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…

Image

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. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Now Shaw, find a way to score or assist.

    1. Postman Ty
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I've got Shaw blocking Dallas today. This is literally worst case scenario right now with Kane not even on the score sheet...

  2. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    I know I’m late to the party, but any reason whatsoever not to go Antonio to Nacho?

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

      No reason. Antonio made out of glass, sadly.

    2. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nope.

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

      Nope...great fixtures and he is on form. Go for it

    4. @persecuted_by_mods
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nope, fixtures still excellent for Leicester and hopefully maddison back too

      • pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Zero

        Do it quickly if price rises bother you. Nacho will shoot up.

      • Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Newcastle up next. Make sure he’s still injured first.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          They said 4-6 weeks

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Crikey. I’d better get rid too, then.

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Would have been nice to know Thursday, huh...

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

        Antonio hasn't ACTUALLY had a timeline attached to his injury yet, and they play Newcastle next.

        However, I did thst exact move this GW as the risk felt acceptable given Nachos good form and top fixtures.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I was always wait and see on Leicester this week. I waited. I’ve seen.

    5. JOELIO8701
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I’ve had the ultimate jam week. Activated wildcard last Sat and did a v quick random template - then my gf and I broke up, had to sort new flats etc and completely forgot about fpl despite being obsessed every week this season.

      Mcgill, Tuanzebe, Antonion in my starting line up. No Kane (will lose 1.2m getting him back now) or Son. But.

      Dallas still in squad and comes on for 17 points, iheanacho CAPTAIN. Gone from 20k to 8k. Mental, mental luck

      1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Note to self: break up with girlfriend when activating WC.

        1. JOELIO8701
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          1. JOELIO8701
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Haha could be something in it!

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

        Hey man, glad you at least had some luck go your way with the breakup & real-life stuff going on.

        Enjoy the points!

        1. JOELIO8701
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Thank you sir!

      3. LC1
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry to hear about you and your girlfriend.

        Unreal result mate.

        Make sure you put your OR on your Tinder profile.. 😉

        1. JOELIO8701
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Thank you m8. Tbf the sort of thing I would add lol

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

        Glad that you're over the break up so well.

        Happy New home and all that!

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

          Or she moved out?

        2. JOELIO8701
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Haha thank you. Hope you’ve had a decent gw also!

      5. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Good for you.

      6. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Goes to show that things that seem bad can be unexpectedly amazing in the long run. A lesson in there.

      7. Roy Hudd
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        It's not Jammy at all. The game is 99.9% luck. Everyone's rank is not a result of their ability it's a rank of how lucky or unlucky you are. So enjoy it and good luck for the future pal.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          If it was all luck; you could autopick and win.

          Stop

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

            This.

            And players wouldn't be top 0.01% 3 years out of 7.

            Unless they had a lucky start that evens out by 2202!

          2. Roy Hudd
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            That's where the 0.1% comes in. Picking the team. The rest is luck. Don't be so naive.

            Stop

            1. The Suspended One
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              I agree.. aside from picking the team; the rest of this game is luck.....

              Head slap emoji

              1. Roy Hudd
                • 7 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Don't let the Jota captain fail upset you pal. Hug emoji.

                Face palm emoji for Jota captain choice.

                Stop

                1. The Suspended One
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  You are a touch slow, aren’t you?

                  1. Roy Hudd
                    • 7 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    Really poor come back.

                    Let's nip this in the bud now. Conclusion is that you're upset at your captain pick and you're lashing out. Don't reply as it won't be seen by me. Try not to embarrass yourself on the Internet again son.

        2. JOELIO8701
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Thanks m8 - hope you get some good hauls in the run in!

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

      United fans feeling hard done by?

      Officials out to get them?

      1. LC1
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Lool don't be that guy.. Officials not out to get us but most certainly the wrong decision.

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

          You cannot hit someone in the face, accidental or not. It is a foul. End of.

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

      UTD fans moaning about play acting by Son. Their players are just as bad if not worse. Bruno, Rashford and Martial probably the worst in the league.
      Karma is real.

