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

    Zaha was actually looking very impressive last season. He's finally delivering!

    What price do you expect next season? 6.0m-6.5m?

    1. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      7 maybe? Still too​ hit and miss for me.

      1. A.T
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        There was talk of Spurs interest at one point. That seems to have died off now but it's be interesting if he got a late move after the prices came out.

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

          He signed a new contract at Palace

          1. A.T
            • 13 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Ah right O. Scratch that then.

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

        Yeah, new (attacking)manager might change things up though.

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Good point. I forgot about BFS going. Maybe Palace defenders will be back on the radar too.

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

            One of PvA/Schlupp being ooP on the left could be a thing.

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

              If Sakho stays fit their defenders should be good value. Amazing defender.

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

                If Sakho is a Palace player more importantly. Wasn't he on loan?

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

                  Yeah, just noticed. Missed that part of the season.

                  Maybe not then 😆

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

                    Liverpool will probably sell him to CP though.

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

        Yeah, I know what you mean. Sam leaving is a blow too.

        Still tempts me though, he even scored a higher PpG than Sane 😉

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          That I didn't know 🙂

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I really want to restore my....heavy hitter/Zaha/Bolasie/Heavy hitter ...midfield for at least some of the upcoming season.

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

      I'd say 6.5 - 7.0 would be pushing it I think. Still not consistent enough.

      At 6.5, he'd be very attractive, although we'd have to show patience.

  2. Saxe-Gotha
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Interesting from Sky. 'UNITED EYE £50M LACAZETTE'

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wouldn't take any notice. It'll be somebody else by this time tomorrow.

      1. Saxe-Gotha
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        True.

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

      Griezmann on the bench?

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

        Won't make the 18 with Messi & Ronaldo about.

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

    What's everyone's strategy for their GW1 team; short term picks with an early WC in mind or longer term and hope to save the WC for later? Is there much value in holding onto the first WC for a while or does everyone usually pull the trigger early?

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

      I'll plan for the first 3-4 weeks and see what happens. Things change so quickly in this game.

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I always plan my team for the short to medium term but all that goes out the window after a bang average score gw1 and after a few tipples I will hit that WC (as is tradition)

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

      I've usually started badly and panicked. I'm hoping I can use some patience this year and not waste my WC in GW3 and bring in Mirallas 🙁

    4. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'll be playing it early. As with Optimus it'll be a few tipples on the first Friday and playing the wine card for me.

      No point pretending it'll be any other way.

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

        Amen 😀

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

      My plan is that I don't have a plan, just see what happens at the time.

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

        Good plan.

    6. Tansey
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I try not to just plan for the short-term but in both of the last 2 seasons I've used my WC just after GW2. Might just set up short-term with the intention of maybe WCing and see what happens

    7. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I usually try to select the best team possible and then just watch the points come, saving WC for the Christmas period.

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

    A month and a half after tearing his ACL, Zlatan has already started working with the ball. Long way to go still but for him being able to (lightly) kick the ball already this early is pretty amazing.

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

      Zlatan doesn't kick balls. Balls kick Zlatan

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

      Not that IMO, have friends doing same thing without being "lions" or what he calls him self.

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

    Anyone still posting should be offered complimentary membership by Mark for keeping this site alive

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

      Even if what we post is useless nonsense?

      By we I mean me.

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

          Dreamboat.

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Phew I thought you meant me 😉

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Thankfully my mod badge(invisible at the min, might be a bug) comes with free membership as part payment

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

      This.

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

      I had to pay because my posts are utter tripe

  6. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Any gamers on?

    Steam is going to make Company of heroes Eastern front available for free tonight. It's a total mod conversion of the original CoH...

    Just thought I'd give that heads up for anybody who plays it.

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

    New album from Roger Waters tomorrow!

    I can't wait!

  8. Deeney-is-a-god
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    I just hope Marco Silva will play attacking football and the price of Troy Deeney will be reasonable, would love him as my third striker (if he performs that is). Will have to see how he sets up in pre- season.

    Which other cheap strikers will you guys be monitoring during pre- season?

