[sbu_large_image] Pre-Season
7 August 2015 4011 comments
James H James H
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With just hours left until the Gameweek 1 deadline, we roll out the second part of our guide to the summer schedule tonight. Having looked at Arsenal to Man United yesterday evening, our search for likely starters and formations concludes with the remaining ten teams, from Newcastle to West Ham.

NEWCASTLE UNITED

Top Minutes Played
Sissoko 414, Janmaat 405, Williamson 405, Colback 403, Haidara 388, Anita 384, Cisse 374, De Jong 324, Ayoze Perez 317, Aarons 304, Lascelles 291, Gouffran 285, Krul 270, Obertan 269

Lessons Learned
Steve McClaren has been pretty consistent in favouring the 4-2-3-1 formation during pre-season, and with the first seven players on the minutes played list all logging over 374, they all look strong contenders to line up against Southampton on Sunday. Summer signing Aleksandar Mitrovic has only played 98 minutes since making the move to the North East, so based on playing time over the past few weeks, Papiss Cisse looks the favourite to start as the lone striker.

In midfield, Jack Colback, Vurnon Anita and Moussa Sissoko all appear likely to feature in the starting XI, with the latter perhaps on the right of the attacking midfield three. Georginio Wijnaldum played the full 90 minutes against Borussia Monchengladbach on Saturday and could play in “the hole” behind Cisse, although he could also line up in the double-pivot. Siem de Jong, Rolando Aarons and Gabriel Obertan look the front runners for a berth on the left flank, although there are several options available to McClaren, with Ayoze Perez and Yoan Gouffran having also gained plenty of pitch time though pre-season.

At the back, Tim Krul is nailed on in goal, while Massadio Haidara and Daryl Janmaat look set to start at left-back and right-back respectively. Mike Williamson is another whose pre-season minutes suggest a near certain starting berth, leaving Steven Taylor the slight favourite to complete the centre-back pairing, having played the full 90 minutes in the magpies final pre-season outing. Fabricio Coloccini hasn’t featured in pre-season because of an Achilles injury and looks pretty certain to miss out against the Saints. Youngster Jamaal Lascelles has seen plenty of game time over the last few weeks and offers an alternative, while Chancel Mbemba made his debut last Saturday with a 28 minute cameo appearance and could be chanced from the start, given the DR Congo international is expected to be a regular starter at the back once he’s settled on Tyneside.

Paul Dummett and Remy Cabella haven’t featured at all during pre-season because of hamstring and thigh injuries respectively, while Emmanuel Riviere picked up a knee injury in training and will miss the start of the season.

NORWICH CITY

Top Minutes Played
Ruddy 420, Johnson 364, Toffolo 358, R Bennett 340, E Bennett 330, O’Neil 330, Bassong 315, Dorrans 313, Martin 285, Turner 285, Mulumbu 275, Hooper 273, Howson 271, Grabban 268, Tettey 257, Hoolahan 257, Whittaker 257

Lessons Learned
Norwich boss Alex Neil generally shared the minutes around during pre-season, although John Ruddy and Bradley Johnson, who featured the most over the last few weeks, do look certain starters against Crystal Palace. Johnson did have one or two outings at left-back at the start of pre-season, but new signing Robbie Brady filled that position in the final friendly against Brentford last Saturday and he looks the favourite to start there against the Eagles. The former Leeds midfielder may now line up on the left of the three attacking midfield players in the 4-2-3-1 system favoured by Neil during pre-season. Wes Hoolahan is likely to fill the position in “the hole”, with Nathan Redmond, who was handed an extended break after logging 270 minutes for England under-21s in the summer, likely to start on the right. Redmond has managed 179 minutes for the Canaries in their final four pre-season matches.

Neil was dealt a huge blow when Youssouf Mulumbu picked up a metatarsal injury in the 2-1 win against Brentford. He will now be out for several weeks, so Jonny Howson perhaps looks the slight favourite ahead of Graham Dorrans to get the nod alongside Alex Tettey in the double-pivot. Another option for Neil could be to shift Johnson to a deeper position, while Tony Andreu has logged 242 minutes over the past few weeks and appears an outside bet to earn a start on Saturday.

