Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Pre-Season

Alex Iwobi catches the eye for Arsenal and Dominic Solanke does the same for Liverpool on a busy day of pre-season matches.

There are also wins for Leicester City and Swansea City, while Everton prepare for their entry into the Europa League fray next week with a strong win in Holland.

Here are the notes from yesterday’s matches…

Arsenal 1 Bayern Munich 1 (Arsenal win 3-2 on penalties)

July 19, 2017 – the day an English team beat a German one on penalties. And the day Arsenal beat Bayern Munich.

Shame it was only a pre-season friendly…

Alex Iwobi’s late, late equaliser, from an Aaron Ramsey cross, took the match to spot-kicks after Bayern had defended a lead for the best part of 85 minutes.

The Germans then failed to score from three of their five attempts, with Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez saving the decisive penalty from Juan Bernat.

Ramsey (7.0) now has a goal and an assist from three pre-season outings, which will please his 5.1% FPL ownership.

That’s of particular relevance to Fantasy managers keen to take advantage of Arsenal’s excellent schedule up to Gameweek 8 – aside from trips to Liverpool and Chelsea, they have six matches rated as a 2 in the Fixture Difficult Rankings.

But Iwobi – who is available for just 5.5 and currently owned by a mere 0.8% – has contributed in all three matches, notching a goal and two assists.

However, the main rider here remains the future of Alexis Sanchez. If the Chilean does stay at the club, there seems little doubt that Iwobi would have to form an orderly queue behind both Sanchez and Mesut Ozil for a place supporting the lone striker in Wenger’s 3-4-2-1 set-up.

New man Sead Kolasinac started the match but lasted only until just before half-time before going off due to a sickness bug. Both Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud failed to take part after also falling ill, with Mohamed Elneny again asked to fill in at the back, while Ramsey and Theo Walcott played on despite feeling unwell.

Arsenal XI: Cech (Martinez 71); Bielik (Bramall 46), Elneny, Monreal; Maitland-Niles, Coquelin (Walcott), Xhaka (Ramsey 61), Kolasinac (Nelson 43); Ozil (Iwobi 46), Welbeck (Nketiah 71); Lacazette (Willock 46).

Liverpool 2 Crystal Palace 0

A first Liverpool goal for Dominic Solanke helped the Reds overcome a stubborn Crystal Palace in Hong Kong.

Solanke fired home from a Divock Origi flick before the Belgian striker then sealed the victory from a Philippe Coutinho assist.

Liverpool’s riches in attack are already causing issues among Fantasy managers, with Coutinho (30.8%), Roberto Firmino (20.2%) and new man Mohamed Salah (12.4%) all already well-owned despite no clear indications as to who, if any, will enjoy undroppable status this season.

Solanke’s fine goal and all-round performance merely muddies the water further, with manager Jurgen Klopp confirming that rotation will be a definite factor as his team prepare for Champions League football.

“If it stays like this. I would say you should perform if you want to play. I cannot decide this. It’s the performance that decides it. Hopefully we have the opportunity to do things like this (rotate). The plan is in the end we have a squad that is big enough to cope with the intensity of all the tournaments. The first thing we have to do now, not just all the transfers, is to prepare for the Premier League and the Champions League qualifier. That’s my main target. Everything else is prepared. We know all about the players. The more important thing now is to get the players here now fit for the first games. That decides a lot and I really want to use a nice base.”

Klopp used his preferred 4-3-3 formation in a first half that saw youngster Ben Woodburn utilised in a deeper role before switching to a 4-4-1-1 system after the break that involved Coutinho playing off lone striker Solanke.

Klopp described the set-up as ‘nice to watch’.

Opposing coach Frank De Boer rolled out a 3-4-3 which included Andros Townsend playing at wing-back, with Christian Benteke and Wilfried Zaha starting in attack alongside Keshi Anderson.

Jason Puncheon captained the team for the first time since being handed the armband by De Boer, while new signing Ruben Loftus-Cheek who, priced at just 4.5, has already attracted 16.4% ownership figures, came on for the final few minutes.

The loan signing from Chelsea was uppermost in De Boer’s thoughts post-match.

