Scout Reports

Scout Report – Bernardo Silva

Manchester City made the first marquee signing of the summer last Friday afternoon, beating off a number of suitors to acquire the highly-rated Bernardo Silva from Monaco for a reported fee of £43m.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the 22-year-old insisted that the lure of playing under Pep Guardiola was key to his decision of signing a five-year deal at the Etihad:

“If he is not the best coach in the world, he is one of the best. Of course, when you have the opportunity of being trained by Guardiola, you don’t say no. As we all know, what he did with Barcelona and Bayern Munich was amazing and we expect also here that he will win titles. It’s great to have the chance to work with him and to have this opportunity. Nowadays if you don’t work hard, even if you’re one of the best you don’t succeed. It’s not only defenders who have to defend or attackers who have to attack. It’s a team and we all have to do everything.”

The History

A product of the Benfica youth system, Silva was handed his debut for the club’s B team in August 2013.

Netting seven times in 38 appearances, he was voted the Segunda Liga Player of the Year that season and also made his debut for the senior side, thanks to a 10-minute sub appearance in the Portuguese Cup.

Yet that was to be his only outing in a Benfica shirt. Initially farmed out to Monaco on loan in August 2014, Silva made the deal permanent just five months later in a campaign that produced nine goals and three assists in 36 Ligue 1 appearances.

Last season, the Portugal international was instrumental in steering Monaco to the French title – playing predominantly as an inverted winger on the right of a 4-4-2 formation, he supplied eight goals and nine assists over 37 outings.

Meanwhile, his performances in the Champions League also caught the eye, netting away to Spurs and providing an assist against Manchester City as Leonardo Jardim’s side claimed a place in the semi-finals.

On the international stage, Silva steered Portugal to the semi-finals of the 2013 UEFA European U19 Championships and was subsequently named among the top 10 talents in Europe by reporters.

Handed his senior debut in March 2015, he has since played 12 times for his country and found the net on one occasion, though injury forced him to miss last summer’s Euro 2016 competition.

The Prospects

Watching him in action, it’s easy to see just why the new boy is regarded as a carbon copy of namesake David Silva.

Standing five foot eight, the Portuguese international is far from physically imposing but boasts an ability to almost dance his way past opponents with the ball, remaining calm under pressure and keeping possession in the tightest of situations – vital ingredients to succeed in a Guardiola side, where ball retention is fundamental.

Silva’s versatility could be key to claiming regular starts – although he’s mainly shone from the right flank, he offers an option on the left or also in a central support role. Indeed, given Guardiola’s penchant for player reinvention, there’s even an argument that the new arrival has the qualities to succeed in central midfield in a 4-3-3 set-up, similar to the likes of Barcelona’s Andres Iniesta.

Should Guardiola continue to alternate with the 4-1-4-1/4-2-3-1 formations – preferred towards the end of the season – then there’s no shortage of options at his disposal for those four or five attacking positions. The likes of David Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Aguero, Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Raheem Sterling will all be jostling for starting berths.

Arguably, Sterling’s minutes are the most in question, particularly after Jesus underlined his own versatility to deliver a goal and assist against both West Brom and Watford from a role on the right flank in City’s final two league fixtures.

In terms of underlying statistics, Silva’s averages of 46.7 minutes per shot and key pass weren’t overly eye-catching in a Monaco side that scored 107 times on their way to last year’s Ligue 1 crown.

Indeed, furthering those comparisons with David Silva, the new boy does have a reputation for dictating matters on the pitch only to provide a number of “pre-assists” or “key contributions”, ie laying on the pass before the final pass prior to a goal. Nonetheless, only De Bruyne (29.3 minutes) and Silva (35.4) exceed that frequency of chances created among City players last season.

Encouragingly for Guardiola, the 22-year old’s 13.3% goal conversion rate in Ligue 1 last term – while not overly clinical – still exceeded the likes of De Bruyne (7%), Silva (8.3%) and Sterling (10.9%) in a season where City had more shots inside the penalty area (395) than any side, but claimed only third for both shots on target (211) and goals (80) and fourth for goal conversion (12.6%).