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

        This is prime whataboutery...

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

          reap what you sow

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

            But United fans don't reap for the team do they?

            Or do some Twitter twats count as karma for Ole now?

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

        Bruno is the worst when it comes to cant aruge against it even as a utd fan

      3. Bushwhacker
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Martial got who sent off earlier this year by doing what Son did and then some?

        1. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Has also won 3 penalties from clear dives.

      4. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He got hit, not acting if you actually get hit

        1. Postman Ty
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          That's just not correct is it. You can get touched or have your leg broken and there's an appropriate level of "look at me I got hit" for each. That being said, I expect any player who gets hit in the face to fall over holding their face because otherwise the ref won't see it and nothing will get called, unfortunately.

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I’d like to see you out there and see how you react

            1. Postman Ty
              • 9 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              What exactly did you take away from that comment? I don't go down for anything that doesn't physically force me down and it's a problem - as I said refs don't call anything if you don't go to ground. Even standing and holding your face isn't usually enough.

              1. The Suspended One
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                Still insinuating he should have reacted differently; I think it was the most natural reaction possible, that’s all

                1. Postman Ty
                  • 9 Years
                  2 years, 11 months ago

                  "I expect any player who gets hit in the face to fall over holding their face" mate what?

                  1. The Suspended One
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 10 Years
                    2 years, 11 months ago

                    I’m just saying that he didn’t ask for a foul or chase the ref down, he got hit in the face and reacted. I don’t think there was any gamesmanship involved.

                    1. Postman Ty
                      • 9 Years
                      2 years, 11 months ago

                      I didn't say anything about any of that but maybe there was some confusion about the idea of "Actually getting hit". I don't think he actually got hit in the eye, and that's the only thing that would have been painful in any relevant way in terms of acting. But I still think it's reasonable to call it a foul and he wouldn't get the foul if he doesn't fall over so I don't have a problem with it.

                      1. The Suspended One
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 10 Years
                        2 years, 11 months ago

                        Yeah, I have an issue with the ref, not the player. Ref has to give that goal and tell him to brush himself off

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

      The one finger foul!!

      Deadly assain...

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

        Its a foul. Move on.

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

          It was a fingertip.

          He fell over holding the other side of his face.

          I've got Son not Cavani in my team and i support football, not Utd or Spurs.

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

      Castagne or Ricardo?

    10. Steve Chance
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Why all the anger about diving? It's only cheating as much as any foul is cheating. Part of the game. You'd have to be a fool to think VAR would stop it.

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

        Wasn’t a dive.

        1. Steve Chance
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          I don't even care if it was. Deception is part of the game.

      2. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Not his fault he got hit. Ref should have let it stand and gotten sonny a tissue

        1. Steve Chance
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          True. He might have milked it. So what?

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            I just think he reacted normally.. not like he chased down the ref and asked for it to be disallowed

      3. MissouriMarten
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        A fould can be accidental. A dive isn't.

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

          *foul

    11. Flair
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Son brace needed

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

        I heard a rumour that he is gonna be in the next Batman film

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

          Definitely

    12. Isca Extremadura
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Does anyone see Kane’s or Sons time managed
      v Saints, less than 4 days before League Cup final ?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Maybe, but they both should still start.

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

        Subbed a little early if anything. They are still playing for Top 4 & a trophy still. Can't see Mourinho resting them.

      3. ZLATAN'S PONYTAIL
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Not with top 4 ambitions

      4. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Zero chance

    13. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      There’s a difference between a push off and a petulant flick in the face. Amazed Redknapp and Micah are saying it’s not a foul. Not so much Keane.

      1. Postman Ty
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        I see it as 50/50 for a foul, nothing to argue about either way (although it lead to controversy because of the goal). I definitely don't think it was an intentional "flick" he was just trying to push Son's arm off, albeit a little high.

    14. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Spurs hooooold!

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

        Son brace and Bruno penalty upcoming

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

      Late to the party was babysitting my boy but Soooon juhuuuuu geeettt iiiiinnnnn. Get in you beauty. Happy days!!!