“Ruben knows the system and he is a very young lad so he can improve and learn a lot still. I think it’s a quality injection for the squad, and the position he played today was a sitting midfielder but he can also play offensive midfield, so we can use him in a lot of situations. It’s a long season and he has to play himself into the team, but I think he has the quality to do that.”

Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Alexander-Arnold (Flanagan 45), Matip (Lovren 45), Gomez (Klavan 45), Moreno (Milner 45); Henderson (Solanke 50), Lallana (Origi 48), Woodburn (Grujic 48); Salah (Kent 50), Firmino (Coutinho 48), Sturridge (Wijnaldum 48).

Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey, Ward, Dann (Kelly 77), Delaney, Townsend (Wan-Bissaka 59), Milivojevic (Loftus-Cheek 77), Puncheon (Kirby 77), Schlupp (Van Aanholt 59), Zaha (Phillips 77), Benteke (Ladapo 72), Anderson (Sako 65).
Sub not used: Speroni.

Leicester City 1 West Brom 1 (Leicester win 7-6 on penalties

Marc Albrighton scored the decisive spot-kick in Hong Kong after Ben Hamer had saved Sam Field’s strike to ensure Leicester City will battle Liverpool for the imaginatively-named Asia Trophy on Saturday evening.

Jay Rodriguez had hit a fine opener for West Brom, lashing home from a Jake Livermore pass, before Riyad Mahrez equalised with a superb solo effort.

Daniel Amartey was used as right-back alongside new signing Harry Maguire at centre-half in Leicester’s defence, while the Foxes’ other debutant, Vicente Iborra, was introduced later, along with captain Wes Morgan, midfielders Danny Drinkwater and Albrighton, and striker Jamie Vardy.

City boss Craig Shakespeare didn’t have new signing Eldin Jakupovic available for the Asia trip, but the goalkeeper is expected to join up with the squad soon, while reports suggest that Man City striker Kelechi Iheanacho has as good as signed for the Foxes as well.

Baggies boss Tony Pulis put Egypt defender Ahmed Hegazi in from the start following his arrival on a season-long loan.

West Brom will now face Crystal Palace at the weekend after losing a shoot-out that was run using the ABBA system of penalty takers.

Leicester City XI: Hamer; Amartey (Simpson 46), Maguire (Moore 46), Benalouane (Morgan 46), Elder (Fuchs 46); Riyad Mahrez (Iborra 48), Ndidi (King 44), James (Drinkwater 44), Lawrence (Albrighton 48); Slimani (Vardy 44), Okazaki (Ulloa 44).

West Brom XI: Foster; Nyom, Evans, Hegazi (Wilson 66), Dawson; Yacob (Chadli 56), Livermore (Harper 77), Phillips (Leko 57), Brunt (Field 52), Rodriguez (McClean 51); Rondon (Robson-Kanu 57).

FC Twente 0 Everton 3

Everton warmed up for next week’s first leg of their Europa League third round qualifying tie at Goodison with an emphatic win in Holland.

Goals from Kevin Mirallas, Aaron Lennon and Kieran Dowell saw off Enschede, with new signing Michael Keane coming in for his first start alongside Ashley Williams at centre-half and Dominic Calvert-Lewin given a run-out up front in place of Wayne Rooney.

Ronald Koeman has been busy in the transfer market, but deemed new men Jordan Pickford and Sandro Ramirez, along with youngster Mason Holgate, not fit enough to play yet.

Former Southampton full-back Cuco Martina did make his Everton debut, however, coming on for the last 30 minutes as Koeman made a host of changes.

Everton face Genk at the weekend before their competitive season begins next Thursday evening.

Everton XI: Stekelenburg, Baines (Connolly 46), Keane (Jagielka 46), Williams (Dowell 60), Kenny (Martina 60); McCarthy, Barry (Schneiderlin 60), Davies (Besic 60), Mirallas (Lennon 60), Lookman (Klaassen 60); Calvert-Lewin (Rooney 60).

Richmond Kickers 1 Swansea City 2

Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham scored his first goal for Swansea City as Paul Clements’s men left it late to win in America.

The 5.5-priced striker is attracting a certain amount of interest as a budget option should the ongoing injury to Fernando Llorente keep the Spaniard sidelined, and Abraham did his cause no harm when he headed home a Martin Olsson in the 80th minute.

