Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Pre-Season

A loss for Chelsea, mayhem for Spurs and wins for Brighton and Burnley as the pre-season warm-ups return.

Stoke City are dulled by the Blades, however, despite the best efforts of Xherdan Shaqiri.

Here are the notes from Tuesday’s action…

Chelsea 2 Bayern Munich 3

Goals from Marcos Alonso and Michy Batshuayi took some of the sting out of a first pre-season loss for Chelsea as new striker Alvaro Morata made his debut.

The Spaniard claimed the assist for Batshuayi’s goal, flicking on a Cesc Fabregas corner, as the Blues belatedly recovered from being three down just before the break.

In an otherwise poor defensive display from the champions, Alonso’s goal, set up by Victor Moses, would have at least been heartening for the 13.9% of Fantasy Premier League managers with a chunky 7.0 tied up in the defender.

If the Spaniard is to deliver on his premium price this season, he’ll need to come close to replicating last year’s stellar campaign that harvested six goals, provided five assists and kept 15 clean sheets.

His performance against Bayern hinted at exactly that, although there were some uncharacteristic frailties on display at the back, with Thibaut Courtois and Cesar Azpilicueta particularly unconvincing as the Germans took control of the match.

Chelsea will not face many teams as potent as Bayern, however.

Young attacker Jeremie Boga again stood in for Pedro as he recovers from his almighty collision with Arsenal’s David Ospina, while Andreas Christensen played for just over an hour at the heart of Chelsea’s frequently troubled defence.

After breezing past the Gunners, this was a major reality check for Chelsea, with the 11.1%-owned Morata’s assist one of the few positives to emerge.

Chelsea XI: Courtois (Eduardo 74); Azpilicueta, Christensen (Luiz 63), Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas (Pasalic 86), Alonso (Tomori 74); Willian, Batshuayi (Baker 86), Boga (Morata 63).
Subs not used: Caballero, Bulka, Kalas, Clarke-Salter, Scott, Remy.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Roma 3

Another day, another high-scoring match for Spurs, but this time they were on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller won at the death by rivals Roma.

Late strikes from Harry Winks, from a Vincent Janssen rebound, and then Janssen himself, who swept home a Georges-Kevin Nkoudou cross, brought Spurs back from a two-goal deficit.

But the Italians had the last laugh in a match most notable for a wretched refereeing display from Hilario Grajeda.

The American official gave Roma a contentious penalty, denied Spurs what looked like a clear spot-kick of their own, watched a mini-brawl break out among the players and then tried, and completely failed, to send off Spurs coach Miguel D’Agostino.

Other than that, he had a great night.

Mauricio Pochettino mixed and matched, using three at the back in the first-half and a flat back four after the break, with key players such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld given the full 90 minutes. Youngster Josh Onomah was utilised in a central support role.

But the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market – chairman Daniel Levy going public with his belief that rivals’ spending is ‘unsustainable’ – and worries over the effect playing home matches at Wembley will have on the side have combined to dampen interest in Spurs stars.

Alli (38.0%) and Kane (34.1%) are highly popular FPL choices, but just four other team-mates make it into double figures for ownership.

By contrast, Chelsea have eight assets owned by at least 10% of FPL managers, with two injured players – Pedro and Eden Hazard – likely to join them once fit.

Spurs XI First half: Vorm; Carter-Vickers, Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dier, Dembele, Walker-Peters; Onomah, Alli; Kane.

Spurs XI Second half: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Winks, Dembele; Eriksen, Alli, Georgiou; Kane.

Southend 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 3

Solly March made it three goals in two matches for Brighton as Chris Hughton’s men again gave lower league opposition short shrift.

The midfielder scored twice, and veteran striker Glenn Murray added a third, while new Chelsea loan signing Izzy Brown was thrown straight into the side and earned post-match praise from his boss for his versatility.

“Izzy can play on either flank, but we know he can play off the front as well. Eventually, he could play as a number nine, but I don’t see him as a nine, I see him as one that is going to play off a front man or in a wide area.”

Assists came from Liam Rosenior, Markus Suttner and Murray.

Hughton chose to rest a number of first-teamers ahead of another pre-season run-out, on Saturday, against Norwich City.

It’s also worth noting that centre-back Uwe Huenemeier – priced at 4.0 in FPL and owned by 8.4% – played the full 90 minutes alongside Lewis Dunk in the heart of defence.

Brighton XI: Maenpaa; Rosenior (Cox 63), Huenemeier, Dunk (Tilley 82), Suttner (White 63); March (Molumby 82), Sidwell (LuaLua 63), Stephens (Dallison 82), Brown (Ince 63); Gross (Towell 82); Murray (Connelly 71).