Expected to come in around the 8.5 to 9.5 mark in Fantasy Premier League, Silva’s arrival looks likely to improve City’s attacking prospects as Guardiola goes for the title in his second year at the helm.

Yet with Jesus near certain to offer a cheaper option to Aguero for our three-man frontlines, our priorities among Guardiola’s regulars are destined to lie elsewhere.

Even in the City midfield, Silva could initially face a tough task to convince those looking to double up on the Etihad outfit for 2017/18.

De Bruyne served up 21 assists last season and hit the woodwork eight times – if the Belgian could find an end product, he could easily better his fifth-placed finish from 2016/17.

Sane is another to monitor, too. After starting four of the first 21 Gameweeks, the German international was named in the first XI in 16 of the final 17 league matches – during that period, he sat first for touches in the box (125) among FPL midfielders and joint-fifth for shots in the box, with 26.

While there are no doubts over the new boy’s abilities, with many Fantasy managers considering a Jesus-Harry Kane partnership up top, it remains to be seen whether Silva can emerge as a popular source of City coverage and cement his place as an FPL big hitter from the off.

Indeed, with City also being heavily linked with a move for Alexis Sanchez, Guardiola’s summer shopping spree could have a significant impact on our assessment of the Fantasy landscape by the season kick-off.

Further Reference

Bernardo Silva Wikipedia

Bernardo Silva TransferMarkt

Bernardo Silva YouTube 2016/17 Highlights

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

648 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Is there a FFS Champions Trophy Fantasy League ?
    Whats the code?

    1. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      See community article.

  2. Kings of Lyon ★
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    B. Silva isnt a player i'll be looking to have next season but his ability will certainly enhance Jesus and Aguero as options

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Good Player but not a fantasy prospect

    2. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      This.
      Sané and KDB look to be the 2 I'll consider drafting from the midfield, but first choice for me is to have Jesus upfront

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        It's got to be two from those three for me.

        Jesus could be the most popular pick of the first weekend.

        1. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Who would you go for between KDB and Sané, money no object, just based on likelihood of being nailed, and potential attacking returns?

          1. bojack
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Really tough isn't it since we don't know what Pep is going to do.

            I think initially price will put me off KdB and I'll start with Jesus and Sané.

            1. Lovren an elevator
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              I'm thinking this too. I'm in a draft league though so I just hope I get lucky.
              Going for Kane or Jesus first pick then Alli, Eriksen or KDB second pick as Sané I think isn't worthy of 2nd pick? But is KDB? (Its a 10 man draft league)

  3. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    You can say that Ronaldo is a self-centered pr*ck, but why are the RM supporters booing at him? Is this a spanish phenomenon?

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Few Mad Supporters

    2. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Because they are a club littered with some of the worst fans in Europe

  4. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Atletico's transfer ban will stand. They can't sign but can still sell players.

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes, so if anyone wants to buy their players, they will have to meet the Release Clause

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        They could just offer Griezmann a new contract but I doubt he'll accept it if he wants out.

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          He has said he wants out, so I doubt he will sign a new contract.

    2. Konstaapeli
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If/when MU and the likes activate the release clauses of their players, they are f*cked.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Pretty much. Unless they offer new contracts and remove/increase clauses to something insane.

        1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Could they not just refuse to sell anyway.
          Then let Griezmann take it to court and thus drag it out timewise so MU misses transfer deadline?
          Or have that tactic been tested and failed?

          1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Of course that could leda to G refusing to play and prompting Athletico to go to 'court' also..

          2. Brap.
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            It's a simple rescinding mechanism written into the contract. You transfer the cash to an Athletico bank account then they cannot compel you to do anything, e.g. turn up at the training ground. You fly to Manchester and sign your new deal

    3. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Shame that.

    4. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      hope Griezmann doesn't leave them in trouble

  5. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    So as far as FPL prospects for City next season, taking price, likelihood of being nailed, and attacking returns potential into consideration, is this the order most people agree with?
    1. Jesus 2. Sané
    3. KDB 4. Kun
    5. B. Silva

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Where does D Silva fit in to this? Theres also a huge Champions League shaped spanner to consider.

