Scout Notes
24 July 2016 1915 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Riyad Mahrez nets a superb opener as Leicester get the better of Celtic. Promoted frontmen Andre Gray and Jordan Rhodes take their summer tallies to four strikes apiece, Southampton new boy Nathan Redmond bags a brace, whilst a trio of midfielders are amongst the goals as Ronald Koeman kick starts his Everton career with a victory.

Portsmouth 3 Bournemouth 3

Bournemouth equalised twice but ultimately had to settle for a share of the spoils in a six-goal thriller against their south coast rivals.

Lewis Grabban, Jordon Ibe and Dan Gosling were on target for the Cherries, with Ryan Fraser and Rhoys Wiggins providing assists.

Coach Eddie Howe had to make do without a number of players at Fratton Park.

Steven Cook was due to have a precautionary scan over the weekend on a thigh issue picked up on the club’s US trip, although Howe is confident the key defender will miss no more than two weeks of action.

Elsewhere in the treatment room, striker Benik Afobe is expected to return to light training at the start of next week following a knee injury. On-loan Nathan Ake was rested as a precautionary measure, whilst Adam Smith has yet to return to action, having missed the end of the previous campaign with a groin injury.

Bournemouth XI: Federici, O’Kane, Francis, Daniels, Wiggins (Butcher 83), Fraser (Ibe 45), L Cook (MacDonald 45), Arter, Pugh (King 45), Grabban (Mousset 45), Wilson (Gosling 45).

Bradford City 1 Burnley 4

Andre Gray continued his fine pre-season form with another two goals – doubling his summer tally – as Burnley scored three in five first-half minutes.

George Boyd crossed for Gray to head home after 15 minutes and the striker doubled the lead two minutes later from a Dean Marney through-ball.

Ben Mee’s header from a David Jones corner rounded off the scoring burst, with Michael Kightly adding a fourth late on.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche was able to field two Euro 2016 returnees – Stephen Ward and Tom Heaton – with new signing Nick Pope replacing the latter in goal after the break.

A comprehensive victory for the Clarets was marred only by Ashley Barnes coming off with a hamstring injury and his replacement, Lukas Jutkiewicz, then succumbing to a similar complaint of his own.

Post match, Dyche rolled out an update on the duo:

“Ashley felt his hamstring and that’s why he just walked straight off. I’ve told the players to do that. There are no heroes at this stage and as soon as they feel anything at all they have to head off, because then there’s a shorter recovery period. We hope it’s a minor one, but we’ll have to wait and see. Lukas was going to come out for the second half, but his hamstring was tight when he was warming up, so I said not to push it. We want people fit.”

Burnley XI: Heaton (Pope 46), Darikwa (Lowton 73), Keane (K Long 73), Mee (Tarkowski 73), Ward (Lafferty 66), Arfield (Ginnelly 81), Marney (Ulvestad 66), Jones (O’Neill 81), Boyd (Kightly 73), Gray (Agyei 66), Barnes (Jutkiewicz 44, (Hennings 46))

Barnsley 0 Everton 3

A strong Everton side made short work of Barnsley and handed new manager Ronald Koeman a pre-season victory.

The Toffees had already kept a clean sheet in a behind-closed-doors match against Czech outfit FK Jablonec last weekend, and they did it again in Yorkshire – without either Phil Jagielka or John Stones, who had a minor muscle strain.

Mason Holgate and Brendan Galloway deputised for the two England internationals, but there was plenty of experience on show across the pitch, with Kevin Mirallas opening the scoring from a free-kick and Gerard Deulofeu latching onto a Ross Barkley through-ball to double the lead.

Barkley then scored himself to cap a fine second-half performance as Everton employed Koeman’s high tempo pressing game to good effect.

Joel Robles was preferred in goal for this opening friendly, with Maarten Stekelenburg unused from the bench – both are priced at 5.0 in the FPL.

Everton XI: Robles, Davies (Coleman 45), Galloway (Mori 45), Holgate (Pennington 75), Baines (Oviedo 60); Lennon, Gibson (Grant 60), Besic (McGeady 60), Mirallas (Cleverley 60), Galloway (Barkley 45), Deulofeu (Tarashaj 60).

Scunthorpe United 0 Hull 2

Hull might be without a manager and a large chunk of their senior players, but they continued their unbeaten pre-season run with a regulation win at Scunthorpe.

