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.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

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

    Wenger broke his coat again.

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

    Wenger not able to do up his zip AGAIN. Jeez, buy him one with velcro.

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

      It's obviously a mental block, he must get all fidgety, just like how he can't beat Mourinho

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

    Oscar to
    A) Silva (-4)
    B) Walcott (-4)
    C) don't trasnfer

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    1. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      B

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

      B but not for a hit.

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    3. jmcclory123
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      A) if u have a good sub to replace him when he gets his next yellow

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  4. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    James wade wins. YES!!!!!!!!!

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

    Arsenal goal incoming

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

    Get Cazorla on for Giroud and put Wally up front. He will Destroy Terry and Cahill for pace

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

      I like this idea.

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    2. jmcclory123
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Podolski needs to see some gametime! Is he one the bench?

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  7. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Telegraph + Guardian reporting Sherwood has been offered Spurs job till end of season. My view is never ever put the caretaker in charge.

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

      Agreed. Not ready in my opinion but they've obviously got a big boy lined up for the summer so I guess this just becomes a 'make the best of what's left' season.

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

      Unless his last name is Di Matteo

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    3. Jimmers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It'll all end in tears

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

      Could work out. He'll be a lot less experimental than AVB. Team stability could see them do better.

      On the flip side he's a bit thick.

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      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Naive might be a fairer word 😉

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    5. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Sherwood? amongst the forest of managers available.

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

        BOOM

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      2. Revival
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Steve Kean, Kenny Daglish and Di Matteo were all caretakers that failed when put in permanent charge.

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    6. BONZ
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Many are reporting it but didnt he say on Sunday he did mot want to be a Caretaker?

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    7. CRUSHER
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Van Gaal supposedly taking the job after the WC.

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

    Never score from corners 🙁

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  9. Fabreghastly
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Ozil and Arteta on 3bps

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

      + Merts.

      Bound to change.

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

        Yep, plus Mikel now 🙂

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  10. super zlatan
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea cleanie incoming

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

    Do you cut crosses in your brussel sprouts?

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    1. PINKFISH (SANCTIONED AND GA…
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      No I am an atheist

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

      Defo

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    3. An Púca
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yes

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    4. In Like Flynn.
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Yes, stem end of course. 😉

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

        Softens 'em up 😉

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

      Gordon says there is no point

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    6. Stephen - Robot Daniels
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      No, steam them and they're fine and they don't have that overpowering taste that over boiling with crosses give them.

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      1. In Like Flynn.
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        My mother's generation started cooking the sprouts on the 23rd.

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        1. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          You are so right! Actually, sprouts are quite nice raw.

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    7. Dr Dream
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely disgusting things..

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

        Not when cooked correctly 🙂

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

        LIES!

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

      Yeah. I like to pan fry them in butter with lardons for a couple of minutes once they've had 8mins or so. So they are less like vegetables.

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      1. Absinthe 42
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Roast them, with coconut oil and chilli flakes. Mmmmm

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

    BREAKING NEWS: Tim Sherwood has been offered the Spurs job until the end of the season. More to follow.

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

      the real news here is that Van Ghaal will sign after the World Cup

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

    0-0 with Oscar staying on the bench would do me as I have Mert as 1st sub.

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    1. Professor Abel X
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      We all know Oscar won't stay there

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  14. Stephen - Robot Daniels
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Others are turning their nose up at the fact I'm currently drinking a disaronno and coke.

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

      😀

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

    Say it again... Willian... wank.
    Would of got better value wiping your arse with that £30 million

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

      Damien Duff is still better than him

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    2. super zlatan
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Evening Preed

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

      The best bit of business Spurs did was letting Chelsea get him 😉

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    4. BantamPhil
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Arguably they payed £30 million to stop Spurs having him

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      1. Jimmers
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        ^this so serves Chelsea right

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    5. Bolt-on
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      He and lamela 60mill

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

      The only thing I like about him is his hair, mostly cause it looks like mine

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

    Good game this

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  17. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Terry will score

    Played Gabbidon over him 🙁

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

      i benched terry too and its not looking good so far

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    2. Absinthe 42
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      This.

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  18. Etihader
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    What a joke! Arsenal is playing like crap and all baps are for them!

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

      so.... "playing like bap" then?

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

      more defending at the mo

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

    Kinda hoped he was guna pull his hamstring 🙁

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

      😆

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

    Time to take off Willian i guess .

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  21. sinik
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Jenkinson with stubble looks a bit like Russell Brand

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

    As things stand , Terry will get 2 BAPS

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    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Please no. 🙁

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

    Ballboy with quite a tumble.

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  24. Defcons are for Kinnear
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry to disturb you all but will Brady drop tonight? he's on 96%

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    1. SpinyNorman [*_*]
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      No

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

      He'll drop whether tonight or tomorrow, but he'll drop

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

      Stay up late its Christmas 🙂

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

    Tempted to watch paint drying

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

      Emulsion or Oil?

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  26. Bendy Busdriver
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mikel 3 Baps Yo

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

    🙁 Hazar

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

    chelsea have better chance to score than arsenal at this rate

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

    Constant Chelsea fouling

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