Preston North End 1 Burnley 2

Robbie Brady was at the heart of Burnley’s win over Lancashire rivals Preston, with the goals coming from Jonathan Walters and Sam Vokes.

The Irish midfielder’s set-piece skills were a threat throughout.

His free-kick found Tom Anderson, who headed across goal for Walters to score, before the fit-again Vokes hit the winner, applying the slightest of touches to a Kevin Long header, again from a Brady dead-ball delivery.

Manager Sean Dyche’s latest buy, the experienced full-back Phil Bardsley, took no part in the match, but most of the Clarets’ first-team squad gained more valuable pitch-time.

Walters now has two goals and an assist since joining the club, while the productive Brady has returned a goal and assist.

But FPL interest in Burnley players remains low in light of the club’s tough start to the season – they travel to Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and Everton over the first seven Gameweeks – and only Tom Heaton and Ben Mee enjoy notable ownership.

Burnley XI: Heaton (Pope, 46); Lowton (C Long 81), Taylor (Ward 71), Anderson, K Long (Mee 64); Brady (Barnes 71), Gudmundsson (Ulvestad 75), Westwood (Defour 64), Cork (Hendrick 64); Walters (Agyei 81), Vokes (Gray 81).

Sheffield United 2 Stoke City 1

Xherdan Shaqiri was on the scoresheet for Stoke City as Kurt Zouma’s debut for the club ended in defeat.

The Swiss international combined with Ramadan Sobhi to level for the Potters before a late goal gave the hosts the win.

Chelsea loanee Zouma played the first half alongside Ryan Shawcross at the centre of the Stoke defence, but it was Shaqiri who caught the eye as he looks to take on more attacking responsibility following the sale of Marko Arnautovic to West Ham.

Elsewhere, defender Geoff Cameron was used in midfield for the first half, allowing Joe Allen to play in a more attacking role, before Hughes shuffled his pack after the break.

It should also be noted that Bardsley’s departure to Burnley seemingly cements Glen Johnson’s start at right-back or right wing-back; like Cameron, he is available as a 4.5 Stoke defender in FPL.

Stoke City XI: Grant; Johnson (Edwards 69), Pieters (Tymon 69) Shawcross (Muniesa 80), Zouma (Crouch 46); Fletcher (Adam 80) Cameron (Wollscheid 80); Shaqiri (Diouf 73), Allen (Imbula 80), Ramadan; Berahino (Bojan 73).

Keep up to date with all the summer action with our Pre-Season Guide available here.

1,953 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Scotters333
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Chicarito added in at 7.0, anyone interested?

    1. makaveli123
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yes.

    2. DeathoftheParty
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Very but probs gw3 onwards. West Ham have had a great window!

    3. F4L
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      oh yes

    4. Saïss Doesn't Mat…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      WHOOOOAAA....

  2. andy Harding
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Chicarito 7 mill bargain

  3. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all,

    Thoughts on the below? Thanks.

    A. Defoe & Phillips
    B. Chicharito & Zaha
    C. Another 14.0 combo?

    1. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      b

      1. The Mighty Whites
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        B - Willian or Ramsey though

        1. Blue&White85
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          I'm not going Willian because I think he'll only play 3/4 and after Burnley it's pretty tough. I'm keeping an eye on Ramsey though as the new shape seems to suit him.

      2. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Thanks.

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

    Riedewald 5.0

    1. HammersFan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Shame was hoping 4.5

      Seems they don't like giving us budget options this year

      1. Blue&White85
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Same. Overpriced for me as not a goal threat and won't get big bonus returns.

  5. MarceloSalasManUtd97-98
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Predicted Flops for opening season.

    My list of players who I think sound good on paper but are likely to flop. Especially if you're wild carding or usually do in weeks 2-5.

    Austin & Gabbiadini. Both names banded about a lot, and both names I've considered because of the opening fixtures. But only one of them likely to kick off the season, so one of them is going to flop. My money is on Austin being the FLOP as Gabbiadini is the bigger name and the more natural goal scorer.

    Pogba and Lindelof. Lindelof preseason has looked out of sorts, he's not up to the level of the prem yet, he's rash in the tackle and his timing is off when reading the game. I think he will come good, but will be found wanting at the beginning of the season. Pogba as well is looking like he will be restrained again by Mourinho and play too deep to warranty an 8.0 investment in him. These two for me? FLOPS.

    Alonso, Chelsea. For 7.0, and not the easiest of opening fixtures, this guy to me has FLOP written all over him. If he gets to week 5 and he's scored more than 25 points, I will be very surprised. Too expensive for what I expect him to return.

