Dugout Discussion

Ill Aubameyang misses out as Xhaka starts at left-back

The last of four Premier League matches to take place on Sunday sees bottom-of-the-table Sheffield United play host to Arsenal.

Kick-off at Bramall Lane is at 19:00 BST.

These two sides aren’t exactly hot property in Fantasy Premier League, with not a single asset on show owned by more than 10% of managers overall.

Looking within the top 10k, which is often a better gauge of popularity among ‘active’ FPL bosses, only Rob Holding (£4.2m) has a double-digit ownership.

There is more than one notable omission from the Arsenal squad this evening but the headline team news is the absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.3m), who is unavailable today due to illness.

The news of his ailment only broke after the FPL deadline had passed on Friday, as did the confirmation of an ankle injury for Emile Smith Rowe (£4.2m), who is also sidelined in South Yorkshire.

There are four changes to Mikel Arteta’s starting XI from the Gameweek 30 defeat against Liverpool, with Aubameyang among the players to drop out.

Two further changes are enforced, with Martin Odegaard (£5.9m) and Kieran Tierney (£5.2m) also sidelined.

Gabriel (£4.9m) drops to the bench, meanwhile, with Pablo Mari (£4.4m), Bukayo Saka (£5.2m), Gabriel Martinelli (£4.9m) and Granit Xhaka (£5.2m) all promoted to the side.

With Cedric Soares (£4.6m) benched, it appears as if Xhaka is playing at left-back this evening.

Paul Heckingbottom makes three changes from the side beaten 2-1 at Leeds United, with John Egan (£4.7m), Ethan Ampadu (£4.3m) and Oliver Burke (£4.3m) in for Phil Jagielka (£3.9m), Jayden Bogle (£4.3m) and Oli McBurnie (£5.6m).

The Blades are unbeaten in all four of their previous home Premier League matches against Arsenal.


Arsenal XI: Leno, Chambers, Holding, Pablo Mari, Saka, Thomas, Xhaka, Pepe, Ceballos, Martinelli, Lacazette.

Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale, Egan, Ampadu, Stevens, Baldock, Fleck, Lundstram, Norwood, Osborn, Burke, McGoldrick.


GAMEWEEK 31 SO FAR…

Ill Aubameyang misses out as Xhaka starts at left-back

Some of the lesser-owned Fantasy Premier League assets from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United took centre stage as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side triumphed 3-1 in north London.

Blanks for Harry Kane (£11.7m), Bruno Fernandes (£11.6m), Luke Shaw (£5.3m) and Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.7m) meant that four of the five FPL players with double-digit ownerships in this fixture didn’t deliver anything more than appearance points.

Only Son Heung-min (£9.4m) from this quintet popped up with anything meaningful, tapping Spurs into a first-half lead for his first goal since Gameweek 23.

Edinson Cavani (£7.8m) and Mason Greenwood (£7.0m) both registered two attacking returns apiece along with bonus points to supplement their scores.

It was far from a convincing audition for Spurs assets ahead of Double Gameweek 32, with their defence looking particularly suspect again.

Son topped the shot count and key passes table to further his case for inclusion in our squads next weekend but there was more misery for those who retained the services of Gareth Bale (£9.2m), who was benched for the third straight Premier League match; his total pitch-time over the last three Gameweeks comes to ten minutes.

496 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Postman Ty
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    The joy of seeing Saka assist that goal, and the inevitable disappointment of seeing Ceballos' touch.

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

    Laca

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

    Anyone care to try and name the team that has conceded fewest goals in the last 6 home matches?

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

      Man U?

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

        Half right - it's United 🙂

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

          Jesus. Bielsaball!

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

            😉

        2. Pep bites Kun
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Got to be Sheffield then?

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

      Ah home!
      No

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Stevenage

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

        Same number of goals conceded apparently

    4. space mercenary
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      No idea but interested to know...

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

        It's a team loads are targeting next week.

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

          Sheffield Utd?

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

            It is a United 🙂

            They also have better XGC at home than City in the last 6

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

              Wtf, Manchester United?

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

                Different side of the pennines

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

      No idea?

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

        Greenred got it above

        Leeds

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Well I’ve got Dallas and Meslier

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

            Think you should really unlock the team and get Struijk too

            1. Rupert The Horse
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              2 years, 11 months ago

              Nah. Happy just chatting on here.

  4. Random Name
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    why do people doubt this man.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      People who don't watch football and just go by articles and stats.

    2. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Lacazette could be top but doesn’t score enough.

      He gets goals against big teams but then flops for weeks.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Like SHU

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

      Because they don't have hindsight.