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Well I was hoping to provoke debate on David. I think pep likes him alot and I'm wondering whether KDB is at a bit of risk? Or you think He along with both Silvas and maybe even Sané are rotation risks? I'm assuming sterling is going to struggle the most for pitch time

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      You are really undermining Kun, I like that...I want people to Undermine him so that he can be a differential next season

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I am aren't I. I put Jesus ahead of him just because he should be more nailed? And cheaper. I also put Sané ahead of him, mainly for price but also I think even with Silva arriving, sané looks pretty nailed?
        No doubt if kun plays, he scores, I believe he's that good but I'd be concerned paying a heavy outlay for him and him not starting every game

  6. boc610
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Wenger will need 24 hr police protection when Mahrez is unveiled as Sanchez's replacement

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      hahaha 😆
      Is it really happening?

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        at its still gossip in fairness, I do think Wenger will bid for him and Sanchez will leave

        if they do get mahrez that is what it is going to look like to the fans

        1. Moin
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          If it happens, right before his medical, I need to subscribe to Arsenal Fan TV

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Cant blame Sanchez for wanting out. What is wrong with Mahrez (not neccissarily as a replacement)? Who should Arsene go for if Sanchez inevitibly leaves?

      1. boc610
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Mahzrez has had his best season. What people accused kane of being part of me just feels that is going to be the case with Ryad. A player that will show fits and bursts of that league winning form from now until the end o his career.

        I hope i am wrong

      2. boc610
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        any of the top ten players in the world will be impossible to get because they have no CL. Over the summer it will really dane on Wenger just how damaging fifth place was, Mahrez could even turn them down

        1. Kings of Lyon ★
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Most of the top 10 players in the world play outwith the PL as it is.

    3. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Like others here, I believe this is a real possibility. I think this would condemn arsenal to Thursday night tv for years though

    4. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Back in the real world this is pretty much a best case scenario with Arsenal having no CL...

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Who do you think were the top 3 premier league Centre backs last season?

    1. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Luiz Cahill Vertoghen

    2. boc610
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      mccauley and cahill have to be in their for goals alone, I would then say Alderwereld

    3. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Vertonghen
      Bailly
      Cahill

      VVD would have been there if he was fit to start all the matches

    4. Eden Hazardous
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Azpi Vert Luiz

    5. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Azpi Alderwerield VVD/Luiz.

    6. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Hate to say it but probably
      Azpi Luiz Cahill

    7. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Luiz Keane Alderweireld.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Keane Utd bound

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Hope not.

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

      Azpi Vert Bailly

    9. melvinmbabazi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Azpi Luiz Cahill

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

      Luiz Azpi Bailly

  8. Gubbins94.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    As speculated on Tuesday, Griezmann's alleged request to leave were seemingly a result of Lacazette's uncertainty over his future.
    Originally thought Griezmann wouldn't leave Atletico in a bad state however all the noise over the past 2 weeks suggest he's now very much United bound.

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Seen stories that he agreed a deal with Utd, weeks ago

  9. XabiAlonso
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    This silva guy looks very lightweight in the picture

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yep. Could be bullied by those nasty big centerbacks.

    2. Kings of Lyon ★
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wouldnt say its a b ad thing, Gjesus and DSilva arent brutes and they seem to do OK.

      1. XabiAlonso
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I'm more concerned for his health

  10. Somalion
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Sky reporting City are close to a £40 million deal for Mendy

    At this rate there won't be any players left for other teams to buy.

    1. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Also Benfica have announced they've sold Ederson to City

    2. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Is this Football Manager? After a couple of successful seasons, you just buy the best players in each transfer window.

    3. BobBradleysOpportunity
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      and then everyone will say pep is an incredible manager...

    4. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wtf happend to financial fair play

      1. Konstaapeli
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        It never happened.

  11. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    James Ducker from Telegraph saying that Ibra injury has changed Utd's priorities from a no.10 ( Griezmann) to searching for a new no.10. He says Utd will NOT move for Griezmann at this time

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      *no.9

    2. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Did you see they failed then transfer ban appeal they should ask for 100m for griezmen

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He has a buyout clause of 100mil euros so it comes down to Utd paying that price and Griezmann agreeing to join them

    3. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku in instead?
      Surely they won't pass up the chance to sign Griezmann!!

