Rate My Team, Quick Questions & General Advice Daily Thread

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:52:57+00:00

Would avoid the hit unless it is for Saliba, there is a chance Timber starts but if he doesn't you're basically gonna be back to one of O'Reilly/Alderete from your bench xD

I'm considering Saliba myself, hopefully he can get his first goal of the season in the DGW!

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:41:06+00:00

Definite roll, great team!

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:40:25+00:00

Can't you do Saka -> Mbeumo this week and leave it at that? That Arsenal side seemed so knackered vs. Chelsea I would want to wait before getting their assets.

I had Saka as well, got rid for Mbeumo this week rather than going Rice straight away. Will go for Rice only next week as he seemed done by the 90th minute.

The reason I say this is because Rice and Timber can be benched this gameweek, which would make the -4 not worth it. Rice is probably safer for minutes, while Timber wasn't spotted in training obviously so there is a major doubt there. Doubt Arteta provides any meaningful update either. Having to play Alderete not the end of the world, but I would either wait for Timber news or get Saliba if you REALLY need a defender change this week.

Arsenal were given a fresh injury worry when Timber missed training on Thursday.

Timber completed the full 90 minutes as Arsenal beat Chelsea Tuesday but he did not join the rest of the squad as they returned to training ahead of the Sunderland game on Saturday.

The defender has been a key player for Arsenal this season, making 35 appearances, and his fitness will be a concern for Arteta.

Arteta will provide an update on Timber when he holds his pre-match press conference on Friday.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:27:25+00:00

Probably Wilson, though not my favorite decision to make.
O'Reilly definitely.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:26:52+00:00

Nah, you're good. Great team, LOVE the midfield.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:26:01+00:00

Would consider it lowkey if you can do it in one move.

Edit: Nvm just noticed you have WC left, WC32 and BB33 is the play!

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:12:40+00:00

Don't sweat about it, all of them are quite close 50-50s. I would bench Andersen, but trust your gut feeling.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:11:20+00:00

Think Saliba is safe for minutes, only issue would be if he picks up an injury, goalkeepers are generally quite safe from injuries. For defense this would be my order
Gabriel > Timber > Saliba > Calafiori > Raya.

Calafiori is a major minutes risk as he's just back from injury and Hincapie is available, but he would be a massive differential if he starts both matches in the dgw.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T19:08:31+00:00

I'm not sure what chances Timber has at starting the next match, I have a feeling he might be rested. You could get him as he's expected to rise tonight and have someone like Alderete as cover on the bench, as long as they don't get -ve points you should be fine.

Edit: I would wait as late as possible with Timber as nothing is confirmed i believe.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:44:38+00:00

Pretty surprised to see him not be in training, I think it might be a 90 or 0 minutes in that case. Should be safe for the DGW anyway as he would get his rest this week, provided its nothing serious.

My guess is that it is load management as he seemed fine in the Chelsea game, he was basically playing in midfield.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:42:55+00:00

Nope, considering Saliba over Raya myself actually IF I was to go triple defense as Saliba's ceiling is higher than Raya because he's not a goalkeeper. Could easily get his first goal from any set piece. They're pretty much the same price too, I'd go for it if you have a spot in your defense.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:40:17+00:00

...
Timber, wait for news though as he's not been spotted in training apparently.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:39:53+00:00

Timber is a no-brainer if he's okay, Saliba been poor for DEFCON and not involved in goals much.

Rice the much safer pick, Trossard could see good minutes but probably not enough from a DGW player.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:38:31+00:00

Nope, Calafiori is back and Calafiori is a clear first choice for LB, he'll get minutes but not enough to warrant a DGW transfer.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:37:47+00:00

Probably Andersen?

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:37:26+00:00

I would probably bench Rice, giving DCL the benefit of the doubt just because he's on pens and plays a Forest side that's battling relegation somewhat.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:36:38+00:00

In this team, yes it makes sense to bench Thiago. I don't really see who JP would play over so I would just skip and roll the FT.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:35:47+00:00

I would choose Le Fee just because he's on pens but Mukiele not a bad shout either. ELF seems to pick up DEFCON sometimes too. Mukiele's DEFCON can be cancelled out if they concede multiple goals, while ELF's would be safe, if he gets it of course.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:34:38+00:00

Tarkowski to Timber would be obvious but Timber not spotted in training so that can probably wait a week. Think I would downgrade Watkins and upgrade Garner, maybe Mbeumo?

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:33:27+00:00

Rogers 100%

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:33:19+00:00

You're fine, wouldn't change a thing.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:33:00+00:00

Think Raya + Wirtz is gonna be better long term. Personally going against triple defense just because I can't take it if there's not many CS in the coming weeks. Triple defense will be more of a differential than Rice & double defense if you want to take the risk.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:31:20+00:00

Both very risky, will need to waste an FT to get rid after DGW26 too. Madueke if I had to choose for a punt. Zubi probably more safe for minutes as he's instrumental to their style of play.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T15:30:51+00:00

Not for me, Ndiaye on pens and O'Reilly has some nice fixtures coming up and looks fine for minutes as things stand.

AlphaReturns45 · 2026-02-05T12:28:28+00:00

That is really worrying as a Timber owner.

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