang on here.

    Worst punt of the season if anyone went through with it even if he scores. Hes been shocking all season

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

      "Even if he scores" Nice insurance there 😉

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

      He really has. Shadow of himself from last year.

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

        That hefty pay rise weighing him down

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

      Laca another trap

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

      Hater!

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

      McGoldrick says hello

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

        Mcgoldrick costs less than half the price tho

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

      You speak as A Professional in your first year on here?

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

        Reply fail to Fudgy below

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

        U can do well in fpl without being on ffs

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

          Absolutely, but was meant to Fudgy below

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

    A Mitchell clean sheet would sum up this week for the casuals.

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

      AWB clean sheet was the win for casuals.

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

        Every casual has Mitchell off the bench

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

          14 seasons of me being a casual then fudge.

        2. Dont give a fuchs
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          A worse casual has him last on bench

      2. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Lol

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

      Pros you mean

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

    50/50 on TC Salah.

    Yes or No?

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

      N for me, but don't blame me if he scores 5

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

      No imo

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

      No i think salah just c is enough cuz many are going kdb

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

      No for me, he only has one good fixture this week. Plenty of other DGW's to come due to fixture pile-ups.

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

    Do we have any news on villa players with Covid and who is/isn’t available?

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

      Trezeguet only confirmed that I've seen

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

    Would you rather have salah or KDB for this week and beyond?

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

      Salah easily. Will end up being top fpl scorer

  7. bring back diop
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Martinez - (4)
    Dias - Rob - James - (KWP) - (Balbuena)
    Salah - Fernandes - Son - Grealish - Soucek
    Bamford - Watkins - (Brewster)

    1 FT
    3.7 itb

    A) Grealish + Balbuena --> KDB + Mitchell
    B) Son + Balbuena --> KDB + Stones
    C) Don't get KDB

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

      B looks good imo

  8. chonks
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    would you consider

    son and lewis to kdb and stone for a -8

    alternatively I would be playing son and either konsa or justin

    i was all set until the leeds postponement - crazy fpl year indeed

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am in the same boat, not sure what to do with Son. Thinking you want to get KDB in there, that -8 does seem worth it.

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

        thanks

        whatever i do it will be the wrong play

        story of this season

  9. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    BB'ing this week...any reason to transfer Holding + Son to 2 DGWers, -8? Effectively -4?

    Could just go Son > Grealish or Pulisic (-4) as well, or Holding > 5.1 (-4)

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

      Keep Son.

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        How about Holding > Justin, Dawson, etc.? (-4)?

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

          Probably not.

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

    Son and Taa to KDB and Dias for -4
    If i do i will have 10 dgw players.

  11. bradplum
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Very happy with my team for this week. Took a hit to get in Salah in lieu of son and Wilson but first XI is very strong

    Martínez
    Robbo AWB Stones Diaz
    Salah KDB Bruno Grealish Soucek
    Kane

    Areola Mitchell Brewster 4.3

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Looks good

  12. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Not sure now,

    Bench Boost this??

    Martinez Bamford Lacazette Smith-Rowe

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      After watching 45mins of arsenal I’d say no

    2. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Why not, get it over with at this point, especially with 4 good SGW fixtures, and I assume no WC?

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

      Used ur transfers?

      Laca out for a dgw steiler and good to go

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

    Would you BB this for a -4

    Forster (almost certain not to play)
    Bamford (BHA)
    Grealish (mci NEW)
    James (ful lei)

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Get another keeper and yes

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

        thats where it gets tricky - would only have 4.4 to spend

  14. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which move to take a hit for?

    A) Kane, Saka -> Salah, Brewster (Bench)
    B) Kane, Taylor -> Vardy, Cancelo/Chilwell
    C) Kane, Rashford -> Vardy, Sterling

  15. Dont give a fuchs
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Kdb, stones and brewster in for raphinha robot and Adams for -12?

    1. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Robot?

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Triggerlips robot does quite well.

      2. Dont give a fuchs
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Robbo. Auto correct

      3. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Think I’d have robot over Brewster

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

          I'd have a toaster over Brewster right now

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            Lol

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

        Ask after the games 🙂

  16. Right In The Stanchion
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Anyone else think KDB looked absolutely knackered last game? Not sure he starts both.

    1. x.jim.x
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      City can’t afford to drop points now

      1. That Was Easy!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        They can win games without KDB starting.

  17. @fpl_phenom
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    8 point hit for 5 extra games.... worth it ?