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

      Providing Deeney hasn't turned into a bouncy castle

      1. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He will have a brilliant season next year, just wait and see;)

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

      Nacho and Defoe.

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Solanko without a doubt

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        It's your year 😎

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

          😎

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

      Ihenacho, Defoe. Really like the thought of Defoe already. Playing in an attacking team and a proven goalscorer every season. Possibly on pens too

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

      Defoe seems like a shoe-in for me. Great finisher in an attacking team.

      1. Point-one short
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Yep same here, hope his price is reasonable

      2. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I reckon he will cost a little more than the likes of iheanacho and deeney though. Considering his last couple of season with sunderland and the fact that he will be in a better and more attacking team. I think FPL will consider all this when setting the price...

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

          8.0 the very max imo

          1. Point-one short
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Yeah, hope he stays 7.5. 7 is probably too much to ask for. He will be 35+ years old so not so tempting if he's 8.0

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

              Also, remember we have fixtures as another factor as well as price.

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

          Agreed and I think the steady goals he'll provide justify a higher price. But it's one I'm willing to pay 🙂

          1. Deeney-is-a-god
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Yep, even if his price would be as high as 8.0, he will still be defoe in an attacking team.

            He has scored 15 goals in to seasons in a row, and that for a dreadful Sunderland. Surely he could de even better in a team that actually manage too score more than Harry Kane...

            However, I think he will suit a second striker slot, rather than a third striker. Could be to much money in attack then.

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

          Defoe 7.5
          Iheanacho 7.0
          Deeney 6.5

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

            Looks pretty reasonable.

            What about Kane, Agüero and Jesus?

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

              Kane 12.5
              Aguero 12.0
              Jesus 10.5

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

                My strikeforce is gonna be expensive then 🙂

                Kane, Jesus, Defoe

  9. Optimus.
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    With rumours of VVD to Liverpool growing who's position is under threat..

    Kompany, Stones or Otamendi?

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

      FSG

    2. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      ? Do you mean to Man City?

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      This is more amusing if you misread it as VDV

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

        Still amusing if you read it 2Vs and a D

  10. Tansey
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Describe your FPL career using a movie name

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

      Fear & Loathing in Week 1

    2. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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

      Freddy Got Fingered.

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

        That's your answer to every "Describe [Something] using a movie title."

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

      Backdoor sluts 9

    5. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lotr : The fellowship of the ring

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

      Fast and Furious.

    7. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Clueless

    8. 1966 was a great year for E…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Dumb and Dumber

    9. Chucky
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Buried

    10. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Saturday Night Fever

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

      Norway fpl career would be Lost in Translation.

      1. Deeney-is-a-god
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        ^

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

      Crash

    13. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Superbad

    14. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Scary Movie

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Reported for having more than one team

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          https://youtu.be/JbaFq043TiE

    15. A.T
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Groundhog day

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

        Why do you have to bring Wenger into everything?

        1. A.T
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          https://youtu.be/tKdcjJoXeEY

          😀

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

            Funny, isn't it?

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

              Why do you have to bring Wenger into everything?

    16. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Human traffic

    17. Jernau M Gurgeh
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The Scream

    18. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Suicide Squad

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

      Anal pandemonium 2

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

        https://twitter.com/AntoGriezmann/status/870348612311678976

        Ouch Nidgey, I thought this one would go through. The signs were there

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

          Can never be too sure mate.. even about this.. if he's staying he's staying we move on.. Bale perhaps.. Lukaku, Belotti.. who knows? the money will get spent somehow

        2. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I feel your pain Berbs

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

            🙂

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

              😉

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

      The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

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

        Ops. Already taken.
        Wild tales then

    21. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Shame

    22. 4. Arsenal FC
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Captain Phillips

    23. SneakyPete
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Risky Business

    24. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The Englishman Who Went up a Hill but Came down a Mountain

  11. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Theresa May seems adament that the Naylor report is key.

    I for one dont trust anyone who believes Neil Taylor mixes economics with solid defending.

    1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe she meant the Raylor report ? .