Shaun Maloney and Abel Hernandez struck either side of half-time, with Robert Snodgrass and Sam Clucas providing the assists.

Caretaker manager Mike Phelan had to make do with what little resources are currently at his disposal, recalling Josh Clackstone from an U21 training camp to partner Curtis Davies in defence and using Clucas and Maloney in central midfield. Adama Diomande also made his first appearance of pre-season.

With Allan McGregor sidelined for months due to injury, Eldin Jakupovic (priced at 4.0 in Fantasy Premier League) was praised for his performance by the local media as he looks to strengthen his claim to be the club’s number one goalkeeper in the Scot’s absence.

Hull XI: Jakupovic, Elmohamady (Barkworth 76), Clackstone, Davies, Robertson (Tymon 46), Diame (Bowen 60), Snodgrass, Maloney (Olley 76), Clucas, Luer (Hernandez 46), Diomande (Odemwingie 60).

AD Alcorcon 2 Middlesbrough 2

Alvaro Negredo and Victor Valdes were handed their debuts as Aitor Karanka’s side ended all-square with the Spanish second division outfit, AD Alcorcon.

Negredo made an instant impact, netting after fellow new boy Gaston Ramirez’ shot came back off the post, and the Spaniard almost doubled his haul before being replaced at the break.

That was one of five alterations made by Karanka at half-time, with Jordan Rhodes replacing Negredo in the usual 4-2-3-1 set-up. The former Blackburn man is clearly intent on nailing down the lone striker role and maintained his fine summer form by netting a fourth of pre-season, courtesy of a Carlos de Pena assist.

Middlesbrough XI: Valdes (Mejias 46), Barragan (Nsue 46), Morris (De Sart 71), Gibson (Baptiste 71), Friend (Reach 71), Clayton (Forshaw 71), De Roon (Fischer 71), Adomah (Stuani 46), Ramirez (Nugent 46), Downing (De Pena 59), Negredo (Rhodes 46).

Celtic 1 Leicester City 1 (Leicester win 6-5 on penalties)

The Sunday press are now linking Riyad Mahrez with a move to Arsenal, but the Player of the Year seemed to thoroughly enjoy his first pre-season run-out for the champions.

The Algerian marked it with a typically stunning goal, cutting in from the right and firing home with his left.

Ranieri used the Celtic match to field all three of his new signings, with centre-half Luis Hernandez starting ahead of Marcin Wasilewski at the back. One of that pair will be expected to be given the nod at Hull on the opening day, with Robert Huth serving a suspension from last season.

Hernandez’ long throws a consistent and potent attacking weapon throughout a contest which saw Ranieri deploy Demarai Gray in behind lone striker Leonardo Ulloa in the first half.

Leicester XI: Zieler (Schmeichel 46); Amartey, Hernandez (Okazaki 62), Morgan (Wasilewski 62), Chilwell; Mahrez (Fuchs 70), Mendy (Simpson 46), Drinkwater, Albrighton (Schlupp 46); Ulloa (Huth 62), Gray (Musa 46).

PEC Zwolle 0 Southampton 4

A goal from Charlie Austin, a Nathan Redmond double and a late penalty for Pierre-Emile Højbjerg gave Claude Puel’s men a comfortable win in Holland.

Puel ran the rule over 21 players, but Dušan Tadić missed out and the Euro 2016 quartet of Steven Davis, Shane Long, Ryan Bertrand and Fraser Forster were also absent having only returned to training in midweek.

Defender Maya Yoshida made his first start of pre-season as Austin finished off some good work from Oriol Romeu before the striker played in Redmond to score his first goal for the Saints.

His second arrived not long afterwards and was a typical individual effort before the 4.5 priced Højbjerg opened his own Southampton account after winning and then converting a penalty.

After the match, Puel revealed he expects Tadic to quickly recover from a minor leg complaint:

“I think Dusan can play in the next game. We just took the decision to leave him for this game. He felt just something in his leg and I think for the next game, or perhaps for Saturday, no problem, he can play.”

Southampton XI First half: Gazzaniga, Martina, Yoshida, Van Dijk, Targett, Romeu, Clasie, Ward-Prowse, Rodriguez, Redmond, Austin.

