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

    Wally won't be rested against West Ham - he could even play on his own up front with Giroud rested.

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

      can't see it

      Open Controls
  2. QPR expects... glory!
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Think I'm gonna play Redmond over Ramsey on Boxing Day. Looked knackered and they need him far more for the game against Newcastle than they do to beat West Ham

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

    ____ - ____ - Murner - Clyne - Ward

    which pair would you prefer from GW19 to GW22/23 (Jan WC):

    A. Baines + Burner
    B. Mert + Evans or Jones
    C. Sagna + Evra

    ?

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

      B with Evans

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

      Sagna + Coleman?

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

        if I decide to go for EVE defender it will surely be Baines, he would be a very nice differential

        Open Controls
  4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 15 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    'Football is for men, or women with fantastic attitude'

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

      Quoted from?

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

    2 FT which is better:

    A - ozil & shelvey to Walcott & silva
    B - Williams & shelvey to Walcott/silva & Olsson

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

      a

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

      B) to Silva & Olsson

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

      A looks fun.

      Open Controls
    4. white lightning
      • 12 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Why ditch Ozil. He's becoming a differential so just get a strong bench. Why bring in Silva for Liv this week. Wait until gw19.

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

    As it's xmas, I thought I'd indulge myself in a little risk 😀 I won't be on here xmas day or boxing day for team news so why wait!

    Howard
    Baines - Coleman - Gabbidon
    Hazard - Silva - Walcott - Ramsey
    Berbatov - Rooney - Suárez

    Now, who to captain... 😀

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

      Berba (C)

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

        no.

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

        I want to, but the knock is a little worrying. I might just go for it.

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

      Walcott (c) or has tonight put you off?

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

        Windy night against a negative Chelsea night? No.

        But playing 90 minutes is worrying. Berba or Baines is an option 😀

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

          side*

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

          I'm tempted by Walcott but risky, not as risky as baines tho! Can you help above?

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

      Triple Everton def very risky

      Put a bullet in Gabbidon.

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

        It's play him or Bardsley(eve) or Chester(MUN)

        Gabbidon will do fine, so long as he avoids any more own goals.

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

      Coleman (c)

      Open Controls
  7. My name is an echo
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    tough captain week

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

      Have a gut feeling for Hazard

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

      Keeping it on Suarez... Not forgetting what happend last time around away to Spurs.

      Open Controls
      1. My name is an echo
        • 14 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I also didnt cpt him for that...having all the games on the same day adds spice. Lukaku vs Sun and no Wes brown?

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

          Def tempting I know.. I captained Lukaku that GW and he had just as good matchup. Think I'll just treat Suarez as I did RVP last season for now. GL either way.

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

      Rooney.

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

    Any xmaslove for Eriksen around these parts? Down to only 7.1 now and two great homematches coming up. Also played the full 90 minutes which is a good sign. Viable option to Cabaye?

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

      na

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

    A. Oscar>Walcott

    or

    B. Hazard>Walcott

    Other mids are Silva,Ramsey and Ravel.

    Ta. 🙂

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

      A

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

      a

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

      I'm going Oscar to Walcott for -4.

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

      Gotta be A if your definitly doing one, but i'll hold for now as Ill think both will start next week.

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

      A.

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

    Evans or Distin??

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

      Evans

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

        Everton have better fixtures though

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

      Distin

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

    What would you do with this?

    McGregor
    Terry Coleman Koscielny
    Ramsey Oscar Toure Walcott
    Suarez(C) Remy Rooney

    Bench: Harper Bannan Clyne Chester

    A) Oscar to Cabaye/Silva
    B) Save

    Cheers

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

      B

      Open Controls
  12. Squeaky Bum Time
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Here is my new look team, please rate out of 10...

    Marshall 4.0m
    Mert Coleman Clyne Chester Gabbidon
    Hazard Ramsey Silva Wally Colback
    Rooney Lukaku Suarez

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

      7.5 / 10
      Needs keeper improvement, a better 5th sub, and perhaps Clyne to Debuchy/Evans/Flanagan.

      Open Controls
      1. Squeaky Bum Time
        • 12 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        I just dumped Migs for Marshall so I could do Brady to Wally. Clyne will be fit again soon, I dislike Colback but no further funds to upgrade

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

    who will have the most minutes from chelsea defeners next two games ?

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

      Terry

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

      Terry.

      Open Controls
  14. Valar(Keith)
    • 16 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    As a Coleman owner uptil GW 9 who sold him cause he had "tough fixtures" and had got a string of 2;s in 5 games.. i was weighin up Terry to coleman this week but i fear i may be repeating history with that move as chelsea looked very sound tonight. Already got distin.. keep terry for sure right?

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

    Oscar can feck off I want Baines

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

    1FT, what to do? Thanks

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

    Open Controls
  17. dodger49
    • 14 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Crazy to have no City coverage this week?

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

      no city game could easily be low scoring

      Open Controls
    2. QPR expects... glory!
      • 14 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      This GW? No. Next GW home to Palarse? Insane

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

    Coleman, Yaya, Lallana, Ramsey & Sturridge(pre Suarez).

    I'm still yet to own any of these players this season. 😕

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

      i would keep it like that

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

      Same here! Except Sturridge from the get-go.
      But thats prob why my rank has suffered 🙁

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

      SAME!

