Dugout Discussion

Bamford, Bale, Aguero and Forster on the bench for Gameweek 38 matches

Patrick Bamford is on the Leeds bench for their Gameweek 38 meeting with West Bromwich Albion.

Ahead of facing the Premier League worst defence this season, Marcelo Bielsa’s number-one forward was the most-bought player for the final round of matches.

But the Leeds boss has taken the return of Leeds fans to a home top-flight game for 17 years to offer farewell starts to Gaetano Berardi and Pablo Hernandez.

The latter starts at number 10, pushing Rodrigo into Bamford’s centre-forward berth with Raphinha and Jack Harrison on the flanks of what appears to be a 3-3-3-1 formation.

As promised, Kiko Casilla starts in goal ahead of Illan Meslier while Fantasy favourite Stuart Dallas keeps his place on the right-hand side of Leeds’ second bank of three.

Ryan Mason’s two alterations are both at the back, with Matt Doherty and Davinson Sanchez in for Japhet Tanganga and Eric Dier.

Gareth Bale is benched again.

If Sergio Aguero is to sign off his Manchester City Premier League career with a goal, he will have to do it from the bench where he is named alongside Ilkay Gundogan and Ferran Torres.

Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden appear to be either side of Gabriel Jesus while Riyad Mahrez and Kevin De Bruyne look set for slightly deeper midfield roles.

Liverpool are as to be expected with Diogo Jota only fit enough for a bench role and Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah either side of Roberto Firmino in the front-three.

Crystal Palace have opted for a more robust set-up than their usual 4-4-2 set-up in what appears to be a 4-3-3 system featuring Cheikhou Kouyate, Jairo Riedewald and James McCarthy protecting a back-four of Tyrick Mitchell, James Tomkins, Gary Cahill and Joel Ward.

David Moyes has made two changes to the West Ham United side that beat West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.

Lukasz Fabianski has passed a late fitness test on a knee injury and replaces Darren Randolph between the posts, while Jarrod Bowen comes in for Said Benrahma down the right flank.

Southampton make five alterations to the team beaten by Leeds United in Gameweek 37.

The return of Danny Ings to the starting XI is the headline news, with Ibrahima Diallo, Nathan Redmond, Takumi Minamino and Jan Bednarek also recalled.

Alex McCarthy keeps his place, with Fraser Forster only along the substitutes.

The injured Che Adams misses out, with Oriol Romeu back on the bench after three months out.

Moussa Djenepo, Theo Walcott, Nathan Tella and Jack Stephens make way.

Dean Smith has named an unchanged team, with Jack Grealish handed another start.

There’s only one tweak to Thomas Tuchel’s line-up, with the injured N’Golo Kante replaced by Mateo Kovacic.

The fit-again Kai Havertz has to make do with a place on the bench.

Arsenal have made two changes to the side that won 3-1 at Crystal Palace on Wednesday.

Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka are back in midfield, with Mohamed Elneny and Bukayo Saka dropped.

Brighton also make a pair of alterations.

Lewis Dunk and Leandro Trossard start, with the injured Danny Welbeck and the benched Steven Alzate missing out.

Martin Dubravka, Joe Willock and Allan Saint-Maximin are deemed fit to start for Newcastle, with Sean Longstaff in for the injured Joelinton the only change that Steve Bruce has made.

Alphonse Areola, Mario Lemina and Harrison Reed make way from Scott Parker’s first XI, with Marek Rodak, Kenny Tete and Josh Onomah brought into the fold.

Burnley are in 4-5-1 for their trip toSheffield United, featuring Chris Wood as a lone centre-forward. Ben Mee and Nick Pope both miss out due to injury, replaced by Will Norris and Jimmy Dunne.

As expected, Manchester United are heavily rotated for Gameweek 38. Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are on the bench but Luke Shaw, Bruno Fernandes, Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani are all absent.

Gameweek 38 Line-ups

Arsenal XI: Leno, Chambers, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Xhaka, Partey, Ødegaard, Pepe, Smith Rowe, Aubameyang.

Brighton and Hove Albion XI: Sánchez, White, Webster, Dunk, Burn, Jahanbakhsh, Groß, Bissouma, Trossard, Moder, Mac Allister.

Aston Villa XI: Martinez, Konsa, Mings, Targett, Hause, McGinn, Nakamba, Grealish, Traore, El Ghazi, Watkins.

Chelsea XI: Mendy, James, Rudiger, Silva, Azpilicueta, Chilwell, Jorginho, Kovacic, Mount, Werner, Pulisic.

Fulham XI: Rodak, Tete, Ream, Adarabioyo, Bryan, Anguissa, Onomah, Cavaleiro, Carvalho, Lookman, De Cordova-Reid.