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Lukaku linked with Chelsea but Costa came out and said he would only leave for Atletico. They can't sign him with the transfer ban so Costa prob stay at Chelsea. Utd therefore will probably try and sign Lukaku on that logic

    4. Gubbins94.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      United remembering Ibra is injured the day Atleticos ban is upheld.

      Club trying to save a bit of face in case Griezz rejects them.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        lol, maybe

      2. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Think a lot of this is haggling about prices between the clubs

  12. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Will you start next FPL with a WBA def and if yes who?

    1. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      not sure yet, really depends on prices, but time and again we've seen that they are productive!! I'm thinking Craig Dawson will be one I am looking at - surely McAuley must start getting phased out soon

    2. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Depends on fixtures... Will probably start with cheapest one, I guess Nyom

    3. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I Always back a pulis side for a clean sheet but predict most will be 5m+ but if a 4.5m option turns up I shall get involved.

    4. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe I won't go there. Evans and Nyom burned me enough.

    5. Boydinho
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Foster if so

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

      I think I'm going for a Bournemouth defender instead. Either Daniels for his goal threat, Smith for assists or Cook for bonus. Hopefully Begovic can tighten their defense aswell.

  13. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Man City will probably sign Walker. Do you think Trippier will be first choice or will they buy someone to come straight into the team?

    1. Kryten
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Tripper could be first choice would be silly to buy a expensive rb when Tripper is there so imo they should sign a young rb

      1. Kryten
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Maybe sagba

    2. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Trippier should be first choice there. Can't see them wanting more. There's also Kyle Walker-Peters as an appropriately named replacement, too!

    3. Azathoth
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      And Spurs also have the young Kyle Walker-Peters who plays RB too.

    4. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I could see Spurs signing a centre back and a central midfielder, and utilize Dier more on the right back. They also have Walker-Peters whom they want to offer some time on the pitch.

    5. Licky
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe short term, long term I think Poch wants to upgrade in those areas, the way he sets his teams up favours fullbacks so they always look better than they are, I'm not really convinced by any of them (I mean he gets the most out of them for what they are but if they were somewhere else I think they wouldn't be half as good as they appear).

    6. Legomane
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      trippier and davies could be a juicy combo at 5.5 each next year

    7. thunder_mike
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Trippier should be first choice, with Walker-Pieters 2nd choice as they rate him.

      There were rumours of Alves being wanted by Poch, that would be an interesting short term option.

      Sagna, no chance.

  14. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Why have memberships expired? Would it hurt if they expired in July?

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Fair point. You're just a handle and an empty grav right now and that's strange and sad to see!

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Is it possible to become a member for 17/18 already or will the registration open on a later date?

      1. Clifford☯
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        From the Members' Area..

        Memberships for the 2017/18 campaign are now available for the pre-season offer price of just £12.50 (RRP £15.00). These will expire on June 1 2018.

    3. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, they always expire on June 1st each season. New memberships for next season are immediately available - will make a post later today on it.

      1. Team Cruel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I know they expire June 1, just wondering why they can't expire July 1 because technically that's when the new season starts with teams returning to training. Just a marketing gimmick? 😉

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          It's more that, in the past, we have added data for new members when there are summer tournaments, therefore resetting for June 1st makes sense and gives us more options.

          Last season we made Euro 2016 data available to new sign-ups so we couldn't have the refresh date for July with that in mind.

    4. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Mark's Ferrari won't pay for itself.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah, it's a bit galling that he always parks it in shot when he's doing the Scoutcast. It's must a lot of effort to get it into the living room every week.

        If your post mysteriously acquires a downvote we'll all know why 😉

  15. Make Arrows Green Again
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Well, I promised that I would buy membership for the first time if I won one of my mini-leagues and here it is.

    Check out my steely litte extra head.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Congrats.

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      As a new user, it would be great if you can mail or post any feedback on the members area.

      We've a first update either tomorrow or the weekend with new fixes and features, so new eyes might surface some issues or ideas that aren't currently on the summer task list.

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sure thing, Mark. I'm going away for a week but I'll be able to let you know what I make of it all next week. It would be interesting to see how much extra I get as part of the subscription and I will comment accordingly.