Fellow striker Ollie McBurnie had earlier given the Swans the lead from the penalty spot after defender Kyle Bartley had been fouled in the Richmond box.

The 18.8%-owned defender Angel Rangel was given his first US pre-season start by Clement, with Mike van der Hoorn, Stephen Kingsley, Jay Fulton, Matt Grimes, Jefferson Montero and McBurnie all also in the side for the first half.

Grimes was handed set-piece duties until he was replaced by Tom Carroll with half an hour to go.

Swansea City XI: Nordfeldt (Mulder 45); Rangel (Naughton 67), Bartley (Fernandez 67), van der Hoorn (Mawson 67), Kingsley (Olsson 67); Mesa (Britton 67), Fulton (Fer 61), Grimes (Carroll 61), Narsingh (Routledge 61), Montero (Ayew 61); McBurnie (Abraham 60).

1,189 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster
    Lindelof, Trippier, Daniels
    Alli, Coutinho, Ramsey, Willian
    Aguero, Kaku, Gayle

    Subs: Myhill, Morgan, Mee, T Carroll

    Please help. Kane missing but Aguero can match his tally in the first 3 or 4 games I guess.

    1. Prokoptas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty nice looking team - not totally convinced on Gayle, but that's a tricky price bracket for third forwards.

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate. I guess Gayle is first choice NEW forward. I like Vokes but they have Gray and Barnes at Burnley.

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Morgan/ Mee to a 4.0 and make Cout into Mane

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I am sure which 4.0 to trush. At least Mee will play and Burnely can nick CSs at home. Morgan too plus he can score.

        I do agree with Mane choice. Thanks!

        1. Joggers Nipple
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Fair enough, just for me your 5th def will never play and the upside for Mane is, imo, bigger. Anyway, sound team

      2. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I meant "i'm not sure" who to trust obviously

    3. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like it

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

      Wonder about Ramsey, think he's a bit of a flash in the pan; 7.0 for a reason. Output average about 112 in 14/15-15/16, after that one season of glory. Maybe consider another alternative... could also free up 0.5 by changing one of the 4.5 defenders on the bench into a 4.0 and put him 3rd sub to get someone better in

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. I do like Tadic who will free up 0.5. I can then get Mane for Cout.

    5. Going Home
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Very similar to mine, so obviously I like it! Got Austin over Gayle but think Gayle is a safe option, Also got Tadic over Willian to keep cash in the bank for Kane if needed

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks! Willian to Tadic? Instead of Ramsey?

    6. D_wins_chips
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lol if you get Mané, we basically have the same team. Instead of Ramsey and Willian I went with having 4 defenders. Che def, Man U def, Spurs def and Ars def are all looking at clean sheets this season I reckon.

      1. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        lol... I had 4.5 mid before today in a 433 team. But I guess I will stick with 343. Want a chelsea def but can't have all. Yes, Mane is my preferred Liv mid.

    7. Bored Bear
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Are you gonna play Daniels every week? I like Daniels but it's frustrating when he gets 2 goals against Arsenal and he's on your bench. This is the problem generally with goal-scoring cheaper defenders.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        If I go with my Sánchez team, yes, I will. Most weeks, with the other.

      2. Live Lad
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        No I'm not going to. Mee/ Morgan can play at times.

    8. GAMBIT
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I had this same team with a different, yet similarly priced bench and Cedric in place of Daniels. I figured Bellerin would score more than Ramsey so I upgraded my 4.5 and downgraded Ramsey

  2. One Man
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A. Kolasinac & Lacaz

    OR

    B. Daniels & Lukaku ?? To start with ??

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

      B but both are great options.

    2. Prokoptas
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B for me.

    3. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B i like more for fantasy ( arsenal fan)

      1. One Man
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks folks much appreciated. Greatfull for the input Arsenal fan.

  3. AA33
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Foster
    Cedric Yoshida Dawson Evans
    Alli Sane Stanislas
    Kane Lukaku Jesus

    Elliot RLC Carroll Mariappa

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Good team. But i wouldn't play triple west brom at the back. And double southampton

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

      Eggs and baskets spring to mind.

  4. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    We probably have had this question a lot recently but who do you think is underpriced?

    Following on from the last page - Matt Phillips could be, especially compared to other players between 7-8m. He has the ability to match them over a few weeks but is unlikely to be a season keeper.