Newcastle United XI: Dubravka, Krafth, Fernandez, Dummett, Murphy, Willock, S Longstaff, Shelvey, Ritchie, Almiron, Saint-Maximin.

Leeds United XI: Casilla; Berardi, Cooper, Ayling; Alioski, K Phillips, Dallas; Harrison, Hernández, Raphinha; Rodrigo.

West Bromwich Albion XI: Johnstone; Bartley, Ajayi, O’Shea; C Townsend, Gallagher, Yokuslu, Maitland-Niles, Furlong; M Phillips; Robinson.

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel, Thomas, Fofana, Soyuncu, Castagne, Ndidi, Tielemans, Maddison, Albrighton, Vardy, Iheanacho.

Tottenham Hotspur XI: Lloris, Doherty, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Reguilon, Hojbjerg, Winks, Alli, Kane, Son, Bergwijn.

Liverpool XI: Alisson; Robertson, N Phillips, R Williams, Alexander-Arnold; Thiago, Fabinho, Wijnaldum; Mané, Firmino, Salah.

Crystal Palace XI: Guaita; Mitchell, Tomkins, Cahill, J Ward; McCarthy, Riedewald, Kouyaté; Zaha, Ayew, Townsend.

Manchester City XI: Ederson; Zinchenko, Stones, Dias, Walker; Mahrez, Fernandinho, De Bruyne; Foden, Jesus, Sterling.

Everton XI: Pickford; Digne, Godfrey, Keane, Holgate; Doucouré, T Davies, Allan; Sigurdsson; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin.

Sheffield United XI: Ramsdale; Robinson, Egan, Basham; Stevens, Fleck, Norwood, Osborn, Baldock; Jebbison, McGoldrick.

Burnley XI: Norris; C Taylor, Dunne, Tarkowski, Lowton; McNeil, Cork, Westwood, Brownhill, Gudmundsson; Wood.

West Ham United XI: Fabianski, Coufal, Dawson, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Soucek, Rice, Bowen, Lingard, Fornals, Antonio.

Southampton XI: McCarthy, Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Salisu, Diallo, Armstrong, Minamino, Ward-Prowse, Redmond, Ings.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI: Patrício; Saïss, Coady, Boly; Aït-Nouri, Neves, Moutinho, Dendoncker, Semedo; F Silva, A Traoré.

Manchester United XI: D Henderson; Telles, Bailly, Tuanzebe, B Williams; Matic, van de Beek; D James, Mata, A Diallo; Elanga.

2,075 Comments Post a Comment
  1. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Correct article picture selected.

    1. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Patrick-rolled Bamfraud.

  2. All about the galacticos
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    top of the last

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Not

      1. All about the galacticos
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        darn it! was last chance to be top of anything

        1. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Sorry, not sorry.

        2. brianutd-why always we? 20
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          V good

  3. brianutd-why always we? 20
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bring it on

  4. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    At least there were no surprises except Bamford

  5. Duke Silver ☑
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Good start. Max wins and Lewis down in 7th.

    1. jason_ni
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      He was fuming on that radio chat!

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Good. Looks like we may finally have a decent driver's championship this season.

        1. jason_ni
          • 8 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          True, more competiveness can only be a good thing.

    2. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Leclerc not starting was annoying though. But a very good result for Verstappen and Sainz nonetheless. F1 is exciting this year thankfully

      1. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, was gutted for him in his home grand prix too. He only has himself to blame though 🙁

  6. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Bamford will surely come on right?

    1. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cameo

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Word up

    2. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Hope not. Got willock 1st sub.
      Waa thinking about rodrigo. Shame doesn't have gut to get him

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Yes Hernandez only going to play 55/60 minutes

    4. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Will very likely come on around 60 mins

    5. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe even in the first half if bielsa takes off Hernandez early

  7. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Is there any simulcast link for today's games?

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have a feeling not having Dallas will bite me good.

    1. Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I hope so 😉 sorry

  9. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    On a differential galore with Amad, Cresswell, ASM and Wood in my team. Wish me luck.

    1. The Ilfordian
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Amad is brave even with the rumours. Cresswell and Wood are great. ASM just needs to get some on target. Good luck

      1. b91jh
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Amad's touch and movement is really smooth, just need some experience and composure to be the next Foden.

    2. RogDog_jimmy
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Heck yeah that’s super fun.
      Good luck!

    3. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Was thinking amad but go with adama... Home advantage plus nuno farewell.
      Amad could be gold

  10. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    I need West Ham to trounce Southampton with no Soucek involvement pleeeaaassseee

  11. AC/DC AFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Have fun everyone...

    FPL and EPL has been a welcome distraction in lockdown.

    1. Tango74
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      I agree, its been fun

      Hopefully next year people wont blame PEP for team

      If you pick City players then its your own fault,

  12. fr3d
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Greenwood and Bruno 52% EO combined lol so many casuals in the top 10k

    1. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      78.2% in top 10k have never been there before.

