Scout Notes
14 July 2017 1963 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
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Debut goals for Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette and Everton’s Wayne Rooney help their new clubs to pre-season wins, while the proposed move of Gylfi Sigurdsson to Goodison Park gathers pace.

Here’s the notes from yesterday’s action.

Sydney FC 0 Arsenal 2

Record signing Alexandre Lacazette marked his Arsenal debut with a goal as the Gunners strolled to victory in Sydney.

The French striker coolly converted Alex Iwobi’s pass after coming on for Danny Welbeck, who had earlier had a penalty saved.

Skipper Per Mertesacker opened the scoring with an early strike in a match dominated by Arsenal, with teenager Reiss Nelson catching the eye at right wing-back in his first senior start for the club.

Significantly, Arsene Wenger stuck with the 3-4-2-1 formation he adopted towards the end of last season, providing further confirmation that this system will be retained.

It meant that another summer recruit, Sead Kolasinac, made his debut on the left of the three-man defence.

The Bosnian international made a number of defensive interceptions and surging forward runs, underlining his suitability to replace Nacho Monreal in that role.

Indeed, Kolasinac’s versatility means that we cannot be certain on Wenger’s plans. While he boasts a stronger end product than Nacho Monreal at wing-back, his strength may yet see him push for a berth in the back three with the Spaniard retained out wide.

It was Lacazette who grabbed the headlines, doing enough in his brief time on the pitch to please the 26.4% of Fantasy managers who have splashed out 10.5 on the striker, with Arsenal’s generous opening schedule (at home at least) helping to justify the outlay.

Handing Lacazeete a central support berth behind fellow sub Olivier Giroud, Wenger was certainly happy with his new man’s debut goal.

“It is important for him to get that (first goal) off his shoulders because you expect to score if you are a striker.”

Arsenal have taken a 25-man squad on their tour of Australia and China, but Alexis Sanchez is not in it. He and Shkodran Mustafi have been given extra time off after the Confederations Cup, with the Chilean still consistently linked with a move away from north London.

Jack Wilshere, the injured Gabriel, Kieran Gibbs, Mathieu Debuchy, Carl Jenkinson and Wojciech Szczesny have all also been left at home.

Arsenal XI:Cech (Martinez 46); Bielik (Nketiah 68), Mertesacker (Naitland-Miles 68), Kolasinac (Monreal 68); Coquelin (Xhaka 68), Willock (Elneny 68); Nelson (Oxlade-Chamberlain 68), Ozil (Iwobi 68), Walcott (Giroud 68), Bramall (Malen 68); Welbeck (Lacazette 68).

Gor Mahia FC 1 Everton 2

Wayne Rooney’s first start of his second spell at Everton was lit up by a superb long-range strike in Africa.

The forward’s 7.5 price tag in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) has persuaded 17.5% of managers to put him in their early team squads, with his potential for mid-price value seemingly trumping the Toffees’ brutal start to the campaign. Everton faces daunting trips to Chelsea and both Manchester sides, as well as a visit from Spurs, before September is done.

Ademola Lookman, playing out wide as part of a 4-3-2-1 formation, set up Rooney with some smart work on the left and the former Manchester United man, employed as a lone striker, lashed home from outside the area.

Manager Ronald Koeman handed new signing Davy Klaasen his debut, the Dutch international forming a midfield trio with James McCarthy and Morgan Schneiderlin, while Aaron Lennon started on the opposite flank to Lookman.

But that midfield looks almost certain to change again, with reports in the local media suggesting it is only a matter of time before Everton sign Swansea City talisman Gylfi Sigurdsson.

The Icelander did not travel with the club as they set off on their US tour, and Swans coach Paul Clement seems resigned to losing their star man.

“We had that situation with Jack Cork. In the summer there was no thought of moving Jack on but it got to a point when another club came in with a really good offer. That might end up being the case with Gylfi. We don’t know yet.”

Koeman changed the entire team for the second half, with new signing Michael Keane coming into the heart of the defence alongside Mo Besic, as Kieran Dowell netted the winner from a Tom Davies pass.

Notably, Jonjoe Kenny claimed the right-back berth for the Toffees in the first-hallf, with Matt Pennington replacing him at the break. Mason Holgate was not included the squad following his England U21 exertions.

New arrivals Jordan Pickford and Sandro Ramirez have also been given extended time off and did not travel to Tanzania, while Ross Barkley – who is injured with a groin problem – was also left at home as a move away from Goodison continues to be on the cards.

