634x258 Dugout Discussion
22 March 2015 2928 comments
James Barnes James Barnes
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The curtains are drawn on Gameweek 30 with a trio of league clashes for Fantasy managers to pore over. Liverpool and Manchester United tussle for a top four spot in the early kick off, while Chelsea travel to Hull City as their title challenge continues apace. Everton look to build upon their victory over Newcastle last Gameweek when they face off against QPR.

The battle for a Champions League berth intensifies as Liverpool host Manchester United at Anfield in Sunday’s lunchtime kick-off. The Reds are unbeaten in 13 league encounters and have recorded seven clean sheets in nine outings. Three successive goalscoring displays from Jordan Henderson have dramatically elevated his standing within the Fantasy community, while Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge need to hit their stride to encourage further investment. Wayne Rooney has flourished as a lone striker for the visitors in recent weeks, notching three goals in as many starts. Rooney starts as both Liverpool and United are unchanged. Brendan Rodgers elects to keep Steven Gerrard benched while Angel di Maria returns from suspension for United but only makes the bench.

Later today, Hull City will go in search of their first win in four when league leaders Chelsea roll up to the KC Stadium. Although the hosts are without the injured Nikica Jelavic, the Blues will need to be wary of Tigers new boy Dame N’Doye, who’s netted in three of his four league starts for the club. Diego Costa made a timely return to the scoresheet last weekend ahead of Chelsea’s imminent double Gameweek, whilst Eden Hazard and Branislav Ivanovic could extend their respective points leads among their counterparts in the Fantasy Premier League rankings.

Down in West London, Everton arrive at Loftus Road to face a Queens Park Rangers side that’s lost eight of their last nine matches. Romelu Lukaku’s scored in the Toffees’ last three matches in all competitions, offering incentive for managers to observe the Belgian striker’s progress. Having come up short in his last two, R’s main man Charlie Austin is in the shop window once again as the R’s prepare for double Gameweek 31.

  1. Richd
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Daniel and Bemba whinging on the same page. Check.

    1. Richd
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Got top paged the only time I didn't want it to happen!! 🙂

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I am cheering for Austin

      1. Richd
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        like them arsenal fans that cheer their team on by calling for Wengers head

  2. RamaJama
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone thinking a forward line of Costa, Aguero, Kane for the run in?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Exactly the front line I'll have in 2 gameweeks time hopefully

    2. jernej93
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      With 2 shots on target against Hull in first half from Chelsea?

    3. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Me

      Getting rid of Austin after the DGW

    4. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I am, but reluctant to sell Giroud.

      1. Ludo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        This

    5. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      already there 😉

  3. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Don't all kid yourselves that you're getting rid of Austin before a double against WBA and Villa.

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      It's just a standard knee jerk FFS reaction. They'll come to their senses later. Maybe.

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He has 45 minutes to go...all or nothing for QPR

    3. davies
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      If I can decide who to bring in for Sanchez he's gone for Costa.

  4. Syd.
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    When Matic is having a bad day the Chelsea defence is shown up for what it is

  5. Momo1987
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Cech is better than Coutois.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Agree

  6. Scab
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    holding onto aguero until Costas dgw.

    besides his goal hes done nothing

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Aside from an assist too

    2. davies
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      "Besides his goal".

      Aguero isn't scoring. Simple.

    3. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Doing more than Aguero though least points wise

    4. SouthCoastSaint
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      That's what Costa does. Doesn't look like he's in the game but so clinical he scores from few chances. Ignore at your peril

    5. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      2 goals and an assist more than Aguero in the last 1.5 GWs

  7. Rhinos
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Assumed I out of fpl cup after not capping Kane but if Hazard scores again and Austin blanks I'm through. Least it's possible now

  8. ralfb
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    See ivan assist for terrys goal coming

  9. Wouter
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    "I'm not a fan of goalkeepers." What do you want to do then, Jamie, play without them?

    1. RabMac
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He could hire that burd from the voice to brick up the goals.

    2. megatronaldinho
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      no wonder he was never allowed to bring his .357 to shooting practice

  10. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Which game week do the yellow cards increase to 15?

  11. Momo1987
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    If Hull win this the title is wide open.

    Go Hull

    1. Wouter
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Not really wide open. Would still be three points clear with a game in hand, but it would definitely make it more interesting.

      1. Momo1987
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Your right, not wide open but will scare Chelsea for sure

        1. RÏɠBY
          • 14 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          and encourage the rest

  12. Tinydancer
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Would love a Coleman at 6.0 next season and a Kosc at 5.5 😛

    1. CunkOnFPL
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Coleman possible
      Kosc, not a chance

    2. Momo1987
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Kosc won't be that price maybe Gabriel and Mertesaker Will be

  13. Camp No No
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Louis Van Gaal reveals how Angel Di Maria can get back into Man United squad.