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Lovely thanks.

    3. Arn De Gothia
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Looks great on you

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Aw shucks 😉

  16. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Budget is going to be a challenge next season. Fair chance I'll be spending nearly 30m on 3 City players (Jesus, Aguero, Kompany).

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Both of Jesus and Aguero? Bold, but I like it. Both could end up being good value actually.

      1. Je suis le chat
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Might try to accommodate all captain picks by having a thin midfield. Maybe even 5:2:3.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      This is the kind of thing we always think ages before the season has started. Then closer to the time something will happen that will completely change what you think. Especially banking on Kompany being fit.

  17. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Are there any defences you're excited about next season? We're talking pure clean sheets and not attacking potential here.

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Jones if he can nail his place in man utd.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He wont be first choice. Bailey and that Benfica defender will be.

      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        United in general were great last year but rotation meant that only Valencia(and maybe de Gea) was really an option. I'm hoping a nailed on Bailly sneaks in at £5.5m.

        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Valencia will be £6.0m. Looks like we're all in on Darmian at £5.5m.

    2. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Pool held it together well towards end of season, one to monitor

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        If they sign a new CB i'd invest. Maybe even in Mignolet at £5m.

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          VVD

          1. Parm
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            He'll be £6m at Liverpool. Matip probably £5.5m, same for Clyne. Milner £6.5m+ with pens.

            1. internal error
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              I'm not sure Milner is in the first team next season

              1. Parm
                • 12 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                Neither am I, just speculating based on right now.

                1. internal error
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  6 years, 10 months ago

                  That then begs the question, who will be on pens

                  1. Parm
                    • 12 Years
                    6 years, 10 months ago

                    Hendo?

                    1. internal error
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 11 Years
                      6 years, 10 months ago

                      i dont think he will be nailed.

        2. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I'd want a CDM signing too

    3. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Southampton if they manage to keep their team defense together. Southampton went under the radar for 5.0-5.5 options because of rotations, injuries, and because Heaton, Alonso and Tottenham defenders were largely under priced.

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Puel possibly leaving could be a plus. They were poor at the start of the season due to the Europa League too, none of that this year.

    4. Pariße
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      West Ham could be underpriced. I think they had one off in the last season and should be cheap with big potential. I'd even consider looking at Newcastle for bargains.

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        If West Ham have an option at £4.5m I will probably own one to start the season.

    5. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Dare I say Newcastle?

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        With Rafa at the helm anything is possible, I'd back them for 12+ clean sheets. I'm more excited about Brighton between the promoted sides. Better Championship record.

    6. Football Weekender
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If Marco Silva can get Watford organised then they could be good for clean sheets at home. I'll be keeping an eye out for any of their £4.5m starters and also which team they rotate well with when the fixtures come out.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Jose Cholevas 😎

  18. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Man Utd to try and sign one of Lukaku, Morata or Belotti? Who should they sign from these guys? Probably looking at around £70mil for these guys

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku.

    2. Delhidynamo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      1. Morata
      2. Lukaku
      3. Belloti

    3. Somalion
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku a bit of a flat track bully, but if in a side creating enough chances maybe that changes. (Plus some of these youngsters step up another gear at a bigger side).

      Morata I'm never certain of, has talent but I'm still a bit unsure of him.

      Belotti is too early in the day, this was his first really good season I think?

      Probably Lukaku on the face of it all, he knows the PL, he's strong and capable, at a better side than Everton maybe he'd flourish further.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Llorente?

        1. Somalion
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          15 league goals for Swansea, why the hell not? 😎

          I did say he was good 😉

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Isn't he home sick? And he's getting a bit long in the tooth.

      2. Gubbins94.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        4 goals for Lukaku v the top 6 this season, not an awful return.

      3. Licky
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        What lets Lukaku down is his touch and general involvement in the build up I feel, and arguably that he doesn't work hard enough against opponents that stand up to him, if he has to really fight he'll just not bother and go missing.

    4. Parm
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Should just play Rashford/Martial.

      1. Pariße
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        This. Martial is a class player who doesn't get a chance because he's not the latest big buy.

      2. Somalion
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I'd love if Martial got a fair whack at being the first team striker.

