Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Pre-Season – Saturday Part One

Sadio Mane returns and Mohamed Salah scores again as Liverpool continue to impress, as does Arsenal new boy Sead Kolasinac in the Gunners’ 5-2 win over Benfica.

Elsewhere, Chelsea suffer another defeat and Leicester City get even duller, although Watford make their own boredom bid in a goalless draw at Villa Park.

Wins for Bournemouth and Swansea City and a draw for Crystal Palace also feature in part one of our round-up of Saturday’s packed pre-season schedule.

Hertha BSC 0 Liverpool 3

Liverpool’s attacking riches were on full display in Berlin as they made short work of their German opponents.

Dominic Solanke, Georginio Wijnaldum and Mohamed Salah, with his third strike of the summer, got the goals, with assists coming from Adam Lallana, Sadio Mane and Philippe Coutinho.

The return – and immediate impact – of Mane doesn’t exactly help Fantasy managers in their quest to find assured starters among Jurgen Klopp’s abundance of attacking talent.

The Senegal international was given his first minutes since injury in April – the one and only reason why he is currently owned by just 4.8% of FPL managers. If he can kick on from his fine start, that figure will rise but competition among the Reds attackers will only intensify.

Coutinho continued his burgeoning relationship with Salah as the pair linked for their second goal of pre-season. It left Jurgen Klopp purring in his post-match press conference.

“I think players like this understand each other. It’s a good thing with having players of this quality. They can connect. The pass from Phil was very nice and the finish from Salah wasn’t too bad also.”

Unless the Brazilian is lured away by Barcelona, the duo look about the only nailed-on players in Klopp’s attacking plans, a fact reflected in their ownership levels. Salah is on 14.6%, Coutinho 31.8%. Only one other player, Roberto Firmino, is above 10%.

Solanke did his cause no harm either, scoring for the second time in a Liverpool shirt. He only started, however, because Divock Origi was withdrawn as a precaution after feeling tightness in his hamstring. Klopp revealed post-match that the striker “felt a bit of cramp.”

Klopp lined up with a 4-3-3 as Joe Gomez proved his fitness to provide further competition to Nathaniel Clyne at right-back. New signing Andrew Robertson came on for his debut after the break, while Emre Can was handed his first minutes of the summer.

Liverpool XI: Mignolet; Gomez, Matip (Flanagan 76), Klavan, Moreno (Robertson 46); Can (Ejaria 57), Lallana (Henderson 46), Wijnaldum (Salah 46); Mane (Firmino 46), Coutinho (Kent 70), Solanke (Sturridge 46).

Arsenal 5 Benfica 2

Theo Walcott led the way with a double against Benfica, although new man Sead Kolasinac was – from a Fantasy perspective – the star of the show.

Deployed at left wing-back in Arsene Wenger’s 3-4-2-1 set-up, the Bosnian had a hand in three of Arsenal’s goals, providing Walcott’s equaliser before the Englishman scored his second from a Francis Coquelin pass, with Kolisanic again heavily involved.

As ever, it should be remembered that great pre-season performances don’t always translate to the real thing – not even against Benfica. The last time the two teams met, Yaya Sanogo scored four.

But Kolasinac is starting to look difficult to ignore. The defender’s attacking instincts, either as part of a back three or from wing-back, are coming to the fore and Arsenal’s attractive opening schedule – only trips to Liverpool and Chelsea offer truly tricky tests over the first eight Gameweeks – further adds to his appeal.

Arsene Wenger, speaking post-match, was certainly happy to talk up his new signing.

“I think he has gone, in pre-season, from strength to strength. He started a bit nervous, but every single week he moved his level up and in the last game was already good and today again I think he was influential as well. The first two goals came from him. He looks powerful, and the timing of his availability going forward was very good.”

The only mystery now is why 13.8% of FPL managers prefer Hector Bellerin to the Bosnian (5.9%).

