Dugout Discussion

Son back in Mourinho’s starting XI but Bale only a substitute for Spurs v United

Son Heung-min (£9.4m) returns to the Tottenham Hotspur starting XI this afternoon but Gareth Bale (£9.2m) once again has to content himself with a place among the substitutes.

Manchester United are the visitors to north London, where the action gets under way at 16:30 BST.

Son is one of three players recalled to Jose Mourinho’s side, with the other two changes occuring in defence.

Eric Dier (£4.6m) and Serge Aurier (£5.2m) are brought into the back four as Davinson Sanchez (£5.2m), Japhet Tanganga (£4.9m) and Carlos Vinicius make way.

Manchester United make three changes from the side that beat Granada 2-0 on Thursday night but compared to Gameweek 31, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting XI shows just one tweak.

Scott McTominay (£4.9m) is recalled, with Mason Greenwood (£7.0m) dropping to the bench.

That means that David de Gea (£5.3m) is once again only among the substitutes, with Dean Henderson (£5.2m) lining up between the posts.


Tottenham Hotspur XI: Lloris, Reguilon, Aurier, Rodon, Dier, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso, Ndombele, Moura, Son, Kane

Manchester United XI: Henderson, Wan-Bissaka, Lindelof, Maguire, Shaw, Pogba, Fred, McTominay, Fernandes, Rashford, Cavani


GAMEWEEK 31 SO FAR…

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The phenomenal form of Kelechi Iheanacho (£5.9m) and Jesse Lingard (£6.4m) continued at the London Stadium, with both players bagging braces in West Ham United’s 3-2 win over Leicester City.

The pair are joint-top of the Premier League’s goalscoring table from Gameweek 22 onwards, which marked the start of both of their extended runs in their respective sides.

The in-demand pair were among the top three most-bought players of Gameweek 31 and rewarded their new and existing owners with double-digit hauls; this was Lingard’s fifth such return in nine West Ham appearances.

Also among the points was the injured Michail Antonio‘s (£6.6m) replacement, Jarrod Bowen (£5.9m), who teed up Lingard’s second goal and then scored what turned out to be the match-winner when converting Tomas Soucek‘s (£5.3m) pass.

It was a poor afternoon for owners of the defenders on show, with West Ham almost letting a three-goal lead slip yet again.

It’s one clean sheet in seven for the Hammers, one in eight for Leicester.

Vladimir Coufal (£4.6m) and Ricardo Pereira (£5.9m) at least partly compensated with assists but Aaron Cresswell (£5.9m) limped off with a hamstring injury, with his substitution marking the first time he has missed Premier League minutes this season.

James Maddison (£7.2m) and Ayoze Perez (£6.0m) were missing altogether from the visitors’ squad but their absences are thought to be for disciplinary reasons rather than injury-related.

1,340 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Cruicky
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    So how many are going to do Vardy to Iheanacho with WBA (H) next knowing Vardy's record against the Baggies?

    1. DandyDon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      not me but might go with both!

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      They’ll then buy Vardy back at HT when he’s on a hatty...

      Let them at it 🙂

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      F*** Vardy

    4. Bubbles1985
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Gutted i went Vardy over Nacho on WC

  2. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The heading on this page makes it sound like we're surprised by the Bale benching 😛

  3. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Llorris, Son and Kane the optimal 3 Spurs for the DGW ?

    1. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  4. GOTHAM City F.C.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Still a lot on BB for 32?

    1. KAALI_DAAL
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      TC

    2. PrestigeWorldwidewidewide..…
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I wildcarded this week and set myself up for BB32

      1. GOTHAM City F.C.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Same here, not sure about Foster and Amartey now

  5. Albrightondknight
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Raphina and Bale
    to Lingard and Son
    With exact cash for a hit is an easy no brainer?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Do it. But only after the spurs game is over.

      1. Albrightondknight
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks I will wait for sure. What about Nacho for -8?

    2. Albrightondknight
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would you go Watkins to Nacho for -8?

      1. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        No

      2. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Not with a potential double looming

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

        Thanks all - 4 it is after this game.

    3. Squib
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Aye

  6. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Really got me thinking if I should bring in Vardy or Nacho next week. And, is JLingz.....a must have now? Unreal form.

  7. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Would you take a hit on this defence?

    Alonso Maguire Cancelo Dunk Targett

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      If you can do Alonso or Cancelo to TAA then yes

  8. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    1-1 please. No involvement from Son, Bruno or Kane. That's not too much to ask right? 😆

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Two penalties, coming up

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Would be great. Won't happen.

  9. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Jota > JLingz?

    1. Philosopher's Stones
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      When did you bring Jota in?

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        This week...what’s the relevance?

        1. Philosopher's Stones
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Give Jota time. Think he scores more than Lingard till season's end. Bring in Lingard only if you have another route

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Only for a hit which I’m not keen on

            WBA fixture looks good, though...

        2. Tinkermania
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Jota brace and Lingz blank next then you switch again?

          1. Ha.
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I was on WC and it was a coin toss between the two. I was put off by the Leicester fixture.

            JLingz is on fire and they have good fixtures. I wasn’t sure how he’d do without Antonio, but if anything he’s doing better.

            Jota isn’t nailed, either. Plus I have Salah and Trent so pretty good coverage.

            So no I won’t flip flop between the two.

            1. Tinkermania
              • 4 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Still a coin toss. One is due a haul and the other due a blank.

              1. Ha.
                • 8 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                That’s not how it works

    2. TheDragon
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        How come?

  10. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Honestly a Son red card here would be really helpful

  11. Kane and Ablett
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    This is the week of the template Kane will score Son assist and Shaw assist a Bruno pen

  12. Digital-Real
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    i prefer Aurier over Reguilion for GW32

  13. CONNERS
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Didn't catch the game - why did Cresswell come off?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks like hamstring

    2. CONNERS
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks

  14. Tasty Jerk
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Come on (C) Kane, Son (and Bruno) - lets go!

  15. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Tyler really needs to stop that "and it's live" thing. It's so cringeworthy.