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

        though I have actually owned Sturridge for couple of weeks

        Open Controls
  19. Giovanni Giorgio
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    Mertesacker, Terry and Januzaj on the bench. Great just great......

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

      I had terry and Januzaj. Feel your pain

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

      You guys must have amazing squads

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

      Ouch

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

    I really don't get it how the world can't see how bad footballer is David Luiz. Nando Torres too. I think we have 2 most overrated players on the earth. In the PL surely !!!

    Striker who doesn't know how to score
    Defender who is awful at defending.

    Plus that awful haircut "defender" takes and free kicks and ruins every possible chance we to do something from set piece !!!

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

      http://thinkfootball.co.uk/archives/11411

      We should have sold him surely !!!

      Open Controls
  21. Chu Young Ping Pong
    • 13 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    bet chelsea will concede on thursday

    Open Controls
    1. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      yup.. sods law

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

      If we play Terry surely 🙁

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

        What's wrong with JT?

        Open Controls
      2. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        by we you mean Fpl managers or Chelsea? cause JT has been our best defender by far this season

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

    How does this look:

    Migs > Mannone (to free cash)
    Ravel > Cabaye
    Ramsey > Walcott

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

      for a -8 not worth it

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

    Damn you Yaya!! Lost my H2H by 1 point and am getting caned by the top 10k for your continued success. I know Ozil > Yaya will backfire though so what do I do?!

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

      Matej Vydra lost me my H2H 🙁

      Open Controls
    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 16 Years
      12 years, 1 month ago

      Every week i watch a city game and every week i think Yaya isn't going to get a goal as he is barely involved in the attacking third.. but he does. i still think he's returns will diminish to be honest. i;m beginning to not trust my instincts at all this season though

      Open Controls
  24. Total Foot 5
    • 12 Years
    12 years, 1 month ago

    West Ham's James Tomkins has been charged with assaulting a police officer over an incident at an Essex night club popular with celebrities

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

      The Sugarhut

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

    What should I do?

    Howard
    Terry, GJ Coleman
    Ramsey, Silva, Hazard Cabaye
    Suarez(C), Lukaka, Negredo
    Subs: Davis, Chico, JWP and Faye
    A) GJ to Evans/Dawson/Debuchy
    B) GJ and Ramsey to Evans/Dawson/Debuchy and Walcott
    C) Save FT and play GJ
    D) Save FT and do those transfers next GW

    Thanks guys! I'm only on for 15mins so need some replies.

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

      Try spacing

      C

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

      B, Evans.

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

        Cheers Parm should I get rid of Ramsey?

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

      For the fiftieth time this week.

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

        Plus 1. Make a decision pal

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

    Can't say I was expecting too much from Walcott and Oscar but it wasn't a combine effort of three points.

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

    i think next gw is a blank week in the cup. time for a 48 point hit

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

      Your bonkers

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

    Challenge. Name a starting striker in the PL worse than Nando?

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

      he has to be first choice

      Open Controls
      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 16 Years
        12 years, 1 month ago

        You just negated Graham.. damn

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

          Isn't Sone Aluko starting there. Ok Graham could be one. That is close

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

        He is starting for Chelse, over guys like Ba and Eto, I think this is a case of you not understanding what good is. He is not great but not as bad as you make him out to be othervise he would not be starting

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

          HE IS SHIT !!! What I need to understand. He said I am not understanding regularly cause he isn't scoring !!! You tell me he is good?

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

      Chamakh

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

        Chamakc scored 4 goals no? http://espnfc.com/player/_/id/84609/marouane-chamakh?cc=5739

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

      Giroud.

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

        7 goals and 4 assists in PL. Giroud is miles ahead

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

      cant think of one

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

      Etoo

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

        Eto isn't starting first choice striker

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

      no he's won it. terrible.

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

      Chamakh, Soldado, Shola, Elmander...

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

        Chamack 4 goals already. Great lad. And for Palace, I repeat for Palace. If he was playing for Chelsea he would have scored 10 goals.

        Soldado 4 goals 3 assist. Also 3 goals in EL http://www.whoscored.com/Players/18275/

        For New Remi is starting one, not Shola

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

          Hooper is starting for nor not Elmander. Hooper is waaaaaaaaaayyyy better !!!

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

      Chamakh.

      Graham.

      Maiga.

      Crouch.

      Altidore.

      That was fun, next challenge?

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

        Andy Carroll is starting for WHam and he is better. Maiga isn't first one.

        Crouch has 3 goals and 4 assist and he is 32 and he plays for Stoke. Comeee onnnn even Crouch is better !!!

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

        Steven Fletcher is starting striker not Altidore. Fletch is class, Torres is shit !!!

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

    Ramsey and Shelvey >> walcott and cabaye (-4)

    OR

    shelvey >> cabaye

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

      option two

      Shelvey-Cabaye

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

      1

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

      Shelvey - Cabaye

      Ramsey is still the best value for money around. Don't fall off a bandwagon you cannot get back on.

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

    help me out please#
    ozil or ramsey>walcott/silva?

    or ramsey+ozil>silva+walcott?

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

      Ozil and silva

      Open Controls