Southampton XI Second half: Gazzaniga, Valery, Stephens, Jones, McQueen, Højbjerg, Reed, Hesketh (Turnbull 71), Isgrove, Gallagher, Olomola.

Preston North End 1 Stoke 1

Ryan Shawcross and Marko Arnautovic returned to the fray as boss Mark Hughes again experimented with a three centre-back system.

It was the second successive time Hughes had tried the formation, using Philipp Wollscheid, Shawcross and Marc Muniesa in between wing-backs Glen Johnson and Erik Pieters.

Charlie Adam and Giannelli Imbula sat in central midfield while Arnautovic, Joselu and Bojan rotated positions up front.

Mame Diouf, Peter Crouch and Julian Ngoy then came on as the Potters reverted to a 4-2-3-1 after the break and it was Diouf, working from the right wing, who equalised from a Bojan pass.

After the match, Hughes conceded he’s still happy to tinker with his tactical approach at the moment:

“We used three different formations throughout the game today, starting off with three at the back which is something that new to the lads. That is something that could be an option to us next season – there are positive aspects to it but there are problems that it brings too, which we need to look at and address. There is certainly no harm in having more strings to our bow though.”

The news that 19-year-old winger Ramadan Sobhi is almost certain to join the Potters in a £5 million move from Egyptian champions Al Ahly will add to his option as the club prepare for a ten-day US training camp.

Stoke XI: Butland; Johnson (Bardsley 65), Shawcross (Ngoy 46), Wollscheid, Muniesa, Pieters (Taylor 80); Adam, Imbula (Lecygne 75); Bojan (Shenton 65), Arnautovic (Diouf 46); Joselu (Crouch 46).

Rotherham Utd 1 Sunderland 2

David Moyes watched his new club beat Rotherham through goals from Fabio Borini and Charles N’Zogbia.

The Black Cats’ new boss might seek to tweak the 4-3-3 formation put out by stand-in coaches Paul Bracewell and Robbie Stockdale, but the system worked well, with Wahbi Khazri and Fabio Borini either side of Jermain Defoe and Jeremain Lens, Charles N’Zogbia and Jack Rodwell starting in midfield.

Borini opened the scoring from an N’Zogbia pass before the French trialist sealed the win late in the second half.

Sunderland XI: Pickford (Mannone 46), J Robson, Kone (E Robson 84), Kaboul (Ledger 77), van Aanholt, Rodwell, N’Zogbia, Lens (Greenwood 88), Khazri (Gooch 64), Borini (Watmore 55), Defoe (Honeyman 75).

Bristol Rovers 1 Swansea 5

Andre Ayew, starting up front for the second match running, scored early as Swansea put four past their opponents in the first half.

Ayew found the top corner with a free-kick after Jack Cork was fouled before Leroy Fer stole possession and ran through to make it two.

Stephen Kingsley was the next on the score sheet when his cross looped into the net and Kyle Naughton rounded off a clinical first period with a fourth.

Wayne Routledge made it five after the break from a Cork assist.

Jefferson Montero and Ki Sung-Yueng, along with a quartet of Euro 2016 stars that includes Gylfi Sigurdsson, are still yet to join up with the Swans.

Swansea XI: Nordfeldt (Tremmel 62), Naughton, Fernandez, Amat (van der Hoorn 77), Kingsley (Rangel 62),Britton (Fulton 62), Cork, Fer (King 77), Dyer (Barrow 77), Routledge (Gorre 80), Ayew (McBurnie 62).

Watford 0 Anzhi Makhachkala 0

Watford’s Austrian tour ended in a uneventful goalless draw played out in sweltering conditions.

Coach Walter Mazzarri again employed a 3-5-2 system, with Christian Kabasele handed his first start alongside Craig Cathcart and Miguel Britos in defence.

If the Hornets’ fans had little to enjoy on the pitch, there were points of interest off it, with reports of a £16 million bid for Lille midfielder Sofiane Boufal and a loan move for Arsenal defender Calum Chambers.

Watford XI: Gomes (Pantilimon 46); Kabasele (Prödl 61), Cathcart (Nyom 61), Britos (Rowan 82); Anya (Zuniga 65), Watson (Amrabat 61), Capoue, Doucoure (Mason 75), Holebas (Suarez 61); Deeney, Sinclair (Vydra 61).