Further strikes came from an own goal, Olivier Giroud, Alex Iwobi, who now has two goals and as many assists this summer. Nelson and Giroud provided assists, with that man Kolasinac again involved in the build-up for the final goal.

Alexandre Lacazette had to be content with a cameo role from the bench, introduced in support and operating behind lone striker Giroud when he arrived from the bench.

We can surely expect to see Lacazette in the Gunners’ starting line-up against Sevilla later today. Coquelin will be a doubt after sustaining an injury which saw him withdrawn in the first half.

Elsewhere, the future of Alexis Sanchez provided an unwanted backdrop to Saturday’s clash – and no doubt Sundays.

Wenger confirmed post-match that the Chilean was suffering from flu but was due to return to team training next week, again seemingly adamant that Sanchez would remain at the club.

“He has flu, yes. I had him on text yesterday. He will come back as soon as possible and we were in touch with him and his doctor and he has no basic problem apart from the fact that he should come back tomorrow, but he comes back on Tuesday.”

Arsenal XI: Ospina ; Holding (Chambers 46), Mertesacker, Maitland-Niles (Monreal 73); Nelson (Oxlade-Chamberlain 73), Kolasinac, Xhaka (Ramsey 72), Coquelin (Elneny 33); Walcott (Lacazette 73), Iwobi (Ozil 72); Giroud.

Chelsea 1 Inter Milan 2

Chelsea’s forgettable stay in Singapore ended in a second consecutive defeat, although new striker Alvaro Morata at least earned his first start for the Blues.

Blues coach Antonio Conte chose to play both the Spaniard and Michy Batshuayi, and it was the latter who looked far more convincing throughout.

Batshuayi took on the majority of duties as the central striker in a fluid attack as part of Conte’s 3-4-3 formation. Morata was largely deployed on the left of the attacking three, but swapped roles with Batshuayi on occasions.

Batshuayi played 89 minutes and was unlucky not to score an equaliser when he was wrongly ruled offside as Chelsea responded well to going two down.

Post-match, Conte offered little doubt that he was looking for more from Morata.

“Morata is having training with us and for sure he has to improve a lot his physical condition to go quickly to the idea of our football,’ he added, ‘but he is working very well and today he tried to do his best but for sure he has to improve.”

That could indicate that the in-form Batshuayi has every chance of starting the season in Chelsea’s starting XI, either in place of or alongside the Spaniard.

Thibaut Courtois was equally unfortunate when he saved a Stevan Jovetic penalty, only for the former Man City player to fire home the rebound. Cesar Azpilicueta had given away the spot-kick – his pre-season form has been patchy at best.

Manchester United target Ivan Perisic then hit what turned out to be the winner, before a spectacular long range own goal from Geoffrey Kondogbia handed Chelsea some hope.

Antonio Rudiger saw his first action for the Blues, replacing the ineffectual Marcos Alonso as Azpilicueta moved to right wing-back and Victor Moses swapped to the other flank. Rudiger looked impressive on his brief debut to offer Conte food for thought and place some uncertainty on Chelsea’s defensive set-up heading into the Community Shield on Sunday.

Chelsea XI: Courtois; Azpilicueta (Tomori 89), David Luiz, Cahill (Clarke-Salter 89); Moses (Cuevas 89), Kante (Pasilic 89), Fabregas (Scott 89), Alonso (Rudiger 53); Willian (Musonda 65), Batshuayi (Remy 89), Morata (Boga 65).

FC Metz 1 Crystal Palace 1

Eagles head coach Frank de Boer again opted for a 3-4-3 formation as the popular Wilfried Zaha – a 22.7%-owned FPL pick – opened his pre-season account.

The winger dispatched a cross from converted wing-back Andros Townsend, whereas Christian Benteke twice hit the woodwork as he again went goalless.

Patrick van Aanholt was finally preferred to Jeffrey Schlupp on the opposite flank to Townsend, while De Boer handed new signing Jairo Riedewald his first start in a backline that again included defensive midfielder Luka Milivojevic as the right-sided centre-back.

