Dugout Discussion

Thursday’s FPL team news: Ronaldo returns, Saka benched

The final two fixtures of Gameweek 14 take place this evening – Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford at 19.30 GMT, followed by Manchester United v Arsenal 45 minutes later.

Antonio Conte make two changes from the 2-1 win over Leeds United in Gameweek 12, with Davinson Sanchez (£4.5m) and Oliver Skipp (£4.5m) coming in for Japhet Tanganga (£4.3m) and Harry Winks (£4.4m), both of whom drop to the bench.

That means Harry Kane (£12.3m) – who has scored just one goal in 11 league appearances this season – leads the line, with Son Heung-min (£10.4m) and Lucas Moura (£6.4m) flanking him either side.

As for Brentford, they are unchanged from their 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday, with Sergi Canos (£5.5m), Christian Norgaard (£5.0m) and Rico Henry (£4.5m) all recovering from knocks to keep their place in the starting XI.

Thomas Frank’s side have lost just one of their six away matches this season, and will move into the top half of the table with a win tonight.

Elsewhere, Man Utd make three changes from their Gameweek 13 draw at Stamford Bridge, with Harry Maguire (£5.4m), Diogo Dalot (£4.4m) and Cristiano Ronaldo (£12.3m) replacing Eric Bailly (£4.9m), Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.2m) and Nemanja Matic (£4.5m).

At Arsenal, Gabriel Martinelli (£5.2m) starts in place of Bukayo Saka (£6.3m), who is a substitute, while Mohamed Elneny (£4.4m) comes in for Albert Sambi Lokonga (£4.8m).

GAMEWEEK 14 LINE-UPS

Spurs XI: Lloris, Sanchez, Dier, Davies, Royal, Hojbjerg, Skipp, Reguilon, Moura, Son, Kane

Subs: Gollini, Doherty, Winks, Gil, Sessegnon, Alli, Bergwijn, Tanganga, Ndombele

Brentford XI: Fernandez, Goode, Jansson, Pinnock, Canos, Onyeka, Norgaard, Janelt, Henry, Mbeumo, Toney

Subs: Cox, Jansen, Forss, Wissa, Ghoddos, Baptiste, Roersley, Maghoma, Stevens


Man Utd XI: de Gea, Dalot, Lindelof, Maguire, Telles, McTominay, Fred, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo

Subs: Henderson, Bailly, Jones, Lingard, Mata, Van de Beek, Diallo, Greenwood, Martial

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Tomiyasu, White, Gabriel, Tavares, Partey, Elneny, Odegaard, Smith Rowe, Martinelli, Aubameyang

Subs: Okonkwo, Tierney, Holding, Maitland-Niles, Lokonga, Pepe, Saka, Lacazette, Nketiah

2,311 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Does Bilva start this weekend we think folks??!! Safe to bring in??!

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Good long term pick.

    2. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't be surprised if he gets a rest.

      1. Gabbiadini
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Could be a good game for Palmer for instance.

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah this why I’m asking mate, I wonder if he gets a rest too, he’s started every city game this season apart from gameweek 1!!! Could read it ether way, if he definitely starts or in the same breath it’s time for him to have a rest!!

    3. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Do NOT try and predict Pep!

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        If you fancy Bilva, as I do, just get him in and get bench cover...

        1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Haha i certainly will never try
          To predict him, not worth ones sanity!!! Yeah I think I might just get him, got plenty of bench cover!!

  2. circusmonkey
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I now have an 88% template rating but it was way lower weeks ago and the template has come towards my team because it has done well. I have gone from 502K to 27.5K in 6 weeks with 6 green arrows. Probably my best run of GWs ever.

    1. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Template will change with GW16 Fixture swings though...

      1. Zimo
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        It won't since it consists of the top 3 teams who can score and keep clean sheets against anyone.

  3. EL_FENOMENO
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Jimmy + Mbeumo to Dennis + Bilva for free?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'm thinking that.

      How about King?

  4. Ibralicious
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which combination has the highest upside for the next few?

    A) Vardy + B. Silva + Gallagher + Alonso
    B) Dennis + Son + Raphinha + Alonso
    C) Dennis + Son + Jota + Livramento

    Cheers!

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A, you need a City mid IMO

  5. C_G
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    gtg? already used my 2 FTs(did Vardy + Allan ---> Jota+ Watkins)

    now have 0.6 ITB

    Sanchez

    Rudi TAA Cancelo

    Son Salah Jota Raph Gallagher

    Watkins Toney

    Steele Livra White Hwang

    going to do Hwang + Raph ---> bernardo + King/Dennis(-4) next GW

  6. BLANKET DEFENCE
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    would people agree that this is one of the most templated seasons in fpl in recent years? hard to make ground on anyone

    1. One More Hit
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe, but Salah and TAA have been mainstays for several seasons. Three years? ago you couldn’t even use all the team value, Jimenez and Jota were must haves and everyone had them.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yeah.