Everton XI First half: Stekelenburg; Kenny, Williams, Jagielka, Connolly; Schneiderlin, McCarthy, Klaassen; Lennon, Lookman; Rooney.

Everton XI Second half:Hewelt; Pennington, Baines, Keane, Besic; Barry, Gana, Davies; Dowell, Mirallas; Calvert-Lewin.

A reminder that all the pre-season friendly results and key Scout Notes are being captured here, in our Pre-Season Guide.

1,963 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. super zlatan
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Anyone have the code for TM's LMS.

    Cheers.

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      44937-13340

      1. super zlatan
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Cheers Berb

  2. Davido989
    • 15 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Naby Keita to repeat Liverpool wish as Leipzig reject £57m bid https://t.co/6iJ3OC1scn

    So you're telling me there's a chance 😯

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Better to not hope Berbs. That way you can be positively surprised instead of dissapointed again.

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Probably the best way to approach it. At least the 'not for sale' stance has changed somewhat.

        1. CloudSky
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Would love to see him under Jurgen.

    2. internal error
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Listened to podcast with Chris Williams. Pretty encouraging

      1. Davido989
        • 15 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        So did I. A lot changes in football though. Seems like there's a divide at RB whether to keep an unhappy player or sell him for a Bundesliga record fee.

        1. internal error
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          It's encouraging to see him say it though seeing as he has been adamant that RBL would not sell. That Manu Veth guy seems to think Chris has legit sources

  3. Positive vibes
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Guys, please choose one:

    A. Foster, Milner, Lindelof, Rooney

    B. de Gea, Trippier, Dawson, Benteke

    Thx you.

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      B 100%

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Foster, Trippier, Lindelof, Defoe.

      1. DantheManinaPan
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        This

    3. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      A

    4. happilyworking
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      C. Foster, Trippier, Lindelof, Firmino

  4. H-SF
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Is doubling up with Kane and Alli too much at the beginning of the season?

    1. Bambi
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Best attack in the league. Picking their top goal scorers is wise

    2. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      No

    3. goneill79
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Not if you think they'll both be in the points.I'm starting with both

    4. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      First two names on my team sheet

    5. Batigol
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      I dunno Kane always takes a few games before he starts firing.

  5. TONEY HONEY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Please rate my team:

    Foster (Elliot)
    Alonso-Milner-Lindelof (Yedlin) (Rangel)
    KDB-Sanches-Pogba-Willian (RLC)
    Rooney- Benteke-Gabbiaddini

    Thanks

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      No big hitters up top!?!?

      1. TONEY HONEY
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Sanches KDB and Pogba instead of Lacazette, jesus and Lukaku

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Love the front line.

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      No me gusta

      Strikers very weak

    4. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      All are OK picks though lack of Spurs is a gamble. Also can't see you having the top (as in most popular) captain pick in any week which is dangerous.

  6. Super Silva
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    To partner Lukaku ...

    A. Aguero and Jrod
    Or
    B. Jesus and any 7.0m (prob Deeney)

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      A, Aguero is the man

      1. Super Silva
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Thank you

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      A, but only if JRod is gonna be nailed

    3. bojack
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      I wouldn't be picking an injury prone WBA attacker who's shown little form .

  7. greglt
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Foster / Pickford
    Trippier / Luiz / Lindeloff (Daniels and Rangel)
    Sane / Lallana / Alli / Willian (Loftus-Cheek)
    Lukaku / Rooney / Firmino

    Could have coutinho / pogba instead of Sane ?
    Could have Aguero instead of Lukaky
    Is my defence too expensive

    Thoughts welcomed !

    1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Chelsea's first 6 fixtures (bar their first) are poor, wouldn't back em to keep cs

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Pickford not needed, Lallana a risk - drop Pickford and get Coutinho.

      I'd also drop Firmino and Rooney for Lacazette and a non-playing forward. You have enough strength in the rest of the team to play 442 or 352

  8. Anirudh1709
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    RMT please!

    Foster Begovic
    Dawson Cedric Bertrand Mee Yedlin
    Ozil Eriksen Tadic Phillips Mooy
    Lukaku Aguero Gayle

    1. So Troublesome
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Looks a bit unbalanced in midfield. And maybe Lukaku for Aguero?

  9. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Off topic, but this is a league code for Man Utd. Fans.
    Anyone interested can join.

    FPL LEAGUE FOR MAN UTD. FANS:
    754-88917

    1. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Just joined.

      1. Ligdon
        • 10 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Lol

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      no thanks

    3. pompeyfan
      • 16 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      if only there was some sort of automatic fan league in fpl...