At the back, Russell Martin and Sebastian Bassong both played the full 90 minutes against Brentford in the final pre-season friendly and appear likely to form the centre-back partnership. Steven Whittaker played 62 minutes in that match and should start at right-back, with Brady, as previously mentioned, at left-back. Elliot Bennett, listed as a midfielder in FPL, has played plenty of minutes at right-back during pre-season, but appears unlikely to usurp Whittaker, while youngster Harry Toffolo was a regular at left-back before Brady’s arrival. Martin Olsson has missed all of pre-season after shoulder surgery, but should be back to full fitness in the next few weeks.

SOUTHAMPTON

Top Minutes Played
Fonte 405, Davis 392, Wanyama 397, Stekelenburg 360, Yoshida 360, Pelle 357, Mane 348, Tadic 340, Cedric Soares 336, Ward-Prowse 325, Targett 270

Lessons Learned
Having already played a competitive match, Fantasy managers can perhaps be slightly more certain how the Saints may line up on the opening weekend of the new campaign compared to some of the other sides. New right-back Cedric Soares, Jose Fonte and Matt Targett all look set to start against Newcastle on Sunday, with it appearing a choice between Maya Yoshida and new loan signing Steven Caulker for the final spot. Caulker played 78 minutes in the 1-1 draw in Southampton’s final friendly against Espanyol on Sunday and the full 90 against Vitesse Arnhem last night, and could be thrust into the starting XI. Behind them, Maarten Stekelenburg has logged more than double the number of minutes (135) played by Kelvin Davis and Paolo Gazzaniga during pre-season, and looks certain to start in goal.

Manager Ronald Koeman has stuck with the 4-2-3-1 system that proved so successful last season, with Victor Wanyama and new addition Jordy Clasie the favourites to form the double-pivot in midfield. The latter is a doubt for the trip to St James’ Park after picking up a hamstring injury against Vitesse. Should the Dutch international fail to recover in time, James Ward-Prowse, who played 90 minutes against Espanyol and Vitesse, could step in, while Steven Davis, who has featured more in the attacking three positions during pre-season, could drop back to the base of midfield. Harrison Reed would be an outside bet to grab a starting spot.

Dusan Tadic and Sadio Mane have seen plenty of pitch time during pre-season and look likely starters in those attacking midfield positions, while Graziano Pelle should start as the lone striker. Jay Rodriguez played 90 minutes against Espanyol but dropped to the bench in midweek and is slowly working his way back to full fitness. He could be among the substitutes on Sunday, alongside summer signing Juanmi, who appears to be behind Pelle in the pecking order up front. Shane Long is another alternative on the right of the attacking midfield trio, but is a doubt due to illness.

Ryan Bertrand has missed all of pre-season due to a knee injury, but should return over the next few weeks, while Florin Gardos picked up a serious knee injury against Red Bull Salzburg.

STOKE CITY

Top Minutes Played
Cameron 360, Van Ginkel 322, Sidwell 319, Muniesa 315, Wollscheid 295, Adam 287, Joselu 285, Teixeira 281, Odemwingie 287, Ireland 275, Walters 258, Diouf 250, Bardsley 225

Lessons Learned
Mark Hughes has generally shared the minutes around during pre-season, making it tougher to establish who is preferred starting XI will include. Certainly, he’ll need to address the absence of Ryan Shawcross in central defence, with the skipper ruled out for at least two months after undergoing back surgery. Marc Wilson is a doubt for the season opener because of an ankle injury. The minutes played list would suggest Geoff Cameron and Marc Muniesa are the slight favourites to line up at centre-back, but Philipp Wollscheid and Wilson can’t be overlooked. Phil Bardsley didn’t feature in either of the Potters’ matches last weekend, while Glen Johnson played 90 minutes against Cologne, perhaps making him the slight favourite to get the nod at right-back. Erik Pieters also played 90 minutes against the German outfit and is likely to start at left-back.

One thing that has been consistent during pre-season is Hughes’ continued use of the 4-2-3-1 formation, Glenn Whelan played only 216 minutes over the last few weeks, but managed 90 minutes against Porto on Sunday and is expected to get the nod, while Marco van Ginkel has started three of the Potters last four pre-season matches and could well play in the double-pivot. Charlie Adam and, to a lesser extent, Steve Sidwell are alternatives for the Welshman here.