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

      Pls explain

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        If I sell

        Son Steer Balbuena

        for

        Grealish Fabianski Dias

        for -8 is it worh it?

        it gets me 5 extra matches ... (allowing for nothing unfortunate happening)

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

          8 point hit + 1 FT

          I guess you're BBing then too?

          1. @fpl_phenom
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 2 months ago

            yepthats the plan but want Grealish and dias long term so I think its decent

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

      Considering the same:

      DCL to Antonio
      Mitchell to Coufal
      Steer to Areola

      For a -8 and BB

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

      Maths alone sees you at least 2 points up, in theory...

      1. @fpl_phenom
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        thats what im thinking and iv got dias and Grealish into my squad for their nice fixtures...

        question is do I go Dias or Cancelo ?

  18. FPL Doctor
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is a -8 too much in order to get 13 DGW players + Bamford and Dallas?

    1. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      yes

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

      Quantify hits with players incoming. Anything can payoff

    3. @fpl_phenom
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      see above

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

      -8 can't get you 13DGW players. It gets you the difference between what you have and what you will have. If it gets you an extra 2 fixtures, then it still depends on which players you're getting, which your selling, as well as how your team looks for the future. An even then, if you're doing it becuase you want to BB, then the value is probably less, because you might be able to fit a BB in another time with a lower cost and higher reward. In other words, it's impossible to answer a vague question like this 😉

      1. FPL Doctor
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        More detail then....

        Son + Adams + Steer to Foden + Antonio + DGWKeeper

        Will give me:

        Martinez DGWKeeper
        James Dallas Dias Coufal Justin
        Salah KDB Foden Soucek Bruno
        Antonio Bamford Wood

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

    Palace cleanie away from going through in the cup from an impossible position

    8 players with a -4 vs a FH team

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

    No KDB, thoughts on these moves, then play BB

    Son, Watkins, Robbo > Foden, Vardy, Cancelo/Diaz

    Good or Bad?

    Johnson,
    Zouma, Robbo, Stones,
    Bruno, Son, Grealish, Salah
    Kane, Bamford, Watkins

    Martinez, Soucek, Coufal, Dallas

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Feels ok. For a hit or two?
      And why would you go without KDB?

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

        Been switching between Salah & KDB, two hits but double games

        1. AzzaroMax99
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 2 months ago

          Ok. I have similar dilemma: Son+Bamford to KDB(C)&Antonio but for a -8.
          My FT used to get Soucek. Peeps around here tell me that it is too much, just Son to KDB and cap him. Will see what to do.

  21. Pommie22
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Guys helping hand required please one from each:
    Anguissa (MANU,CHE)
    Raphinha (BHA)
    and
    Antonio (BUR,WBA)
    Bamford(BHA)
    Many thanks

  22. Pat Bonner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Which do you prefer for 19:

    A son and Antonio
    B raphinha and Vardy

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

      Vardy has destroyed me this year hence looking to bring him in?

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Yes either Adams and son to Vardy and soucek or Adams and raphinha to Antonio and soucek

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

      A

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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

      A

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 2 months ago

        Thanks

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

      A

  23. Malkmus
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Gtg? 0ft, did dcl to Antonio. 2.5 itb.

    McCarthy
    Zouma- coufal- Justin
    Salah (TC) - Bruno- Son - Grealish
    Kane - Antonio- Bamford

    Subs - Dallas, strujik, Anguisa

    Ta

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Fancy a -4 for a dgw keeper?

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

        McCarthy defo out?

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

    Would love a 0-0 finish here. Love it.

  25. T88MYE
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Is Fabianski a DGW option?

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

    Pick 2 DGW19 strikers out of

    Wood
    Wilson
    Watkins

    Other striker is Firmino

    Any ideas would be welcomed

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

      Antonio?

    2. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      Wilson and Watkins of those.

  27. beetlejuice
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Would you sell?
    A) Saka
    B) Raphina (Have Bamford too)

    Which one would you get long term?
    1) Mane (no Salah)
    2) Grealish
    3) El Ghazi
    4) Rashford (Have Fernandes)

  28. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    Grealish or El Ghazi? And why?

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 2 months ago

      I am going El Ghazi. Grealish chance creation is huge, but love El Ghazi's stats and watching him, he looks brimming with confidence. Also saves a lot of money.

      However if Barkley is back, Grealish may be freed up to shoot more?

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

      Was it you earlier today bigging up el ghazi?

      Price wise and set pieces = good gamble for dgw

      If I had the $$$ I'd go grealish over him

  29. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 2 months ago

    These changes for bench boost?

    Giroud, Brewster and Son -> Vardy, Antonio and Smith Rowe

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

    Laca nearly....touched the ball