        But I've decided to let that dream die. United don't like playing players in their proper positions, would rather shove them elsewhere and then be shocked when they fail.

    5. Bibidh Subedi
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 9 months ago

      Morata could be priced 9-10m and could well turn out as another Di Maria. I would avoid him as he hasn't played much football for a year.

  19. Pariße
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    City's new home page is a mess.

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      goo.gl/jaujJf ?

      Looks ok to me.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Better than my linking skills.

        1. Pariße
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          haha the link was ok in my e-mail notification. What a mess that one is. So much money and they can't hire someone to make a user-friendly homepage.

    2. Team Cruel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Don't think I've visited a single PL homepage in the last 4-5 years. People still use them?

      1. Make Arrows Green Again
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Marketing echo-chambers.

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Some sites are useful and have decent content - Everton for example, make interviews available for free via Everton TV. Arsenal's is very good for press conference stuff. City's features are pretty good for quotes and interviews.

          Others are still basic, though but, when it comes to confirming information, we still put stock in the official sites over the press. Watford's is the one I really struggle with.

          1. Pariße
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Arsenal's was awarded the best a few years ago, but I always thought it was very slow in confirming official news.

      2. Pariße
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I use them rarely, but it's for official confirmation of transfers. I used the City one to see if Ederson was confirmed.

  20. Licky
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I've been reading through and posting in the last article for like 30mins without realising nobody was there. *places palm onto face*

    1. FPL price manipulators are …
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'm here

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Apparently VVD has already agreed to sign for us. 200K a week

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Mad money, I think he'd be a good addition, and it would suit Matip as he's a more reserved centre back that would be a foil to VVD. We'll see what happens, I did hear that we weren't interested in any CBs though, which was worrying.

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I've seen 3 or so people who I follow on twitter say it's a done deal. I've followed them because they seem to have inside info. We shall see.

  21. Costa's Counsellor
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Anything new with membership this year?

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      access to the Jacuzzi and Sauna

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I hope they clean them out after FPL Virgin's been in there...

    2. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Mark has asked if he can include some of my in depth player analysis articles within the members section.

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Well, you're not going to give that up for free, surely?

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          We'll be adding a £50 premium for access to my stuff.

      2. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        "Lewis Dunk, the promising Brighton defender, has the smallest head to body size ratio in the league"

        https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Lewis_Dunk.jpg/175px-Lewis_Dunk.jpg

        1. Jafooli
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I'm stealing that line.....Dunk profile now almost finished.

    3. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      We have a dedicated resource - Mat - working on developments. We have a first update imminent - hopefully tomorrow - and we will keep you posted on what is underway as we go.

      Currently looking at including the BPS via new tables next - so we're adding new stats to accommodate that. Following that, I want to get touch heatmaps added and look at storing positional data for players so we can add advanced queries to the compare tool.

      Taking requests for fixes and features too.

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        OK cool. Heat maps sounds good - would that include shot maps too?

        I take it Mat is Jafooli's real name?

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Shot maps are already in in terms of shot locations for players and teams. We could add shot directions, though I don't currently consider that a high priority.

          1. Parm
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Would love to see the chances created dashboard updates with arrows from assist location to shot location.

  22. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Aguero
    Sane KDB Silva Jesus

    Who makes way for B.Silva? Will he rotate with the 20-year old Jesus?

    1. Hibbo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Jesus was playing as a no.9

    2. Parm
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The other Silva, Jesus, Aguero. It's Pep's rotation world.

    3. Jafooli
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Don't be surprised if Pep plays him at LB/RB now he's sold Clichy & Zabaleta. And if Sagna & Kolarov move on.

    4. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I don't think there will be one set attacking line up for City this year. Lots of rotation, especially around CL weeks.

      1. UshFPL
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Ederson
        Walker VVD Kompany Mendy
        Fernandinho
        B. Silva De Bruyne Silva Sane
        Jesus

        With a bench made up of the likes of Otamendi, Stones, Kolarov, Yaya, Sterling, Aguero... Pretty formidable

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Not VVD. They might go for Koulibaly

        2. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I'd rather someone that started every game, like a Kane or Lukaku. A premium player not starting is a huge blow. It seems that's a risk with Jesus and Aguero atm.