    The entire Man City team. This team has easy opening fixtures, but trying to guess who will start, and then hoping they're not dropped/ rested or played out of position is difficult. Ederson, Kompany, (Walker maybe) Mendy, De Bruyne, Aguero or Jesus are the most likely big points returns early on, but they're expensive guesses. De Bruyne for 10.0 for example, you never know when Pep will rest him for Bernardo Silva, Sterling, David Silva, also because he is so good at football, Pep doesn't mind dropping him deeper to dictate games more. The Man City team for me is a FLOP. Capable of big point returns but spread out amongst the team week by week and a potential Liverpool Midfield of last year where you're constantly head scratching about which one will play that week and be the star.

    Wayne Rooney. People might say he can't flop, as so little is expected from him, but I know a lot of others will be thinking it's because we expect so little that he can only go up, right? WRONG! This guy has major FLOPPAGE written all over him. Everton fixtures are a nightmare and also, the mans legs have gone (Think the Knight in Monthy Pythons The Holy Grail) you know who I mean, Roon is legless.

    Arnatuovic. Don't sign this guy, he is Andre Ayew mark two. West Ham are in this desperate position of trying to take advantage of the new stadium and become a "big club" but so far they're only attracting old timers and players who have had maybe one decent seasons in the prem, and then paying extortionate fees for them. Stay away from Arnautovic, he's poison. I think most people recognise this one anyway, but still, I've said it. FLIP FLAP FLOP.

    Aaron Ramsey. Jonty is saying to sign this guy, I'm saying he's Welsh Poison. FLOP FLOP FLOP. Plays too deep, won't get involved in the honey plays.

    Alexis Sanchez. Wherever he goes now, or if he stays at Arsenal, this little Chilean is now a FLOP. 12.0 for him, his mind is all over the place, his commitment ain't there. His opening season for me will be a slow one, he'll pick up down the line but the start, slow.

    Morata. Too thin, too leggy, he will struggle to lead the line by himself and he will not like it when a Premier League centre backs clatters in to the back of him. This aint spain anymore, our defenders don't play tiki taki, they play breaky your knee cappy, he won't like it, he's FLOPPING, and doing it for 10 million.

    Peace.

    1. bigbudgie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      This aint spain anymore, our defenders don't play tiki taki, they play breaky your knee cappy

      gold

      1. Twelve years a slave
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Sometimes a long post does not always equal a good post. Perhaps this is one of thise occasions

        1. Twelve years a slave
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          Quite amusing though tbf

        2. Winston.
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 3 months ago

          This

    2. SerenityLater
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I really think Austin is a more natural finisher than Gabbs.

  6. HammersFan
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hernandez at 7!!!

    Nailed in my team. Hahe to back hI'm to score against his old club gw1!

    1. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Bargain

    2. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Potentially a bargain.

  7. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    What do you think about Rashford's potential game time? He could be an absolute steal at 7.5 if he's partnered up front with Lukaku.

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Bit sloppy seconds for me

    2. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Irrelevant now given Chicharito's price.

    3. bigbudgie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Similar to a Firmino IMO. Plays in a 4-3-3 out wide but classified as a forward is much less attractive.

  8. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Bottomed:

    RMT please

    1. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      It's lacking a lot of players.

  9. BrockLanders
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Morning chaps.

    Currently on GK's Foster/ Heaton.

    Any cheaper rotational options??

    1. HammersFan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Foster fabianski
      Foster begovic

    2. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      A gamble on Elliott starting and just leaving Foster in there all season as number 1 to free up funds.

  10. Randell
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    I fully expect chicharito to be owned by at least 10% by tonight.. 7million is like a gift from the FPL Admins

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Already moved JRod out for him. Guaranteed to regret

    2. HammersFan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Here here. Any more and lanzini would have been the better pick

    3. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      First game is against United too. What a way that would be to reintroduce himself to the prem.

  11. Del Monte
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Chicarito 7.0
    Mendy 6.5
    Danilo 5.5
    Riedewald 5.0

    1. BrockLanders
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Nice. Chicarito bargain of the century

      1. HammersFan
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        In fantasy and real life considering the market

    2. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Izzy Brown 5.5

    3. Yome
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I don't get the logic in the Man City defenders pricing.
      Full backs are 6.5 while CBs like Otamendi and Stones are 5.5.
      I think Walker and Mendy are overpriced

  12. MarceloSalasManUtd97-98
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Len Goodman needs to be announcing Chicarito at 7!!!!!!!! he's nailed on for at least 20 percent of players now.