      Viva la template

    16. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Who would you keep on WC?

      A) Dias
      B) Stones

      Rest of defence is TAA, Azpi, Coady and Konsa.

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

        Neither. Get Shaw instead

      2. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Dias

      3. Assisting the assister
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        A - more likely to play

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

        Neither.

      5. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Dias

    17. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Not bad so far for WC31ers

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        FH is for 1 week, WC jury still out

      2. Flair
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Indeed, been a pleasure

    18. moment
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      So the 1 week punt on Sterling before Son switcheroo was categorically not a good idea.

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Not sure what people were expecting from Raz...

        On the beach

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

        Nope - assuming Son retains 3 bonus (and doesn't return any more), the move has cost me 14 points 🙁

    19. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I'm impressed by Reguilion ......looks lively and defending well......

      1. The Suspended One
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Can’t wait to sell him

      2. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Got him for the double, cleanie this week would be a bonus.

      3. @persecuted_by_mods
          2 years, 11 months ago

          He'll find a way to let you down

        • Bury94
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          If Creswell is injured the swap to Reguillon for the double is an easy switch

      4. OLD Rafiki
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        son to compensate for lingz brutality.

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

        Son able to continue in the 2nd half. Great to see.

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

        Wish someone like Roy Keane or Vinnie Jones played against Son today...

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

          Vinnie Jones wouldn't get near him. Keane not the paciest either.

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

            Don't really need to run after him to do what Keane did to Alf Inge for example.

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

              That was premeditated well in advance. Dunno did Roy kick much football that day!

          2. Cantona's Kung Fu Kick
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            they would find a way

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

          Son would have them on the ropes to be fair

      7. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 13 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Surely spurs are not going to sit back and invite united on

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

          You must be new to Jose Mourinho.

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

          Of course, and then Mourinho will claim it was the players choice.

        3. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          #gameplan

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

        With games coming thick and fast and the Southampton game just few days before the cup final, really not getting good vibes about the Kane TC in the upcoming DGW.

      9. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Shaw G and Bruno A needed

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

        Bruno or Mount to Lingard Messi ?

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

          Mount. Bruno's penalty potential still worth a hold imo.

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

            But Mount had an amazing game today and is in form of his life

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

              True. But Mount will never be explosive enough, whereas Bruno could have a double digit haul any week. But towards the end of the season right now, it also depends on how your team is and what your objectives are. If you feel saving the money on Mount instead of Bruno gives you chances for more points elsewhere, then that could work as well. But if you don't need to save money, I'd still say go for Bruno.

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

                Thanks man so helpful

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

        Need the Son CS busted

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

          You’re worried about 1 point?

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

            Yeah. Didn't pick Salah, TAA, Ihenacho or Son on WC so I need to start making the points back somehow.

        2. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Nahh

      12. Flair
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Spurs are going to park the bus with their abysmal defenders and throw away the lead, aren't they?

      13. jason_ni
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Rivals getting dallas 17 points 3rd from bench unless bales comes to the rescue for me.

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Don’t hold your breath

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

        Bruno last 5

        3 3 10 2 5 and today

        Pogba is back too.

        Maybe this is the chance for a differential?

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

          If he doesn't score today that is 4 and half blanks in 6

        2. Life_Ban
          • 3 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Bruno will score, hopefully assisted by Shaw

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

            Next game ?

        3. Bobby Digital
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Went for Auba... Didn't work out.

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

            Forget Auba he is terrible. Maybe Pulisic Kai Vardy Mount

            1. Bobby Digital
              • 6 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Havertz was on my mind too.

              1. The Suspended One
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 10 Years
                2 years, 11 months ago

                If he were only nailed...

      15. gooberman
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Bruno looking ineffective again with Pogba in the team.

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

          I agree. Pogba is stealing his thunder

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

          Bruno has been ineffective for months ; scores fks and pens that’s why we have him

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

        Sterling Bruno over Salah Son may have cost me my mini league