Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Last 16 – Day 3

Italy dethroned Spain with a style and application utterly lacking in an England side who surrendered in embarrassing fashion to tournament underdogs Iceland.

That spelled the end for Roy Hodgson on a day of drama and despair at Euro 2016.

Italy 2 Spain 0

A tactical master class from Italy ensured that Spain’s second defence of their European Championship crown ended at the Round of 16 stage.

Antonio Conte’s 3-5-2 system enabled the team to press from the front, forcing David de Gea to clear long on frequent occasions, while the Azzurri midfield starved their exalted Spanish counterparts of any time and space.

If not for De Gea, who made five saves, three of which were outstanding, Italy would have been home and hosed long before Graziano Pelle (8.5) swept home substitute Matteo Darmian’s (5.4) injury-time cross.

They had taken the lead in the 33rd minute, Giorgio Chiellini (6.0) stabbing in after De Gea could only parry an Eder (6.5) free kick, with Emanuel Giaccherini (5.1) supplying an assist to move into second overall in the Uefa game.

Pelle and Eder worked superbly together up front, finishing with three attempts apiece, with the Southampton striker also creating two chances.

Alessandro Florenzi (6.9) retained his place in the continued absence of Antonio Candreva (7.5) through injury and excelled at right wing-back, putting over a match-high six crosses, creating a chance and completing two interceptions for solid DraftKings returns.

Vicente Del Bosque changed his forward line three times, to little effect, with Alvaro Morata, owned by 25% of Uefa game managers and the second most popular pick (at 28%) in our daily captaincy poll, largely anonymous.

Indeed, it was a defender, Gerard Pique, who came closest to scoring, only for Gigi Buffon (6.0) to react smartly to his lunging attempt.

That would have been harsh on an Italian side who out-fought and out-thought their opponents.

‘Together Stronger’ is the motto Wales have adopted in recent times, but it sits just as well on an Italian team shorn of stars but full of grit, intelligence and unity.

With an average age a shade under 29 years, Italy have the fifth oldest squad at the tournament, and that could well be a factor as the big matches pile up.

Throw in a peaking Germany as their quarter-final opponents, and things aren’t exactly going to get easier, but if they come close to the performance levels they managed against Spain, they will be a match for anyone.

Italy also managed to get through with just the one player suspended for the Germany tie – Thiago Motta (4.9), usually only used as a substitute.

England 1 Iceland 2

England exited Euro 2016 in wretched fashion, tamed by an Iceland side who took their chances and then sat back and watched the Three Lions fall apart.

The received wisdom was that if England scored early, Iceland would be forced to abandon their deep-lying set-up, providing Roy Hodgson’s pacier team with the attacking space denied them in the tournament to date.

It didn’t quite work out that way.

Hodgson seemed to have developed a taste for big calls in France, and recalling Raheem Sterling was his latest gamble. Three minutes into the match, it paid off when the much-maligned Manchester City man earned a penalty that Wayne Rooney converted.

That was as good as it got for England.

The lead lasted precisely 34 seconds, Ragnar Sigurdsson (5.5) latching on to Kari Arnason’s (5.5) flick to level.

Another Joe Hart blunder in the 19th minute then handed Iceland an unlikely lead, the England goalkeeper failing to keep out a low shot from Kolbeinn Sigthorsson (6.9) despite getting a hand to it.

The stats told a familiar story – England dominated possession (69%-31%) and attempts (18-8), but managed just four shots on target. Iceland had five.

Our Captain Poll favourite, Eric Dier, proved a major disappointment after he was hauled off at the break as Hodgson unsuccessfully opted for Jack Wilshere to turn matters around for his struggling side.

Hodgson stood down after the match, a desperate end to an underwhelming four years, with his last fixture in charge particularly abject. England lost possession 17 times, had 19 bad touches and forced Hannes Halldorsson (5.0) into just three saves.

Iceland’s tournament has more than a whiff of Greece in Euro 2004 about it, but their players will still struggle to appeal in the Uefa game, given they face France in the next round and, potentially either Germany or Italy, should they proceed past the tournament favourites.

The six goals they’ve scored have been shared among six different players, they’ve kept no clean sheets and have managed just 31 attempts – Ukraine, who went home after three matches and no goals, had 39.

It’s a slightly different story in DraftKings, where Sigurdsson’s goal, three fouls drawn, two tackles won and five interceptions brought big returns.

However huge the pressure will be on France, they will surely handle it better than England, reducing Iceland’s players to the role of budget enablers and DraftKing utility slots.