Hughes also has several options for the three attacking midfield positions, with Jon Walters perhaps looking the most likely starter after playing 239 minutes in Stoke’s final four friendlies. Marko Arnautovic would probably be another expected to figure, but the Austrian is a slight doubt with a thigh injury picked up against Porto on Sunday. Stephen Ireland and Peter Odemwingie have seen plenty of pre-season action, but would appear to be outside bets for a starting berth. Ibrahim Afellay played 59 minutes against Cologne last Saturday, but is probably short of full fitness and more likely to appear off the bench.

Other options include playing Adam in “the hole”, while Mame Biram Diouf could play wide on the right. The Senegal international appears to be competing with Joselu for the lone forward role, with Peter Crouch likely to be among the substitutes. Bojan has played 109 minutes in the last three pre-season matches, but is perhaps still lacking some match sharpness and maybe another more likely to start among the substitutes.

SUNDERLAND

Top Minutes Played
Defoe 426, Cattermole 417, Rodwell 386, Jones 362, Johnson 352, Van Aanholt 315, Brown 315, Larsson 315, Giaccherini 303, Pantilimon 270, O’Shea 258, Matthews 252, Fletcher 241

Lessons Learned
With nine players logging over 300 minutes during pre-season for the Black Cats, Dick Advocaat looks to have provided us with some decent clues as to who could lineup at Leicester on Saturday.

Compared to many of the other Premier League managers, Advocaat has not been afraid to try different formations during pre-season, using 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 systems. As the minutes played list suggests, though, the likes of Jermain Defoe, Lee Cattermole and Jack Rodwell appear nailed-on starters, whatever formation he opts for against the Foxes.

Big summer signing Jeremain Lens doesn’t appear on the top minutes played list, but he has played 172 minutes in the Black Cats final two warm-up matches and is expected to the start on the left of the front three, with Adam Johnson the favourite to play on the right having started the final three friendlies. Emanuele Giaccherini has logged plenty of minutes over the past few weeks, and looks the main alternative for one of the wide positions. If Advocaat opts to play a 4-3-3 formation, Sebastian Larsson looks the favourite to join Cattermole and Rodwell in the engine room. Liam Bridcutt has been limited to 183 minutes during pre-season and appears to be lower down the pecking order, while Yann M’Vila has only just arrived on a season-long loan. Jordi Gomez has missed all of pre-season with a knee injury and will be unavailable for the season opener.

Adam Matthews only played 27 minutes in the Black Cats’ last two friendlies, so it appears Billy Jones will take the starting berth at right-back. Patrick van Aanholt will start at left-back, with John O’Shea, Sebastian Coates and Younes Kaboul seemingly battling it out for the two centre-back positions. Coates appears the most likely to start, having played 153 minutes in the final two friendlies, compared to 101 for Kaboul and 88 for O’Shea. This article seems to suggest club captain O’Shea could be left out for the trip to the King Power stadium. Costel Pantilimon will start in goal for the Black Cats.

SWANSEA CITY

Top Minutes Played
Williams 271, Naughton 271, Ki Sung-yeung 271, Cork 269, Fernandez 269, Ayew 255, Fabianski 240, Tabanou 226, Sigurdsson 226, Taylor 224, Shelvey 224, Routledge 224, Grimes 224

Lessons Learned
Garry Monk is another boss who has decided to share around the minutes during pre-season, allowing all his squad to get plenty of playing time. In goal, Lukasz Fabianski is nailed on, while Kyle Naughton, Ashley Williams and Federico Fernandez appear certain starters at the back. At left-back, there appears very little to choose between Neil Taylor and summer signing Franck Tabanou, but with a tough trip to Stamford Bridge in the opening Gameweek, the more defensive minded Taylor may get the nod. Jordi Amat hasn’t featured during pre-season because of a foot injury, so Kyle Bartley will provide cover at centre-back.