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        OOP

        1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Free kicks too 😎

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Foolish not to trust in him. Corbyn does

            1. Jernau M Gurgeh
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Corbyn trusts Diana Abbott as well .... lmao

    2. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      May's a decent player, but not direct enough playing on the right, and too many silly u-turns.

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

        She could be the next man City goalie and still do a better job than Joke Hart at Torino.

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

    What do you think of these Manchester United fans?

    https://mobile.twitter.com/antogriezmann/status/870348612311678976

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

      People who have more free time than us.

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

    Griezmann confirms on twitter that he is staying. Guillem Ballague has sees it then exclusively confirms that Griezmann has changed his mind about joining Utd and will stay at Atletico Madrid

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

      Congratulations to Man Utd.

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

      Hooray!!! Just what the doctor ordered 😎

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      @Paul

      You can bin that article

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

    James McClean looks like a combination of Steven Gerrard and Brock Lesnar.

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

      And tackles like a 7 year old.

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

        on speed

  15. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    How much money would it take to prise Harry Kane form Spurs i wonder?

    Could he be got for for under £80m?

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

      I don't think Spurs would sell at any price unless Kane asked to leave. If he did I don't see why they would let him go for anything less than a world record fee.

    2. Deeney-is-a-god
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      English, 23, scored 20+ goals in three seasons, Tottenham with ambitions and CL football, Levy.

      I reckon we are talking a new world record...
      But will just be speculations, cause I don't think he will leave spurs any time soon.

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

      Especially with Levy at the helm, and him being happy to stay ... Probably £100m

  16. 4. Arsenal FC
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Am I the only one here that thinks that Dybala is better than Griezmann?

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

      Probably

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

      I think he's more talented but Griezmann has been doing it consistently at the top level for a few years now. Give Dybala a couple more seasons and he'll be one of the biggest stars in the game.

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He's won more than Griezmann has.

  17. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Lol just seen the news... what came first, the Griezmann chicken or the Mourinho egg on face? 😀

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

      what news?

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Sky saying Griezmann has tweeted 'Now more than ever, #Atletico' after Utd had supposedly cooled their interest earlier

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

          LOL

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He actually looks like a cross between a chicken and an egg.

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

          Lol

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

        Big Ed 🙂

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

    As much as I'd love to laugh at United's expense right now, I'm not 100% certain Griezmann wont end up there by the end of the window, and therefore I will smile but hold my tongue at this recent news.

    I suggest my fellow "ABU's" do the same 😉

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

      Yeah it's so topsy-turvey; things can change so quickly.

      Maybe it was all just diversion tactics so we didn't see the real scoop - Fletcher to Stoke!!!!

  19. Ruut
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    How do I get a picture next to my name?

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

      http://www.gravatar.com 🙂

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

      Here you go...from the FAQ linked in the footer

      How do I get a picture next to my name when I post a comment?
      Head on over to http://www.gravatar.com and register for an account (make sure you register with the same email as the one you are registered with here). Choose an image, and this will be associated with all of your comments on site. Your gravatar image should appear next to your comments within roughly 24 hours.

  20. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    So that's it for a daily hot topic then?

    It's desperately sad how this website is allowed to fade and whither away during the off season.

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No Ball Games Allowed.

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

      Cricket only now lad.

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

        Precisely.

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

      Stay tuned, you'll get an Eliteserien hot topic tomorrow.

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

        Get out.

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

      This should be a hot topic.

    5. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Hard to know what Mark and the mods can do about it. Perhaps the next hot topic should be for suggestions on how to keep the site alive at this time of year, All suggestions welcomed.

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

      Same every year - I actually wish I didn't have to read the news in the UK as a source of alternate "content to consume" but, sadly, that's the way it goes. Quiet time for all.

      Plus tbh the FPL season can be very full on. Guessing the break is nice for some(!?)

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

      No, there should be a daily Hot Topic - Jonty is on hols till Monday but we should have assigned someone to post it today. Apologies - I'll step in tomorrow. Normal service resumed from Monday.

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

        All you have to do is see if anyone has posted a decent question, then just make it green. There's nothing special about what Jonty posts. Anyone can do it.