477 Comments Post a Comment
  1. uhahpaulmcgrath
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    up to 138th, still have wildcard but cant decide whether or not to play it....

    Hennssey - (Hart)
    Giaccherini - Hector - Meunir - (walker) - Jedzej
    Haz - Payet - Ramsey - Alli - (Perisic)
    Kane- Ronaldo - Bale

    Thoughts....

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Think so with Hart Walker Alli Perisic Kane out

      1. uhahpaulmcgrath
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        i could do 4 transfers and leave a mid, if i got away with it, it could be massive

    2. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Play it, go for the win!

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      I say no. Your 4 changes leaves you with only 1 non player.

    4. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You forgot Kane. I'd try some configurations and if you don't like them then WC. Tbh, those 4 don't leave you with much money...

      1. uhahpaulmcgrath
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        i forgot the bracket Kane and Alli... have 5 out, and yup, the biggest problem is they are all cheapish

        1. Yankee Toffee
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Permutations

  2. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Choose one :

    A) Nainggolan
    B) Draxler

    A gives me 3 Welsh vs 3 Belgians.

    B gives me 3 Germans vs 1 Italian.

    A provides Balance to the team. But B is the more attacking option but then Italian Defence. ( Have Giaccherini)

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      B

  3. nikornla
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Need two defenders except jedrzejczyk, rami or any german, have 10.9m.
    Suggestions?
    Thanks.

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Pazdan / Bonucci ?

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Giaccherini / Barzagli ?

      2. nikornla
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        idk, I'm trying to figure out what teams are the best fit for defense, then choose some of their players.... not sure if Italy is suitable for CS...

  4. UCL Fantasy
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Good outline?

    Fabianski - Lloris
    Giaccherini - Hector - Meunier - Sagna - Koscielny
    KDB - Payet - Hazard - 2 x mids for 14.8m
    Giroud - Lukaku - Nani

    1. uhahpaulmcgrath
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      you WCing ? cant believe i might have to pick a third team in as many weeks.....

      1. UCL Fantasy
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I'm thinking about it yeah.

        Triple Wales and 4 players missing is twisting my arm a little.

        1. uhahpaulmcgrath
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          very similar to me, triple wales and 5 out.... whats your rank ?

          1. UCL Fantasy
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            2k ish

  5. UCL Fantasy
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Kristof Terreur ‏@HLNinEngeland 1m1 minute ago

    Hazard has a minor muscle contraction. Won't be training tomorrow either. Played through pain against #hun. Felt something in 1st half. #CFC

    1. uhahpaulmcgrath
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      oh....

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Jebus. He was injured when he scored that goal!

    3. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Fack.

    4. VS10_
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Meaning that now I decide to avoid and he scores another 10+ anyway...

    5. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He put in that performance when he was injured? Imagine what he could do if he was fully fit ! 😉

    6. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He'll play

    7. Madderegern
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Source link?

  6. FredrikH
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Decited to WC and ended up with this lot.

    Patricio
    Fonte Giaccherini Hector(C3) Meunier
    KDB Draxler Hazard R(C2). Sanches
    Gomez Ronaldo (C1)

    Lloris - Kosc Payet (C4) Greizmann

    Comments?

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good, not a fan of Renato Sanches though

  7. FPL Mentor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Made my 4 free transfers:
    Bale, Rambo, Walker, Hart 》
    Griezman, Naingolan, Sagna, Lloris

    Hennessey{2}
    Jedrzejczyk{1} Meunier{2} Vertonghen{2} Hector{3}
    Grosicki{1} Hazard{2} Nainggolan{2} Kroos{3}
    Milik{1} Ronaldo{1}

    Lloris{4}, Sagna{4}, Payet{4}, Griezman{4}

    Captains:
    1. Ronaldo
    2. Hazard
    3. Kroos
    4. Griezman

    Hows it look guys??

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Looks pretty damn good for no wc?

  8. boc610
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    and here was me thinking those teddies on their backs were intravenously feeding the English players performance enhancing drugs...

    or perhaps the scary thought is that maybe they actually were.

  9. Irish Madridista ⭐
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Best Belgian defender? Alderweireld?

    1. UCL Fantasy
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Meunier is nice for cost saving

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        but if I don't necessarily need the cost saving? 😀

        Although I could look into changing Lukaku -> Ronaldo..