    Willian is also on the underpriced list for me - only for the start of the season but that doesn't matter, it's what we have transfers for.

    Begovic at 4.5m - proven premier league keeper, albeit in a team that does leak a few goals but maybe with him and Ake in the side that might improve

    Shaw - Once he's over that injury if he gets regular starts then he could be a bargain at £5m in a Mourinho defence, especially if we play 3-5-2 (although I think that's unlikely). Yes he may get injured but for that price it's a risk I'm willing to take.

    1. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Tripper @ 5.5
      Alli @ Sub 10.0

      Possibly even Aguero! He's a 'wait and see'

    2. Agger
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I really think Lacazette is one. For someone who I think could score 25 league goals..

      1. Astronautovic
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Do u think he will get 20+ goals in his first pl season?

        1. Agger
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yes. This myth about players not being able to hit heights in their first Premier league season!! There's been plenty of player's who've had immense first seasons.
          And if you look at his goal scoring record at every level, and add the fact Arsenal create buckets of chances. I think it's a match made in heaven!

          1. Make Arrows Green Again
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah, the Carlos Kickaball fantasy myth has been pretty much busted. Modern players are much more aware of the game in general and there are better mechanisms in place to help them adapt and settle in.

      2. boavista14
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        1/3 off his goals last season was from penalties.

    3. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alli/eriksen maybe

    4. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alli
      Willian but only as Haz out
      Trippier
      Maybe, Maybe Tadic

      1. ponsio22
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I agree with tadic. Haven't put him in my team because i want to wait and see, but he has potential to score big.

    5. ponsio22
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think Lindelof, Cedric, Trippier are great value. But i think everyone has spotted that.

      I think Coutinho is underpiced, he was the top scoring Liverpool midfielder and was Klopps main man. But i know people have different opinions on that.

    6. SW6
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Alli for sure. Maybe Redmond

    7. FALCAO & MOU
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fabregas - just look at his history.
      Iwobi - If Sanchez is leaving, Iwobi is trending.
      Trippier - Beauty now that Walker has left, more attacking threat then Walker.
      Aguero - He is priced high, but Guardiola seems to trust him more than ever now, and if that amplifies his game time, we have a bargain for sure.

      1. Tornado
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        What makes you think aguero is more trusted and nailed on?

        1. FALCAO & MOU
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Guardiola praised Aguero much more towards the end of last season and I owned him, so I know he was starting games whenever he was fit towards the end of last season.

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

      I was surprised to see KdB down to 10.0
      Dann was a surprise at 5.0, but I suspect he's none too pleased at losing the captaincy
      Tadic at 6.5 I think is a little underpriced
      I was also surprised that Brighton and Newcastle defenders all dodged the 5.0
      Shaw perhaps, yeah

      1. andy85wsm
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Was also a little surprised about KDB.

        I don't think Ozil is underpriced but does have the ability to do better than his price tag (does that make sense?!)

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yes.

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

          Yeah he has the ability to provide more points per value given him dodging the 10.0, but I was surprised too that he didn't get the 9.0.

          KdB is one who is near and around my side at the moment. Hopefully we'll see him produce immediately, and some of his shots against the woodwork go in

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

              Wow yeah chances created. Good.

    9. Clump
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Francis, Phillips, Ali, possibly Bertrand.

    10. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Austin at 6.5 will be in a lot of teams if he starts. Fab, Willian and Trippier.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        and Tadic

    11. Simon Says...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      GKs - not having a 6mil goalkeeper is again lovely. All pretty fairly priced I'd say. Is Begovic more appealing than Foster? Probably not, fair they're the same price.

      Defenders: Trippier, Shaw (big if) & Lindelof all look very good value. Daniels at 5.0 is also undervalued. Cedric deserves to be 5.0 but with those fixtures it's a lovely price.

      Midfielders - Alli's price is low, and Eriksen's too. Expected 10.5 and 10. Agreed on Phillips and Willian, both very tempting. I'd say Zaha at 7 too is lower than expected, especially if he plays just off Benteke. Understand why he's 8.0 but Mkhi could be a steal for that. T.Carroll at 4.5 is a bargain.