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

          Don't spoil it - I want an excuse to spend the night dreaming up a topic.

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

            😀

          2. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            You could just replace it with a daily list of which players Man United are signing on any given day. It changes daily and accounts for about half the posts anyway. Job done.

        2. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          This. TBH it's a bit cringeworthy when they post 'hot topic' and make it one even before anyone has replied

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

            It's intentional. I like to try and get an early article up and then post a topic of the day in that article - it's not a Jonty thing, I ask for it to be done.

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              But a 'hot' topic is surely a topic that becomes hot? I don't knock any initiative to encourage posting but it smacks of self importance when a mod asks a question and hulks it immediately. But it works so hey.. 🙂

              1. Dr Dream
                • 11 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                I'm not sure "Maybe a hot topic" would look right tbh.

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

                It was designed to be both.

                We post a topic that we think is a viable discussion for the day, based on a recent event or something that we know is a key point in that Gameweek. Community hot topics are more organic, in that we react to the response. However, I'm keen to be more reactive to community posts in the future, regardless of the weight of response.

                1. Wild Rover
                  • 13 Years
                  6 years, 10 months ago

                  Fair comment, I guess my point is aimed more at posts during the season; for instance you get post after post asking who everyone is captaining and suddenly a mod pops up with the same question and 'hulks' it

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

                    Aye, that's not good. I'll raise that. The mod posting the HT should have an appreciation for topics being discussed before posting the daily HT.

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

          Normally Andy has posted the same thing about half an hour earlier anyway

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

    Might have to change my grav to big V and extend his forehead.

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

      Virginho's Forehead?

  22. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Looks like Griezmann is happy with his 3rd place trophy and then get knocked out by Real Madrid in CL!

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Maybe he's just happy with his life as it is, and not just football.

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

      Hope Sanchez is happy with 5th place and a now irrelevant trophy... doubt it 🙁

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

      Would need to get his skates on if he wants to add to his one Spanish charity shield he has won in his career lol

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        So he already has a third of a treble? Nice 😛

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

        Wonder who is the best player never to have won anything of note? Maybe keeping to the modern era...

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Tom Finney.

        2. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Ha. Just looked it up on google and they agreed. Matt Le Tiss in the mix as well.

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

            Yeah Matt Le Tiss I think was the one I was thinking of 😀

            Did you have a gander at our article in the end btw?
            And weren't you on a podcast (Feud?) a year or so back...? Or have I mixed you up with another FFSer... sorry if so!

            1. Dr Dream
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Yes I did...and I've been on your FB site.

              It's really good what you're doing. I hope you make the FB site work because it's been hard going for folk getting FB FPL sites up and running. I have no idea why tbh.

            2. Dr Dream
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Oh...and no. I've never been on a podcast.

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

                Aww thanks Wakey. Yeah the FB is more of another way for people to follow us, it seems like Twitter first (I've never tweeted before this weekend, neither had Nick lol, now we are becoming addicted) seems the way to go as you can cross-post. But it's a bit of a tough ask to have content for each... we both have real jobs and life events over this summer so trying to fit it all in, but we'll try 🙂

                + Ahh who the flip was that!? Could've sworn it was you 😀 Nevermind!

                Either way, we'll be doing our maiden pod on Sunday so hopefully you'll give us a listen!

      3. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Lost the Euro Final too.

        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Better than not playing it.

    4. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Looks like Atletico is not happy to sell their star player if they are not allowed to buy ANY replacement.

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

      Better than getting 5th/6th with Man United

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        And I'd take CL final over any number of domestic cup wins any day.

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

          Think most ambitious players would, especially someone of Griezmann's calibre. I guess Man U offer a nice salary, so there's that.

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

            If they come out of that final with a winners medal then yeah it goes without saying really.. You think Wenger takes more pride in losing a CL final than the 7 Fa cups he has won?

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

              Just taking the mick. He was set on joining you guys until the transfer ban, so I'm sure he believes a PL/CL title is more than possible.