Those wavering between the Serbian, who takes free-kicks and penalties, and Ruben Loftus-Cheek as their budget fifth midfielder might well have their minds made up for them by De Boer if he continues to use Milivojevic at the back.

However, recent links with Arsenal’s Calum Chambers would cloud the issue – his arrival would surely see Milivojevic shifted forward to a midfield role, casting doubt on Loftus-Cheek’s start once again.

The coach continued to experiment with his new squad by starting promising Belgian winger Jason Lokilo, who clearly impressed his boss against Maidstone United in the first match of pre-season.

Crystal Palace XI: Hennessey; Milivojevic, Dann (Kelly 60), Riedewald; Townsend, Van Aanholt (Schlupp 70), Puncheon, Loftus-Cheek (Phillips 70); Zaha, Lokilo (Kirby 60); Benteke.

Birmingham City 0 Swansea City 2

A Tammy Abraham goal and Leroy Fer’s deflected strike gave Swansea City their second win of the summer.

Fer also claimed an assist as manager Paul Clement opted for a midfield diamond that included Tom Carroll on the left and Abraham joining Jordan Ayew in a two-man attack.

With Gylfi Sigurdsson again absent as a move to Everton continues to be on the cards, the budget charms of set-piece man Caroll (4.5 in FPL, 7.1 in Sky) remain intact.

And should Fernando Llorente fail to recover from injury by the start of the season, Abraham’s 3.2% ownership base could be in for a boost as well.

Swansea XI: Fabianski (Nordfeldt 61); Naughton (Rangel 78), van der Hoorn (Mawson 61), Bartley, Olsson (Kingsley 78); Mesa (Britton 61), Carroll, Fulton (Routledge 61), Fer; Abraham (McBurnie 85), Ayew (Narsingh 85).

QPR 0 Bournemouth 1

Jordan Ibe scored the only goal of a match in which one of last season’s stars, Josh King, suffered a knock and had to be withdrawn after 61 minutes.

King’s injury was described as minor, while Ibe’s winner was anything but as he surged into the area and slammed a shot into the net.

The midfielder now has two goals from the Cherries’ three pre-season matches to date.

Club captain Simon Francis continued at right-back at Loftus Road, although with Adam Smith currently sidelined through injury, the first choice selection in the Cherries back four is still unclear.

Bournemouth XI: Boruc (Ramsdale 70); Francis, Cargill, Mings, Daniels; Ibe, L Cook, Surman (Worthington 86), Gradel; Mousset (Surridge 81), King (Taylor 61).

Aston Villa 0 Watford 0

Injured skipper Troy Deeney’s appearance among the Watford fans was one of the few highlights of a goalless draw at Villa Park.

The other was a second-half penalty save by Heurelho Gomes after Younes Kaboul’s foul.

Coach Marco Silva opted for an experimental 4-5-1 formation, with Jerome Sinclair flanked in attack by Nordin Amrabat and Roberto Pereyra, who made his first start of pre-season.

The fit-again duo of Craig Cathcart and Tom Cleverley also gained valuable minutes for the first time this summer.

But as two returned, one replaced them, as Christian Kabasele was forced off through injury after just nine minutes. Sebastian Prödl took his place in defence.

Notably, Etienne Capoue was absent from the matchday squad for Saturday’s clash amid reports of a major falling out with Silva. Capoue is currently the most popular FPL midfielder priced at 5.5, with 8.2% ownership.

Watford XI: Gomes (Pantilimon 60); Cathcart, Kabasele (Prodl 9), Kaboul (Femenía 60) , Mason; Cleverley (Watson 60), Doucouré (Hughes 60), Chalobah; Amrabat (Okaka 60), Sinclair, Pereyra (Success 46).

Wolves 1 Leicester City 0

Leicester City fielded a near full-strength side and still struggled as their pre-season woes continued at Wolves.

The Foxes have managed just three goals in five matches this summer, and two of those have come from Riyad Mahrez – a man seemingly keen to be playing anywhere else as soon as possible.