    2. uhahpaulmcgrath
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      best points - Alder, best value Meu

    3. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ta lads 🙂

  10. RealSocialDads
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Worth a hit to take Rami out? Would probably replace with another French defender. Or... got Dier, Perisic, Hoolahan, Morata who are out of the tournament, would you leave any of these in to transfer Rami out?

  11. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    My 2nd attempt for a wc:

    Lloris 4.0
    Hector Meunier Giaccherini Guerreiro Jedr...
    KDB Hazard Payet Grosicki Draxler
    Griezman Giroud Ronaldo

    Basically this means 2 Poland - 2 Portugal, so will need 2 FT after that game. Going all out on France and Belgium with no Iceland or Wales. And having 2 Germans and 1 Italian so will also lose 2 FT max in that game.

    1. Hurricane Gilbert
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Looking great!

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers! Hope Guerreiro will play though, would have no Portugal defender otherwise

    2. AbsoluteDON
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Why on earth would you have 2 French strikers..

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Why not?

        Better chance than Italy Germany Poland Portugal to go through

  12. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Apropos of nothing. This is still the funniest and best piece I've seen on immigration.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HMhWB95ldQ

  13. mourinho_el_fenómeno
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Parolo stats anyone? is it worth the punt? Candreva out for sure? any info?

  14. Gizzachance
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    any advice guys? 4 free transfers, got 3 none playing, 1 suspended{rami}
    use transfers to replace, and keep w/card for semis ? cheers

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      How is anyone supposed to help you if you don't post your team or the players you want to swap ?

      1. AbsoluteDON
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Steady on westy

  15. Blurryface
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    why no love for lukaku?

    1. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      hehe, i have him, thats why 😀
      kidding

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      People need to replace players that have been knocked out of the tournament not punt on strikers . Most have used their wildcards too

      1. Blurryface
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        oww

    3. AbsoluteDON
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Because no one in the Belgium side wants to pass to him

  16. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    I think I am going to do
    Rami , Peresic , Nollitto , Juanfran > Sagna , Gurreiro , Carrasco , Draxler

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Milik instead of Carrasco maybe?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I am 50/50 on Portugal vs Poland . I think Belgium will beat Wales

        1. JÆKS ⭐
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Just think that Carrasco is a guarenteed 2 pointer 😀

          Would go Gomez or even Giroud if you have the money for it

          1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I could get Vertonghen , Nainggolan , Gomez and Gurreiro . I mean I know less than Jon Snow about Nainggolan I even had to check once how to spell his name 🙂

            1. JÆKS ⭐
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Haha he is our CDM so not many points in him. He goes forward quite often and shoots lets say 2 times a game from a distance. But ofcourse, I won't expect too much from him 😀

              1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
                • 14 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                Ah rats I really appreciate the help

  17. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Guys, i readed somewhere that there won't be anymore price rises ?
    Is this true ? Or i need to read rules 🙂

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      They have been so irrelevant it does not matter and there is no way to predict them

  18. MGD
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    What to do, what to do?

    Lloris (Hennessey)
    Dier** / Rami* / Jed / Hector / Meunier
    Alli** / Perisic** / Özil / Payet / KdB
    Morata ** / Bale / Lukaku

    4 out + Rami.

    No WC Avaliable. 2p behind in my ML, really need to win 🙂

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      It's kind of hard to recommend when you have to change so much you might be better off posting the transfers you are going to make instead of your whole team

      1. MGD
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Thinking about Alli -> Draxler
        Perisic -> Grosicki
        Morata -> Giroud
        Dier -> ??

  19. AlCapwnUK
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    No WC available, used 3 FTs to replace suspended/knocked out players

    Fabianski
    Jedrzejczyk, Meunier, Vertonghen, Meunier
    Ozil, Draxler, Blaszycowksi, Ramsey
    Bale, Lukaku

    4 Frenchies on the bench for final match day subs: Lloris, Mangala, Payet, Giroud

    Got an extra 2.9 in the bank

    1. AlCapwnUK
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Ramsey --> KDB/Hazard?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Nice team sounds good to me

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          read the tweet posted by Andy above about Hazard

          1. AlCapwnUK
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            yeh, leaning towards KDB. Would have been KDb anyway if Hazard hadn't scored that goal in the last match

    2. AlCapwnUK
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      also, one of those Meuniers should be Hector

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Mangala to Koscielny if you don't have a wc

      Otherwise it is just a FT wasted next week

  20. Red Reddington ⚽
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Am I missing something, why are people so confident that Poland can give Portugal a fight? Not as one-sided as I thought it was?

