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

    watching the post-match with Arsene and Jose just takes me back to I'm On Setanta Sports..be champions!

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

    UNITED FANS

    Who will play more out of Evans and Jones over the next 4 weeks?

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    1. King H
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      both will play mate

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

        this. though evans more likely imo

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

          evans or distin (for double everton defence)?

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

      Jones, can play in midfield and defence.

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

        would go go jones or distin?

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

    A. Ozil and Ramsey
    B. Theo and Silva

    Thinking B could be risky but potential could gain me big places in rankings.

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    1. King H
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      ramsey and silva

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

      B

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

      A week ago you were keeping Ozil for the season 😕

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

        Things change quick in fpl ,,,,

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

          Nothing has changed since last week though, besides Silva doing something against Fulham and Arsenal blanking vs Chelsea.

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

            Ozil looks tired and wenger has said about a rest as ozil is used to a mid seson break.

            Theo could explode v Hammers

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    4. HurriKane
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      theo and silva

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  4. Gooner Kebab
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sess to Wally or Silva or Cabaye?

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  5. Demelbrush
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Januzaj nailed on?

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

      Nope

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

        not even now nani is out?

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

          Moyes wont start him every week.

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

            cheers. Might go barclay instead.

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

    Mert is on 3 baps ?

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

      Sadly, yes.

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

        Good for me.

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

        no a good thing.

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  7. jp3
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Hope everyone had an alright GW 🙂

    I'm tossing up between Sterling, Januz and Barkley. Any thoughts?

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

      Ross

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    2. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Well whatever does it for you matey.

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    3. Demelbrush
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      same here. Can't decide. but for me, no sterling. Tough next 2.

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  8. AK ⭐
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    The decision to bring in Silva instead of Walcott has proved to be a success then.

    Anyone not bringing him in this week? I can't seem to accommodate him with Silva, Hazard and Ramsey. Not much money in the bank too.

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    1. Round and Round
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Me, same reason as u.

      Hazard to Theo gw19 for me.

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  9. dodger49
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    2ft with 0.9 at bank. Really trying to get some Man. City coverage, any suggestions?

    Current team:
    Howard - Marshall
    Mert-Terry-Evans-Ward-Olsson
    Cabaye-Hazard-Whittingham-Ramsey-Bannan
    Suarez-Rooney-Lukaku

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  10. Thomass
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Folks, would you save the FT for this GW and then do GJ and Ramsey to Evans and Theo or do GJ to Evans this GW
    cheers lads.

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    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Sure would tom

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

        What ones?

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        1. Captain Shirokov
          • 14 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          Save this week

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

            Thanks

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  11. mubin
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Shelvey to:
    a) Walcott
    b) Silva

    Other mids: Bannan Ramsey Hazard Yaya

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  12. Mojo Rojo
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    95 (-8) I'll take that! My best GW thus far... Kind of sad really.

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

    Best MID for £7.4m to replace Shelvey?

    Llana?
    Cabaye?
    Januzaj?

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

      Cabaye

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    2. dodger49
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Cabaye

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    3. mubin
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Cabaye

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    4. Round and Round
      • 13 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Cabaye or Whitts. Cabaye if u don't need cash for other moves.

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    5. Lanley Staurel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Till the end of January I'd say Lallana.

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

    Will Clyne be back for the next game??

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

    Considering Arsenal have now played the main two title contenders & are currently joint top of the league is not the end of the world.

    It's important to remember that Liverpool are away to City next, plus Chelsea & Liverpool play each other this weekend.

    Chin up.

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

        Well they were...

        They offered minimal threat going forward.

        Watching the 2 CB's pass the ball over & back in the last 5 minutes was depressing & frustrating for fans.

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

          Then how are they supposed to be title contenders if they are pathetic?

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

            In that game they were clueless & pathetic...

            The season lasts 38 games.

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

              Righto. You'll be back on the Wenger out bandwagon if they lose a few more, as usual. 🙄

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

                I wanted Wenger out for continuously failing in the transfer market.