Craig Shakespeare’s decision to play both Jamie Vardy and Islam Slimani up front at Molineux failed to spark an improvement in that meagre return.

Slimani later went off with a gash to the back of his knee and was replaced by Shinji Okazaki, while a 70th-minute change in formation to 3-4-3, with Marc Albrighton and Christian Fuchs used as wing-backs, altered the shape of the team but not the outcome of the match.

Leicester now have just two more matches to turn things around before they open the Premier League season with a Friday night trip to Arsenal.

Leicester City XI: Schmeichel; Simpson, Morgan, Maguire, Fuchs; Albrighton, Drinkwater, Ndidi, Mahrez; Vardy, Slimani (Okazaki 33).

Part two of the Scout Notes from Saturday will be published later today.

And remember to keep on top of all the summer action with our Pre-Season Guide.

2,148 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Batshuayi over Morata for GW1?
    Mark
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 17 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Good morning. Lots to cover with so many teams in action. Lets start by looking at the Chelsea situation with a first HT.

    Has Morata’s performance and Conte’s post-match comments poured cold water on any thoughts of us considering the Spaniard in our initial line-ups?

    Batshuayi looks well ahead of him for sharpness – understandably – and appears in line to get the nod in the Community Shield and perhaps against Burnley.

    How is this affecting our thinking? Would we even look to the Belgian as a short-term differential?

    Elsewhere for Chelsea, what do we make of Alonso’s withdrawal? Is he the most vulnerable with Moses offering a feasible alternative to the Spaniard at left wing-back for Conte? Rudiger look hugely impressive on his introduction.

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

      Has anyone got the link to article for the promoted teams ?

    2. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Might just stick with Willian for gw1
      Sandro is a threat to Alonso if he comes plus Alonso tightens the budget
      Abd with Bats, he is a huge risk...we'll have to see if pedro is fit or not and which 3 out of Morata Bats Willian and Pedro play

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

        Thoughts on Fabregas over Willian?

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

          I've gone Fabregas over Willian, Fabe is meant to play n10 this season with Conte saying that he will be playing every game if he can carry his form on, Willian's place in the team might be in threat once Hazard is back and you can't guarantee he is nailed

          1. Bojan Horsemack
            • 10 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Interesting indeed. Anyone have a link to this comment?

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

      Even if Bats starts vs Burnley, I'd fully expect him to be subbed off not long into the second half to give Morata minutes.

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

        The issue is if he keeps impressing and scoring. Conte could shift to two up front to assist Morata while he settles, certainly while Fabregas isn't an option in the 10 and playing in the pivot.

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

          He is impressive at the moment. But do you remember a few times last season when Costa was out, it would be Hazard playing central instead of Bats, I just felt like Conte couldn't trust him or didn't rate him, there was lots of talk of him being sold this summer as well?

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

            Conte likes his attitude now and that he opted to stay
            He's the most likely to start up front for us as of now

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

          Conte always preferred 2 upfront at Juve. Mostly 3-5-2, sometimes 4-4-2. Played 2 upfront with Italy most of the time as well. He only developed the 3-4-3 in order to accommodate Hazard.

          With Hazard out I don't see 3-5-2 being at all out of the question. So, as you say, Morata and Batshuayi could quite easily both start initially. Even when Hazard is fit I'd not be surprised to see Chelsea use that in some games.

          Conte has expressed pleasure at Batshuayi's improvement and said that he is more ready to contribute now than a year ago. He did well at the end of last season and has done well in pre-season. So, who knows?

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

      Batshuayi is looking a great differential for GW1, but with the money Chelsea spent on Morata, you have to assume he'd be a transfer waiting to happen.

      Moses is suspended for GW1, so I'd expect Azpilicueta to play at right wing back, and Alonso should at least start the season as a safe pick.

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

        Sure, I don't see Morata not playing - might be a different story if Hazard and Pedro were fit though. I think yesterday's line-up will be replicated in Sunday's Shield and will be the likely GW1 lineup.

