Dugout Discussion

Thursday team news: Salah returns as a substitute for Liverpool

The final two matches of Gameweek 24 take place tonight, with Liverpool v Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal kicking off at 19:45 GMT.

The big team news comes from Anfield, where Mohamed Salah returns as a substitute, having missed the Reds’ last six games in all competitions due to his participation with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Sadio Mane, however, is not involved as expected, but January signing Luis Diaz is handed a first start, and will feature alongside Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino up front.

For Leicester, Brendan Rodgers makes five changes to the side that lost heavily at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday, with the likes of Caglar Soyuncu, Youri Tielemans, Harvey Barnes and Kelechi Iheanacho dropping to the bench.

That means Patson Daka leads the line, having been directly involved in seven goals in just nine Premier League appearances so far, with James Maddison, Marc Albrighton and Ademola Lookman in support.

At Molineux, Francisco Trincao returns from Covid for Wolves, whilst Romain Saiss is back after AFCON.

Marcal is preferred to Rayan Ait-Nouri, who is a substitute, along with Jonny, who hasn’t played since last March because of a serious knee injury.

Mikel Arteta, meanwhile, welcomes back Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka from suspension, plus Cedric from injury, who starts at right-back with Takehiro Tomiyasu missing out.

GAMEWEEK 24 LINE-UPS

Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago, Jones, Diaz, Jota, Firmino

Subs: Kelleher, Konate, Milner, Keita, Salah, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Minamino, Tsimikas, Elliott

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel, Justin, Amartey, Ndidi, Thomas, Dewsbury-Hall, Soumare, Maddison, Albrighton, Lookman, Daka

Subs: Ward, Soyuncu, Vestergaard, Pereira, Choudhury, Tielemans, Barnes, Perez, Iheanacho


Wolverhampton Wanderers XI: Sa, Kilman, Coady, Saiss, Semedo, Dendoncker, Neves, Marcal, Trincao, Podence, Jimenez

Subs: Ruddy, Hoever, Ait-Nouri, Silva, Jonny, Chiquinho, Toti, Hwang, Cundle

Arsenal XI: Ramsdale, Cedric, White, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli, Lacazette

Subs: Okonkwo, Smith Rowe, Holding, Pepe, Tavares, Lokonga, Elneny, Nketiah, Awe

1,328 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jonesfromthere
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    KDB owners what are your plans? Do we think he starts Norwich? If not shipping for Salah seems the obvious move

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Still likely to shift for Salah (please don’t let me fall into the Bruno trap) …. I think there is too much of a chance he is benched versus Norwich.

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

      KdB to Salah (-4) if and when Salah gets minutes tonight.

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

      Sticking to the plan and shipping to Bruno for GW25 and then Salah for GW26 and will have KDB again on my FH in GW27.

    4. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Direct to Salah in gw25.

      Gamble against Salah is not a wise move, probably only this gw24.

    5. sulldaddy
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Im holding KDB and will be shiftin Jota off for Salah. Yes i have funds ITB.
      Cheap strikers is key

      1. nolard
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        This is where I am.
        Could shift KDB, but want to spread the money a bit and not have two LFC mids.

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

      I’ve KDB and Mahrez and was going raphina/salah for 25 but think I’m going to risk one of them plays and hauls v Norwich and covers United double.

    7. SINGH
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      No way he is rested for Norwich. He is essential for City and is their creativity. He will play.

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        'No way' ?

        I'd say no way will KDB get any points against Norwich unless FPL mistakes him for Zinchenko.

        To be serious KDB is somewhat injury prone.
        Playing:
        Brentford (home) 9th february
        Norwich (away) 12th february
        Sporting (away) 15th february
        Spurs (home) 19th february

        Simply too much. And he will play against Sporting and Spurs.

    8. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Keeping KDB, Kane can make way for Salah. Both are better options then Kane.

  2. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I would mostly like to see a Leicester goal in second half please? Thank you.