    2. Mr. O'Connell
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      They'll be laughing when they get a 15 pointer from ESR off their benches.

  13. Mr. O'Connell
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Really think Villa get a result against Chelsea. Top 4 battle gonna be up and down today.

    1. AC/DC AFC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Villa players up for England squad selection too.

    2. Sun Jihai
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      What does Emi need to be highest scoring FPL goalkeeper ever?

      1. The Ilfordian
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Just checking, I think it’s 5 points ? Friedel with 187 in 2002/03. Might have misread it though

  14. School of Poch
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who wins here? We started the gameweek on the same points (I'm now 4 ahead cos of the hit)

    Me:
    Mendy TAA Holding Mane Raphinha Watkins

    Him:
    Meslier Castagne Robertson Greenwood Pulisic Bamford (-4)

    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      you.

    2. Halftime Lemon
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Looks good for you seeing as 3 of his ain't starting

  15. waltzingmatildas
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    What game is everyone watching? Salah captain but think Leeds could be a good one

    1. Tasty Jerk
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Palace - with Salah (C) 😀

    2. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Leeds or City,

  16. Saka Rice
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Which team wins the league? Team A is currently leading by 23 points

    A) Pickford
    Mitchell TAA Dallas
    Mane Salah(c) Lingard Raphinha
    Kane Bamford Nacho

    B) Alison
    TAA Dallas Alioski
    Son Salah Lingard Mahrez
    Antonio(c) Kane Nacho

  17. Tasty Jerk
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    COYP!!

    1. Scholes Out For Summer
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      All my hopes are on Tyrick to stop Salah

  18. Gentle_Turks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 10 months ago

    Who wins ML?

    Me (+9)
    Mendy
    TAA Fofana Holding
    Lingard Mane Mo Raphina Greenwood
    Nacho Kane
    (Forster DCL Shaw Ward)

    Him
    Meslier
    Dallas Robertson Philips
    Lingard Son Mo Raphina
    Nacho Kane DCL
    (Leno ASM Holding Coady)

    1. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      You just I think. Will be close.

      1. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah I reckon it's gonna be squeaky bum time...

  19. Party time
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Which game are you guys following? Think I’m gonna watch the Arsenal game. Need Auba differential to explode

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        SHU vs BUR

    • OPTA FPL
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Pep is cruel and hate Kun very much, it's a useless game and Kun not starting, criminal

      1. OPTA FPL
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        cannt wait to read Kun autobiography

      2. FFSbet.com
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        He will come in at 93:20

        1. OPTA FPL
          • 12 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          2 goals to break Rooney record, poor Kun

      3. Halftime Lemon
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Would he even be able to play 90?

    • DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      52 points ahead and still not confident.
      He has Kane Mane Mahrez Dallas Wood .
      I have none of these.

      1. Gentle_Turks
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Nah, you should be ok.

        1. Gentle_Turks
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Can you answer me above?

    • diesel001
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Salah hat-trick of goals please.

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        You spelt Mane wrong

      2. Duke Silver ☑
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        *points.

        That'll do.

      3. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        What’s your OR Diesel?

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 10 months ago

          Just inside the Top 15k. Top 10k is out of reach, but only 10pts ahead of ML rival for first place. They have Kane(c) and I have Salah(c) so hoping for Salah to haul.

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            2 years, 10 months ago

            Best of luck for the ML....very decent season @ 15k

      4. Hazz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Very specific. No sarky comments have a chance

    • FFSbet.com
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Cmon Firmino Top10k: 3.2% !!!

    • Scratch
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Mini-league has just 11 points in it

      Martinez, Vestergaard, Digne, Foden, Salah, Mane, Antonio
      vs
      Alisson, Dias, Dallas(c) Greenwood, Wood, Nacho

    • DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Here we go.

    • Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Bingo

    • GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Who wins?
      A. Fabianski, Dawson, Greenwood, JWP, Harrison
      B. (no GK), Holding, Son, Lingard, Willock

    • Milk, 1 Šuker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Quite the choice of viewing this afternoon! Think I'm going to watch Leicester v Spurs!

    • Paqueta Rice
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Best of luck today everyone. I think I can speak for most when I say this season has been a struggle both normally and fpl wise. I for one can’t wait to step away from it and enjoy the summer. Whatever about having a bad season, I just didn’t enjoy it this year. Normally you would have good and bad weeks but this year felt like always bad 😆
      Hopefully next year will be better for everyone and if you did manage to enjoy this season and do well in fpl then fair play to you and I hope you finish strong. Take care

    • Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 10 months ago

      Can't believe Salah hasn't scored yet!

      1. DA Minnion (Former great)
        • 11 Years
        2 years, 10 months ago

        Fail.