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

      I mean, he's playing SHU

  5. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Martinez
    Dias Rudiger Phillips
    Salah Bruno Son Jota Gündo
    Kane Antonio

    (Fabri DCL Phillips Struijk)

    Gundo & Antonio ➡️ Lingard & Nacho for -4?

    Have exact cash will have to bench DCL (TOT) though. Thoughts?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Looks good. Risky doing early moves but if set on them then makes sense to do it now

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Yes I know it's risky but I'll have to take a hit to get Lingard if I wait till next week also.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Sometimes fixtures just line up nicely so go for it, good luck. I was going to do Antonio to iheanacho for a -4 this week but decided to wait - bamford played instead so 5pts down but the price moves are crazy....lost around 0.5 or 0.6 by waiting!

          1. Karan14
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            Yup the price changes have been killing me last few days too. Sucks that I was considering Lingard & Nacho this week but ened up getting in Phillips & Jota. What a bummer! Just going to go for a it and hope for the best now. Cheers mate!

  6. HNI
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    what are more dgws possible now after Spurs one?
    Is kane/son TC best next gw vs Everton SOU or wait?

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

      Week 2. Either of them.

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I had a look at Ben crellin Twitter and it looks like 35 for more doubles but the teams involved aren’t great - Chelsea or city for example might get a double but they actually play each other in 35. So I’m going to use my TC on Kane or son this week

    1. Danno - Emre Canada
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Should have, would have, could have.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Wrong way round but yeah

        1. Danno - Emre Canada
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Ha yep sorry. Have should, have would, have could

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

    Sold DCL and went with Jesus (C) instead of Laca. Any decent captain pick would have gotten me right back to 10k.

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

    Just wow, ML rival getting Dallas and Watkins off the bench for Cedric and KDB, unbelievable all complete luck.

    1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      My H2H rival has made no transfers in the last 4 GWs. Has the following playing:

      Dallas
      Coufal
      Soucek
      Watkins

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

        There is no point trying, it's all luck

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

    If DCL blanks tomorrow, would you do DCL to nacho for a hit?

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

      Im in the same boat, probably yes.

    2. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      I am getting him irrespective. Gundo + DCL to Son + Nacho for -4

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

        I'm certain he'll blank, slowly becoming a troll

        1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yes. Kept him for this last game. Getting difficult post that.

  10. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Nacho captain next week?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Son

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

    Wildcard success so far, brought in Laca, Nacho, Lingard, Trent and Coady. Benched Bruno which luckily paid off. Hopefully a decent end to a miserable season so far.

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

      That’s super good. Bruno bench was bold.

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

      Benching Bruno is ridiculously lucky

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Well played. Benching Bruno was ballsy

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

    Don't get Laca on WC everyone said

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Nacho has scored more this week and "knowing" that Auba has flu was impossible. So what's your problem?

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

      He wouldn’t have started if Auba was fit to play.

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Who’s everyone?

    4. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Silly you.

  13. Pilgrim62
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Any news about Neto injury?

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

      He will miss the next game, I'm bench boosting with him

  14. -GK22-
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Sterling punt failed

    Sterling to son now or wait a few days?

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

      I did it too but kept enough itb for Salah so will likely move to that (already have Son).
      Son seems smart with the double.

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Just wait until Friday

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

      Have done it already - couldn't wait to get him out

  15. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Greenwood or Maddison for next few GWs?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Think there’s better midfield options - both not guaranteed to play for a start

  16. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Is Amartey still an option?

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

      Taken off wasn't he? After they conceeded 4, so probably not

  17. The White Pele
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Bale to Salah for hit?

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

      Yes

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

      Yep

    3. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Yes definitely

  18. Shark Team
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Auba Bamford OUT
    Son Iheanacho IN
    Worth a hit right?

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Who’s your other strikers? I’m not in a rush to lose bamford

      1. Shark Team
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Kane Watkins
        But I can bench Watkins while he has easy gw33 fixture and DGW35, after this I'm gonna jump back on Bamford

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Makes sense. Like the moves and worth a hit

  19. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    G2G next week?

    Martinez
    TAA Coady Rudiger
    Salah Bruno Son Maddison Raph
    Kane (TC) Nacho

    Forster Bamford Konsa Struijk

    Thanks!

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

      Bamford over Raphinha

      1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Doesn't Raph look more lively?

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

          He does, but they could just get a cheap penalty.

          1. DARK SIDE OF THE LOON
            • 7 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            True that.

  20. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Whats teh news on Antonio? Hold or transfer out? Already have Kane & Watkins upfront.