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

    Is Schmeichel actually any good?

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

      been crap all season ,it never gets a mention on here

    2. Goodfeathers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Been poor since the euros

    3. im1974
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He’s brilliant. But as FPL asset behind that cr*p not a chance

  4. AD2110
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which forward up to 7.8 would you go for to partner King and Watkins?

    A) Antonio
    B) Broja
    C) Weghorst
    D) Jiminez

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

      C for the doubles and get Broja for King as well

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Is he for the bench? Broja, Edouard, Idah in that order imo

      1. AD2110
        • 6 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Probs would bench king most weeks

    3. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      D

    4. sulldaddy
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B or C
      Better cost savings and less waste if you need to bench

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

      Broja, Weghorst, Idah are probably the optimal forwards now

  5. AIRMILES
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Is the general plan to TC Salah in GW26?

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

      Yep. His EO will be 275%+ though...

      1. AIRMILES
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yeah. I guess so, but can't risk missing the boat. Could drop 40+ points.

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

          TC is only 1 extra C. Can't see Salah over 40 pts tbh. But around 30 isn't impossible.

    2. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yes, not to TC could be very damaging. I expect every man and his dog will be doing it.

    3. Salan
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      For general, special, good, or pundit plan, all are TC Salah in GW26.

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

      I will FH in GW26 so I will only (C) him 🙁

      1. AIRMILES
        • 12 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I guess you'll be hoping he has two blanks then!

        1. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          I would yes.
          But if he scored a goal or two so be it.
          If I went with the TC plan my team would be much worse than the 150K OR players ahead of me.
          I will try to make up for 1x Salah points with a FH team like this (maybe without Cancelo):

          Pope
          TAA - Tierney - Cancelo
          Salah(C) - Mané - Son - Saka - Zaha
          Lacazette - Weghorst

      2. sulldaddy
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I think me too for the FH and Captain only plan

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

      A resolutely EO-based strategy would say just to (C) him that week and save the TC for a different week where it can be more differential. I may still do this.

      1. sulldaddy
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        ^this

    6. Gross Blank Point
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Might just captain him and use the bb instead

      1. Haalander
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yea I’m going to take the risk on bb and captain him and hope he doesn’t do too much damage

    7. banskt
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I am a sheep. I go with the crowd. I TC Salah in GW26.

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

    De Gea
    Laporte, Cancelo, TAA
    Bowen, Gray, Jota, Foden, Raphinha
    Antonio, Ronaldo (c)

    Ramsdale, King, Livramento, Duffy

    2FT 2.7 ITB

    Any thoughts on what to do with this for next gw?

    My initial thoughts are gray to Coutinho/Ramsey. Them in gw 26 use the two ft to bring back Salah.

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

    Would you play Raphinha in the double ahead of Cancelo or Maupay?

    1. Eh, just one more thing ...
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Ahead of Maupay

    2. Goodfeathers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Maupay

  8. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Which would you prefer for DGW25 and GW27?

    A: Pogba + Shaw
    B: Pogba + Dalot
    C: Sancho + Dalot

    1. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      None

      1. Salarrivederci
        • 7 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Ye E. Royal and Gray will return the same, and I can just waste the FT and then FH the GW after to lose another 2 transfers.

    2. Haalander
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      C at a push but at the moment I’ve no intentions of bringing any United in

    3. sulldaddy
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Reboot the enterprise!!

      I kid, but really I dont want any of them.

      If forced Id go C

  9. TopBinFC
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Please score Wolves

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

      No chance unfortunately mate

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

    Anyone reckon Cancelo might get a rest this weekend? Half tempted to downgrade him to B.Williams as an alternative path to Fernandes then Salah, allowing me to keep KDB.

    1. SINGH
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He will be benched

    2. Haalander
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Yea good chance he will be benched and walker comes back in

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

    20 minutes before the Egyptian is on.

    With Xhaka and Partey booked Arteta needs to get Elneny on soon.