      Strikers - Austin and Gabbi are lower than I expected. Whoever takes the shirt will get loads of buyers. Aguero is very tempting at 11.5, especially if he's on pens. Rooney may be completely shot, but at 7.5 is he going to do better than Perez, Origi, Jansen, King? I'd say probably.

    12. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Coutinho, Kane and Lukaku.

      Begovic doesn't count, because the operators will all have their favoured BOU defender.

    13. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think Daniels is underpriced now. Was 5.5 now 5.0 but has better Defence (in theory) with Ake and Begovic while have good goal threat etc

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        C'mon, mate. Keep SOME lights under the bushell ... 😉

        1. OldBenKenobi
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          ha ha ha 😛

    14. bojack
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Eriksen at 9.5. Why is he less than KDB don't get that.

      Phillips I may go for because Baggies have favourable opening games and as you say he can be flogged when they turn / bandwagon emerges.

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        You are phrasing this incorrectly. The correct wording is: "why is KDB MORE than Eriksen?". 😉

    15. Sonny “The Hitman&rdq…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Do you think Shaw has overcome Mourinho's wrath Andy?
      This was his criticism just over 3 months ago:

      https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/04/jose-mourinho-luke-shaw-manchester-united-everton

    16. Rich2086
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Defoe - Age is not on his side but he scored 30 goals in 70 league starts for Sunderland over 2 seasons. Bournemouth scored nearly double the goals that Sunderland did last year you'd have to think hes going to get plenty of chances.

  5. Astronautovic
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Walker is at city now, so i think trippier

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Reply fail

  6. Tonyscott
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi. First time on fantasy league so would welcome any comments on this team, thanks.

    Courtois Elliot
    Belerrin Lindelhof Van Aanholt Simpson Mariappa
    Sane Fabregas Lingard Alli Loftus-Cheek
    Rooney Lukaki Jesus

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bellerin / PVA are a bit of a question if they will start

    2. AA33
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bellerin, Van Aanholt, Fabregas and Lingard are not nailed

  7. tyiocoyg34
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys,

    really looking for you comments on my team! maybe some changes ... i'm open to suggestions

    GK foster-(elliot)
    DEF lindelof-cedric-jagielka-(hunemeier-Mee)
    MID KDB-alli-coutinho-fabregas-(loftus-cheek/caroll?? idk)
    FWD Lacazette-Jesus ( i think he'll be first pick ) - Gayle

    Looking forward to your comments

    1. creative
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. I'd go RLC for sub in mid.

      With the Kane / Lukaku ownership i'd be terrified though.

    2. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Jagielka is a bad pick. I think he won't start.
      Going without kane and lukaku is hard
      For the 5th midfielder i would choose caroll

      1. tyiocoyg34
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Daniels for Jagielka then?

  8. creative
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts? I'm thinking go big up front so I can downgrade easily and cover all explosive options.

    Foster
    Lindelof - Cedric - Lascelles
    Ramsey - Willian - Zaha - Tadic
    Aguero - Kane - Lukaku

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good to me. Maybe switch kun to jesus and upgrade one midfielder

    2. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      You can't really downgrade easily though, if you wanted to upgrade a mid it'd take 2 transfers.. Don't like your midfield at all

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

    Another little one from articles I noticed earlier, from the Stoke sentinel about Arnie going to WHU

    http://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/stoke-boss-mark-hughes-ready-to-reinvest-windfall-as-marko-arnautovic-heads-for-west-ham/story-30446411-detail/story.html

    "Hughes has dusted off his little black book as he tries to replace one key man with another, with old long-term targets Yevhen Konoplyanka and Andriy Yarmolenko among those who have come onto the radar again.
    The manager is also considering using the money elsewhere and promoting Ramadan Sobhi to a regular starting position in the left-wing slot. Julien Ngoy and Thibaud Verlinden have also moved up from the Academy this summer."

    Sobhi at 5.0 potentially in the mix there. And one of the Ukrainians would be intriguing to see

    1. AceKn1ght
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Sobhi looked an ok player at the back end of the season... Just had very little going for him by way of end product... Just the 1 assist in 17 appearances! Will definitely be one to monitor!

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

        Haha reminds me of Pogba 😉

    2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'd love to see both Ukrainians in the premiership having grown up enjoying Oleg Blochin.

