Dugout Discussion

Ricardo Pereira continues in midfield for Leicester as Saka, Aubameyang on Arsenal bench

After starting at right-midfield in Gameweek 25 as Leicester beat Aston Villa 2-1, Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) is again playing ‘out of position’ in the first of Leicester City’s Double Gameweek 26 fixtures.

With James Maddison (£7.3m) sidelined for this weekend at least, Brendan Rodgers has possibly gone for a slight change of shape as Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.6m) looks set to partner Jamie Vardy (£10.2m) up front.

Over one million FPL managers paid out for the services of Harvey Barnes (£6.9m) ahead of DGW26. The England hopeful starts in his customary left-wing position.

With Pereira playing further forward, Luke Thomas (£4.2m) earns a second consecutive league start at left-back.

The defender will not be facing Bukayo Saka (£5.2m) from the first whistle, however. After admitting on Thursday that the winger is fatigued, Mikel Arteta has duly handed Saka a rest.

He drops to the Gunners’ bench alongside Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m), Hector Bellerin (£5.1m) and Thomas Partey (£4.9m).

“We’ve had some problems in the last 48 hours to recover players – players with some muscular issues. We had to freshen up. The reality is that there are other players who are fighting for chances and they deserve the chance to play.” – Mikel Arteta

They are also joined by Rob Holding (£4.4m), who makes his return to the squad after suffering a concussion in the Gameweek 25 defeat to Manchester City.

Kieran Tierney (£5.2m) continues at left-back after making his injury return in the Europa League this week.

Tyrick Mitchell (£3.9m) is the major absentee from an FPL perspective as Crystal Palace welcome Fulham to Selhurst Park.

Having started in Gameweek 25, the left-back drops to the bench with Patrick van Aanholt (£5.4m) favoured by Roy Hodgson for the Eagles’ first DGW26 tie.

Scott Parker is also fond of a full-back switch, with right-sided defender Kenny Tete (£4.3m) returning to the Cottagers’ XI. That leaves Antonee Robinson (£4.4m) on the bench, as the versatile Ola Aina (£4.5m) switches to left-back.

Aleksandar Mitrovic (£5.5m) returns to the Fulham matchday squad but has not displaced Josh Maja (£5.5m) up front. Parker’s men also have another match this gameweek, with Spurs visiting Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Leicester City XI (4-4-2): Schmeichel; Thomas, Soyuncu, Evans, Castagne; Barnes, Ndidi, Tielemans, R Pereira; Iheanacho, Vardy.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno; Tierney, Mari, David Luiz, Cedric; Xhaka, Elneny; Willian, Smith Rowe, Pepe; Lacazette.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Van Aanholt, Cahill, Kouyaté, Ward; Eze, Riedewald, Milivojevic, Townsend; Ayew, Benteke.

Fulham XI (4-2-3-1): Areola; Aina, Andersen, Adarabioyo, Tete; Reed, Anguissa; Lookman, Loftus-Cheek, De Cordova-Reid; Maja.

1,370 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    Pereira owners crying (me included). Might get an early benching and wouldn't get against Rodgers shifting formation and him being on the bench v Burnley.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Thomas will be off before Ricardo & they won't bring in the likes of Amartey when losing.

      Their priority is the league. If he's fit enough he'll surely play.

    2. Scots Gooner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      This is his least attractive fixture of the next 4. Can still be a successful transfer even if he blanks this game.

    3. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 28 days ago

      Willian

      Throwback to GW1.

  2. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 28 days ago

    Losing to Arsenal is a new low.

  3. @persecuted_by_mods
      3 years, 28 days ago

      You guys promised me Barnes was the new Messi and Pepe outperforms him! I want my money back

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 28 days ago

        We were talking about Ashley Barnes

        1. @persecuted_by_mods
            3 years, 28 days ago

            Damn, my fault. Apologies all

        2. mwa1t
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 28 days ago

          He is just Dan James in a different team after all...

          1. @persecuted_by_mods
              3 years, 28 days ago

              So many people bit on that one, I was joking ofc. That said Barnes is so overrated it's insane in real life terms, FPL wise he's fine

              1. mwa1t
                • 3 Years
                3 years, 28 days ago

                I hesitated to get him for so long because his finishing and passing is so hit or miss, definitely overachieved in terms of G/A this season

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 28 days ago

                    I see him as a Theo Walcott type of player, goals and assists in bursts sure but I'm not seeing any true real talent beyond the pace

                    1. mwa1t
                      • 3 Years
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      I agree, step above James/Walcott imo but technically not actually that impressive

                      1. @persecuted_by_mods
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Many steps above James, above Theo remains to be seen he had great returns and performed in champions leagues

              2. Magic Zico
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                3 years, 28 days ago

                135 mins to go and you will thank 'us'

                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                    3 years, 28 days ago

                    Just joking mate I don't even own him

                    1. Magic Zico
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      OFC, also joking 😉

                      1. @persecuted_by_mods
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Of course you were

                2. wulfrunian
                  • 7 Years
                  3 years, 28 days ago

                  Anyone brave enough who is watching Palace-Fulham?