        Just interesting to see if Conte considers a front two eventually if Morata struggles.

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

        Azpi can play RWB, sure. So can Pedro and he did so more than once last season. Willian probably also could (although Conte has never yet used him in that role).

    5. Gazpilicueta
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I dont think there is any Way Alonso doesnt start. 2 years ago everyone was saying the same thing about Azpilicueta, and I was like,,,,,,are these guys bonkers?! then he played every game for 2 years. Alonso will start, and play 90 minutes, for most of the year.

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

        I think we're okay for early Gameweeks but Rudiger looked very very good when he was introduced. I see him claiming the right-sided role and moving Dave to wing-back. Then Conte will have options with Moses and Alonso judging by yesterday's experiment.

        Agree, Alonso still first choice and certain starter for me right now, just interesting that he was the one to make way.

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

          sure, interesting I guess, but its pre-season....hard enough to read into form, let alone random subs. Hes a big hitter for me.

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

        The difference is that Azpilicueta is an outstanding defender, whereas Alonso is a distinctly average footballer - a great fantasy option does not necessarily make for a good player!

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

          Yeah, he looked like he was struggling defensively yesterday. Caught out badly early on. He does get exposed when he's forced back alongside the back three. Moses - strangely for a winger - appears to be found out less as a defender.

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

            Not really true. He gets caught out by the aerial ball to the far post from Alonso's side. With Azpi at RCB that is simply a matter of height. That was Chelsea's achilles heel last season.

            In terms of open play last season, Moses got caught out less because the wingback needs support from a CM or a CB, otherwise they face a winger 1-1. The RCB was Azpi, the RCM was Kante and they are both super quick to get to where the danger is.

            Alonso was relying on Cahill and Matic for support and they are not at all as fast out of the blocks. So Alonso was left in 1-1 situations more often than Moses was.

    6. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Batshuayi cost about 35 Million, great pre season, more Chelsea fixtures.

      He will get plenty of minutes.

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

      Hello Mark,

      As you're here, think a few ppl are having issues with the ffs website jumping to the bottom of pages and articles on chrome in android. Not a major problem, but it's there (for me and a couple others at least). It's not meant to sound as a complaint, loving the content and work you all do as ever.

      Cheers

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

        thought is was just me....

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

          Can you drop me an email at support@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk.

          We've got some fixes we'd like to test with some users who have had the issue. Thanks.

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

            sure

          2. Axle11
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Hi, Mark, this is issue what I currently have as well (already have it since two-three weeks). I already drop an email about this at 13th Jul. Thank you.

      2. Mark
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 17 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, we're aware. It's a tricky one which we think is a javascript issue, perhaps linked to some ads and only affecting Chrome users. It seems intermittent.

        We will roll out Update Four next week, then get back to investigating it.

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

          Thanks Mark. Oddly it's been ok since I logged in. Maybe just when I'm browsing without signing in? I'll email in a sec

          1. Sleep Talk
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yes, I've noticed that as well. It works fine when I'm logged in. It's only when I'm not logged in that the page skips to the bottom.

            1. Who Am I?
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Same here.

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

          Same issue for me still. Was googling for a strong 5 mins to figure it out...

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

      Morata is the ultimate wait and see.

      He has tough fixtures and is unproven.

      No reason not to wait and pick him up later

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

        Pedro's not out of it though, is he? Isn't there a good chance he'll be ready for GW1 with a face mask?

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

      I think Chelsea will have a harder time this year. Their formation isn't as novel, they've lost their bully up front. They could still be tight at the back but I think there will be better value in the attack of other too teams. William looks good for the short term but nobody else for me.

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

      Not really thinking of Chelsea's strikers from a FPL point of view. Morata and Bats could be fighting for one position. There is also the outside possibility that Costa isn't sold? If he isn't then surely he comes into the equation and it's not like he has let being unhappy with life in London/Chelsea impact his performances in the past.