    3. Ruth_NZ
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Stoke might have a better chance of becoming a team without Arnautovic.

      West Ham have correspondingly less chance, unfortunately for them.

  10. tjs99chmidt
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hiya - Opinions on:

    Foster
    Cedric Francis Trippier
    Alli Willian Redmond RLC
    Lacazette Kane Lukaku

    Fabianski (Switch with Foster for home games)
    Mee/Lascelles (Rotation w/ Francis, Cedric, RLC)
    Carroll (Rotation with RLC)

    Not sure if I'm too heavy up front?

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't start with an 4.5 midfielder. Even if u rotate them

      1. tjs99chmidt
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Didn't realise I had 0.5mil left over.

        Have swapped Redmond and Carroll for Phillips and Ward Prowse. Seems like a decent upgrade?

  11. smix
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    JRod & Tadic or Defoe & RLC ?

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Would go with jrod and tadic because of fixtures and i don't like the RLC pick

  12. Pegboy
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What does everyone make of Henderson's prospects compared to other £5.5ms?

    Ones I have in mind are Fraser, JWP, Capoue, Mooy, Allen, even Walters etc.

    Seems pretty nailed on in a midfield otherwise stuffed with more attacking midfielders, and can usually be relied upon (if fit) to score and assist a few. But admittedly I'm looking back a couple of seasons.

    Probably best to just save the 1m and accept RLC and Carroll are just as good picks.

    1. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think jwp could be a bargain if he starts regularly. I hope the new trainer rates him

    2. Clump
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Was surprised by his performance yesterday considering how long he's been out.
      Looked the standout performer.
      FPL wise, he can play a little deep.
      Looks great value though.

  13. andy85wsm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Morata is an interesting one. Before even the Lukaku transfer went through some of the stats guys on Twitter were talking about the two and how Morata is probably the better player.

    I said at the weekend it will be quite funny that Chelsea miss out on Lukaku and end up with the better player.

    As a United fan I'm still happy, I think Lukaku is what we need and he's Prem proven. Maybe "Prem proven" is a myth but I won't be unhappy that we didn't sign Morata.

    Makes it super interesting for FPL now, so many big hitting forwards!

    1. SW6
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think Morata is a superior player to Lukaku without doubt. Doesn't mean he'll score more goals though 🙂

    2. Joggers Nipple
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Moratta (10.5) Kane Lukaku looks do-able

      Going to be fun this year with, potentially 5-8 'big' strikers

    3. ponsio22
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      What does it mean in terms of transfers. Do we chop and change between them all? or do we just stick with 2 or 3 for the majority of the season?

      1. Joggers Nipple
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        For me im picking 3 and get ready to switch.

        Also, horrible word, cover.

        Man U have no mids i want so Luk goes up the list
        MC have Sane/ KDB so Jesus gone down the list etc

        I know all dont agree with this!

    4. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      The price will be interesting

      If morota is less than Rom I.e. 10.5 could prove crucial in deciding between the two especially if you already opted for kane

    5. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm sure Morata is the superior player but not the superior striker. And since Veron I'm sure one can't say prem proven is a myth but the same goes for all leagues.
      Would have loved if we signed Belotti. But I did not want Morata so I'll settle with Lukaku. It was the safe and right option for United in this case

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

      I like Morata from the stats I've looked at for his article. Prem proven is definitely something that'll count against him early on, but they all start off that way. As the season creeps forward things might change

    7. Kered
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      When I heard united was likely to sign morata I wasnt too thrilled, (chelsea fan) something about Lukaku just didn't feel right if we brought him back.. I think he is the better fit for United and Morata better for Chelsea. Both sides won in my opinion.

  14. ROOTY7
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How's this for a slightly off- template team, lads?

    Courtois
    Cedric Kompany Trippier
    Zaha Wllian Mkhitaryan KDB
    Kane Lacazette JRod

    Elliot Carroll Mee Rosenior

    1. Baz
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like it!

    2. SW6
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Full of flair

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

      Not too off-template atall. Looks safe. Plenty of goals up top and plenty of assists in the mids!

    4. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers fellas.

  15. Baz
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Which you prefer as final 2 picks! (already have willian + Sane)

    A) Jesus + Zaha
    B) Jesus + Ramsey
    C) Lacazette + Zaha

    1. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Don't like Ramsey, leaves A or C. As you already have Sane id probably lean to C.

