634x258 Dugout Discussion
23 December 2013 4978 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

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

    Relieved that I gambled on Silva over Walcott. Satisfied with 88 (-4).

    Open Controls
    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Nice. I'm on 77 -4. Little red arrow.

      Open Controls
      1. Lucy.
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Think mine will be green but I started the season catastrophically so it doesn't mean much.

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

      87 for me. Highly satisfied too.

      Open Controls
  2. PogChamp
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    99(-4). Benching JT cost me the magic 100.

    Open Controls
    1. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Wow!! Great GW!

      Open Controls
      1. PogChamp
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Thanks. Newcastle came good for me.

        Open Controls
    2. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      That sucks. Great score though

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

      Lovely score. JT should always be in your team though.

      Open Controls
  3. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Suarez (C) boxing day. Anything else is ludacrist with his current form

    Open Controls
    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      not for me.

      Open Controls
      1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Good luck then 🙂

        Open Controls
    2. Breadbin
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Captain fail.

      Open Controls
    3. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Walcott

      perhaps Negredo if feeling punty

      Open Controls
    4. Bolt-on
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Doing the same

      Open Controls
      1. Jax
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        arsenal no win in 3 games. will bounce back v west sham

        Open Controls
  4. PGR
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Would you guys do Sess to Eriksen/Lamela/Taarabt for a hit this week. Sess is useless and I need a differential

    Open Controls
    1. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I'd go with Cabaye at that price point, still only 8.6% ownership.

      Open Controls
    2. pit creature
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Has Lamela shown any form yet though?

      Open Controls
  5. Scottys Army
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Hopefully a nice green arrow

    and its thanks to mr chelsea

    legend

    Open Controls
  6. The Finnisher
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Behind first on goal difference but Liverpool travelling to Chelsea and Man City. Can't complain

    Terrible match though. I saw one Chelsea fan saying the PL needs more of these games, blimey! I'll pass on that.

    Cazorla 0 minutes last 2 games is strange, he was off form but still...

    Open Controls
  7. ViperStripes
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    94 (-8)

    Open Controls
  8. SamH123
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Will Ramsey's scoring potential be dampened by Walcott?

    Open Controls
    1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Not really. I think it was just one of those games where both teams shut up shop. Walcott played with ramsey earlier in the season and ramsey got a big haul

      Open Controls
    2. Podge
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Dont see why it would

      Open Controls
    3. mental
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      No he still goes forward a lot specially against weaker teams.i can see walcott playing as a forward in some matches with ramsey in the flank.giroud must be benched with this terrible form soon.

      Open Controls
  9. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Adebayor or Negredo?

    Open Controls
    1. The Finnisher
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Knee-jerk central. Surprise surprise.

      Open Controls
      1. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        ill play the game the way i want to play it.

        Open Controls
        1. The Finnisher
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          But you still come on here and complain and your choices as if the world is against you.

          Open Controls
          1. The Finnisher
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            about*

            Open Controls
          2. El Berbossa - \\\"El b…
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            Dont you have a plan to copy my team or something. I didnt see you very quiet on here about coutinho ranting on endlessly.

            Open Controls
            1. The Finnisher
              • 14 Years
              12 years, 1 month ago

              I wasn't blaming anyone but myself on Coutinho, you come on here and blame it all on luck that the guy you transfer in (AFTER) his big haul does nothing for you.

              And you're also the one the has come up with a theory that I am copying your team, when you are about 500,000 places behind 😆

              Open Controls
              1. Jax
                • 16 Years
                12 years, 1 month ago

                lol

                Open Controls
    2. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Negredo for me. Adebayor is too much of a gamble at a critical stage of the season.

      Open Controls
  10. Evs
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Excluding any Arsenal players and based on fixtures, who do you think will be the must have midfielder this coming GW ?

    Open Controls
    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      silva haz

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

      Oscar or Cabaye (nothing to do with the fact that I own them).

      Open Controls
    3. President John F. Keninnsie
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Not really must have but Cabaye would be nice.

      Open Controls
    4. @FPLMason
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Silva

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

      Silva/yaya or Cabaye .

      Open Controls
    6. Tomlette Greggs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Mirallas, Schurrle

      Open Controls
      1. Tomlette Greggs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        ooh, or Cabaye

        Open Controls
    7. pundit of punts
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Oscar.

      Open Controls
    8. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Hmmm, I knew a few would go Silva but they play the current league leaders???

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

        Man city at home v anyone = goals .

        Open Controls
        1. Evs
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          For Nasri?

          A little sideways ?

          Open Controls
          1. elkunaguero
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            12 years, 1 month ago

            I'd buy Silva after the Liverpool game, and assuming he doesnt pick up a yellow card, home vs. Palace

            Open Controls
    9. Jebiga
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      silva

      Open Controls
    10. Chucky
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Cabaye/Mirallas?

      Open Controls
    11. ILOVEBAPS
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Can see it being a very torrid game with a few YC's. Silva may sit Palace out.

      Cabaye is the man.

      Open Controls
  11. Adderz
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    If you could have any defender for the next 3 weeks apart from Coleman who would it be?

    Open Controls
    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      terry mert

      Open Controls
    2. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Baines fit or Ward as a bargain

      Open Controls
    3. LewanGOALski
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      fit Baines, Mert, maybe Burner fpr the next 2

      Open Controls
    4. mental
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Mert

      Open Controls
  12. Heydudes13
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    12 points from tonight (slim chance of more from bps) enough for a rise?