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

        but that was nearly an hour ago. 🙂

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  16. IsThisJustFantasy?
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Hi people, was pretty certain about my next move but am not entirely certain now -

    Coutinho to Wally now for my FT? Just got a horrible feeling he could be rested against West Ham..... :/

    Advice would be much appreciated, cheers 🙂

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

      Wilshere is suspended, Walcott should start the next one.

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      1. IsThisJustFantasy?
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Ah yes, had forgotten about that! Thanks for reminding me 🙂

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  17. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone to explain to me, why on the earth Luiz is taking free kicks? He is awful at them. I bet his percentage of hitting the target must be the worse in PL. Yaya I understand buy Luiz noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!! god damn it !!!!

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    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      luiz averages more than one every 5 seasons, so on that basis deserved to take it

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      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        Oh my god, that is even worse. I couldn't watched the second half. Really made me angry !!!

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        1. applebonkers
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 16 Years
          12 years, 1 month ago

          think you should take the result still. away draws are fine v the top sides, just beat them at home

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  18. King H
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Last Page Fail

    Pls Rmt .. ?/10

    Howard
    Terry Coleman Mertezaker
    Yaya Hazard Ramsey Cabaye
    Suarez Rooney Lukaku

    Gazz Chester Morrison Whittikar..

    Cheers.

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

    Shelvey > Cabaye?

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

      Yes. I would do it.

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

      Good move imho.

      Cabaye has looked very sharp these past few weeks

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  20. applebonkers
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    suarez and terry sterring my big possibly racist ship up the table

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

    happy transfer dealings everyone, I'm saving.

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  22. Demelbrush
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    How nailed do we see barclay?

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    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      banker

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  23. - DC -
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Quick poll....

    A) Sagna

    or

    B) Vermaelen

    or

    C) Gibbs

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    1. LWO23
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Gibbs for me. Not Verm because he will lose his spot.

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

      A

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

      surely not B as Kosc to be back soon

      I like Sagna crosses, though Gibbs seems to visit opponents penalty box more often. But I think I'd pick Sagna

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  24. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mourinho on Arsenal red card appeal:

    'They like to cry - that's tradition'

    😯

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  25. HabitualLineSteppers
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Whittaker (Norwich) ........ assured game time ?

    Thanks in advance !

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    1. Jose
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      was poor at the weekend, wouldn't be surprised if he was dropped soon

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  26. LWO23
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Given that Ozil will likely get a rest in one of the next two, is it worth considering Ozil --> Yaya? It still seems a bit odd to me because Arsenal's fixtures are great now and missing one game isn't the end of the world. But it is tempting me.

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

      Arsenal's fixtures too good to abandon imo, City have Pool next so def not for that one. I think I'll keep him for at least two more to see.

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

    A. Oscar>Walcott

    or

    B. Hazard>Walcott

    Other mids are Silva,Ramsey and Ravel.

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

      surely A

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    2. LWO23
      • 15 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      A long term, but Oscar will likely start the next one.

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

      A

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  28. Bridge
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Who to bench chaps?

    A) Barkley (SUN)
    B) Ramsey (whu)

    Don't want to lose out on Barkley points again...

    Mignolet (Davis)
    Terry, Coleman, Williamson (Ward, Rosenior)
    Walcott, Silva, Hazard, RAMSEY (BARKLEY)
    Suarez, Negredo, Rooney

    Cheers!

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

      Hmm before yesterday, Barkley hadn't delivered anything since 30th September...

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

      for safety a, for a punt b

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  29. Jax
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    next 2 gameweeks 10 teams have 2 home games 10 teams have 2 away games.

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  30. Coaly
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Sorry to spam the forums with this question but need some help!

    a) Evans
    b) Distin (have Coleman)

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

      B) Looks at the amount of CBs Man Utd have, there will definatly be rotation

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

        true, jones ferdy and smalling all could play there too

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