    2. Astronautovic
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe C laca will start most of the games. Zaha looked good against pool

    3. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      C

    4. Don Broly
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A

    5. Baz
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Cheers all

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

    Any teams other than arsenal and Chelsea, likely to play eith wing-backs alot this season?

    1. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Arsenal Tottenham Watford, maybe more

    2. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Spurs and Watford. I know Koeman likes to use that formation in some games too.

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

        Yeah Watford is an interesting one. Who do you think would be the wing-backs, Holebas and Femenia?

        1. makaveli123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Probably Holebas at LWB and Janmaat/Femenia at RWB. Femenia is only 4.5m and could be good value!

          1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            wrong

            1. makaveli123
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Thanks for correcting me.

              1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                Watford don't play 3 at the back anymore -
                Poor knowledge

    3. Clump
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Koeman always chops & changes between 3 or 4 at the back.
      Maureen has hinted he'll use them at times this year.

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

        True. Valencia nailed on either formation?

    4. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A lot of BS below about Watford playing wing backs. They do not. Marco Silva is 4-2-3-1 through and through. Idiots.......

      1. Jaws
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Achieving 1x sub 1.5 million rank in 3 seasons playing FPL shouldn't be enough to call people 'idiots'.

        1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          A fundamental understanding of football is, teethy

        2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          You've done an awful lot of research for a personal dig, just to defend a losing argument there....Nice life

          1. DON BE ZILLY
            • 6 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Not if he's got fast fingers.

            1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              He could have spent half the time investigating whether Watford play wing backs :')

              1. DON BE ZILLY
                • 6 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                That would only get him to Google's home page, really.

                1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  On the contrary, someone who knows the fundamentals of football would have required 0 clicks (Y)

                  1. DON BE ZILLY
                    • 6 Years
                    6 years, 8 months ago

                    Why would he waste his time researching it then? Might as well check your résumé.

                    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
                      • 8 Years
                      6 years, 8 months ago

                      Why would he check my resume when, my tactical knowledge is sound? There really are some cretin non-members in here now.

                      Motion for a members only forum.

                      1. DON BE ZILLY
                        • 6 Years
                        6 years, 8 months ago

                        I think he's rattled your cage.

                      2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
                        • 8 Years
                        6 years, 8 months ago

                        I think his and your logic is flawed and, you know it 😉

            2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
              • 8 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Not quick enough to successfully add his team ID however 😉

  17. WVA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Please rmt,

    Courtois
    Kompany Lindelof Monreal Trippier
    Pogba Willian Ramsey
    Kane Jesus Firmino
    Elliott Carroll Mee Rlc

    1 mil itb, any obvious changes?

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

      What's the thinking of going Monreal over Kolasinac, or is it literally just the saving?
      I like the team but the mid is a bit risky with no big hitter, need United to sign a DM before bring Pogba in I think

      1. Astronautovic
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Against bayern monreal was in an more advanced role than kolasinac

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

          That's twice in pre-season so far he's gone more advanced then?

      2. WVA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Saving and imo more nailed/settled, who knows how Kolasinac will get on and he has been struggling a bit in pre season.

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

          Ah interesting. Struggling a bit how?
          Thanks for the info

  18. Don Broly
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Foster
    Cahill Lindelof Mustafi Ake
    Mane Willian Salah Alli
    Firmino Aguero

    Bench
    Fabianski, Rangal, Chalabah, Ayew

    1. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Triple pool attack early on?

      1. Don Broly
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, go 2 opening fixtures

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

      One word: ballsy

  19. Red Rock
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I am thinking of going 4 or even 5 at the back to start, with a Wildcard being useful in the first International Break if this doesnt work out.

    Would people be looking at value defenders i.e. Cedric/Daniels/Trippier who feel underpriced, or true wing backs/full backs to take advantage of this tactic such as Alonso/Kolasinac?

    Looking at the fixtures im considering:
    Kompany (surely guaranteed clean sheet vs Brighton)
    Milner (wont start with a Pool mid - see hot topic, too much rotation)
    Cedric (fixtures)
    Daniels (opening two fixtures plus attacking threat)
    Trippier (missed out on Walker last season, looks to be the same value)

    I am lacking a United defender who as a team should lead the clean sheet tally.