          1. Parm
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Imagine if they get Sánchez too. Minefield.

  23. UshFPL
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    With the amount of chances we create, a clinical striker at United would be a great FPL asset. Somebody like Morata would probably be straight in my team. Although his link up play is great and he scores loads, Ibra's conversion rate is shocking. This would also make the likes of Mkhi/Pogba more attractive (more assists).

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lukaku would be perfect.

      1. UshFPL
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I'm not so sure. He has a reputation for missing big chances too. Kane would be ideal but probably unrealistic. I honestly think we should've signed Defoe as backup

  24. Jazz!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Well I prematurely made Griezmann in a United shirt my Twitter display picture yesterday 😆

    1. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      you will have to change it to Michael Keane

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😀

    2. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lmfao 🙂

  25. Johqvist
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    New grav test. If still Gerrard, ignore. If new grav, who remembers this captain??

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      First time I captained a negative

      1. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Yeah me too. Costa came in my team while Luiz were still on the ground.

    2. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Was that at home to West Ham or Chelsea?

      1. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Oh right. The Chelsea one was a -1. This was the missed penalty against Everton. He just kept on giving.

    3. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I outsmarted everyone that week and went benteke.
      Missed a pen same score lol

      1. Johqvist
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Tekkers would be a great FPL asset if he was a great PL player.

  26. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    And suddenly Ed Woodward remembered that the player who carried them this season was injured, and made a half-arsed excuse that this influenced his plan. Thus, he would not replace one of the best strikers in the world with another.

    He coincidentally decided this when the other world class striker was forced to stay at his club.

    1. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He's not.

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Just having a little fun. I'm still 100% certain that Griezmann's going to United, though I'd love to be wrong.

        1. Costa's Counsellor
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Me too 🙂

    2. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He's not forced to stay. He still has a buy-out clause

      1. Gubbins94.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I think the caveat is Griez doesn't want to leave Atletico stuck without him, given his love for Simeone and the club.

        Of course Griez could just be telling United that to get himself an extra 0 on his wage packet.

  27. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Sterling going to be bench fodder next season. Who would realistically sign him? I would like him back at Liverpool

    1. Licky
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I wouldn't, acted like a tit. Besides that his final product is still meh, a pacy tricky player but he hasn't really developed since his move. I think it'd be best for him to try to restart his career somewhere else, the problem though is his wages.

      1. UshFPL
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Why are Liverpool fans so angry wih him? He went to a better team with a better chance of winning trophies.

        1. Licky
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          It was the way he acted about it.

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Raheem loves Sterling.

      2. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        he is still young, Just lacks composure in final third. His pace and movement can be very useful

        1. Licky
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Exactly, he can still make it, but I'm not convinced on his attitude, it really wouldn't make sense to come back to us for a lot of reasons. He needs a fresh start and to just put his down and work hard.

    2. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not gonna happen after the abuse the fans have given him.

      1. internal error
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        football fans are fickle creatures

    3. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Remember the Sterling & Delph snakes on a plane thing?

      Delph has done really well at City.

    4. XabiAlonso
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Don't think he'd get back in the first team these days

    5. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'd take him at Villa.

  28. dhamphiir
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    BREAKING: @zenit_spb appoint Roberto Mancini as new head coach on three-year deal. #SSNHQ

  29. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    City could face a transfer ban over Benjamin Garre signing, which explains why they aren't messing around in this transfer window

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      who?

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        15 year old midfielder

    2. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      That does explain a lot now that I think of it hahaha

  30. Epic Fail
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Don't forget to screenshot your season history before it suddenly disappears, if you're that way inclined.

    1. Heels_Over_Head
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Why not just print and silkscreen onto a pillow case?

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        No room. It already has images of Mark and Granville on both sides.

        1. Heels_Over_Head
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Well, if you've been playing long enough, a patchwork quilt of your seasons is possible.

        2. FPL price manipulators are …
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          What about Andy?

          1. Epic Fail
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            My missus has him on her pillowcase.

            1. FPL price manipulators are …
              • 10 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Does Christina know this?

            2. Jafooli
              • 12 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              😆