      Other striker options look better to start with for me and given the prices involved and the structure of my squad, transfers to the "right" players look pretty easy.

      I'll probably start with Willian, but no other Chelsea players.

    11. Once,Twice,ThreeTimesFellai…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Like City, Chelsea are a bit of a nightmare to predict in attacking positions. I have a feeling they will struggle to repeat last year's deefensive performance too, and I currently prefer to steer clear of their options there.

      Happy to take Willian only and then review.

    12. FFPro
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Everyone has Willian but is ignoring the fact Hazard begun training a week ago and could likely be back as early as gw2-3

      1. Hairy Potter
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        A lot of teams will need surgery after the first few GWs as settled sides and form players become clearer. It's setting the team up to adapt to change that can be important in the beginning. Plenty of options in the same price bracket as Willian and no doubt a bargain or two will emerge.

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

          Or you could just start with Zaha instead and save yourself a transfer.

    13. Feyzi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      All this has one conclusion for me; until Bakayoko is in the team, I will steer away from Chelsea assets.

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

    rmt lads, * for one to watch

    foster
    trippier cedric* daniels
    kdb mane* willian phillips
    kane lukaku austin*

    elliot dunk mee carroll

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

    *Sead Kolasinac

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

      Thanks. Edited.

  4. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I see Gomes saved another penalty lol

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

      Go go gadget arms.

  5. Jimbo-Jones
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So much chatter around mid- and premium-priced defenders, I thought I'd try 4-3-3 this year:

    Foster
    Alonso Kompany Trippier Bertrand
    KDB Alli RLC
    Kane Lukaku JRod

    Speroni, Carrol, Rosenior, 4.5

    Seems a bit crazy but it looks like 4.5m is better spent on a def than a mid...
    5-2-3 = bonkers??!

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

      There's a few question marks surrounding Alonso at the moment.

      I wouldn't start RLC either, he doesn't look nailed on plus having 2 4.5 mids isn't very flexible if you want to change your team around.

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

      Not bonkers if its getting you points

  6. Chandler Bing
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Are Palace playing 3 at the back now? 'Cause I see Milivojevic and Reidewald played as centre back and Dann started as well.

    1. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I believe so

    2. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, see above. They have played 3-4-3 in every fixture. Milivojevic right side CB for last two.

      1. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Damn. Question......and you opinion would be appreciated.

        Milivojevics main appeal for me are his set piece duties and pens. Should he be any less appealing as a CB? How many assists and goals can one expect from a DM over a CB anyway.
        He is currently my 4th mid.....

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

          Surely this makes Zaha a much more enticing prospect as he will be relieved of defensive duties down the wing to a much greater extent.

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

    Hi fellows,
    Could you please RMT,

    playing 4-3-3

    Foster (elliot)

    Trippier Valencia Cedric Ake

    KDB Willian Coutinho

    Lukaku Kane Gayle

    (Oriol Romeu, Carroll, Long)

    Any thoughts are welcome

    Thanks

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

      for the first GW keep gayle aside and go for someone at the same price more likely to give you points..you can always use your one free tranfer to get gayle in for GW 2...otherwise pretty solid...

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

    Kloppo Floppo invites you to join his/her group, Pristine, for Official Fantasy Bundesliga! Please click on the following link to join Kloppo Floppo's group: https://fantasy.bundesliga.com/leagues/invitations/league_invite/96af3470b033175caf35a63dc7d830d8

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

      More than 3 Bayern Munich's players allowed?

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

        Haha.

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Joined already. Any tips on cheap defenders/3rd striker?

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

        Will try to find. Will share it if I find one.

  9. JAC THE CAT
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Dwight Gayle is getting my attention for the 3rd forward spot.

    Anyone with me?

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

      Too injury prone. Don't think he'll do too well in PL. Won't start with him atleast.

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

      Absolutely

    3. Hairy Potter
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Have him at the minute, but depends on whether Rafa signs another striker. His confidence will be high after last season. He has scored in bursts in the past in the Premier league previously.