    "I can, like, put him there" the United manager explained bluntly.

    http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/565621/Louis-Van-Gaal-Angel-Di-Maria-needs-to-do-to-get-back-into-Man-United-squad

    1. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I can't believe that clown is 4th...

    2. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      😆

  14. U-jin King™
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Kun to Costa surely if he doesn't get carded

  15. Ludo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Apart from Chelsea, the only English club to win a knockout tie in the Champions League in the last four years was Manchester United - and they only just scraped past Olympiakos by the skin of their teeth.

    2014-15 - 1 team out in Group Stages, 3 out in First Knockout Round.
    2013-14 - 2 out in First Knockout Round, 1 out in Quarter Finals, 1 out in Semi Finals
    2012-13 - 2 out in Group Stages, 2 out in First Knockout Round
    2011-12 - 2 out in Group Stages, 1 out in First Knockout Round, 1 Winner.

    'Best League in the World'

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Chelsea carrying the League since 2012

      1. Momo1987
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Daniel carrying the yawns since 1980s

        1. Camp No No
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          😆

    2. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Most entertaining, that's what matters to me.

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        On what basis is it the most entertaining? On basis that it is the only one you watch?

        1. Forza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          I watch a lot of football from a few of the other top leagues, and I like it the most. That's the basis.

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            Okay. But can you tell me, like objectively, why it would be the most entertaining? Like what reason is there that makes anybody find this league more entertaining than other leagues? For example, the only entertaining moment in today's top clash was Gerrard's red card. That sucks, it was an awfully crappy match and absolute waste of time. Why would this be better than the free scoring Bundesliga, or the tactically astute La Liga (take out Borecelona and Real Boring and it's a very entertaining league) or physical and extremely competitive French League? Even Serie A has become much better during recent years. But in particular the loudly better Bundesliga. Why would it not be more entertaining than PL?

            I'd wager that the people who say Premier League is more entertaining is that 1) they have emotional ties to clubs, 2) they know the players well.

    3. Rhinos
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Makes me laugh when they sat we fail coz league to competetive. Could equally say Chel not spanking Hull shows they ain't all that.
      Plus uncompetitive league was the excuse when Celtic and Rangers used to do nowt in Europe

    4. Camp No No
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      😆

    5. Not Irish
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      We got royally screwed by the referee against Madrid in Fergie's last season.

      1. Camp No No
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Lol, you sure did not.

        1. Not Irish
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Don't be daft.

          1. Camp No No
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            The red card was fair and square and you should have got another when Rafael, or what was that Brazilian kid's name, saved the ball with his hand.

            1. Not Irish
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              Zzzzz

            2. Nico.
              • 12 Years
              10 years, 8 months ago

              I've always found it strange when Manu fans complain about wrong refereeing decisions. Don't they live on such decisions?

              1. Camp No No
                • 12 Years
                10 years, 8 months ago

                They indeed do. That's probably why they find it so shocking when it goes the other way round.

      2. Ludo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Still weren't winning at the time of the red card. Could've gone differently, sure, but then Chelsea also got incredibly lucky getting as far as they did in 2011-12, let alone winning it.

        1. Not Irish
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Absolutely. Agreed on both counts. We were well on top at the time of the sending off though.

          LvG actually made a great point last week when asked about English clubs' struggles in Europe. Said the winter break gives everyone else a massive advantage. That all the matches we cram in over the holiday period jades our players.

          1. Ludo
            • 12 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            That could be part of it, definitely. I think PL clubs believe their own hype to an extent now though - when English teams dominated Europe a few years ago, you had Ferguson, Mourinho, Benitez (and even Wenger when they reached the 2006 final) playing counter-attacking football and grinding out results. Now they seem to expect to play the way they do in the league, and get away with it.

      3. Mull
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Arbeloa could have been killed!

        1. Not Irish
          • 12 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          😡

    6. Momo1987
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Most entertaining 100%

    7. Mull
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      City have had very tough groups and Barca in the knockout round twice in that time period. Apart from Monaco, Arsenal have had tough last 16 draws as well. It's atill embarrassing though.

      1. Ludo
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Yep, but goes to show that Barcelona/Bayern are on another level.

  16. Mull
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    My semi final H2H came down to Terry vs Azpilicueta and 2 points. I was very annoyed when I say the lineups but then I saw the score 😀

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Don't worry, Terry will score/assist

      **see my rivals below

  17. HuttonDressedasLahm
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Both my cup rivals are 210th in the world 😯

    Just need an Austin goal and nothing from JT.....

    Come on Charlie!!!

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Comeeee onnn Charlie

  18. McSauce
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Ivan on for 3 Baps

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      For 6 baps

    2. Wings of Steel
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      -3

    3. RÏɠBY
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      and a foot long 😉

  19. Wilshere Knowledge
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    @BBCSporf: CLASSIC: A Rangers player asks a Hibernian fan for the ball back this afternoon.
    https://t.co/UccRTnmn2Q

    1. Syd.
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Link not working for me it won't play

    2. BabyB
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      that is brilliant!

    3. Momo1987
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Saw that earlier. Thug life

  20. Daniel Exeter
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Austin getting a lot of stick on here. Not sure I understand really?
    I'm not watching the game to be fair, so it may well be justified.

