Dugout Discussion

Arsenal without three key players as Pogba returns to wide role for Man United

Arsenal are short of key personnel as they host Manchester United in Gameweek 21.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m) misses a second Premier League match in a row as he deals with an ongoing personal issue but the premium midfielder is not the only absentee.

Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) was to be assessed for the calf injury that kept him sidelined for the Southampton game ahead of Gameweek 21 and he misses out third time in Arsenal’s last four league matches.

That means a third successive start at left-back for Cédric Soares (£4.6m) while Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£4.6m) remains a substitute amid rumours of a departure during the January transfer window.

Bukayo Saka (£5.4m) might have been viewed as an alternative on the left-hand side of defence but he is the third big name missing from Arsenal’s latest team-sheet, left out with a sore hip.

With Saka and Aubameyang missing, Mikel Arteta turns to Nicolas Pépé (£7.6m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m) to staff the flanks of attacking midfield either side of Emile Smith Rowe (£4.5m), whose recovery from a muscle injury is even more welcome than usual in light of Arsenal’s latest injury news.

Thomas Partey (£4.9m) has also shrugged off his yellow flag for a knock and features in defensive midfield alongside Granit Xhaka (£5.2m).

Following the shock defeat to Sheffield United, Paul Pogba (£7.7m) returns to a wider role for Manchester United.

The Frenchman features on the left-hand side of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s front-three with Bruno Fernandes (£11.4m) in the middle and Marcus Rashford (£9.6m) on the right.

They sit behind Edinson Cavani (£7.9m) who earns a deserved recall up-front at the expense of Anthony Martial (£8.8m)

With Pogba higher up the pitch, Scott McTominay (£4.9m) and Fred (£5.3m) anchor the midfield while Luke Shaw (£4.8m) returns at left-back.

Arsenal v Manchester United line-ups

Arsenal XI: Leno; Cédric, Holding, D Luiz, Bellerín; Xhaka, Partey; Martinelli, Smith Rowe, Pépé; Lacazette.

Manchester United XI: De Gea; Shaw, Maguire, Lindelof, Wan-Bissaka; McTominay, Fred; Pogba, B Fernandes, Rashford; Cavani.

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970 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will Rashford ever do anything, useless useless player

    1. STEP rOVERS
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Give it a rest mrs potatoe head

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

        Well said

  2. TwiggsJameson
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    0-0 will do me just fine....

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      No need a Fred and chaka goals.

  3. The Senate
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    big header from Luiz that. Leno was beaten

  4. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    What are people usually going to do after so disappointing GW like this (I know it's not over yet)?
    A. Stick with the current team
    B. Seek bandwagons and rage transfers
    C. Overthink then take last minute hits

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      A

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

      I am slowly bringing in differentials.

    3. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      One bad gameweek. Nothing

      Several bad gameweek then consider a shakeup

      1. Lazaretti
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Same way here. +Trying to save FT to be able to mini WC with 2FT.

    4. elchilangles
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I've B a couple of times this year and amazingly it's turned out well every time but it's definitely the worst gamble!

    5. Pulp Minion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Not even look at transfers until Tuesday.
      To much happening to rush transfers

    6. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Most likely C

  5. g40steve
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Half Time

  6. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Honestly I must have been smoking crack when I brought Rashford in

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Be careful, it's very morish

    2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He seems to have forgotten how to play football

      1. Jimmy Boy
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Looks completely not bothered, no emotion whatsoever when he misplaces a pass or shot

        1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          His mind is on other stuff, as dictated by his management company

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

            Bollox

    3. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Watch out for McNaulty.

  7. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why is Rashford not shooting there, something wrong with him atm

  8. Elly88 > KTR (Kevin The …
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Luiz header saved a probable Bruno goal. Would have been a disaster if it went in.

  9. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    That Rashford chance highlights how UTD miss a comfortable RW. Salah buries that or even a Sancho who was heavily sought after.

    1. The Senate
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Diallo perhaps?

  10. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Currently on 12pts with 4 to play

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Oh I took a hit. 8pts! 😆

    2. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Swings and roundabouts eh?

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        What goes around, goes around

        1. Pep Roulette
          • 6 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          Lol

  11. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Muck-Tummy-nay

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      This is good

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

      Bravo

    3. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Excellent

  12. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Come ooooon Bruno

  13. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Why is everyone useless now?