  16. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling has single handedly fooked my game week and mini league

    1. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Haha same. With a helping hand from Vardy. Should have just stuck with the template.

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        It's so boring though, Pool have been awful, Salah overpriced this season, no-one could have predicted that City score, unbelievable!

        1. Mr. O'Connell
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yeah I'd still do it again. Bang average rank so nothing to lose.

          1. WVA
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Everyone I asked agreed Sterling had more potential than Salah this week, it's just luck unfortunately

  17. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Points prediction for

    Bruno 6
    Kane 8
    Son 13

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Son 18, Bruno 11, Kane 5

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      2,2,2.

    3. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Hopefully 2, 2, 2.

    4. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      3
      2
      3

    5. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      3,2,3

    6. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Bruno 2
      Kane 13
      Son 6

  18. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Mount to Jessie Messi, yes or no ?

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I want both

  19. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Minute silence a bit easier these days.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Two would be tough in a full stadium.

      1. how now brown cow
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        That did feel a long one even in my lounge

  20. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Will the game ever start

  21. Philosopher's Stones
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Potential moves:

    A: Raphinha, DCL -> Lingard, Vardy (-4)

    B: Raphinha, DCL -> Lingard, Nacho (-4)

    C: Raphinha, DCL, Wood -> Lingard, Vardy, Nacho (-8)

    1. KANTEnders
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Did B on WC

      1. Philosopher's Stones
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Think it's safe to say you've scored well this week. Well done!

  22. camarozz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Transfer of the week so far..

    Me..

    Havertz ➡️ Maddison instead of Lingard
    (with Antonio out worried bout Lingards output)

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Ouch, it's all luck mate so don't threat

    2. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Can't have them all Cam. I sold Salah and ignored Ihenacho for Bamford on WC. That's not even half the story!

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Tough

  23. GreennRed
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    50 years since the an on foreign games. Thankfully we have a different Ireland now.

    https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/gaelic-games/the-ban-how-the-gaa-came-to-rescind-its-prohibition-on-foreign-games-50-years-ago-1.4525334?mode=amp

  24. Top Dog
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The CS keep falling

    GWK20 -29: Avrg CS 7.3 per GWK
    *lowest amount of CS during ‘normal’ GWK 5 CS

    GWK 30 & 31 (60% complete): Avrg CS 1.9 per GWK
    *total of 3 CS so far

    Very small sample but something to keep an eye on. Was expecting a drop off but not to this extent!

    1. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Fatigue could be a factor? Plus unsettled teams from rotation at the business end of Euro competition ms. First few GWs of the season had rakes of goals flying in. Probably better investing in defenders with some attacking intent.

      1. Top Dog
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I actually think players will get more rest due to less cup competitions, and the reason for less CS is more quality play from the teams.

        Completely agree about only attacking defenders worth making transfers for. I’m trying to save as many transfers as possible for mid/fwd

  25. A. PRISE
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Does Gundo to Lingard make sense? If I knew that Gundo will play full time I wouldn't do it but I don't.

    1. El Matador
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Why would it not make sense? Compare form, fixtures, add in the blank and its one sided.

  26. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    HERE WE GO BOYS, THE BIG UN

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      West Ham v Chelsea for top dog in London this season!

  27. fusen
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Genuine question for people who don't currently own Lingard and haven't just transferred him out.

    What has been the reason not to transfer him in?

    1. A. PRISE
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      For me, I thought/think he is overperforming. But to be fair, why would he stop now?

      1. fusen
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I think there is absolutely no argument to him overperforming. I've owned him for a while and he will definitely stop this scoring rate at some point.

        But for me this is just like Gundo earlier in the season. It's the sort of wagon you need to jump on board to wait till it finishes otherwise you'll just go weeks and weeks of missing out

        1. GreennRed
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          He's well rested in comparison to tired players, on loan from a top club, England International and making himself nailed for Euros so no lack of motivation.

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Add Creswell to Rice, Ogbonna & Antonio

        A team like West Ham is very unlikely to be able to keep performing without that calibre of player on board

        Lingard could easily get another 3 or 4, maybe even 5 or 6 returns in his final 7 games

        He almost certainly won’t get 7 or 8, and could possibly get only 1 or 2

    2. JONALDINHO
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Had Antonio and didn’t fancy the double up. Switching would’ve cost 2 hits which obviously wouldn’t be worth it. After the Antonio injury I didn’t think Lingard would do as well without that target man to play off like the second half against Wolves.

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I thought he'd do better as a focal point higher up with a solid team behind him playing him in.

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Over performing. Not sustainable

      1. AC/DC AFC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Stick with the underperforming players then!!

        1. Pukki Blinders
          • 4 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I will, and will enjoy their long awaited hauls when they come

    4. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I think it's a mindset where people think it can't continue and don't want to hit the blank.

      I've been captaining him myself.

  28. WVA
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Son will score big here, went for sterling over him as a one week punt

  29. JONALDINHO
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Lingard(new) or Jota(lee)? Jota still feels the move

    1. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jots

    2. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Jota will be benched, I'm bench boosting

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Funny you already can call he’ll be benched when the game is over a week away

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

      Hard to argue against 82 points in the last 10 GWs.

      1 of those GWs he was ineligible to
      play. Only 1 of them was a blank.

      Both have Newcastle coming up, but Lingard has them next.

  30. Pukki Blinders
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Why have I benched Son, can already see it’s going to end in tears

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yep