                  1. Rainer
                    • 7 Years
                    3 years, 28 days ago

                    The sleep deprived are loving it.

                  2. michaelington
                    • 14 Years
                    3 years, 28 days ago

                    Me. Scouting Fulham defence for the gw29. What is my life. Nothing to report Jeff.

                  3. pingissimus
                    • 5 Years
                    3 years, 28 days ago

                    Yep

                    Zero to report. Palace actually probably came closer with a near own goal for their CB - I'm ruling out Benteke having put it in if it fell to him

                3. mwa1t
                  • 3 Years
                  3 years, 28 days ago

                  Refs have really got a grip on VAR the last few weeks

                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      Look a few pages back, people were still complaining. Even when they get everything right!

                    • Qaiss
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      Yeah, it’s needed. How can a referee not see that was handball in the first place. That shouldn’t have needed VAR.

                      1. @persecuted_by_mods
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          From where he was standing it was impossible for him to see where the ball struck ndidi, not sure on the linesman's position

                    • Free Hat
                      • 5 Years
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      People talking about Leic failing...
                      I never expected Ars to be a walk over. They looked pretty tight at the back and are finding more form several gws in a row.

                      1. Twisted Saltergater
                        • 14 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        Big effort on Thursday. Thought they may be flat today.

                        1. Free Hat
                          • 5 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Yep. Maddison very big miss as well.

                    • Jon Snow
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      I'm stuck never ending cycle of watching Leicester games, wanting to drop Vardy, then talking myself out of it by the next gameweek

                    • Random Name
                      • 8 Years
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      Lacazette scores and the pages start flying on here. My man's goals always breaking the internet

                      1. La Roja
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        😀

                      2. Epic Fail
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        You wish he was your man. 😀

                      3. Revival
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 11 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        In Laca we thrust!

                        1. The Ilfordian
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          He wasn’t very thrustworthy when I owned him. Difficult to score goals when you’re not being selected

                      4. Over Midwicket
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 12 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        Lol..

                      5. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        The Guy! Love him!

                      6. Fred54
                        • 9 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        Only way pages will fly these days is if.someone sees your post and throws their phone out the window.

                    • HollywoodXI
                      • 9 Years
                      3 years, 28 days ago

                      I think Rogers will take off Thomas at HT, move Pereira to full back (switch Castagne to the other side) and bring on Albrighton.

                      1. Magic Zico
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 5 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        That's sensible

                      2. @persecuted_by_mods
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Yeah seems likely, Pepe has Thomas on toast red incoming

                        • Free Hat
                          • 5 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Can see it happening as well

                        • ZimZalabim
                          • 7 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          good call
                          exactly what hes done (except pereira gone LB)

                      3. Parsnips
                        • 3 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        Think picking Digne instead of Ricardo could be the better decision. Probably to early to say.

                      4. AzzaroMax99
                        • 7 Years
                        3 years, 28 days ago

                        As Barnes&Pereira owner, I’m very disappointed with the outcome. 🙁

                        1. Patson Dabaka
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Better luck next week

                        2. mwa1t
                          • 3 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Not over yet

                        3. @persecuted_by_mods
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            45 to go, both could easily get an attacking return. And Leicester have to go hell for leather

                            1. AzzaroMax99
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              I know, but they seem so sluggish. Missing Maddy a lot obviously.

                        4. Qaiss
                          • 8 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Willian is actually playing well. What’s going onn

                          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                            • 7 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Yes but don't jinx it please!

                          2. Rainer
                            • 7 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Form is temporary, class is permanent...

                          3. Twisted Saltergater
                            • 14 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            It’s sunny

                        5. Pep Roulette
                          • 6 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Captain

                          A. Cancelo
                          B. Stones
                          C. Gundogan
                          D. Salah
                          E. Son

                          1. TRIPOS TOPPER
                            • 6 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            going D

                          2. Rainer
                            • 7 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Armband is on Gundo hoping/expecting he sits out Wolves.

                        6. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                          • 7 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Tierney the best defender to have in 29?

                          1. Epic Fail
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 13 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Dallas

                            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              Have Struijk from Leeds.

                              1. Epic Fail
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 13 Years
                                3 years, 28 days ago

                                It's not about Defensive cover with Leed defenders though. Dallas is a mid.

                                1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                                  • 7 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  True that.

                          2. mwa1t
                            • 3 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Could be, but knowing Arsenal could also be a disaster

                            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              Looking at potential goals and assists!

                          3. Rolls-Royce
                            • 10 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Antonio will bully them

                            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              Offensive points?

                              1. mwa1t
                                • 3 Years
                                3 years, 28 days ago

                                His average position has been very high up the pitch this game. Risky though as Arsenal are so hit or miss

                                1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                                  • 7 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Looking at our fixtures till the end of the season. I think of all the teams that play in 29, Arsenal has the best fixtures,

                          4. Revival
                            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                            • 11 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Attacking wise yes but don't expect a clean sheet

                            1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              Our fixtures are nice till the end of the season. Should get a few attacking points. I am getting Antonio too btw.