Karlsruher 0 West Ham 3

West Ham’s previously underwhelming pre-season finally moved up a gear with a convincing victory in Austria.

The Hammers made a fast start against their German opponents when Andy Carroll headed home an Enner Valencia cross and Sofiane Feghouli continued his fine July form by doubling the lead with a shot from 20 yards.

Substitute Ashley Fletcher rounded off an eye-catching performance when he finished smartly from an Aaron Cresswell pass late on, but the full-back’s match ended not long afterwards when he was forced off by a challenge that soured an otherwise good night for the Hammers.

Coach Slaven Bilic, who partnered Havard Nordtveit with Winston Reid at centre-half and again used Michail Antonio as a right-back, had mixed feelings as his side prepare for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League tie against NK Domzale in Slovenia.

“We played as a team, we were compact, we saw some great things and it was a good result. The only downside of this game is that we have to see what is wrong with Cresswell. He got injured and it didn’t look that good. We will have to assess it.”

West Ham XI: Randolph, Antonio, Nordtveit, Reid (Rice 85), Cresswell (Makasi 85), Feghouli (Martinez 85), Noble, Kouyate, Tore (Byram 64), Valencia (Fletcher 75), Carroll (Obiang 64)

1,915 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Worzel Gummidge
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Mahrez Mkhi Firmino Ayew.

    Toss up between Alli/Eriksen/Firmino to start off with. Tempted with Alli due to fixtures and will give us time to see what Klopp is going to do. What say thee?

    1. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I'd prefer Eriksen over Ali.

      Has had a rest over the summer, and Ali could be in the double pivot with Dembele suspended.

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        This

      2. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I prefer Alli to Eriksen but I'd go for Eriksen to start off with for this reasoning^

    2. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Fair point. However you could argue alli has a similarly hard start as Firmino.

      IMO Firmino has similar explosion potential as the premium mids Sanchez , KdB , hazard

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Same issue here between Firm/Erik/Yaya.

      No clue yet
      Fixtures makes me lean towards Eriksen

      1. Worzel Gummidge
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Would definitley rule out Yaya tbh. I am only going with Aguero for now. Just can't fit KDB in.

        1. zotter
          • 16 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          This. KdB is an assist machine however not a goalscorer like hazard Sanchez or even Firmino

        2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 12 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Ah, but I'm in the no Kun camp.
          Yaya needs to be studied through pre season of course. But he was not far behind KdB last season even tjough he is looked at as useless. Bit more minutes though.

          1. Worzel Gummidge
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Stopped reading after "in the no Kun camp". Get that lad in your team 🙂

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I'm starting with Eriksen

    5. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Being lured back to Eriksen, even though he's consistently trolled me every time I've bought/sold him.

  2. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Is Rooney such mental pick for the first 3 gws

    9m now , and back more up front

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      What do you mean by 'back more up front'? 🙂

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I can see the logic. Unfortunately, I've also seen how he's generally played over the last couple of years. Not for me.

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      He's a better pick than he's been for a while, but he's still pretty rubbish.

      Although Mou doesn't like him, Mata should really be the 10 in that team.

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Totally agree. Rooney should really be looking at a China move while his stock relatively high !

    4. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I was starting with him and hazard but decided against it. I remembered every time I have watch him he has been utter garbage IMO. Sitting with Mkh as ManU attacker. Think he will do the best. Price of Zlat puts me off.

  3. Anfal
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Choose one
    A) Silva(MCI) and Kane
    B) Mahrez and Vardy

    1. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Silva + Mahrez

  4. OLLY G
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Assuming he is starting up top, is Ayew a better pick than Tadic or any of the other £7.5m priced midfielders?

    1. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      For me he is. Started last season strong too.

    2. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ayew is the best pick for me also.

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Don't forget - Swansea may yet buy back Bony

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        ssshhh ...

  5. jayzico
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    The results of today's tinkering. Happy enough. What say thee? >>>

    Foster Jakupovic
    Azpi Morgan Fernandez Pieters Paredes
    Erikson MK Ayew Redmond Fletch
    Kun Costa Lukaku

    1. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Foster + Azpi --> Courtois + Dawson/Brunt

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Fair point. After all you don't get many attacking returns from azpil

        1. jayzico
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Really?