    1. SINGH
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Lol

  12. dshv
    • 6 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I have ait nouri.. do you think he will get minutes in dgw?

    1. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Marcal is so bad, dont know how hes not starting

  13. Which path to Salah?
    banskt
    • 10 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    I want to see the results of a poll for the "path to Salah" for those managers who don't have Salah yet.

    A. Player X -> Bruno (GW25) -> Salah (GW26)
    B. Player X -> Salah (GW25)

    Is it possible to organize such a poll on this site? Alternative is to create a hot topic and let people comment.

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Might just keep Jota for now

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Luckily, our Player X seems to be Jota 🙂

    2. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'd like to see that

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yes, that would be interesting. I have, in the past, made decisions based on poll results. I want to do this one, too.

      2. Livinginapool - Top 100 Any…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        I'm veering to option B

    3. Salarrivederci
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      C. Run without Salah in GW25. FH Salah in with Mané and TAA in DGW26. Not owning him in his blank GW27 and then sell Ronaldo and Sancho/Pogba to bring in Salah for 28.

      Risky I know. No TC on him for 26 and not owning him in GW25. Could hurt bad, but not fun to be 180K OR anyway

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        That is innovative and possibly rewarding. One problem, you can't TC Salah in GW26. I would count that as a vote for a variant of option A.

        1. Salarrivederci
          • 7 Years
          2 years, 2 months ago

          Haha 😉 You do that!
          Ye I know, but how much rank would that gain me anyway (since my DGW26 TC Salah team would be worse than most ahead of me).
          Might just go with the C the reduce the damage and hope that a team like this could make up for it:

          Pope
          TAA - Tierney - Cancelo
          Salah - Mané - Son - Saka - Zaha
          Lacazette - Weghorst

      2. Biggsy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Been thinking about something similar (without the Sancho/Pogba pick) - although having a FT to use this week it's a thought....

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

        This is what I'm doing. Still got 2 FH's and WC, so use 1 FH on GW26

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

        I was thinking of having Mane in for GW26. Not so convinced he’ll play both after the way Diaz played tonight!

    4. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Bilva to Salah tomorrow

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        so, option B. thanks!

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

      Two options for me:
      a) KDB becomes Bruno (25) becomes Salah (26)
      b) Gray + Cancelo become Bruno + Williams (25) (-4) becomes Salah (26)

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        so, a variant of option A. thanks!

    6. Biggsy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Plan was always Ronaldo + Midfielder to Cheap Forward + Salah in 26.
      May FH but if I don't, that's the move.

      1. banskt
        • 10 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        thanks! that's something genuinely difficult to put either in Option A or B from the poll. Let's call it 'other options' from the polls.

    7. JoeSoap
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Thinking A at this stage

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

      Thanks to the admins for making this is a hot topic. I will go through the comments and count the votes.

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

      A. Maddison -> Bruno GW25
      B. Foden -> Salah GW26

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

      B) KdB to Salah (-4)

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

        But I already have Bruno

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

      Initial plan was A but Salah looked so dangerous during his 30 mins tonight so I'll be skipping the middle man and heading direct to Mo in GW25 (for Foden, as part of a 4 pt hit), so B for me!

    12. lugs
      • 6 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A), i have enough itb for a straight Bruno to Salah swap, so Salah will have to wait until 26 before i bring him in, whats the worst that can happen being without him for 1 more week when most will cap a dgw player anyway ? 😆

    13. alexmj
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      KDB ➡️ Bruno ➡️ Salah

    14. L S P
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

      Fair play to Bruno cappers in 22 but I just don’t think United is all that good. If Bruno had maintained form since then, maybe but….nope.

    15. Jaws
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      A. Burnley really tightened up their defence. Despite Salah’s poor record against them, he can deliver a big score any given gameweek but I’m betting on captaining Bruno in the DGW. To be replaced by Salah in GW26.