    4. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nudging towards Jrod over him and Austin, but open to persuasion!

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

    Alonso a £7m risk.

    And out of city's defence I don't even know who is 100% nailed on yet

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

      why do you think he is a risk?!?!?! this is bonkers. just because others have been saying he is a risk for an hour on FFS?

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

        Because Azpi and Moses can fill the wing back role just fine.

        And since Rudiger came in someone has to be dropped.and rotated.

    2. JAC THE CAT
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He's not a risk unless Sandro joins.

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

        Or until Rudiger starts and then, only if Conte feels he needs to rest him.

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

          Seems like you really fancy Rudiger!

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

        He got subbed off after a poor performance yeah he's a risk for me when I know azpi will start at .5 cheaper

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

      Kompany is

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

    Tammy Abraham.

    What's he got going for/against him as our third choice striker?

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

      I guess the issue is how Swans will cope if they have to start with Siggy. Huge loss to creativity.

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Potential bench warmer once llorente returns from injury I think I've read.

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Is Ayew ahead of him?

    4. LordRougeGrog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bristol City fan here: Tammy scored 25+ goals last year in a City side that doesnt create many chances. Scores all sorts of goals, runs all day, stronger than his thin frame would suggest. I can see him being a real fan favourite and he's my 3rd striker.

    5. Black Panther
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      As a swans fan, I can assure you he's nailed on. If Llorente stays or a new striker comes in, they'll play alongside him with a diamond midfield behind. I think he'll be very popular from GW6 when Swansea have a favourable run of fixtures.

  12. Bushman
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please:

    DDG (Elliot)
    Trippier Danilo Cedric Dawson (Francis)
    KdB Salah Mkhi William (TCarroll)
    Lukaku Jesus (Fletcher)

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

      Fletch has been sold.

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

      Oh right. It'll have to be Quaner or McBurnie then

  13. t4thomas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please:

    Foster | Myhill
    Trippier | Cedric | Mee | Hegazi | Naughton
    Coutinho | Willian | Zaha | JWP | Carroll
    Kane | Lukaku | Jesus

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

      Double Brom D is worrying. Also don't like Willian but the rest is nice. Also, Cedric might not start.

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

    Please RMT:-

    De Gea
    Trippier Dawson Kompany Alonso
    Willian Eriksen Salah
    Lukaku Jesus Austin
    Myhill Carroll Romeu Hünemeier

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

      alonso to daniels and jesus to kane and you have a team

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

        Ewww no thanks. Daniels!!
        I'll keep Alonso thanks

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

      I like it. Yosh over Dawson and Zaha over Willian maybe.

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

        Why would you do that?

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

          Southampton's fixtures are incredible. And I just really dislike Willian as a fantasy option and when Hazard's back he's a rotation risk.

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

            Set pieces, nailed for first 5 weeks at least playing for the champions and only costs 7m what's not to like?
            I agree with you 're Saints fixtures which is why I've gone with Austin up top but WBA fixtures aren't bad either and Dawson is an attacking threat with those big fat headers from corners

  15. TOBY1
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Jordan Ibe a good option instead of Loftus Cheek at 5m in midfield?

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

      Far from nailed.Bench player a lot last season.

  16. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    If price isnt an issue, ritchie or Knockhart?

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      They're the same price....

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

        Lol oopa. Which is the better option then?

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Tom Ince is better option atm, playing great I'm pre season with 4 goals. If you insist between them two I'd give it to Ritchie as Knocks still injured.

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

            Thanks. Is ince on any set pieces?

            1. Big boy Bowen
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Free Kicks I think. He's mainly just a very attacking player

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

      Ritchie

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

        Ritchie's in the better team.

  17. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Like my front 6?

    Sanchez - KDB - Willian - Fraser - Kane - Lukaku

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

      Not bad

  18. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Stuck for ideas on this one. Should I change anything?

