Pre-Season

Pre Season Section Now Live

With the new 2016/17 summer fixtures officially underway following West Ham’s 3-0 defeat to Seattle Sounders earlier this morning, we’re launching the Pre-Season Section of the site once again as we build-up towards the start of the new Premier League campaign. We’ll also be adding the Pre-Season tab on the site main page over the next day.

Most of the 20 Premier League sides are now back in training, with some teams facing their first friendlies towards the end of this week. We’ve put together a list of every club’s confirmed summer schedule so far and also linked every article published over the break for each team. You can visit the Pre-Season guide for a full rundown on all of the Scout Reports, Moving Targets, Great Expectations and Sleeper articles, in addition to our assessments of the three promoted sides, while we’ll also be adding our Fixture Analysis pieces shortly.

We’ll be updating the Pre-Season guide on a daily basis, adding every article upon publication. Each team also has their own “Scout Notes” and “Form Players” sections, which will be added to throughout the summer. We’ll be keeping a close eye on all the friendlies and, as well as rolling out plenty of Scout Scribbles articles to cover the matches, will be using this as a handy one-stop-shop to compile your guide ahead of the launch of the 2016/17 Premier League season next month.

J0E Podcaster and writer. Tweets stats and stuff via @FFScout_Joe Follow them on Twitter

1,004 Comments Post a Comment
  1. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Sky Sports Game

    How about this for a first draft?

    Heaton,
    C. Dawson, M. Dawson, Friend, Simpson
    Hazard, Ozil, Payet, Townsend
    Aguero, Vardy

    Thanks

    1. Dinhosaur
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      The budget is a nightmare but not bad. I'm finding it hard to look past KDB however. Also think Southampton are worth a look defensively.

      1. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Very true. Thanks mate

    2. Lovren an elevator
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Seen the boro/Leicester rotation? Looks great, is that what you plan to do with simpson/friend? Also I was thinking Ayala a better pick than friend?
      Also agreed on Townsend

      1. MFC86
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Ayala is a big threat from set pieces, Friend might pop up with the odd assist however Ayala would be a better fantasy pick.

      2. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        No, never realised! Ayala may be an option. I was just trying to go as cheap as possible with defence.

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Heavy hitting heaven.

      Here's mine atm to compare...

      Lloris
      Shaw, Coleman, Rahman, Friend
      Ramsey, Fabregas, Kante
      Sanchez, Rhodes, Nolito

      1. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers mate. Why Kante?

        1. Bun Rab
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Tackles and passes and may move to a bigger team.

  2. TheBusDriver
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    FEDERER!!!!!

  3. MartialMatas
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    RMT please
    * after name = transferred in

    Hennessey Lloris*
    Taylor* Hector Guerreiro* Rami Umtiti
    Ozil* Draxler Matuidi* Payet Ramsey
    Muller Bale Ronaldo*

    0m ITB

  4. emyoueffsee
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Captain from Patricio, Williams, Fonte, Sanches, Bale, Ronaldo?
    27 pt lead in my ML.

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Which team do you think will win?

  5. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Rui Lloris
    Sagna Hector Boateng Taylor *****
    Payet Draxler Ozil Renato *****
    Muller Giroud** Bale

    2 FT left
    What Should be my Priority??
    Getting Ronaldo In for Giroud??
    Or Fixing the vacant defender and mid!?

    Thoughts??

    1. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Giroud has no form, get him out... The two non-players, of course.

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Only 2 free transfers left!

        1. VS10_
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          The first sentence is sarcasm... Why would you even think of doing that transfer?

          1. Weeb Kakashi
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Haha!! Maybe..... A bit poor in such matters!

            1. VS10_
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Ronaldo could smack me in the face, but there is not much that indicates it would be a good move.

  6. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Lloris Hennessey
    Sagna Boateng Hector Taylor Cedric
    Payet Ozil Draxler Sanches ____
    Ronaldo Muller Griezmann

    Have 7.4m left for my last midfielder. Chasing so would like a differential. Would Andy King be a good punt or should I just go with Kroos?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      King may not even start !

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Not Kroos! Quadruple German atttack!
        Maybe Jonny Williams??

        1. michudagawd
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Williams likely to start?

          1. Weeb Kakashi
            • 8 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Dont panic!! We are seeing the lineups an hour before the game!

  7. Ajax Down Trees
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    ... / ...
    Hector - Boateng - Fonte - Gurreiro - ...
    Pogba - payet - drax - ozil - renato
    GreiZ - bale - cr7

    Fill in last 3 gaps? 9 points behind in league. Got an idea but wanted opinions 🙂

    1. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Patricio, Neuer/Lloris, French defender.

      1. Ajax Down Trees
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Not fancy Wales? With Pepe out I was thinking about sticking with the two Portuguese I allredi have in defence and going for lloris / hen / Taylor.

        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Is Pepe actually out?

          1. Ajax Down Trees
            • 14 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            I thought I'd read that the news was he was out but I'm stuck at work so haven't been reading a lot!

        2. SUAREZ_MESSI_COUTINHO
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Henn is not a bad option either. Depends on your prediction for the game. I think Portugal will win.

