634x258 Dugout Discussion
23 December 2013 4978 comments
Paul Paul
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An all-London affair at the Emirates brings the curtain down on Gameweek 17 this evening. Plenty of Fantasy favourites are on show as the Gunners look for the win that would extend their lead to four points over the chasing pack:

For the hosts, Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil are the main protagonists for Fantasy managers, whilst Theo Walcott will be looking to maintain the form that saw him score twice at the Etihad last weekend.

Jose Mourinho’s side roll up on the back of a poor form of form on the road. The Blues have been beaten in three of their last four away games in all competitions but know that a victory will draw them level with the Gunners on 36 points. Eden Hazard will be desperate to have his say before Fantasy managers turn our attentions to the Gameweek 18 fixtures on Boxing Day.

The team news sees the hosts make four changes from the side that lost 6-3 at City last time around. Kieran Gibbs and Thomas Vermaelen are drafted in for Nacho Monreal and Laurent Koscielny at the back, with the Frenchman sidelined due to a knee wound. Mikel Arteta partners Aaron Ramsey in the double-pivot, with Mathieu Flamini dropping out, whilst Tomas Rosicky gets the nod on the left, replacing the suspended Jack Wilshere. Lukas Podolski warms the Gunners bench along with the likes of Santi Cazorla.

The Blues make three alterations from the XI that edged past Palace. Gary Cahill replaces David Luiz in defence, whilst John Obi Mikel and Frank Lampard are drafted into midfield – Michael Essien drops out through suspension while Juan Mata takes his place on the bench, allowing Ramires to move onto the right of the attacking midfield three. Oscar, Andre Schurrle and Samuel Eto’o are also amongst the subs, with Fernando Torres leading the line again.

Once again, we’ve opened the Dugout Discussion chatroom for those partial to some real-time reaction.

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  1. rohan
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    C'mon Chelsea!!

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  2. Chucky
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Perfect team for tonight. Mourinho reads the opposition really well 😎

    People criticising Mourinho for selecting the likes of Willian and Ramires over Mata and Oscar but i like this lineup, not too many flair players on the pitch and more strength in the middle to retain posession. Chelsea leave with a win 1-0, lots of heart attack moments at the back for sure.

    Come on YOU Blues

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    1. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      i disagree... Mo will have them stay back and look to counter when gooners get frustrated and over-commit

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    2. Rödallegabomb ᴿᴮ
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      That grav is terrifying, I hope I don't see you during deadzone hours *shudder*

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      1. Obi Wan Elokobi
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Every time I see it I keep thinking it's Ian Dowie

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    3. Debauchy
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah not great team for FPL . Lets see what happens if Ars go 1 up though.

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    4. Willis.
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Mata loves playing the Gunners... Terrible decision to bench him.

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  3. Gaz Downright
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    "wenger has never beaten a jose mourinho team"

    interesting

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    1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      tbf, a Mourinho team has never looked this weak before

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      1. Gaz Downright
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        inter was quite poor, and still beat barca in the cl semi

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        1. JK - Cønt ⭐
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Inter had the likes of Eto'o, Sniejder, Cambiasso.

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          1. Gaz Downright
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 15 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            true

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  4. Bielsa's Bucket
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mike Dean.

    Chelsea have won this then.

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  5. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    I'm seeing a Vermaelen goal tonight 😉

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  6. isacki: full casual
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Let's go gunners. No point being afraid, embrace the big games, there's no other way. Walcott, Ramsey and hazard (consolation goal in a 3-1 defeat 😉 )
    Do me proud. Bring me a goalfest.

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      This will do me

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      1. sminkypinky
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        And me

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  7. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    arsenal could not even get into the chelsea box 😆

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  8. tm245
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    In the spirit of Siva Mohan's TSB% updates, a re-post from yesterday:

    Still much to player for tomorrow in terms of OR and the average.
    The Favorites (TSB%):
    Mertesacker 23.2, Ivanovic 20.4, Terry 16.6
    Ramsey 62.6, Özil 27.6, Hazard 26.6, Oscar 10.3
    Giroud 26.8

    The Differentials:
    Lampard 9, Mata 3.7, Walcott 4.7, Cazorla 2

    The Line Between Madness and Genius:
    Schurrle 0.8, Vermaelen 0.4, Willian 0.1

    The Torres:
    Bendtner (799 total owners)

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  9. OShaughnessy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Nothing much on TV at the moment.

    Was thinking maybe put in Love Actually or my Sex in the City dvds?

    Any recommendations?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I think I'd just go straight to bed

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I think I'd just go straight 😉

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        1. Obi Wan Elokobi
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Lol by the looks of it far too late if that's his two suggestions

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    2. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      If sex in the city refers to Wallys hat trick then that one

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  10. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Chelski's passing is sooooopo slow. zzzzz

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  11. Limbo
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Average No. of players tonight?