    Foster
    Daniels | Lindelof | Suttner | Alonso
    Coutinho | Milivojevic | Sanchez
    Austin | Kane | Aguero

    Myhill | RLC | T. Carroll | Cranie

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

      Different

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I'm trying to be! And I really want Aguero...

    2. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. There are some issues, but only if you want to confirm to popular opinion on here. On paper it looks punchy. You'll have to make a we subs though along the way

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks! I know, like I really want Aguero rather than downgrading him and going for KDB

  19. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Mark....can we please have a hot topic on kolasenac?

    Looks a nice option esp for those of us with no arsenal..

    Thanks

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

    What's everyone think of James Ward Prowse?

    On for a strong season or still a rotation risk?

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

      I would think he's pretty nailed. Check if the new managers said anything about him to give us a hint

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

        Would you pick him out of the 5.5 range over Walters and Albrighton?

        There doesn't seem like many enticing option in the 6m range now that Phillips is a doubt.

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

          I've got Walters, big fan of him for Stoke over the years, and consistent fantasy scorer. For 6m you could consider tom ince who scores goals and seems to have settled in well at Huddersfield.

  21. rnrd
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I hate myself for considering it but considering pre-season and fixtures shouldnt Stones be under our radar again ?!

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

      He's well under my radar. Kompany's on it.

  22. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Could Kolasinac compete with Alonsos score from last season?

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

      Not even close imo

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

      Early days but wouldn't rule it out. He should get more PL minutes than Alonso.

  23. cheekumz
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Same money, who scores more, for the purposes of this poll, pretend that Philips is not a GW1 risk...

    A) Alonso / Zaha / Philips

    B) Kolasinac / Salah / Puncheon

    Cheers

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

      B anyday

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

      Would have to be A as there's 2 unknowns in the other option.
      That said, don't fancy A much either, sorry.

  24. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Please gave my team a rating. Im not sure on salah and he could still be changed for coutinho or mane. Other than that m quite happy with my team

    Foster

    Cedric, daniels, valencia

    Willian, coutinho, de bruyne, Milivojevic

    Kane, chico, lukaku

    Bench: elliot, mee, rangel, rlc

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

      Pretty good

  25. Abel Xavier
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Last year's Gameweek 1 Dream Team

    --------Foster(10)--------
    Kingsley(8)---Collins(8)---McAuley(7)
    Coutinho(15)--Fer(11)--Lallana(11)--Martial(11)--Capoue(10)
    Negredo(9)---Ibra(9)

    The price risers ahead of GW2 were Foster, Kingsley, Coutinho, Barkley (10), Fer, Negredo and Defoe (8).

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

      Capoue also rose, I remember I bought him for fabregas who was benched.

      1. Abel Xavier
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        21st august he went from 4.5 to 4.6. That was after gameweek 2 deadline.

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

      We need some more nailed 4-4.5's like Kingsley, fear and Capoue to emerge

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

    Everyone is a rotation risk on this website

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

    David Silva had a Cesc Fabergas hair transplant I suspect.

  28. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Foster

    Bertrand-trippier-danilo-kolasinac

    KDB-ALLI-MANE-willian

    KANE-rashford

    Elliot-caroll-hunemier-quaner

    4-4-2
    Ur thoughts ???

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

    Anyone else thinking JWP could be the perfect 4th mid for 5.5? Carroll on the pine behind him.

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

      If he's nailed yes

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

      Same thinking

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

      Price - Tick
      Fixtures - Tick
      Talent - Tick

      Can see him breaking out one of these years. Still just 22

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

      Thinking this myself, don't seem much difference between him and say Phillips who is .5 more.

      With his fixtures he has to be a better pick than punting on a promoted player at 6m who may not make an instant impact.

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

    Any Swansea fans on here that can tell me if Ayew in nailed on?

    1. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He's safe from being benched for now.

      1. Black Panther
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        He will start alongside Tammy as it stands. When Llorente is fit or a new striker comes in. Ayew could play at the top of a midfield diamond.