                        7. Parsnips
                          • 3 Years
                          3 years, 28 days ago

                          Any Vardy owners? Apparently he was holding his groin a lot and could be switched off at half time.

                          1. @persecuted_by_mods
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              Yup savage says he thinks vardy is getting subbed

                              1. mwa1t
                                • 3 Years
                                3 years, 28 days ago

                                ML rival has him and TC’d Gundo, love to see it

                          2. Don Kloppeone
                            • 6 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Just know with absolute certainty now that Son will haul and Kane blank

                            But I have to own my stupid decisions! I went with my gut. Just seems I have gut issues!

                          3. mrodgers91
                            • 6 Years
                            3 years, 28 days ago

                            Almost happy to have justin still in my team instead of any other lei
                            Disclaimer, had bigger fires to put out each week

                            1. diesel001
                              • 7 Years
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              Justin ain't returning this season is he? So you would be better off taking the hit to get rid of him most likely.....

                              1. mrodgers91
                                • 6 Years
                                3 years, 28 days ago

                                Yeah out for season. Probably transfer for next week but already took hits chasing the doubles

                          4. @persecuted_by_mods
                              3 years, 28 days ago

                              Vardy getting subbed according to Robbie savage, was holding his groin lots and stopped making runs

                              1. Free Hat
                                • 5 Years
                                3 years, 28 days ago

                                Give him a pill and let the cbs kick the ball for him!

                                1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                    3 years, 28 days ago

                                    Lmao

                              2. Epic Fail
                                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                • 13 Years
                                3 years, 28 days ago

                                KFC flavoured crisps? Dafuq.

                                1. Jafooli
                                  • 12 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Better than KDB flavoured crisps...

                                  1. @persecuted_by_mods
                                      3 years, 28 days ago

                                      There's milky bar crisps?

                                2. GROBARI
                                  • 3 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Bale starting

                                  1. Hazz
                                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                    • 6 Years
                                    3 years, 28 days ago

                                    My Draft team is loving it.

                                3. Collie01
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 6 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Pope masterclass incoming!

                                4. ZeBestee
                                  • 9 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  I am an Arsenal fan but I can tell Leicester miss Maddison + 4 4 2 with Iheanacho is not their thing. Iheanacho is just not good enough for a club playing for a top4/6

                                5. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
                                  • 7 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Both ‘injured’ Kane & Watkins have started ...

                                6. ZimZalabim
                                  • 7 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS

                                  Team to face Burnley: Lloris, Aurier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Reguilon, Ndombele, Hojbjerg, Bale, Moura, Son, Kane.

                                  Subs: Hart, Doherty, Winks, Lamela, Dier, Sissoko, Alli, Davies, Vinicius.

                                7. Big boy Bowen
                                  • 7 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS

                                  Team to face Burnley: Lloris, Aurier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Reguilon, Ndombele, Hojbjerg, Bale, Moura, Son, Kane.

                                  Subs: Hart, Doherty, Winks, Lamela, Dier, Sissoko, Alli, Davies, Vinicius.

                                  TOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS

                                  Team to face Burnley: Lloris, Aurier, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Reguilon, Ndombele, Hojbjerg, Bale, Moura, Son, Kane.

                                  Subs: Hart, Doherty, Winks, Lamela, Dier, Sissoko, Alli, Davies, Vinicius.

                                  1. Big boy Bowen
                                    • 7 Years
                                    3 years, 28 days ago

                                    Oops second one is Burnley lol

                                  2. Big boy Bowen
                                    • 7 Years
                                    3 years, 28 days ago

                                    BURNLEY TEAM NEWS

                                    Team to face Spurs: Pope, Lowton, Tarkowski, Mee, Taylor, Brownhill, Cork, Westwwod, McNeil, Rodriguez, Vydra.

                                    Subs: Peacock-Farrell, Wood, Stephens, Bardsley, long, Dunne, Richardson, Benson, Griscoll-Glennon.

                                  3. tiger
                                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                    • 12 Years
                                    3 years, 28 days ago

                                    Tottenham v Tottenham...2 evenly matched teams

                                    1. Big boy Bowen
                                      • 7 Years
                                      3 years, 28 days ago

                                      Kane TC x2 🙂

                                      1. tiger
                                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                        • 12 Years
                                        3 years, 28 days ago

                                        Haha, Triple Captain Turbo Boosted!

                                8. tiger
                                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                                  • 12 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Very attacking looking Spurs side...surely even Mourinho can't make this lot park the bus

                                9. SpaceCadet
                                  • 10 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  KAAAAAAAAAAAAANE

                                10. pingissimus
                                  • 5 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Aina off at half time?

                                  1. ZeBestee
                                    • 9 Years
                                    3 years, 28 days ago

                                    Brought him in as well, awful

                                11. Free Hat
                                  • 5 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Whats with all the attackers in Joses team!

                                12. The 12th Man
                                  • 10 Years
                                  3 years, 28 days ago

                                  Let’s go Son,Bale Kane TC

                                  1. Big boy Bowen
                                    • 7 Years
                                    3 years, 28 days ago

                                    Nice