          1. zotter
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Not really ? No more than brunt

      2. jayzico
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Azpi's assist/goal potential just too much too ignore. Along with a higher save percentage from Foster. Not sure Moin. Hmm

        1. Ayew Serious
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Azpi doesn't have a great goal/assist potential

        2. Worzel Gummidge
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I think Azpi potential will be greatly reduced with the change in formation to a 424.

          1. jayzico
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Touche. Azpi could play further forward under Conte. No?

            1. Worzel Gummidge
              9 years, 11 months ago

              It is very very unlikely but hard to tell.

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not bad but is Redmond a safe bet?

      1. jayzico
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        It's either him or Feg.

    3. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Keepers - same as mine so best anyone will ever get.
      Defs - Azpi is Ok but would prefer Shaw for .5 less. Prefer Wolly over Pieters and Paredes wont start.
      Mids - I have first 3 so best you will ever see. Not keen on Redmond.
      Fwds - Drop Costa for Bats IMO. I really fancy Batman to do well.

      1. jayzico
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks Worzel. May consider a couple of those points.

  6. rohanchaini
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    RMT plz
    Dea gea Jaku
    Shaw Friend Targett Souare Evans
    Miki Kdb Hazard Mirarlas Leko
    Kun Gray Long
    🙂
    thanks in advance

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Don't like if I'm honest

      Double United defence risky. Target not nailed.
      Mirallis not nailed nor even that reliable
      Two budget strikers

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Back 4 is too weak for me. Either gray or long need to be upgraded. Miralles needs upgrading, maybe downgrade hazard to willian then use the money to upgrade.

  7. jam sandwich
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    first attempt for this season:

    Foster - Jakupovic
    Shaw - Terry - Taylor - Friend - Pieters
    Mahrez - Firmino - Alli - Ayew - Hojbjerg
    Aguero - Lukaku - Gray

    thoughts?

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

      Love the Mahrez pick, I'm on him at the moment

      Would stick with Ayew if Gylfi stays and he plays up top

      Terry and Shaw I can pass on for cheaper options

  8. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Needing some help please.Which team would you rate best.

    TEAM A

    Foster Heaton
    Azpi Soare Friend Fuchs Shaw
    Ayew Willian Townsend Mkhit Hojbjerg
    Aguero Vardy Negredo (or Gray)

    TEAM B

    SAME BACK 7
    Ericson De Bruyne Townsend Mkhit Hojbjerg
    Costa Vardy Negredo (or Gray)

    TEAM C

    SAME BACK 7
    Firmino Hazard Townsend Mkhit Hojbjerg
    Aguero Negredo Gray

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      c

      and it's Eriksen

    2. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      C by far

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Reluctantly C. Don't like the Negredo/Gray combo all that much.

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

        Thanks, way might a better combo be with Gray, Long/Austin or C Wilson perhaps?

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      C

    1. Optimus.
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Clinically obese

    2. Moin
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      He does!

    3. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      He just looks his usual stocky self to me.

  9. Optimus.
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Membership activated, that should keep the heat off my back for a few days

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      🙂

      1. Optimus.
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        😉

    2. Hibbo
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Good to see your not a miserable tight wad like half the users of this message board.

      1. Ayew Serious
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        😀

        1. Hibbo
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Pay your money ffs.

          1. Ayew Serious
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            Too young 😳

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Did they lure you in with promise of a complementary fan?

      If so you will be dissapointed, it means you'll get a package sent to you but unfortunately it contains Daniel and you will now be the hamster running his computer for next season.

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

    Mahrez or Hazard?

    Really struggled with the latter's 10m price tag

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      KDB

    2. oghash
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      10m is good value, imo

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

        Not if he starts turning in performances like last season

        1. oghash
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          But he is if he does for his other seasons.

          Good end of season, good euros.

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

            Yep, got that.

            I tend to agree but am really wary!

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Both!

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

        Ha, you have 120m to start with?

        1. Huddersfield
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Kun Ibra & Both of these in my team

    4. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Mahrez. I prefer Bats for Chelsea attacker.

  11. H-SF
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Is Wickham nailed on?

  12. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Any reason to think Lukaku won't do well this season?

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      None that spring to mind

    2. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I could see him sulking because he did not get his move to a big club .