    He's a budget striker
    He's playing for QPR, a team who lets be honest are quite poor and are fighting to stay in the league
    He's proven, and is In the top 5 leading strikers

    You can't expect a goal per game from him, surely?

    If you've got cash ITB then of course upgrading to someone like Costa or Giroud is the easy/obvious transfer. Considering fixtures and form, I'd question why if you have money ITB Austin is still in your team.

    Personally, I think he is good value for money, and I'm keeping. I just don't expect him to deliver weekly. All about setting expectations I think.

    1. Lucy.
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I don't have money ITB so I own him. But I think it might be worth creating money ITB.

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Yep agree
        If I could upgrade I would. Can't just yet, so he stays

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure if you've realised but he's played 45 minutes and not scored a brace. He should be stoned tbh

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Ahh now it all makes sense

        Line him up
        🙂

    3. SouthCoastSaint
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      DGW fooling us who have held him. Imagine I'm one of many who should have got Giroud a few weeks back

    4. Wings of Steel
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      He's also playing well today too. He's on for a bonus already and on the losing team.

  21. Every Dog Has Its Day
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Still annoyed that I made two transfers for a hit whilst drunk 😆

    Alexis -> Philips
    Bellerin -> Ivan

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      45 minutes and you could break even

      1. Every Dog Has Its Day
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        I made them last night 😆

        1. HuttonDressedasLahm
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          Oh. Well nothing lost at all then

  22. Wouter
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Bayern 1-0 down at home. 😯

    1. Momo1987
      • 10 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      League wrapped up?

  23. KakiBangku
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Sigh.. Such a painful 2 FTs this week..

    Had triple Soton defence for weeks an thought it would be better to break it up by introducing Ivanovic.

    Did Betrand (12) + Eriksen (5) for Ivanovic (0) + Mane (3)

    1. HuttonDressedasLahm
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      You sold Eriksen before Leicester and Bertie before Burnley

      It's hardly unexpected

    2. SouthCoastSaint
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry to be captain hindsight but strange moves given the fixtures Eriksen and Bertrand had. Plus Bertrands attacking points this season

  24. rozzo
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Read a few posts saying how top quality the premier league is because anybody can beat anybody. Surely its the other way aroud?

    In my opinion Hull would get absolutely smashed against their Spanish, Italian, German and French equivelants.

    Thoughts?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I'm sure Real, Barca, Bayern have dropped points against lesser teams this season. No-one is perfect

      1. andy85wsm
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        The anybody can beat anybody thing is a nothing statement anyway.

        Of course anyone can beat anyone, doesn't happen all that often though hence the big 4 or 6 or whatever rarely changing.

        1. Daniel Exeter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          But that's a statement in itself. The fact that there is a top 5/6/7 differs to most other leagues

    2. Daniel Exeter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Interesting, not something I've ever considered before really. Don't know the other leagues enough to know.

    3. Ludo
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      French, Italian, no. German, think it would be close. La Liga is a stronger league imo though.

    4. Wings of Steel
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      I agree. We know some top teams can stumble occasionally and the lower teams are capable of nicking the odd win. Mostly the defending amongst the top isn't great. The outcome is normally the same.
      If the usual suspects finish in the top 3 or 4 and the teams that came up all go down this year which looks like that will happen it defies any sort of competitiveness.

  25. Back on the horse
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    have the chels defence been so bad he might bring zouma on?

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      It's a possibility. Especially if they go 3-2 up

  26. Duke Silver ☑
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Such a waste from Fabs

  27. andy85wsm
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Close from Fabs! Would have been Hazard assist

    1. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      *not that close but still, should have scored

  28. Boydinho
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Dawson getting suspended?

    1. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Don't think so

      1. Daniel Exeter
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Should do, surely?

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      That's what Sky Sports News were saying earlier

    3. Wings of Steel
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Never happened unless for violent conduct

    4. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 18 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      Very likely. Referee has admitted mistaken identity so his revised report should be in on Monday, at which point the suspension will be applied.

      1. Wings of Steel
        • 15 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        Interesting. That would be a first in the EPL wouldn't it?

      2. Sol
        • 11 Years
        10 years, 8 months ago

        1 or 3 matches ban ?

        1. Chenku╰☆╮
          • 11 Years
          10 years, 8 months ago

          zero

          1. Sol
            • 11 Years
            10 years, 8 months ago

            hope so

  29. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    One more, Hazard (C), please. And then 2 more for Hull.

  30. Momo1987
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 8 months ago

    Muppetman, you still hate Mata after he saved your season?

    1. Captain Shirokov
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 8 months ago

      lol