    Open Controls
    1. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It depends on your rank, but I would say . . . YES 🙂 !

      Open Controls
    2. Scottys Army
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      current rank ?

      i got 15 tonight and ranked 129 k

      Open Controls
      1. Evs
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        You'll fly up.

        Open Controls
    3. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Rank is 500k haha.

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

        Good rise then

        well done

        Open Controls
  13. pundit of punts
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Man City to win the league.

    Nobody should have any doubts about that after what we saw tonight.

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

      Chelsea still can go and get a 0-0 up there

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        No chance.

        Pellegrini is no Mourinho or Wenger.

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

          Pellegrini has never won a trophy in his career

          Open Controls
    2. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I would say City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, United, Everton, Spurs

      Open Controls
    3. Somalion
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Unfortunately, I agree.

      Open Controls
    4. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea beat Man City...

      Open Controls
      1. pundit of punts
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Hart howlers don't happen very often.

        Open Controls
      2. Jax
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        at home.

        Open Controls
    5. EAGLES (0 Chelsea players)
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Believe DAT!

      Open Controls
  14. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    play mutch (SOU) or oscar (SWA) ?

    Open Controls
    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      mutch

      Open Controls
  15. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    JONES or DISTIN?

    Open Controls
  16. DonTheSpecialOne
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    All these haters suddenly love JT 😆 Was an absolute smack and a dik etc after Sun, Stoke and Palace.

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

      his goal v saints kept him in favour with me

      Open Controls
      1. DonTheSpecialOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Not you, but a lot of other posters here

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

          yeh i try to stay patient , others have knees flying everywhere

          Open Controls
    2. The Shoonchy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I still don't, I smacked him for Coleman
      Much better

      Open Controls
      1. DonTheSpecialOne
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Nice!

        Open Controls
  17. Podge
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Big mids my arse

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

    F**k Mourinho.

    I need a comfort transfer. Gabbidon -> Baines (-4)? I have the cash.

    Open Controls
  19. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Who to get for Shelvey and GJohnson?

    Got 12.5 to play with.

    Open Controls
    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      janu baines

      Open Controls
    2. Coaly
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Cabaye and Evra/Mert/Jagz

      Open Controls
    3. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Depends on who else you have?

      Open Controls
      1. BT31 - WE ARE ALL TINKERMEN…
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Howard
        Coleman GJ Evra Clyne Gabbidon
        Yaya Ramsey Ozil Shelvey Ravel
        Suarez Rooney Lukaku

        Open Controls
  20. Scottys Army
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    This gw has confirmed to me how vital terry and coleman are to my team, cheL def cant get any worse and both have great attacking threat.

    both remain long term picks

    Open Controls
    1. DonTheSpecialOne
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Good GW mate. well played

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

        cheers don

        your final score ?

        Open Controls
        1. DonTheSpecialOne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 15 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          75 with Mert 3 baps.

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

            Nice mate

            Open Controls
    2. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Very true.

      Open Controls
    3. sinik
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      gutted I dropped Terry and Januzaj for Chester and Walcott..

      was looking fine up until that late goal Hull conceded..

      Open Controls
    4. ViperStripes
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I got rid of Terry last week, brought in Coleman,

      Open Controls
  21. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Gibbs or Sagna?

    Open Controls
  22. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Remy, Lukaku, Hazard, Ramsey, Ozil, Walcott, Distin, no GK...

    17 points....awesome.

    Open Controls
    1. DRIZ ✅
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      good week

      Open Controls
  23. Jebiga
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Szczesny for bonus points ?

    Open Controls
    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Doesn't look like it

      Open Controls
    2. Jax
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      no. verm 3 mert 3 gibbs 1

      Open Controls
  24. Sting
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sold Mertesacker for a hit this week instead of Zaba, just before the Zabaleta injury.

    Benched Barkley.

    76(-8) could have been 91(-8).

    🙁

    Open Controls
    1. Heydudes13
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Why'd you sell Mertesacker?

      Open Controls
      1. Sting
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Needed to raise funds to bring in Rooney. Should have sold Zaba.

        Open Controls
  25. Unconstitutional
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Two red arrows two weeks in a row. Think I need first aid:

    Gazzaniga (Harper)
    Distin, Gabbidon, Baker, (Ben Turner, Zabaleta)
    Ozil, Ramsey, Hazard, Yaya Toure, (Parker)
    Negredo, Rooney, Suarez.

    0.4 in the bank. Help!

    Open Controls
    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      I joined new leagues so I wouldnt have to look at any more red arrows...

      Open Controls
  26. DAVE47
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Giroud has to be Arsenal's worst first choice striker of the past 15-20 years.

    Open Controls
    1. mental
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      It must be in their history.he's a terrible player

      Open Controls
  27. MITHRRANDIRR
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    88 before tonight's bonuses.Hoping big Per to bring at least 2 pts. And quickly IN Adebayor, OUT Giroud

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

      3

      Open Controls
  28. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    *cough* 65 points *cough*

    Open Controls
  29. Mr Wizard
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Cahill and Terry get granted MOTM....mert Gibbs and verm get bonuses....don't get it.

    Looked like terry and Cahill were making a lot more crucial blocks/headers/clearances

    Open Controls