          France vs Germany is almost a 50-50 for me, so I'd get a french defender to be safe.

  8. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Do you see that boy come up on the the mcdonalds fantasy site saying thanks for playing fantasy football! Can't go to the transfers page!

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      seems to be working again!

      1. Costa's Counsellor
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Keep us updated.

  9. Gashead9
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Hey Guys! I think i'm ready to press confirm, all 6 transfers made, giving me 15 players for the semi's, tried to split the teams evenly so have got 4 Germany, 4 France, 4 Portugal & 3 Wales. That way i'll have at least 7 players in the final before transfers. Thoughts please? 1.5 ITB, Players with stars are unconfirmed and can be changed/upgraded.

    Hennessey / Neuer
    Guerrero* / Chester* / Cedric* / Hector / Rami
    Ozil* / Sanches* / Kroos / Payet / Pogba
    Ronaldo* / Bale / Griezmann

  10. Ya Boi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Will Raphael Guerreiro start today? Any news?

    1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      You will know soon enough.

  11. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Zlatan, KdB and Haz possible you think? Without compromising the rest too much.
    Thinking Tekkers and Callum Wilson to complete the front 3 if Tekkers goes elsewhere in premiership.

    1. KingNidge
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

      That strike force would be too weak for me personally though

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Brilliant.
        Really? I think Wilson could be on for a big season, Tekkers on the other hand aint no favourite but he has a good history if beingcthe focal point in an attack.

        Also quite interested in how much Matt Phillips was when in Premiership? Can one hope for cheaky 5m? Or at worst 5.5?

        1. KingNidge
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Agree with what you say on Benteke and Wilson but i won't be lumbering myself with 2 strikers one in the 7.5 - 8 bracket and one in the 6.5 - 7

          Good player Phillips but lowest i'll go 4 a 4th mid would be 6 - 6.5 and a certain 4.5 for my 5th mid

          1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Yeah I was hoping Phillips would be a 5th but as usual I'll probably do what you just said and find a stinky 4.5

    2. Gizzachance
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      think palace will play to benteke strength which liverpool didnt, in fact hardly they played him! but with the likes of townsend zaha bolassie etc, then benteke could be a shrewd move

      1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Yep that is my thinking, those Palace crosses aimed at that big head of his.

        1. Gizzachance
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          he still scored goals for liverpool when selected, {about 10 in 20 i think}and had good record in a poor villa team, dont think pardew will leave a 30+mill player on bench
          benteke could be ideal with those players behind him, also palace dont have to much sriking options, think benteke be first choice, may be worth a early punt.

  12. Smudger’s Dirty Dozen
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    A Rui P + Fonte
    or
    B Hennessey + Fonte (to go with Willams)

  13. C_G
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    thoughts on my WC

    Rui Neuer

    Hector Boateng Taylor Fonte Guerreiro

    Payet Gotze Drax Ozil Sanches

    Bale Ronaldo Greiz

  14. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Name your flop of the tournament.

    Choices are

    a) Joe Hart
    b) Thomas Muller
    c) Mario Gotze
    d) other (please name)

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      should have added Harry Kane there!

    2. Costa's Counsellor
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Will Grigg

      1. MFC86
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        no way, he's been on fire

    3. emyoueffsee
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Mandzukic.
      Alaba
      Kane

    4. Get up ya bum
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Stanciu 😆

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        How do u get that smiley face? Love it!

    5. Hooky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      d) Harry Kane

    6. Funkyav
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      D ENGLAND

    7. Old Man
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      From a FF point of view, or actual?

  15. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Is Pepe def out?

    1. LucasD
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Wait for lineups

  16. LucasD
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Hey All

    This is my current team:

    Neuer / Henn
    Hector / Boateng / Rafa G / Rami / Meunier*
    Ozil / Sanches / Kroos / Payet / Ramsey*
    Bale / Giroud / Ronnie

    I need some help with my last FT. Which would you go for?

    A - Meunier > Williams/Fonte
    B - Ramsey > Drax/Gotze
    C - Giroud > Muller

    I'm chasing by 13 points so I need to punt on someone.

    Thanks

    1. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Rambo>Draxler is the move.

      1. LucasD
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks, why not Gotze? After all he does play OOP.

        1. kamdaraji
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Not a certain starter

          1. LucasD
            • 12 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Thanks

  17. Camp No No
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Giroud v Grizou

    1. gazza0088
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Griezy, seems to assist if not score.

      1. Camp No No
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Giroud has a better history against Germany though, and will certainly play upfront and not on the flank.

  18. RSe
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Take it there will be Giroud update before the deadline tonight?

    1. VS10_
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Previous page

      1. ktongue
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Where abouts on the previous page mate?

  19. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Going with five German, four French, four Portugese and 2 Welsh.

  20. mr.stanishev
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Ok, anyone else unable to submit transfers due to 'budget exceeded' error while actual available budget is exactly 0.0 - what's going wrong?!

    1. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I had that issue before is well!

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        There's a glitch!