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

      Just one of those gameweeks

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

      Great, I can let my wife know it's not just me

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        JK I don't have a wife and it is just me

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

          I suspect so

          1. Deulofail
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 1 month ago

            You're a hoot

  14. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    but but Rashford is most expensive player in the world hahaha. What a terrible football player also stupid as f

    1. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He'll score in the second half - I sold him this week

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Even if he score he is still terrible and massively overrated by english media

  15. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    United absolutely dominant since Pogba moved central, Arsenal can’t get out. Only a matter of time...

    1. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Before nap?

  16. Jindaljain
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Last 5-6 Gameweeks were disasters

    1. denial
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      17, 18 went OK then it all went very very badly for me

  17. Bushwhacker
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Two midtable quality teams playing out a bore draw. Who could have seen this coming?!?!

  18. SilentLemonMan
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Do we know what teams are playing in the blank gameweek?

    Only have free hit left but tempted to use it in the DGW.

    1. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Isnt this week a blank game week? Seems like it

  19. Jindaljain
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Captains not working from last 10 gameweeks

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Are you sure you're turned double points on in the settings?

      1. Jindaljain
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Lol that's nice

  20. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    No mention of the Bruno tackle at ht

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      He should get 2 or 3 RC this season already

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

      Until now. Top work Bemba.

    3. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Should have been a yellow imo.

    4. Bushwhacker
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cleary officials hce no intention of taking action against the golden boy.

  21. DonBenzema
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Kane and Rashford replacements?

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

      DCL and Wilson?

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

      Based on this week, I would say Delap and Wickam

  22. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    So Everton are crap?

    1. Hooky
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      They were today

  23. jammie26
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    I'm certain of another green arrow this week with all the carnage surrounding me.

  24. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Wish I had a wife...

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Nahhhh!

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

      You can have mine.

      1. BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        you'd be lost without her mate...

    3. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Careful what you wish for

      1. BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        why, it's great to have someone in your life

        1. nolard
          • 9 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          I hear you, mate.
          It gets lonely at times.
          However, it is worse to be in a bad relationship than being single.

    4. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Overrated

      1. BenDavies
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        easy to say when you have one...

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

          it really isn't lol

    5. Firminooooo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I have a dragon.

    6. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Simp

    7. Old Man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      I'm very fortunate - I have the best.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Is she forcing you to write this? Blink three times if you need help!

        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 1 month ago

          lol - I showed her this thread and she laughed. Called me a daft bu****. 😀

  25. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Clear now what Bruno's plan is, go to ground at the slightest of touches in positions where you can take direct free kicks.

    We seen this before with Payet.

    Smart or cheating?

    1. Eddie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Smart cheating

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

      And assault other players with his innocent face on.

    3. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Cheating smart

    4. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Charting.
      Ass opposed to what McTominay's doing.
      Sharting.

  26. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Will Salah do anything tomorrow?

    1. DaisyDaisyDaisyDaisy
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes he will flap about wide with the odd dribble into a defender

  27. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Can't wait til we know the doubles and I can wildcard the garbage I've brought in the past few weeks.

    1. jammie26
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      So you can bring in some more garbage?

      1. Scots Gooner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        Garbage playing two games in GW26

  28. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Very tempted to get rid of Bruno. Teams have worked out how to nullify him. Unless he gets a pen, he won't set the world alight (in FPL terms). He's a good player

    1. Tommy Tynans Left Shin Pad
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      ...but not absolute dogs rollix like some think

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

      I disagree.. Great player imo.

    3. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, he's garbage. Rank among all players, including forwards:

      Chances created... #2 (behind Grealish)
      Touches in the box... #1
      Shots on target... #1

  29. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Should have started DDG instead of Martinez.

    No way Arsenal score in this game.

    1. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 1 month ago

      People say this at the end of every half that a team hasn't scored. Things change, it could easily happen. The first half isn't usually a great indicator. Especially when teams are conserving energy during a busy schedule.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 1 month ago

        My bad, Willian on. Arsenal have no chance.

  30. Rollercoaster
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 1 month ago

    Currently on 16pts including Bruno and AWB with 5 to play incl Son VC, (Sterling C) Wilson is saving me, nearly sold him and Bamford but Kane got injured, so I got lucky, almost captained DCL