    3 for me - Ramsey/Ozil/Hazard

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    1. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      3

      Ramsey/Walcott/Hazard

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    2. Cilly Bonnolly
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Same three for me.

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      1. Limbo
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Keeping Ozil?

        Big fan of the returns I've had so far. Maybe not PP£ but overall he's been really consistent.

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        1. Limbo
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Ozil ~7PPG
          Ramsey ~6.5 PPG

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    3. JWF
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Ramsey/Wally/Terry... Oscar (Whittingham on the bench)

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    4. J0E
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      4 Terry, mert, Ramsey, haz. I'd take a 0-0 with or without bps for mert and Terry.

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    5. Gaz Downright
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      2

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    6. caio89
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      5 - Mertesacker, Terry, Hazard, Walcott and Ramsey!

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      1. Limbo
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        1-1 Lampard & Arteta penalties then 😀

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    7. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Hamsey for me

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    8. Reeker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      2) Hazard and Ozil

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  12. Waynoo
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    do something lampard or walcott

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  13. Waynoo
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    after this match in sleeping till boxing day

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  14. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Points check?

    2 players & I am on 2 points at the minute, about 80 mins to go.

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    1. Make United Great Again
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      HA

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    2. Mílanista
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      3 from 3 sucker!

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      1. Count of Monte Hristo
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        😆

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    3. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      3 with 77 left for me.

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    4. Count of Monte Hristo
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Same for me. You're doing so well Ronh keep it going 😎

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  15. r0nh
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ramsey's flukely spell is over!

    Sell immediately!!

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I know you're joking but seriously considering it just can't see him keeping it up now other teams will take him more serious and mark him

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      1. r0nh
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Maybe he will just buy viagra?

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        1. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
          • 13 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          I heard he's been doing kegel exercises.

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        2. Obi Wan Elokobi
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          One solution but has side effects

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  16. FACUPARSE
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Dirty Chelsea

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  17. SuperOsçarBaby
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    arsenal players go down very easily

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    1. Podge
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      And Hazard is known for staying on his feet 🙄

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      1. Willis.
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Umm... He is actually?

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    2. FACUPARSE
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Doubt you've ever even played a game.

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  18. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ramsey trying to hump Hazard?

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  19. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    How do Chelsea not have a yellow card? 😯

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  20. Bezz82
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Thinking of getting Sissoko in. Are there any NEW fans that could give me an insite on where he plays an how effective he is? How far forward has he been playing?

    I'm 100 points behind an need some different for around 5.5m

    Any tips?

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    1. Obi Wan Elokobi
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Not a Newcastle fan but know he plays deep and isn't worth putting in. Definitely not going to help you gain 100 points

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  21. The Bandit
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    This is grim 😐

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    1. jas5sk - Youtube channel
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Reminds me of a Simpsons' skit

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    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      did you go through with Wally (c) ?

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      1. The Bandit
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Don't be silly 😛

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    3. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It's grim up north london

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  22. Willis.
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Has Ozil touched the ball yet?

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  23. Elfozzie 42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mignolet out for Guzan or Szczesny?

    Have £1.5M but am not against getting a little extra cash to facilitate some midfield transfers and arrival of City players after the Liverpool match (Ivanovic and Fer out for Chester + Silva/Yaya)

    Guzan gives the cash, Szczesny presumably more secure, but points wise there's not a lot between them really. Thoughts?

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    1. SPorting
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Thoughts?

      Will Oscar play tonight?

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    2. Limbo
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Villa have been pretty woeful in defence since losing Vlaar. Szczesny has nicer fixtures now.

      Nice comment from JKGTFO here:

      http://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2013/12/23/paddy-power-special-41-on-arsenal-to-beat-chelsea-at-the-emirates/?hc_page=9#hc_comment_6325444

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  24. Scottys Army
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    more tippy tappy passes-please jt

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    1. Saint Domingo
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Haha,love it Scotty,i am now a massive fan of the tippy tappy :mrgreen:

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      1. Scottys Army
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        ha ha

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  25. GunsnRoses
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea getting into the mode of parking the bus

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  26. The Gambler.
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Con the Pie man!

    Not Frank, Andy Smith!

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  27. Poseidon. Not arrogant, jus…
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    C'mon Bolton U21's! 1 goal and you're right back in this!

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  28. LewanGOALski
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    What a boring game so far 😐

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  29. Jackson123
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Walcott or Silva to come in here?

    ................Migs
    ...Coleman Ward Distin
    Hazard Yaya Ramsey ????
    ...Rooney Suarez Lukaku

    Lewis, Chester, Ward, JWP

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    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I freaking love your grav and name.

      Walcott imo, but wait and see how many minutes he plays today!

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  30. Piggs Boson
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mike Dean left his cards at home.

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