It’s in midfield where Monk will have some tough decisions to make, depending on which formation he opts for. He has trialled a 4-1-4-1 formation during pre-season, which would possibly mean Gylfi Sigurdsson missing out, with Jack Cork as the defensive midfielder, and Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yeung just in front. Sigurdsson played the second half of Swansea’s final friendly against Deportivo La Coruna, with Shelvey featuring in the first. Depending on which formation Monk chooses to play, one of those two could find themselves among the substitutes. Andre Ayew and Wayne Routledge are the favourites for the wide berths, although Jefferson Montero has impressed since returning late to pre-season after playing all 270 minutes of Ecuador’s Copa America campaign. He has, however, only logged 115 minutes for the Welsh side and may have to settle for a place on the bench against Chelsea. Monk could also return to the midfield diamond used last season against the Blues, which could see both Shelvey and Sigurdsson start, with Routledge the likeliest to miss out.

Bafetimbi Gomis completed 74 minutes against Deportivo last Saturday after a minor hamstring concern and should lead the line, with Eder providing back-up.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Top Minutes Played
Kane 163, Chadli 162, Dier 162, Dembele 160, Bentaleb 159, Carroll 157, Alderweireld 153, Davies 153, Vorm 153, Trippier 145, Walker 145, Vertonghen 135, Wimmer 135, Alli 134, Lamela 128

Lessons Learned
Spurs have had quite a strange pre-season in the fact they have only played three official friendlies, with two of those coming in the Audi Cup this week. Mauricio Pochettino will be mightily relieved Hugo Lloris managed to get 36 minutes under his belt against AC Milan, and the France international should be fit to start in goal against Manchester United.

With so few matches played, it’s difficult to read too much into very similar numbers of minutes played, but perhaps tellingly, Harry Kane, Christian Eriksen, Toby Alderweireld, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose were all unused substitutes against AC Milan on Wednesday. All five could well start at Old Trafford ,then. Jan Vertonghen only played 45 minutes against the Italian outfit and should line up alongside his Belgian team-mate. The right-back situation looks less clear cut, but as Kieran Trippier played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday, Walker could yet emerge as the front runner.

Pochettino seems likely to stick with his favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, so Nabil Bentaleb appears a likely starter, although Ryan Mason, usually stationed alongside the Algerian last term, has only played 36 minutes across the three matches. That suggests Mousa Dembele or even highly rated youngster Dele Alli could be handed a start in the double-pivot, although it’s widely accepted that Eric Dier will be given a holding midfield role at Old Trafford having been deployed there in pre-season. Tom Carroll has also impressed after returning from a season-long loan spell at Swansea, but he appears an outside bet for a starting spot.

Nacer Chadli netted the opening goal against Milan and should line up alongside Eriksen in the attacking midfield positions, with the other spot looking up for grabs. Erik Lamela played 83 minutes on Wednesday, so Dembele or Alli could also come into the equation for a more advanced role behind lone striker Kane. Andros Townsend has missed all of pre-season with a shoulder injury and is very unlikely to be fit to the trip to Old Trafford, while Emmanuel Adebayor is rumoured to be heading for the exit door and Roberto Soldado has struggled with a back problem.

WATFORD

Top Minutes Played
Cathcart 594, Deeney 558, Capoue 543, Prodl 473, Watson 398, Anya 395, Ighalo 378, Abdi 345, Gomes 315, Nyom 315, Arlauskis 303, Pudil 288, Behrami 268, Vydra 267

Lessons Learned
With so many new faces arriving at Vicarage Road throughout pre-season, correctly guessing Quique Sanchez Flores’ starting XI would be some achievement. Having said that, the minutes played by captain Troy Deeney, Etienne Capoue and Craig Cathcart suggest they will line up at Goodison Park.

Heurelho Gomes will start in goal – although Giedrius Arlauskis played 303 minutes, he’s suspended for the first couple of matches.

Flores has favoured a 4-2-3-1 system during pre-season, with the previously mentioned Cathcart and Sebastian Prodl the likely centre-back pairing, given the minutes they’ve played, plus the fact they started the final friendly against Sevilla. Right-back Allan Nyom also started that match and appears in the box seat for that position. The left-back spot appears more up in the air, with Ikechi Anya starting that final pre-season friendly, although he was replaced by Jose Holebas after 53 minutes. Holebas has played exactly 45 minutes in three of the Hornets last five warm-up matches and is perhaps being carefully managed before being handed the starting position against Everton.