      1. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I am not saying it will happen but he seems the sort

    3. Koeman You Blues
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Nope, think he will do extremely well under Koeman. Especially playing 2 up top which looks likely

      1. MrMaverick
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        how does it look likely? punt on no evidence whatsoever

        1. Koeman You Blues
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Southampton played with 2 up top under Koeman and Everton have so far in preseason...

          1. MrMaverick
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            lol, no. They did not play 2 up top under Koeman, and Everton played one up top yday w/ deulofeu. what have you been watching?

    4. OLLY G
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I doubt it plus l don't see how you can't him considering Everton's amazing fixtures from GW2-9.

      1. OLLY G
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        * pick

    5. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Better value in MIDS IMO. Better options up top as well IMO.

  13. freddiegriffin17
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    rmt anyone?

    DDG (jaku)

    walker williams morgan pieters (paredes)

    de buryne ayew townsend firmino (kante)

    aguero lukaku (long)

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Why Kante?

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Kante is a waste of 0.5 imo. Which could get you a Baines or Shaw

    2. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not bad but you might as well downgrade kante to a 4.5 mid as he wont score points. Firmino to erikson.

    3. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      kante top scoring 5.0 mid last year,now nailed in a 'better' team...

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Will be more defensive though. Leicester he had a more fluid role with another grafter next to him

  14. OLLY G
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    There aren't many RMT with Ibra in them. Is the general consensus that he is overpriced?

    1. KingNidge
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Most are favouring Kun.. Both just isn't an option

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Agreed. Haven't considered the alternative which is only ibra. Thing is I think you can get United coverage elsewhere not really with city. Plus city will score more

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      More that the two 9.5 mids offer a better route into the United attack, I think.

      1. zotter
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Yep

    3. Every Dog Has Its Day
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Won't play all the time.

    4. shiva3593
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ibra in it... RMT

      Foster/Heaton

      Shaw / Stones / Friend / Saure / Pieters
      Eriksen / Miki / Bojan / Ayew/ capoue
      Aguero/ Ibra/ Gray

  15. JAC THE CAT
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Starting to consider Ayew for the first time but struggling to find room with so many good options.

    1. Ayew Serious
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Thanks

  16. The Poacher AJ
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts please?

    Foster/Valdes
    Shaw/Morgan/Baines/Williams/Friend
    Martial/Silva/Ayew/Townsend/Feghouli
    Kane/Vardy/Gray

    1. oghash
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Can dogs look up?

    2. Danstoke82
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Decent but I think Vardy is overpriced

      1. The Poacher AJ
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Agree with Vardy, but I am thinking of a potential Vardy(c) for the Hull game

        1. Danstoke82
          • 11 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I would watch the Mahrez situation before selecting Vardy IMO

  17. ZACTAY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Is Hazard and Costa too much Chelsea? I currently have both in my team but I will probably change Hazard before start of season

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Yes

  18. Oooof
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    What are the 3 golden rules of Fantasy Football?

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Make your own decisions
      Trust your instincts
      Have fun

      1. KingNidge
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Advice doesn't come any better than that 🙂

        1. Davido989
          • 15 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          🙂

      2. zotter
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        This !!!

    2. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not sure if valid any more but

      Never bench Baines

    3. oghash
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      1). Never buy nugent.
      2). Don't do 16 hits.
      3). Don't argue with Daniel

    4. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      1. If Aguero is fit, own Aguero.
      2. Pick players with secure game time.
      3. Keep a balanced team structure as you'll need flexibility to switch on to whoever is on fire.

    5. George Sillett
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Never pick Lukaku
      Refer regularly to this site
      Remember it's a great challenge but ultimately a virtual game.

      1. Oooof
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Thanks everyone - kinda chimes with my own experience, but it's always interesting to see what others think.

        I think my own advice (which will undoubtably have it's own flaws) would be:

        1. Start conservatively and limit the amount of gambles (players new to the league/rotations/preseason wonders)
        2. Try to watch games (or talk to fans of other teams) as well as relying on the stats.

        3. Pay attention to tactical changes by managers

        1. d1sable
          • Has Moderation Rights
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Point 1 was blown out of the water last season though.

          Tried and tested were awful, new players smashed it early doors

          1. Oooof
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 11 months ago

            I'm thinking players like Depay.