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Robertson's left foot says hi

  20. Astronautovic
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Will pedro be nailed on even when haz is back? Or will there be a competition with willian?

    1. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Hopefully no I much prefer Willian

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Pedro has never been nailed and I don't see why this season will be any different

      1. Astronautovic
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        So who do we get from this chelsea team?

  21. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Courtois
    Trippier Kompany Lindelof Cedric
    Willian Ramsey Coutinho Sane
    Lukaku Kane
    Subs Elliot Carroll Murphy Rangel

    Please RMT/10

    1. ROOTY7
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      7, solid. Still not sold on the Ramsey pick.

      1. Scotty B
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Solid and still only a 7! Lol, who would you have instead of Ramsey then?

        1. nkhoughton
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Alonso is better value than Ramsey imo

          1. Scotty B
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah shame he's a defender!

    2. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      8.5/10 if you can find a budget gem, and upgrade Ramsey other than that solid imo

  22. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Something new:

    Foster/Eliot
    Trippler/Cedric/Dunk/Francis/Mee
    KDB/Wilian/Zaha/RLC/Carroll
    Laca/Kane/Kali

    Thoughts ?

    1. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      No Pool draft

    2. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      *Kaku of course !

    3. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm assuming 433? Drop kdb to sane upgrade Zaha to alli Eriksen if no pool

  23. QuintonFortune25
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Kane, KDB, Ramsey, Daniels

    B) Laca, Alli, Sane, (6.5 Defender/David Luiz)

    1. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A although Ramsey just doesn't feel right

      1. QuintonFortune25
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Who would you suggest? Can afford up to 7.5. Already have Willian

        1. Atimis
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Zaha

        2. nkhoughton
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Downgrade kdb to sane upgrade Ramsey to ozil

          Or

          Zaha Tadic Arnautovic/ switch formation and go Alonso Walker Milner

  24. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Who's with me in playing a Newcastle defender in 11 main squad ?
    With those fixtures I will play lascelles each gw.

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Who is this Lacelles, is he very attacking?

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        No. The most nailed newcastle defender and captain

        1. Ruth_NZ
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          You might think so. Plenty of Newcastle fans will tell you otherwise.

  25. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How's this effort guys?

    Foster
    Trippier,Daniels,Cedric
    KDB,Alli,Willian,Redmond
    Kane,Lukaku,J.Rodriguez

    Myhill,T.Carroll,Dunk,4.0m

    1. WVA
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Cedric worries me

    2. Duka
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good.
      Not sure if jrod will be a starter,maybe look to upgrade/downgrade him and redmond

  26. payetisgod
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all,

    Do you think KDB is the most nailed on City attacker?

    Looking at Sane as I know he got a lot of time towards the back end of last season, do you expect this to continue.

    Thanks for the help!

    1. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I think KDB is most nailed on but hard to afford him

      1. payetisgod
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        thanks - im feeling Sane should get atleast 80% of game time. Maybe the extra 2 million spent elsewhere may be more beneficial than have KDB play 95% of the time

    2. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I've gone Sane

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      + Aguero

    4. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Sané played and did well pretty much the whole time he was fit during 2017. I don't see why there are so many doubts about his game time around here.

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Because there is one more rotation risk because of Bernardo's arrival I guess.

        Jesus can also play on the left if Aguero starts in the middle.

        No City player is gonna start every single League game. None.

        Up to everyone to decide if the most nailed ones (KDB, Sané, Jesus imo) are worth it or not.

        Currently have Jesus.

        1. payetisgod
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          thanks all! def think sane .... until a surprise sachez deal happens ha!

  27. Beanz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Is draft live yet and if so how do you get to it?

  28. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Daniels and Yedlin a decent DF rotation for first few weeks? Both offer potentional attacking returns also?

  29. Dannyb
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Any suggestions guys?

    Foster (Begovic)
    Lindelof Cedric Monreal (Francis Rangel)
    Alli Sane Tadic Phillips (RLC)
    Lukaku Kane Gayle

    Cheers

  30. WVA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A. D.Silva + Lacazette
    B. Ramsey + Jesus

    1. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      both tragic

    2. nkhoughton
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Neither? Sane over silva

      Willian over Ramsey