In midfield, Capoue looks set to line up alongside Valon Behrami at the base, with the Swiss international playing 166 minutes of Watford’s final two friendlies. Ben Watson has seen plenty of action over the past few weeks and appears to be the next in line. Further forward, Almen Abdi is a serious doubt for the trip to Goodison Park after missing the final two pre-season matches with a knee injury. His absence would likely see Jurado handed the “number ten” role, although he has only played 174 minutes for the Hornets.

Odion Ighalo has played on the left of the attacking midfield positions during pre-season and could start there if Abdi is ruled out. Steven Berghius is also expected to sit out the weekend through injury, although he is also short of playing time, having only logged 51 minutes over the last two matches. Anya has played wide on the right at times during pre-season and certainly has enough minutes under his belt, while Miguel Layun started the Sevilla match, making his first appearance of pre-season after playing 557 minutes for Mexico in Copa America and the CONCACAF Gold Cup during the summer.

Troy Deeney will start in attack, with Matej Vydra probably having to settle for a place among the substitutes, unless he comes into contention for one of the attacking midfield positions.

WEST BROM

Top Minutes Played
Myhill 575, McLean 548, Yacob 474, Fletcher 416, Gardner 415, Olsson 415, McManaman 410, Morrison 373, Anichebe 347, Brunt 344, Dawson 308, Lescott 302, Berahino 301, Ideye 285

Lessons Learned
Tony Pulis appears to be one of only a handful of top flight bosses who will line up with a 4-4-2 formation if pre-season is anything to go by. With Ben Foster injured, Boaz Myhill will start in goal, with speculation still linking the Baggies with a move for Cardiff goalkeeper David Marshall something to monitor.

New signing James Chester played 64 minutes on his debut against Bristol Rovers last Friday, albeit at right-back, but could start alongside Joleon Lescott in central defence, particularly with Gareth McAuley a doubt with a calf injury. Lescott is expected to recover from a knock, whilst McAuley didn’t feature in either of the Baggies final two friendlies. Craig Dawson played at centre-back against Bristol Rovers, but featured for most of last season at right-back and is the favourite to take that starting position. Chris Brunt has played at left-back for much of pre-season, and could get the nod in that position. Jonas Olsson has seen plenty of playing time during pre-season and also looks to have claims for a start, while Christian Gamboa hasn’t featured over the past few weeks after playing 277 minutes for Costa Rica in the CONCACAF Gold Cup.

In midfield, Claudio Yacob and Darren Fletcher have racked up plenty of minutes during pre-season and appear to be in the box seats for the two central midfield roles. Craig Gardner will also be considered for the central positions, as well as being able to operate out wide. Pulis has several options for the flank roles, however, with James McLean the favourite to start on the left, given he’s played 548 minutes during pre-season. Callum McManaman could also earn a start out wide, while James Morrison, like Gardner, could slot in anywhere across the midfield, although he perhaps looks an outside bet for a place in the starting XI.

Rickie Lambert scored twice on his debut for the Baggies at his former club Bristol Rovers, playing 56 minutes alongside Saido Berahino, with that forward pairing expected to start against City on Monday night. Victor Anichebe has logged more minutes than Brown Ideye, but both look destined to be among the substitutes for the opening match.

WEST HAM

Top Minutes Played
Tomkins 629, Poyet 537, Adrian 495, Oxford 465, Jarvis 463, Sakho 456, Zarate 453, Noble 453, Randolph 450, Maiga 448, Cresswell 420, Collins 405, Amalfitano 371, O’Brien 366, Ogbonna 333

Lessons Learned
West Ham have played twelve matches before even kicking a ball in the Premier League thanks to their Europa League campaign, but Slaven Bilic has given plenty of players opportunities in both friendlies and in European competition. To an extent, the minutes have also been affected by three-match bans in Europe for Diafra Sakho and, to a lesser extent, James Tomkins.

Tomkins has logged the most minutes with 629, but even he doesn’t look certain of a starting spot against Arsenal, with Winston Reid an alternative for the Croatian boss, although he hasn’t played since July 16. According to this report, he could be fit to face the Gunners, and partner new signing Angelo Ogbonna at the heart of the defence. James Collins appears to be fourth in the pecking order. Aaron Cresswell will start at left-back at the Emirates, with Joey O’Brien appears likely to line up at right-back, with Carl Jenkinson ineligible to play against his parent club. He should return to the starting XI against Leicester in Gameweek 2.