    6. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A. Nailedonness
      B. Form
      C. Fixtures

  19. JÆKS ⭐
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Azpi Shaw Baines too much in defence right?

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

    2. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Not necessarily. If you go budget on the keepers it might work

    3. JJO
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Im going with those 3

    4. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I think so.

  20. Pirlø's Pen
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    opinions & rating on this team appreciated!

    Heaton
    Azpilicueta Shaw Friend
    Mkhi Tadic Townsend Hazard
    Lukaku Kun Negredo

    Foster Souare Capoue 4.0

    1. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Looks excellent. Actually one of the strongest rmt I've seen. Personally would get Firmino in there but I'm a pool fan!

    2. zotter
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Also. Would drop Azpi to Terry and upgrade the 4.0 to someone who plays

  21. DantheManinaPan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Not seeing Arsenal anywhere. At all. Are people ignoring? Are people waiting to find the best option?

    What is the best route into Arsenal?
    And if Wenger ever buys a striker, would you get him?

    1. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I think their initial fixtures are poor and how will they line up?

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        OK - I just feel like I can't go without Ozil

    2. Wilshere Knowledge
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I'm tripling. 😎

    3. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      A503
      No,it'll be too late-stick with sanchez ,when he comes back that is and take 12/5 for liverpool to win GW1

    4. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I have Mahrez who will be an Arsenal player soon enough hopefully after LEI play HUL

  22. Stats Don\'t Lie
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    2 questions:

    A) Shaw
    B) Baines

    And who are the best 2 mids to accompany hazard, mkhi and Eriksen (budget of 12.5m)

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Proper answer: Baines, Ayew, £5.0
      I'd prefer: £5.0 defender, Ayew, Feghouli

      1. Stats Don\'t Lie
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        I just can't find any good defenders at 5m.

    2. OLLY G
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      I am thinking about both but if only one l would pick Baines personally. Everton's fixtures from GW2-9 are great and he might be on pennos and/or free kicks. Slightly concerned his isn't totally nailed but he should be.

    3. ***00tennis***
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Ayew+4.5m like Capoue/Leko/Fletch etc

  23. MrMaverick
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    midfield of kdb-firmino-ayew-tadic-townsend behind kane-aguero very tempting

    1. OLLY G
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Very nice.

    2. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      But what about the defence?

      Also, I'd rather Costa + Eriksen over tadic + kane

    3. JÆKS ⭐
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Indeed, I'm on Mhki Mahrez Ayew Townsend Redmon behind Aguero Lukaku atm

  24. OLLY G
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Is Baines nailed on? Is it a slight risk to pick him?

    1. 32chickens
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      galloway hopes not....
      but in short term probably yes and jaggywhelker will rotate with galloway post stones

  25. Twelve years a slave
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Any decent friendlies to watch?

    1. A.T
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      None today I don't think.

      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Its over, a 2nd string Hibs beat Birmingham

        1. Sauzée
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          Mon the Hibs!

  26. Danstoke82
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    What's the Baines love in all about?

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

      No idea at 31 years old

    2. OLLY G
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      SPURS, West Brom, STOKE, Sunderland, BORO, Bournemouth, PALACE, Man City, Burnley

      Very nice fixtures and he has the potential for nice attacking returns too.

      1. Danstoke82
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Fair point.

        Shaw or Baines?

        1. OLLY G
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 11 months ago

          I would go for Baines if only one personally.

    3. Magic Man
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Pens, nailed, some free kicks + good fixtures

  27. n-doggg
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Thoughts on lamela? Price looks reasonable

    1. jayzico
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Very tempting.

    2. H-SF
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Think he will have a banging season.

    3. Worzel Gummidge
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Doubts over his nailedoness for me. If he was nailed I would pick him over any other Spurs MID.

      1. GREENDREAMS11
        • 16 Years
        9 years, 11 months ago

        Are you sure, Pochettino seems to like him, even though he was poor for long periods last season he seemed to get regular starts which I thought was surprising at the time.

  28. AlCapwnUK
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Kane and Mirallas

    or

    Lukaku and Eriksen?

    1. n-doggg
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B

    2. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      Don't like either to be honest

    3. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 11 months ago

      B

  29. twoplustwo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 11 months ago

    Latest draft of my front 8 chaps with the intention of playing 352

    Hazard Mkhi Shaqiri Ayew Mahrez

    Aguero Wilson/Carroll