      Trent, Cancelo, James, Salah (C) & now Jota are basically dead spots in people's teams.

      There will always be a template but them 5 are incredibly strong atm.

      Good if you're leading, bad if chasing!

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        The flip side is that one or two differential picks can make a big difference.

    3. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      It may be hard to make ground at times but the template does change.
      It's about being slightly different at the right time, then you definitely can make ground IMO.

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        This ^

        Maddison got me +20% OR

        1. Gabbiadini
          • 6 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          exactly if it is more "template" then your uniques are more effective.
          the only problem is that if you are unique, the other way, in not owning a popular performing asset.

    4. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      nah, people say this every season

  7. One More Hit
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone still holding onto a wildcard, when are you planning to use it?

    If Salah isn’t leaving as early as thought, I’m thinking it makes sense to have 2FT at that point, which means w/c GW18 at the latest, I think?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Week 20 ( 28 Dec) is last time can use. I still have it and at present don’t see when I would use so probably ( unless injuries dictate otherwise) will wait until week 20 and use to tidy up team

      1. One More Hit
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Are you 100% it’s gw20 and not GW19?

        I’ve no fires to put out hence I’ve not used it and I’d hate to make my team worse through being able to make wholesale changes :/

        1. One More Hit
          • 5 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yep you’re right sorry, GW20 deadline. Lots to ponder then

  8. Surfeit of Lampteys
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Dunno how much longer I can resist bringing Salah in.

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      OMG

    2. C_G
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      a bit longer, hes going to blank the next few GWs

    3. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Hardly any point now.

    4. Assisting the assister
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Good differential, bit under the radar

    5. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      you already have him

  9. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Who to start?

    A....King v City

    B...mbeumo at Leeds

    Thanks

    1. Norco
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      King baby

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

      King, Buemo not even hitting the woodwork anymore

    3. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Mbeumo unfortunately.

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Gotta be Mbeumo. City defense is the best in the league.

    5. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Mbeumo

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers....reluctantly on mbeumo who I'm destined to keep for ages....

        1. gart888
          • 9 Years
          2 years, 4 months ago

          Yeah he looked invisible today. Haunts my dreams that I chose him over ESR.

          1. Crunchie
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            2 years, 4 months ago

            Championship player

    6. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I'd still go B.

    7. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      A

  10. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is Antonio to Gab Jesus worth a ft?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

    2. _Gunner
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yes

  11. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ronaldo now on pens with great fixtures is essential, discuss?

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If he's not injured and Ralf doesn't rest him, maybe.

    2. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If he’s not a rotation risk then certainly he is.

    3. One More Hit
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Going to take two transfers for most to get him I’d have thought?

    4. Surfeit of Lampteys
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      He's about as essential as he is Danish.

    5. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      everyone was going to get him after kane vs norwich. nothing changes

      1. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        missed the 'essential' bit, he's of course not that

    6. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Will get rested the odd game but still will get him back in after Kane's 1 pointer against norwich

    7. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Wait for confirmation he is ok as walking very gingerly when subbed off

    8. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      What's to discuss? Just get him in.

  12. Nightf0x
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    On WC

    Ddg white alonso lamptey
    Rams davies rudi dufy

    1. Yes Ndidi
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      The one that has 4 starters and no Spurs

  13. Lord of Ings
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    *Would you log ideally start pukki or bench him?
    Spurs still don’t look very tight at the back and pukki being extremely clinical usually needs just one chance to convert.

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Who's the alternative? No harm in starting him. Especially if Cantwell & Rashica...

      1. Rainer
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        ... are back.

      2. Lord of Ings
        • 8 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Bissouma,brandon Williams.
        Poor bench but saving a transfer this week will be helpful in which direction I want to go next week!
        Mount/foden/Sancho/Bowen/Ronaldo/Alonso all in my radar.

  14. Norco
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Would a double of Dennis/King be a silly idea?

    Would have to bench one of Gallagher/King/Dennis each week though

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not the silliest. Striker options limited and they provide decent value with great fixtures.

      Much better value in midfield and defence.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Thats what I am thinking

  15. wulfrunian
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    It's incredible that Mbeumo's ownership is so low.3.4%!He is in so many teams.

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Yep this surprised me as well.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Very popular with the Professional Pundits.

      They spread it out to the more hardcore players...

      1. wulfrunian
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I guess you are right.

      2. Crunchie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Was never interested. Got Gallagher very early doors. One of the few things I got right mind 🙂

  16. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Is it worth a -4 for Vardy > Kane?

    1. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Seriously?
      Everyone’s looking to get rid of Kane and you want him in..

      1. CelticBhoy1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        When you're selling, I'm buying

    2. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Ha

    3. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      no

    4. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      lol

      1. Big_Andy_GAWA
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        😮 😮 😮

  17. Il Capitano
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    1FT 0.8m ITB

    Guaita
    TAA Cancelo James Livra
    Mbeumo Salah Son Jota
    Vardy Toney

    Foster - King White Brownhill

    Save, then bring City + WHU mid in for Son + Mbeumo in 16?