Bilic has tried a few different formations during pre-season, with a midfield diamond a possibility for Sunday’s match. Cheikhou Kouyate has played 363 minutes during pre-season after missing the first couple of matches, and should start just in front of holding midfielder Mark Noble. Pedro Obiang hasn’t played since making his debut against Peterborough on July 11, but could be fit to face Arsenal. Should he fail to make it, Bilic could well opt for a different formation. Diego Poyet could perhaps he handed the chance to start, although that appears unlikely. Youngster Reece Oxford can also play in midfield and has impressed during pre-season. Kevin Nolan played in only one of the Hammers last three matches – in a second-string XI in Europe last night – and may struggle to earn a start.

Dimitri Payet should start either as the “number ten” or among the attacking midfield positions, while Mauro Zarate appears to have gained favour under the former Besiktas manager and could start alongside Diafra Sakho or as part of on attacking midfield three if Bilic opts for a 4-2-3-1 system. Matt Jarvis looks set to be named amongst the substitutes if he can shake off a minor niggle, although Enner Valencia is out with a serious knee injury suffered against Astra Giurgiu. Andy Carroll remains out with a knee injury and won’t return until next month at the earliest.

  1. Iago Aspas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Ok guys here's a question if Walcott was definitely starting woul you captain him over hazard.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      HE can explode in 60min anyway. Go with your guts

    2. andy85wsm
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Yes

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

      Yes

    4. 11bigboy11
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      If he was starting up front and getting 70+ mins then yes

    5. Declan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Nope

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

      yes

    7. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I'm doing it anyway

  2. FPL Daniel
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Good luck boys and girls, my team is set. My Saturday transfers are always disaster anyway. The team from yesterday stays 😉
    No Kun whatsoever obviously

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

      Good luck!

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        good luck 2u2 Lucy

  3. Arsene Wenger
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    oshea\walcott or van Aanholt\Ozil ?

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

      Latter...
      Though I am set on Caz over Özil

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

      O'Shea + Walcott

    3. Mclean as a Whistle
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Coates/Walcott

    4. 11bigboy11
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Coates, Wally

  4. 11bigboy11
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    A) Shaw, Bentelab, Pelle

    B) Cedric, Mane, Ighalo

  5. Darth_Newdar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Opinions on Jerome? I'm tempted at 5.0.

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

      Proven over the years that he does not cut it in the premier league

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

        But he could score a few goals at the start or the season, no? I don't think he's any more of a risk than Wilson or Deeney.

        1. Jax
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          not as prolific in recent years. Wilson and Deeney can score goals anywhere imo.

  6. KLOPPTOMANIA
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Does this need any tweaks?

    Schmeichel, Butland
    Ivan, Morgan, O'Shea, Francis, Targett
    Ritchie, Mane, Haz, Ozil, Sinclair
    Kun, benteke, Deeney

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

      Aguero unlikely to start on Monday

      1. KLOPPTOMANIA
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Meant to be 100% fit and so should come on, I'd rather not have surgery after gw1

    2. For Fuchs Sake
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Downgrade Ivan for two stronger DEF. Rest looks good

      1. KLOPPTOMANIA
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks

    3. Wayne Enterprises
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      i still cant decide on kun - what did it for you? have him in atm

      1. KLOPPTOMANIA
        • 16 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        As above, he'll do well and even if limited mins in first game, you'll want to get him I straight after. That and roon does not seem *essential*, not on pens, set pieces etc

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

      I've seen some good teams with both Kun and hazard in but I think yours looks weak especially in defence and always going to play a low priced mid or attacker. One of the reasons I've kept away from them currently

  7. ak47tos
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on the below pls RMT. Really want to make room for Wally but need 0.5m

    Butland (Ruddy)
    Francis - Mert - Huth (Williams, Targett)
    Haz - Sterling - Ozil - Milner (Wanyama)
    Rooney - Costa - Deeney

    Ta

    1. KLOPPTOMANIA
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Hmm Costa risky now, why not benteke until sure he's fit and use cash

      1. Mclean as a Whistle
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Benteke isn't sure to start. Also has fitness issues, no pre-season, new system and new club.