  13. FPL Maldini
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hernandez 7m

    Welcome to my team

  14. Karan14
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Do we think Chicharito starts from GW1?

    1. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      At that price I don't care haha

    2. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Yes

    3. bigbudgie
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Have you seen their other options?!

    4. HammersFan
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      It's either that or Andy Carroll with both his knees in braces

  15. Egyptian Giza
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    RMT please

    Foster (Elliot)
    Alonso Daniels Cedric (Mee Hunemeier)
    Salah Willian Zaha KDB Carrol
    Lukaku Kane(C)

  16. tissae
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Any corrections you would make ? Please RMT

    Foster (Fabianski)

    Daniels - Trippier - Cedric - Yedlin (Mee)

    Alli - KDB - Willian (RLC, T.Carroll)

    Chicharito - Lukaku - Kane

  17. Qaiss
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Cech

    Cedric - Bailly - Dawson

    Willian - Alli - Sane - Zaha

    Defoe - Lacazette - Lukaku

    Subs: Elliot - Chalobah - Rangel - Rosenior

    I'm very happy with my team but I wanna hear the thoughts from you guys.

  18. andy Harding
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    A. Alonso sane + 1 mill itb
    B. Azpi kdb

    Any thoughts

  19. makaveli123
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Lanzini to Chica. 14m bargain 🙂

    1. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      ?? Is Chicha 7.0?

  20. GoonerByron
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Don't fancy Hernandez to start the season with 3 home games in a row.. Might look at him from GW4 onwards..

    1. GoonerByron
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      *away games 😛

    2. Slartibartfast
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      He's guaranteed a goal in GW1, though.

  21. JoeSnowUK
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    HERNANDEZ 7mill. Absolute bargain

  22. Rover
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Hi all this is my first draft of the year. Planning to start with a 442 / 433 rotation. Any thoughts?

    Foster / Elliot
    Alonso / Valencia / Trippier / Daniels / Dunk
    Alli / Pogba / Willian / JWP / Carroll
    Lukaku / Lacazette / Gayle

    a) Better to go for Valencia or Mendy?
    b) Would you swap Foster and Daniels for Forster and Francis?

  23. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Do you think Dyche sees Jon Walters as:
    A) a striker
    B) a starter?

    If it's both he could be a damn good option at 5.5.

    1. ᶠᶦˡᵗʰʸLucre $$$
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Look at early fixtures

  24. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    RMT, 0.5 ITB:

    Foster - Myhil

    Lindelof - Trippier - Cedric - Simpson - Lascelles

    KDB - Ramsey - Willian - Tadic - Carroll

    Kane - Lukaku - Chicharito

  25. Bring back ole
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Please rate my team outa 10

    Foster

    Valencia daniels cedric yedin

    Ali willian de bruyne

    Hernandez kane lukaku

    Bench. Elliot, rlc, Romeu, Hünemeier

    1. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      I like it but wouldn't go without a Liverpool attacker,

      1. Bring back ole
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        Was act thanking that. Was guna take ali out cuz i have kane and stick in mane.

  26. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    This Chicharito thing could cause havoc.

    I imagine his ownership will be really high by GW1 meaning that if you don't go for him and he does well, his price will soar but if he fails to score in his first two people will be wildcarding and his value will just drop.

    Strikers this year are much more exciting than recent years gone by.

  27. SilverSpurs
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Foster, Elliot
    Trippier, Dawson, Cedric, Dunk, Mee
    Alli, Sane, Ramsey, Loftus-Cheek, Ince
    Kane, Lukaku, Austin
    1itb

    Thoughts?

  28. F4L
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    RMT please:

    Elliot

    Trippier Cedric Bertrand

    Eriksen Salah Zaha Willian

    Kane Lukaku Hernandez

    Obviously depends on Elliot becoming no.1

    1. *sigh*
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Think I'd like some City attack in there somewhere.Maybe one of the Spurs lads to go?

  29. Venom Snake
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    5.5 to spend on a defender.

    Already have Cedric and Trippier

    1. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Mustafi or Dawson

    2. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Keane (after GW 5) before then, Lindelof if nailed.

  30. Az
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 3 months ago

    Chicharito is 7.0...
    I am having a bit of that!

    1. bojack
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Noice.

    2. S.Kuqi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Finally decent mid price option. Goodbye Jesus. Hello Chica!

      1. bojack
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 3 months ago

        I'll never say goodbye to the Lord Jesus. Hallelujah!

    3. Eden ACCOUNT CLOSED
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 3 months ago

      Defoe to Chic in GW3 then