        1. mr.stanishev
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          McDonalds ruining your tactics (as well as your nutritions).. now since 2016.

  21. Scratch
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Any France v Germany team news doing the rounds?

    Will Rami or Umtiti start
    Will Draxler come in in Gomez's absence?

    1. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Seems to be expected that France continues with the same lineup as against Iceland, and that Germany will play 4-2-3-1 with Götze false-9, Draxler on left, Weigl in Khedira's place, Höwedes CB and Kimmich on RB.

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        You expect Umtiti to start? Would be great

        1. kamdaraji
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          He won't. Rami will slot back in

          1. Camp No No
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            What makes you so sure?

          2. JÆKS ⭐
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            'expected' though, as long as Deschamps doesn't say anything about the CB position, we are all kept in the dark a bit.

            1. kamdaraji
              • 14 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Umtiti only came in because of Rami's suspension. Rami is second choice Central defender after Koscielny

              1. Camp No No
                • 10 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                You have anything to back up that the hierarchy has remained the same?

            2. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              He has said 'something' though, but of course nothing conclusive.

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Cheers! Hope that prediction will be spot on!

            1. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              I think I can afford a 4.0 risk with France defence anyway, not like we were banking on them keeping a CS! 😆

              1. JÆKS ⭐
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Haha indeed, he's already in my team, those 0 points were just great!

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Deschamps has said he was pleased with Umtiti, close call.
      Draxler should return, but not necessarily due to Gomez.

  22. JÆKS ⭐
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    1 open spot left in middfield:

    Ozil Payet Draxler R.Sanches ____

    1. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Götze?

    2. Camp No No
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Oh, maybe overloading Germans. Pogba?

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Strikers are : Griezman Ronaldo Bale

        Götze is what I'm thinking as well but just worried about his game-time

        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          Same thought. Kroos, if you want to play it safe.

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            I'm done with Kroos, owned him 2 or 3 games so far 😀 that miss against Slowakia I think, assisted by my C Muller was just......

    3. St. Joseph
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Gotze or pogba

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers!

    4. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      same as me and i'm stuck betweek Gotze and Pogba for the final slot

      1. JÆKS ⭐
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Most seem to think Gotze will start so might be with him then

        1. Camp No No
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          But if Germany attack won't work, Götze may be the first one to go.

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Don't think so, who else would they bring in. If they are ahead by 2 goals after an hour, I can see him being replaced but not if they are struggling

            1. Camp No No
              • 10 Years
              7 years, 11 months ago

              Müller upfront and Sané or Schürrle on flank?

              1. JÆKS ⭐
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                Would you really wast one of your 3 subs on that as you can also shift Gotze to the left/right?

                1. Camp No No
                  • 10 Years
                  7 years, 11 months ago

                  Hasn't beyond Löw so far.

              2. JÆKS ⭐
                • 9 Years
                7 years, 11 months ago

                But well we're all speculating here, not sure if Götze is worth the risk after all since I'm 1 point behind my ML rival, 1 hour and a half to think about it 😀

        2. kamdaraji
          • 14 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          What if they stick Muller up front. Will Gotze play on the wing?

          1. JÆKS ⭐
            • 9 Years
            7 years, 11 months ago

            Think so, Schürrle, Sane and Podolski aren't better options I think. Although I really don't rate Götze in real life 😀

  23. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Gotze has been dreadful this tournament though

  24. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Would you have a vacant spot in midfield or In defence??

    1. Red Reddington ⚽
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Defence.

    2. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      With only 3 games left, I'd rather have that spot in defence, don't expect many cs

    3. Meinhoff
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      defence

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        Cheers

  25. Red Reddington ⚽
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Have Ronaldo and Grez.

    A) Muller or
    B) Bale

    1. JÆKS ⭐
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Most will say Bale, I went with Bale as well, but it's really just following what you think is the best choice

    2. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I went with
      Bale Ronaldo Muller

      Muller has an explosion left in him!

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        As in he will be sent off?

  26. KingNidge
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Yes Muzza

  27. Red Reddington ⚽
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Fonte or Guerreiro?

    Fonte for goals, Guerreiro for assists. Thoughts?

    1. BlzE_94
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      I'm going for Guerreiro if he starts.

    2. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      Fonte for me

  28. kamdaraji
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Don't think Fonte will score. Guierrero is far more likely to assist then for Fonte to score

  29. sirmorbach
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    Rui Patrício / Lloris

    Williams / Raphaël Guerreiro / Hector / Boateng / Koscielny

    Draxler / Renato Sanches / Kroos / Payet / Pogba

    Bale / Griezmann / Ronaldo

    good to go?

    1. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      yeah although you could consider Ozil if funds allow

      1. sirmorbach
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 11 months ago

        thanks for the feedback, mate. I can go with Özil instead of Pogba. better option?

        1. MFC86
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 11 months ago

          actually you have 2 france, 2 germany in midfield at the minute which is probably a better balance as you will have at least 2 in the final.

  30. Tomlette Greggs
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 11 months ago

    A) Muller + Pogba

    or

    B) Griezmann + Draxler?

    1. MFC86
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 11 months ago

      B