    1. AlCapwnUK
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Poland are a very decent side. I think they are quite closely matched.

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Not a chance . Portugal struggled through a group with Iceland , Austria and Hungary and were poor against Croatia

  21. Parm
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mané confirmed: https://twitter.com/LFC/status/747746313916264449

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Are you sure we can trust this source ?

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        I really have to stop wumming you never bite 🙁

    2. AlCapwnUK
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Southampton to enter the relegation battle this year?
      New manager, another exodus of players

    3. boc610
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      yet another southampton player with a good one and half good seasons under his belt that somehow warrants a 30m transfer fee

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        but...but....he scored a hat-trick v villa

        1. Blurryface
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          He was my cap that match

      2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        Have you been asleep ? . Andy Carroll cost £30 million it doesn't really matter after that

  22. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mane to Pool completed.

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Picking Liverpool mids is going to be a disaster next season .

      1. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        One thing is they've no Europe at all so may get some more consistent starters. Though it depends on whether or not they go all out in the cup competitions.

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Champions League has to be the priority . You never know it might be Optimus's year

          1. Somalion
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I have my doubts 😉

  23. pickyUK
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    After a fairly awful last round, I'm losing faith in my ability to pick a side! I have this left from the last 16 games...

    Hennessey – Neuer
    Dier – Rami – Schar – Munier – Guerrero
    Kroos – Hazard – Ramsey – Perisic – Payet
    Ronaldo – Bale – Milik

    with 0.2 in the bank. Wildcard is still available, but was looking to save it for a big points haul in the final! Any thoughts on where to go with this! Obviously Dier, , Schar & Perisic have to go!

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      You can just sort this out with your FT

      Perisic to Grosicki/Blaszy
      Dier to Giaccherini
      Rami + Schar to whoever you like

  24. Blurryface
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Rami keep or sell?

    1. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      sell but only for free

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Sell

    3. NATSTER
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      It depends. I have 5 non-playing, so he remains in the squad.

  25. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    4 players out and still have WC so what u suggest:

    A) Kozacik,Dier,Rami,Perisic --> Lloris,Jędza,Gia,Draxler (Henn- Hector,Meunier,Guerrero- KDB,Kroos,Payet,Rambo- Bale,Ronaldo,Gru)
    B) use WC and almost the same team (Rui for Lloris, no Rambo) and squeeze Hazard in

  26. UCL Fantasy
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Mane will wear the number 19 shirt as worn by legends Piechnik, Kennedy, Friedel, Arphexad, Morientes, Babel, Downing, Manquillo & Caulker.

    Credit to - @ReadLiverpoolFC

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      😆

  27. Swans3aJ4ck
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Hennessey / Lloris
    Hector / Rami/ Jed / DIER / Meun
    Kroos / KDB / Payet / Ramsey / PERISIC
    Bale / Luk / Gir

    Used w/c - obvs need to get rid of Per/Dier

    Am thinking of those two out + Luk and getting Drax/Ronaldo/Giac - to then make that work I need to loose either Jed or Rami for Guer - good idea? Would you lose Rami to just get pts or hold on and clear out Jed (only Polish I have)

    Thoughts?

  28. willl
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Currently have this:
    Hennessey / DE GEA
    Hector / Jed / Meunier / DIER / Taylor
    PERISIC / RAKITIC / De Bruyne / Payet / Kroos
    Bale / Muller / Lukaku

    Thinking of saving my wildcard for the semis so only have 4 transfers for the next round.

    Thoughts on this
    Hennessey / Patricio
    Hector / Jed / Meunier / Giacherini / Taylor
    X / X / De Bruyne / Payet / Kroos
    Bale / Muller / Lukaku

    Midfield choices are between

    a) Hazard + Draxler
    b) Pogba + 7.5

    Not sure what to do.

    Thoughts?

  29. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Do people think renato sanchez will start?

    What's the injury news on Guerriero? Is it an old flag which has not been updated or is this a new injury?

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      He started the last game I think they forgot to remove the flag

      1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 4 months ago

        thanks

    2. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Someone said yesterday that he didn't train

      However, I'm still bringing him in, even if he is injured

  30. RealSocialDads
    • 8 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Want Griezmann but means rest of my team will suffer, do you think its better to get Giroud and have a slightly more balanced team?

    1. Pork Pie Sausage Roll
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Purely speculation on my part but I would say Giroud may well be at risk of being dropepd for Gignac. He's been awful so far