        1. KLOPPTOMANIA
          • 16 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          Ok then Pelle? Costa still a big risk

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

          Benteke will deffo start. He'll of done enough against Swindon to warrant a starting place

  8. CarrollEFC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    1) Haz and Sakho
    2) Fabregas and benteke

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

      If gone with 1

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

    Anyone like ashley young? Have henderson but not seen anyone really mention him on here despite the high ownership...

    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      No

    2. Wayne Enterprises
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      no consistency

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

        Hoping might get a good run. Team looks good i reckon by the way (mind you i'm picking Young so take from that what you will!)

  10. Wayne Enterprises
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    RMT please

    Schmeichel

    Cedric Huth Francis

    Fabregas Sterling Ozil Ritchie

    Aguero Rooney Pelle

    Butland richards Bentaleb Staylor

  11. Johnny98
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Which one folks?

    [a] Kasper, Azpili, Merte, Mane

    [b] Stekel, Terry, Kos, Ritchie

  12. Cantona90
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Is triple Bournemouth, triple southampton, double leicester too much for opening few weeks?

    1. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      🙂 Bet you have a nice front 7

    2. KLOPPTOMANIA
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      How much arse?

    3. Iago Aspas
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      It got a similar scenario although they have got the fixtures

    4. myboycharlie
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Yes triple saints ok but one enough for other 2

  13. The Count of Monte Cristo
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Bench order correct?

    1. Fletcher
    2. Coates
    3. Targett

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Coates and Tagert over Fletch

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        2,3,1 it is then; in that order.

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

      Targett ahead of Coates

      1. The Count of Monte Cristo
        • 13 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Hmmmm okay. To be honest, all my starting XI are nailed anyway but just to be safe..

  14. Jack Frost
    • 15 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Any word on whether McCarthy or Hennessey start in goal for Crystal Palace?

    Alex McCarthy has started three of Palace’s four matches

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

      Would like to know the answer to this too

    2. Reedy
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      They've played very similar number of minutes though. It's a but up in the air, but I'm in the Hennessey camp. You need a second playing keeper, for sure.

  15. robertdubrovnik
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Barley 20 assists??? Put the red wine down lad!

    1. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Not the only one it seems 😉

      1. barleyod89
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        No way. The red wine brings clarity. Cesc is never off it!!

  16. Colonel Shoe 肝池
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    hmmm goin with no city feels wrong

    1. Declan
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      booooourns 😉

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        sterling and silva literally living up to their costly names

        1. Declan
          • 15 Years
          10 years, 6 months ago

          🙂

    2. DA Minnion (Former great)
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling will be out to prove a point
      Can see him putting in a big performance.

    3. Mclean as a Whistle
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I also feel dirty. 2.5 ITB for Aguero thou..

    4. myboycharlie
      • 14 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I know the feeling

  17. Ronhaar2693
    • 10 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Quick advice lads.....
    A - Tadic and Chadli
    B - Mane and 6m Mid (Gradel or Ritchie or AOX or Mahrez)
    C - Tadic and Ritchie with 1m going to the defence (Merte/Cedric/Morgan/Coates/Mings)
    Dont have any of Kane, Pelle or Benteke

    What should I do?

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

      Always A. But not in this case.

      B

      1. Ronhaar2693
        • 10 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        SPARER who do I go with for the last mid pick then? Ritchie or Mahrez?

        Or any another 6m mid

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

      B with Mahrez

    3. Mclean as a Whistle
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Who do you have up front?

    4. Lazarus Star
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Monitor Tadic

      Chardli/Milner & Ritchie

  18. Sparrer
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Right, here's my lot. Going bench boost first round. Let's do this thing!

    Schmeichel & Myhill

    Koscielny & Huth & Cedric & Francis & Bassong

    Hazard (c) & Walcott (v) & Mane & Mahrez & Ritchie

    Rooney & Kane & Sakho

    NO BENCH

  19. Aurora Borealis?
    • 14 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Do you think having Wilson for the first week and then transferring in Sakho is a good idea? Or do you think I should just start with Sakho?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Do you think Wilson will beat Sahko by 5 or more in GW1?