    16. Ajaxeeding
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      B

    17. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      I'm pondering the same thing, but just for completeness I think the real formula is:

      A. Player X -> Bruno (GW25) -> Salah (GW26)
      B. Player X -> Salah (GW25) -> Extra FT for DGW26.

      This FT could be worth 4pts in hits and could help get a better DGW26 player than option A.

      I'd be asking myself whether Bruno with two fixtures in GW25 can beat Salah +4.

    18. Ian J
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Option C
      Save FT in GW25 as already own Bruno
      Bruno + other > Salah in GW26
      Most will have Jota, who seems to be doing rather well

    19. shirtless
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      DGW26 FTs Bruno & Ronaldo > Salah & Lacazette
      BGW27 Jota > Son

    20. banskt
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      After 31 comments, its still a deadlock. 7 votes for Option A, and 7 for option B.

      For those who already have Bruno / Ronaldo, they are not switching to Salah in GW25.

  14. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    YC for Firminio … well we know who Salah will be replacing shortly, with Jota moving through the middle

  15. Fish up a tree
    • 2 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    What’s your guess at how many points GW26 Salah will haul?

    A 20 or less
    B 21-30
    C 31-40
    D 41-50
    E 50+

    1. Fish up a tree
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      TC

    2. TopBinFC
      • 2 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      E, minimum of 10 points per game if he plays both

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

      B

  16. have you seen cyan
    • 4 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    If you dont have any Brighton or Man U players I honestly dont think tis worth brining any in for this double.
    Brighton, both games are away. I'd only be interested in Cucerella.
    Man U, who would you even pick? Plus Saints and Brighton both going to be stubborn

    1. banskt
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      From ManU, I will definitely pick DDG. Maybe, maybe Bruno.

      1. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        Yea they could be ok, maybe even Pogba.

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

    Salah getting ready.

    1. Haalander
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      If he goes on now he’s going to run riot on those tired Leicester legs for the last 20 mins. Salah avoiders(me) be afraid be very afraid!!

  18. Heres hoping x 7
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Whats a template FH team? Got to be some good ones with City, United n Liverpool fixtures

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

      Problem with City is who starts? United can't be trusted & vast majority will have 3 Pool next week anyway.

  19. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Firmino now with no league goal at Anfield for 14 months.

  20. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Best Brighton defender for value?

    1. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Cucu

  21. Mattdrid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Don’t suppose anyone knows if there’s an a way/site that snows you what your team looks like for any given future games week (in the same way that you can see what team looks like for current, who they are playing
    Etc)

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Not that I am aware of but you raise a good idea, I struggle picturing future weeks and dont want to do it on paper. Maybe speak to Ragbolly and see if he can add this feature. That would be a very nice addition to live fpl

      1. Mattdrid
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        2 years, 2 months ago

        On wc, got my next 3 weeks planned more or less, just hard to picture it… sure someone could knock something up!

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

    Not drunk, just a few auto corrects going on there.

  23. Eh, just one more thing ...
    • 12 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Seriously, the commentary team on BT are talking more about Salah’s warm up routine than the actual game!

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

    Jota 59 minuter. The guy does not haul.

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

      Apologies. Just saw him next to the touchline.

    2. thegaffer82
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Why did you say that?
      S**t me up then!!!

    3. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      Commiserations on your -1

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

        How does it go Into the negative?

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

    Mo ON

  26. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Salah about to punish sellers

    1. keefy59
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      He's been warming up by practising his goal scoring celebrations !

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      From what 5 gws ago?

    3. thattreblefeeling
      • 12 Years
      2 years, 2 months ago

      ha good one

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

    30 mins Mo

  28. Sim Simma
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Firmino owners in the mud

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

      If they have Ramsey 1st sub they'll be happy.

  29. tbos83
    • 3 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Salah on for Bobby

  30. JBG
    • 5 Years
    2 years, 2 months ago

    Ugh... Guy in front of me in one of my MLs couldn't afford Robbo, so he went for VVD. Almost makes me want to throw up.