  10. Atimis
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Thoughts ?

    My new draft:

    Foster/Elliot
    Trippler/Mee/Cedric/Tomkins/Rangel
    Redmond/Sane/Wilian/Zaha/RLC
    Kaku/Lacazette/Kane

    No Liverpool

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      No one really nailed in that midfield.

    2. ponsio22
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      i wouldn't double up on RLC and zaha

    3. Atimis
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Thanks mates 😉

    4. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      No Liverpool not such a bad thing.

      Them and United are the big teams I'm looking at going without

  11. BoomXhakaLaca1
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Iwobi mighnt be a bad shout you know

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      For Europa league fantasy.

    2. Jazz!
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      He won't get a minute

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        He might on the wing with the whole Sanchez situation...not long term choice obviously could be a punt?

        1. VS10_
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Wenger is already pushing for Lemar and if Sanchez goes then money will be definitely used to get a replacement.

          1. BoomXhakaLaca1
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 23 days ago

            He's already spent 52m thats enough spending for Wenger for 10 years haha

  12. Darklord_bg
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Bottomed:

    Begovic, Elliot
    Millner, Trippier, Yedlin, Glen Johnson, Mee
    Alli, Cout, Fabregas, Tadic, RLC
    Lukaku, Lacazette, Rooney

    Thoughts?

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Dont like Johnson and Rooney. Otherwise pretty decent.

      1. Darklord_bg
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Yeah, I don't like Johnson either. Any better options for 4.5?

        Why not Rooney - he should be on pens and 1st choice striker for Everton?

        1. CloudSky
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          Im looking at Francis, Tomkins and Yedlin depending on who will be nailed come GW1. Might, might not. Sandro lurking and they are reportedly in the market for a proper striker. Their first 5 games are horrid too.

          1. Darklord_bg
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 23 days ago

            I don't fancy doubling up on Bournemouth defense (have Begovic) and already have Yedlin. Tomkins...I don't know if he's nailed.

            Yeah, Everton are surely to be monitored, but if they don't get anyone I reckon Rooney could be a better version of Defoe last year.

            1. CloudSky
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 23 days ago

              Maybe Bego -> Foster and then get Francis? Get both WBA + BOU for 9 mil

              1. Darklord_bg
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 23 days ago

                Yeah, that's interesting.

                I was so frustrated with WBA defense last year though...always conceded that one late goal.

                1. CloudSky
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 23 days ago

                  Samesies.

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Is Fabregas nailed?

      1. Darklord_bg
        • 9 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Should be in the beginning at least with Hazard injured and Matic probably getting shipped.

  13. HurriKane
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Honestly think this is the most balanced team structure to start with .

    Thoughts ?

    4.5 - 4.0
    5.5 - 5 - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4.0
    9.5 - 8.5 - 7 - 6 - 4.5
    12.5 - 11.5 - 8.5

    There are genuine options in all price brackets for attackers where you can swap players with

    Mids

    9.5- Alli Ozil Mane

    8.5- Sane Pogba Pedro Siggy

    7- Willian Ramsey Zaha Tadic

    6- Stanislas Knockert Ince Phillips/Chadli

    Forwards

    12.5- Kane
    11.5- Lukaku/Lacazette
    8.5- Firmino Tekkers King/Defoe Basthuaiy

  14. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Find it pretty funny that they remove the all out attack chip and suddenly a 4.5m starting attacking midfielder emerges with a plum GW1 home game against Huddersfield.

    1. Lovren an elevator
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Is he actually first team though?!

  15. ponsio22
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Keen to see what you guys think?

    Foster
    Cedric luis lindel trip
    Alli coutinho RLC sane
    Lukaku lacazette

    Fabianski deeney dunk Carroll

    1. Super Silva
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Nice team I like the way you rotate rlc and Deeney.

  16. Let-me-tiger-you
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Hi guys, first RMT of the season with a well balanced 4-3-3, any opinion appreciated ! Good luckto all of you.

    Forster

    Cedric- Milner-Trippier-Lindelof

    Sane-Mane-Philipps

    Kane-Defoe-Lukaku

    Myhill - RLC- T Carroll - Rosenior

  17. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    A) Coutinho Sane Defoe
    B) Ramsey Pedro Jesus

    1. Super Silva
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Tough one. If Ramsey is nailed then B for me

  18. nobwak
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    I think I'm getting closer to being able to squeeze in the big 3 up front. Lacks Man City & Liverpool though...

    RMT please?