      1. Aurora Borealis?
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Hopefully I'll only make one transfer, so it will be free

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

      Both! 😉

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

        Hodor

    3. For Fuchs Sake
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Depends what other transfers you may need to make over the coming weeks

    4. The Bandit
      • 15 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Trouble is, there is always something else that comes up.. Injury, ban, 'essential' bandwagon etc

      1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        this....almost impossible to keep these kind of plans

      2. Aurora Borealis?
        • 14 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        This is very true

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

    Think im set. Thoughts please or wishing good luck works 😀

    Ruddy / Henn

    Azp / Kosc/ Cedric / Francis / (Jenkinson)

    Haz / Walc / Mane / Mahrez / (westwood)

    Roon / Kane / (Sakho)

    Thats my starting team obviously!

    Any thoughts or criticism is welcome!

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

      Good luck!

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

        Cheers! you too!

  21. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Beginning to think Wilson is a better option than Vardy.

    I like Vardy but I really do not trust Ranieri and Wilson is nailed on.

    I could lose Ritchie and take a punt on Scott Sinclair/Wes Hoolahan rotation double up instead.

    What do you think chaps?

    Ritchie, Vardy and £4.5m def

    or

    Sinclair, Hoolahan and Wilson?

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

      * Ritchie, Vardy and £4.5m mid

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

      Hoolahan not nailed mate. I wouldnt.

  22. semiconductor
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    for LONG TERM
    1. sterling or mane??
    2. clyne/fonte + francis or cedric + williams/jeken??
    3. milner/hendo or ritchie?
    4. This post suggest that oxford can play for west ham and oop (as mid)....good option?

    i hope i can get replies cause u always been giving great advices

    1. Mclean as a Whistle
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      1 Sterling.
      2.*&&%$^%£$£???
      3. Richie
      4 Ox not a good option. May play GW 1 only.

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

        thanks a lot. i meant in 2,
        clyne + francis
        or
        cedric + williams

  23. bv57
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Courtois & Kos

    or

    Cech & Azp?

    1. For Fuchs Sake
      • 16 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      A

      1. bv57
        • 12 Years
        10 years, 6 months ago

        Ta

  24. Tomas Brolin ate all Depays
    • 13 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    RMT Please!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hennessey -- (McCarthy)
    Azpilicueta - Mertesacker - Cedric --(Gomez - Francis)
    Fabregas - Ozil - Walcott - Depay -- (Bentaleb)
    Rooney (c) - Benteke - Pelle

    Will prob WC in wk4

  25. Bailz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Ramsey and Sterling or Walcott and Mane?

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

      B

    2. hoola515
      • 12 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      Wally and Mane

  26. GuillermoDickero
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    That RMT Surgery got me tempted to drop Azpi.... Madness potentially. Also not a fan of this Hennessy coin toss. so.......

    Thinking of changing

    A) Butland, Hennessy +
    Azpi, Mert, Coates

    to

    B) Butland, Ruddy +
    Kos, Jenkinson, Cedric

    What do people think. A or B?

    1. Mclean as a Whistle
      • 13 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      B

  27. Iago Aspas
    • 11 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Ok guys here is my second question, is Walcott starting?

    1. Iago Aspas
      • 11 Years
      10 years, 6 months ago

      I personally think yes

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

    RMT

    Ruddy / Rudd
    Koscielny / Cédric / Coates / Francis / Huth
    Hazard / Walcott / Mané / Mahrez / King
    Rooney / Kane / Benteke

    Finally decided to start without Aguero and ended up with the 3 most owned strikers. Not by design, mind you, but no reason to tear it appart either.

    Defense is much more expensive than I'd like. Damn those elusive 4.0m nailed defenders!

  29. Lazarus Star
    • 12 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    GTG?

    Cech (Schmeichel)
    Shaw, Huth, Francis (Gomez, Targett)
    Haz, Sterling, Wally, Hendo, Ritchie
    Rooney(c), Tekkers (Wilson)

    Thinking a final tinker
    Schmeichel to Hennessy and Wilson to Vardy

  30. For Fuchs Sake
    • 16 Years
    10 years, 6 months ago

    Naughton in anyone's team. Good attacking threat and Swans have decent run of fixtures after tomorrow.