    1. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Template city

  18. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Difficult decision. Start Dennis or Antonio?

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Dennis

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Dennis

  19. tc93
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Bottomed:

    2FT, 0.0ITB - no idea what to do- don’t want to burn a transfer. Maybe Obamadele to Williams?

    Rest:
    Ramsdale
    TAA / Cancelo / James / Alonso
    Salah / Son / Jota / Raphinha / Foden
    Toney

    Foster, Antonio, Davis, Obamadele.

  20. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Thoughts on bilva rotated this weekend?

    Would you do raph to bilva to gave city attacker v watford?

    Or would you save ft and keen raph for his game v brentford

    Thanks

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Save. Don't make the same mistake I did of Raph > City mid. It can wait until next week.

    2. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      i'm very confused as to why you'd get rid of raphinha this gw

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Thanks.....I'm just worried city will destroy watford as they tend to do and I'll have no attacking coverage....Will hold...thanks

    3. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Keep Raph this week

    4. FPL_Crisis
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      In the exact same position and holding.
      With 2ft there's always another way to get there
      Short turnaround the decider for me

    5. Teahupo'o
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I can see Pep waiting until midweek to give him and others a rest, since the CL group is won. But, it is the Pep Roulette.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Very good point

        Think I need to keep raph tho for this week....

  21. PretzleDuckUSA
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    silva jota or maddison?

    1. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jota. He's basically Mané but 4.1m cheaper

    2. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

    3. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

    4. Il Capitano
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Jota

  22. DBW - Slug's Mortgage …
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Ended up doing Ronaldo > Kane this week.

    Got 78 so not too bad.

    Should I just do Kane back to Ronaldo? Kane is a massive donkey

    1. Gandalf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Nah keep for norwich

    2. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No keep for Norwich and see if Ronaldo ok after subbed off late in game walking gingerly tonight

  23. baines is god
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    will Ronaldo rise to 12.4 in the next few days?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Possibly if the masses come to buy.

    2. FPL Theorist
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Siuuuuuuu!

      1. FPL Theorist
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Already rising at 4.9%/hr which will likely get him a rise Friday night.

  24. Scholes Out For Summer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which of these four frauds to take out first with 2FTs?

    Mbeumo Toney Antonio Kane

    1. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      If you're doing this week I'd say Antonio and Mbuemo

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        Im thinking this too. Can get Bowen in two weeks time

        0.1 off Watkins + ESR though

    2. BeWater
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Mbeumo.

    3. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      keep Toney and Kane
      Mbeumo probably and/or Antonio
      I’d hold antonio though

      1. Scholes Out For Summer
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I've had him since GW1 so only 0.2 off the current price, so no biggie. Mbeumo + Antonio --> King + Gundo if he's fit?

    4. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Mbeumo and/or Antonio

  25. _Ninja_
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Which 2 to play from these?

    A. Antonio (CHE)
    B. Livra (BHA)
    C. Dennis (MCI)
    D. Gallagher (mun)
    E. Mbeumo (LEE)

    1. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      B E

    2. Lord of Ings
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Logically B and E..
      I’d be tempted to play Gallagher and Livra probably

    3. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      You'll need one or two to cover James and City anyway...

  26. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    I'm thinking Jota vs his old club, it's worth going with the 'C' over Salah just for 1 week only

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      No

  27. Cruyff's Eleven
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    For GW16 - King, or Dennis?

    1. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      King for me. Hard to ignore Dennis though.

  28. gart888
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Suggestions on what to do with this template squad with 2 FT and 0.8 ITB?

    Guaita 4.0
    TAA Cancelo Rudiger James Livramento
    Salah Jota Raph Mbeumo Sissoko
    Vardy Toney Antonio

    1. Neevesy
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      That really is perfect template.

      Look at shifting Tonio amd Mbeumbo, perhaps to differentials if you're chasing.

      1. gart888
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 4 months ago

        I don't really want to move Antonio right now with a fixture turn coming up. Mbeumo I'd love to move, but looks like it would take a double move to do something fun with him.

    2. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Any of these look good?

      A) Vardy and Toney to Dennis and Ronaldo
      B) Toney and Mbeumo to Dennis and Bernardo
      C) Vardy, Mbeumo, and Livramento to Dennis, Son, Reguilon for a -4

    3. 824545201
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I would go Mbeumo to ESR

  29. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Mbeumo and Vardy to Bernardo and Jesus for free?

    1. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      not for me.

    2. BERGKOP
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Don't like Jesus as an option

  30. Gabbiadini
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 4 months ago

    Do we have any indications as to when Burnley's DGW may be?

    1. Crunchie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Not until gw21. Although that gw would be nice

    2. gart888
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      I heard January somewhere

    3. Gabbiadini
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 4 months ago

      Alright, cheers all.