    Hennessy, (Elliot, might change to Hennessy's deputy)
    Cedric, Dawson, Lindelof (Francis, Rosenior)
    Pogba, Tadic, Willian, Lanzini (RLC)
    Lacazette, Kane, Lukaku

    I like it but I'm sure it'll get ridiculed on here haha.

    Out of 10?

    1. Super Silva
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      8 I think it's a strong team

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Pretty decent. A lot of that team will be depending upon your 7.0 mids. Think I have pretty much the same team with Jesus + Alli in place of Kane + Lanzini currently.

  19. Super Silva
    • 13 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Quick Rmt pls. Reply fail lol

    Foster
    Lindelof Trippier Rangel
    Eriksen Willian Pogba Coutinho
    Lukaku Aguero Jrod

    Begovic RLC Yedlin Dunk

    1. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 13 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      will Rangel play?

  20. jason_ni
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Only City cover i have at the min is KDB, is he a valid captaincy choice?
    Only other players I have to consider captain are Kaku/Laca/Alli/Firminho

    I have a strong team, but miss the explosivness of someone like Kane/Kun/Sanchez

  21. Lady Yaya
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Struggling to choose between these 2 teams, any opinions would be welcome!

    GK: Foster (Fabianski)
    DEF: Cedric, Dawson, Kolasinac, Trippier (Yedlin)
    MID: Pogba, Redmond, Alli, Willian (Carroll)
    FWD: Kane, Lukaku (Barnes)

    Or

    GK: Foster (Fabianski)
    DEF: Cedric, Dawson, Trippier (Dunk, Yedlin)
    MID: Pogba, Sane, Willian, Redmond (Carroll)
    FWD: Lukaku, Kane, Defoe

    Don't like the bench for the 2nd team, but the main XI is better than the first team. Thanks!

    1. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Prefer the second. Don't think you need Fabianski (> Myhill)

  22. happilyworking
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Anyway I can squeeze 1m to upgrade Lascelles to Trippier?

    Foster --- Elliot
    Lindelof --- Cedric --- Lascelles --- Monrel --- Rosenior
    Redmond --- Sterling --- RLC --- Alli --- Coutinho
    Laca --- Lukaku --- Rooney

    Not interested in changing Rooney, he's my punt.

    1. Lady Yaya
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Wouldn't have Sterling in your team, huge rotation risk

  23. H-SF
    • 10 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Lukaku Ozil and Ritchie
    or
    Kane Alli and Fraser

  24. Darsh
    • 12 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Struggling to find 4.5 defenders, Morgan/Simpson, Mee anyone else?

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Francis, Dunk, Tomkins, Zanka, Yedlin.

  25. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    If DDG saves a penalty in gw1 there's going to be a lot of terrible week 1 ranks among us all here

    1. Junior ⚽
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Saves a pen and the rebound goes in in a 1-1.

  26. FALCAO & MOU
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Who is the favourite goalkeeper this season?

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Foster.

      1. FALCAO & MOU
        • 11 Years
        9 years, 23 days ago

        Better than De Gea?

        1. CloudSky
          • 9 Years
          9 years, 23 days ago

          You dont want to spend that much on GKs as big team GKs get you less save points. That 1 mil means a lot for the team. Value is normally in the 4.5 bracket.

          1. FALCAO & MOU
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 23 days ago

            I am looking for a 4.5 and 4.0 GK generally, but Manchester United and their starting fixtures means I want to double up. And I don't see a more nailed way than De Gea at 5.5.

    2. happilyworking
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Foster hands down for me

    3. Darklord_bg
      • 9 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Foster was such a disappointment last year.

      Good old Begovic.

    4. LangerznMash
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Hennessey

  27. The Man Pastore
    • 11 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Are Tadic/Redmond Worth 0.5 over Knockaert?

  28. TONEY HONEY
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Haven't seen a team including last year's MVP Sanches, except mine.. Interesting..

    1. VS10_
      • 10 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Renato is still at Bayern.

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 23 days ago

      Here's one:

      Foster, Myhill
      Bellerin, Kompany, Trippier, Ake, Hunemeier
      Sanchez, Alli, Willian, RLC, Carroll
      Kane, Jesus, Fletcher

  29. mcsteely
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    Anyone know how to get into the Scout HOF? besides actually being good at fantasy Football..

    Is it pulled automatically from the FPL site or do you have to submit yourself?

  30. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 9 Years
    9 years, 23 days ago

    If West Ham get Arnautovic, might be worth him coming in for Willian in most peoples team after gw1?