    1. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Might bring Bamford back in or bandwagon of the week Nacho

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Don’t think anything confirm with Antonio but I’ll very likely get iheanacho for him this week. Was going to do it for a -4 but decided to play bamford instead....iheanacho needed to beat 8pts so that 2nd goal was annoying! Think that move is a no brainer with the fixtures

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Nacho was last weeks or even the week befores bandwagon. Now it’s just stubbornness.

  21. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Owning Nacho, JLingz and Laca has been fun today..

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

      And Son!! Ha

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

        Congrats - jlingz and Iheanacho was enough fun for me

    2. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Amazing! All popular on here but not massive ownership in top 10k

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Top stuff!

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

    Next gameweek is madness isn’t it?

    There are FA cup games involving prem teams after the GW deadline?!

    Good bench required

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

      My bench boost is going to go up in flames isn't it

    2. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Crazy crazy times, what a time to be alive

  23. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Neto and Sterling to Son and Bowen - 4? On bb this week.

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

      If Neto is out then yep. Same boat as you,

      Bowen Maddison or Mount though!?

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

        I like Bowen, especially with Antonio a doubt.

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

          I already have Lingard and Coufal though whereas I have no Chelsea attack.

  24. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    Should I BB this team?

    Areola ¦ Sanchez
    Alonso Shaw Coady
    Bruno Son Lingard Salah
    Kane Iheanacho Richarlison
    | Saka Diop Phillips

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Pretty similar situation. But my plan was to WC to get Bruno. And now I am having second thoughts.

      1. Baps hunter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        Sorry, nope.

        1. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Wait for dgw.

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

    Lo Celso: 1 goal and 1 assist in 592 minutes

    Bale: 5 goals and 2 assists in 562 minutes

    Serves you right, Mou.

    1. Pat Bonner
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      That’s exactly how football works

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

        Scoring goals is a pretty important part of it, yes.

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Just play 11 strikers then is what you’re saying

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

            Play attacking players not allergic to scoring goals.

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

      Mourinho is far too stubborn and arrogant now, he's his own worst enemy, that and his absolute dinosaur tactics.

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

      He should play Bale centre mid. Great plan.

      1. Pat Bonner
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 11 months ago

        He could even replace lloris? His goals assist stats are awful

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

          Controversial opinion: I think Bale should be ahead of Lo Celso AND Lloris on the right wing position.

          1. Pat Bonner
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 11 months ago

            That’s great except moura played in that position today

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

        Lo Celso is a centre mid?

        1. Pat Bonner
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 11 months ago

          Yes

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

      In fairness, sagging aside, it's baffling what's happening to Bale. If he's fit enough to be on the bench he's surely fit enough to get more gametime. Was he just a trophy loan deal by Levy and Mourinho unhappy that Bale is there? I heard Tanganga talk about Bale saying he's well liked by the rest of the team.

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

        It's really weird. From the looks of it Mou and Levy seem vexed eversince Bale stated that his intention is to return to Madrid after the loan i.e. nothing controversial as it's exactly what the contract stated.

  26. Baps hunter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    A) Digne to Reguilon + Gundo to Jesse -4
    B) Gundo to Jesse, Raphinha to Moura -8 (DCL to Davis/Vydra)

    Hmmm... Stupid question that answers itself after having written it 😉 But after having written it, I'm going to send it!

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

    Rank dropping like a stone last few GWs. From 88k in 27 to almost close to 300k now. Desperate times call for similar measures and so on... Already on a -4. And one of them is a major punt in Vardy, if you can call him that. Could be a season decider for me. And the other is the obvious move of bringing in Lionel Lingardinho. Might take another -4 if feel it could be worth it. Time to have some fun! Happy Sunday evening folks!

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

      Why are you getting Vardy?

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

        Though I agree he's not been upto his regular standards, he's actually not been as bad as being made out by most. He was obviously really fatigued around the GW16 period, after which he missed a few games through injury. And is only just getting back into the groove now(produced attacking returns in 3 and blanked in 5 since coming back in GW24). Not great, but not the worst either.
        All things said, like I said, it's a punt at the end of the day tho. Need a major captain worthy differential to push me back into the 100k is all. And I feel Nacho now occupying defenders will open up spaces for Vardy a bit more. And I'm also counting on Maddison to help Vardy back to his scoring best.

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

      Have you been drinking more than me? Or smoking something?!?

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

        Glenfiddich half bottles down and feeling fine. What you been upto mate?

  28. boc610
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 11 months ago

    that moment when Cresswell owners who didn't see the match realise he actually played and they aren't getting those Dallas points

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

      Mwahahahaha

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

    Please do something Saka.

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 11 months ago

      Try cradling

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

      Hoping for yc, og or rc?