              He even publicly said that Atléti need to sign more players for next season, considering how relatively poor they were this year (compared to the last five seasons), I don't blame him. Clearly he wants more, but he wasn't going to leave Atléti in the dust without a replacement. Not to mention the damage it would cause to any future Man U & Atléti dealings.

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

                Was very excited by the prospect but we will move on i'm not going to dwell on it.. good to have you back mate

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

                  Yeah, plenty or proper, proven Mou #9's in the market you've been linked with, & you guys have the funds for it as well. Lukaku beckons, methinks.

                  Nice to see you to, Nidge

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

                    It's frigging Zasa!

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

                      Greetings, Hibbert

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

        Good to see you posting again Zasa.

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

          Just the odd shitepost here or there tbh. Good to see you around though, Diva.

  23. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Dow S&P 500 and Nasdaq have finished at a record high

    It is official America is great again

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      UK had it's highest ever FTSE 100 price last week whilst nurses are using food banks, disabled people are having their DLA cut, and hundreds of thousands have zero hours contracts...

      It's official the UK ain't that great again...

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

        The NHS is run by the government of the UK and is not a plc

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

    So the rumours about Jonty leaving at the end of the season were true? 🙁

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

      Two-year contract on the table. The bi-planes and banners had no effect.

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

        Was that after you failed to get Daniel out of retirement to take up the mantle? 😉

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

        The pitchforks will be out if he doesn't deliver next season Mr. Mark Gazidis.

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

      On a free to FantasyFootballFix

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

      "The way I've been treated this year by the community and my fellow scouts has been a disgrace.
      [Grumbles something about goals imminent tables being widely chortled at]
      I shall not forget it."

  25. Diva
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Mark, did you see my question about FFS stats (90mins, assists) a couple of weeks back? Wondering if was something that would be possible? Cheers.

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

      Missed that - drop me a mail at mark@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

      We're about to roll out a change to our Time Played stat and, as you'll see from a link in the next post, we're adding Fantasy Assists or FPL assists in our next task.

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

        Thanks. I'll try to do that in the next few days if possible. My comment was on your hot topic on the article about the proposed changes. I was basically asking if we can please have all four sets of stats: the two you are removing and the two you are bringing in. I'll explain my reasons in the email in case you can't find my post.

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

          Sure. We're keeping the old assist stat for sure and I think we have an "absolute time played" which preserves the other stat. I'll check your email though.

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

            Thanks Mark. Glad to hear it if both will be retained in some form. I got the impression from your article about the changes that they were being replaced.

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

              The new Time Played will be shown in tables but I'll get the alternative Absolute Time Played available in Custom Tables.

              I intend to show both Assists and FPL Assists in the default tables, though.

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

                Great, thanks Mark.

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

            Thanks Lawro.

  26. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Just watching a Frank Skinner doco about Mohamed Ali. It's been made like it's ancient history...

    I feel very old.

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

      I remember Frank Skinner.

      Didn't he used to have a fantasy football show back in the olden days?

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

        Yep, David Badiel and Statto (Angus ???).

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

          I'm missing the word "with" there.

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Angus Loughran - he wasn't a very good Statto though in real life as went bankrupt due to gambling debts.

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

            Oh dear. Didn't he do TV betting commentary on horse races after the Fantasy show ended?

  27. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Aye. Back in the days when for a brief while humour and Footy programmes were happy bedfellows....

    Now we're stuck with some right miserable sods.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Reply fail to epic fail....oddly...

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

      Haha it's so true though isn't it?

      Barney Ronay did a really good article on the hugely corporate twitter owned by young Renato Sanches - https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/28/dele-alli-twitter-loneliness-cautionary-tale-renato-sanches - made me realise that we are in a position where some are now so scared to say anything at all which gives them a semblance of character that they just don't have a personality anymore. Apart from loving football. Which is surely a given, unless you're a genuine maverick like Mr Assou Ekotto was!

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

    Another great year for Lawro: https://t.co/Kvhjfwm637

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

      Thanks you, I was having trouble getting to sleep but this should help 😉

  29. TokyoRisingSun
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    test