Scout Notes

Scout Notes – UEFA Super Cup

Romelu Lukaku scores, but Manchester United are comfortably second best to a fluent Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.

Manchester United 1 Real Madrid 2

Statistics often find themselves the wrong side of damned lies, and so it proved in the UEFA Super Cup.

Man United and Real Madrid had six shots on target each in a match controlled by the Spanish giants pretty much from first whistle to last.

David de Gea had to pull off a number of fine saves, while his opposite number Keylor Navas most assuredly did not, although the mess he made of one effort led to United’s goal.

The Madrid keeper could only parry the influential Nemanja Matic’s shot straight to Romelu Lukaku, who pounced on the rebound to halve a two-goal deficit entirely in keeping with Madrid’s dominance.

The Belgian striker, at 48.7% the most popular player in Fantasy Premier League, had an average night, but his goal will at least keep him and his large Fantasy entourage happy enough ahead of what should be a rather less testing fixture at home to West Ham on Sunday.

Paul Pogba’s owners won’t be in such high spirits, however. The signing of Matic was meant to unleash the attacking threat of the Frenchman, owned by 23.3% of FPL managers, and he did have one fine chance – a free header – that he put too close to Navas. Lukaku’s effort from the rebound was even worse.

In fact, it was Matic himself who stole the show in the United midfield, and his occasional forays forward will have encouraged the 12.1% of FPL managers who have opted for his budget 5.0 charms.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan was an occasionally sparky presence, while Pogba’s decision-making was badly off at times.

The former finishes pre-season with three goals and as many assists, Pogba just the one assist.

And yet the Armenian appears in a mere 6.1% of FPL squads despite costing exactly the same – 8.0 – as his big-name team-mate. In the Sky Sports game, the Frenchman, at 11.2m, is 1.2m pricier. Both will need to improve on Sunday.

Jose Mourinho again opted for a three-man defence, using Matteo Darmian alongside Chris Smalling and Victor Lindelof, with both Eric Bailly and Phil Jones serving European bans.

The 9.0%-owned Lindelof again failed to impress, switching off for Madrid’s opening goal, with Mourinho’s pre-match comments suggesting that the Swede was played out of necessity.

“Lindelof came from a big club with a completely different level in terms of responsibility and I would prefer to give him a little more time but we have no alternative with two players lost to suspension and Marcos Rojo is injured, so we go with Victor.”

The Red Devils defence always looks considerably more secure with Bailly in it and he will surely walk back into the side for the West Ham match. Who his partner will be remains to be seen, although the smart money is surely on Jones, who at 5.0, could well be an early season option given Lindelof’s struggles.

Another well-owned asset, Antonio Valencia (8.2%), put in a strong showing and looked particularly dangerous going forward at wing-back, although Marcelo – never the greatest of defensive full-backs – perhaps helped him out with that.

But one player who did not impress was Jesse Lingard. The United midfielder was used extensively by Mourinho during pre-season and started in a left wing-back role but looked lost.

Forty-five uninspiring minutes later, Mourinho brought on Marcus Rashford in his place and he provided a pace and intensity on the left flank so badly lacking in the first half.

The youngster did fail to take one of the few clear-cut chances United had all night, but he could well have done enough to merit inclusion for Sunday’s season opener. At just 7.5 in FPL (he is a rather steeper 11.1m in Sky), Rashford offers genuine value for money – if he gets consistent pitch-time.

That’s a big if, however, and sacrificing what could be a premium United pick on a player who doesn’t start regularly carries obvious risk.

Despite the defeat, Mourinho was bullish post-match:

“I’m really happy to be with them and I’m going to fight with them all the way, so let’s go on Sunday. Old Trafford is waiting for us and I think Old Trafford has a reason to be behind us.”

He also spoke of his continued experiment with a three-man defence…

“We used pre-season to work and try to improve things we already do and develop things we don’t do. Lots of teams are playing with three defenders and wing-backs and we played like that against Sampdoria and LA Galaxy because it’s something that maybe during the season we are going to do.”

It remains to be seen if we see the system against West Ham on Sunday. Certainly, as a wing-back, Valencia’s stock should be improved, although the role on the left appears to be a problem area. It will also open up another spot for a central defender – another factor that could aid Jones’ cause.

Manchester United: De Gea; Smalling, Lindelof, Darmian; Valencia, Herrera (Fellaini 56), Matic, Pogba, Lingard; (Rashford 46), Mkhitaryan; Lukaku.
Subs not used: Romero, Mata, Martial, Carrick, Blind.

2,131 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Energetics
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Foster (Elliot)
    Kola Danilo Cedric (4.5 4.0)
    Kdb Mikky Willian JWP (Carroll)
    Kane Kaku Chico

    0.5 itb for a move such as JWP to Ritchie after gw 1

    Thoughts?

    1. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Planning transfers in advance isn't a great idea. Go with Ritchie from the get go, imo.

      1. Energetics
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Would only make the move if JWP didnt start. If he looked like a sure starter would be happy to keep a few weeks and assess!

      2. 32chickens
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        yes-I'd expect ritchie to get more from spurs then jwp gets from swa

    2. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      gtg

  2. Lecky Legs FC
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Finalizing my squad now as I won't have time to sort it out tomorrow or Friday GTG chaps?

    Foster
    Alonso Daniels Naughton
    Iwobi KDB Salah Willian
    Aguero (C) Kane (VC) Mounie

    Subs: Elliot, Millivojevic Mee & Hunimeier

    1. Whats the Mata?
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      looks good.
      Although Alonso to a 5.5 and upgrade Iwobi to Zaha would be better

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Alonso was FPL gold for me last year hopefully he can continue his form this season so I cant bare the thought of missing out on a haul from him at any point thanks for you feedback though.

    2. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Not sold on Iwobi and Naughton. Looks decent otherwise.

      1. Lecky Legs FC
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Naughton nailed on to start as a £4.5 defender Swansea will keep it tight at the back I think a little bit this season I do get the Iwobi doubt though might do Iwobi > Fraser

  3. Whats the Mata?
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A. Firmino + Fraser/5.5 + Valencia
    OR
    B. Mounie + Salah + 5.5def

    1. NestorC
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

  4. NestorC
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Who would you rather have

    A) DDG Dawson
    B) Foster Kola

    Cheers

    1. mcrayeps
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

  5. Team Cruel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT

    Forster
    Bailly - Kolasinac - Bertrand - Cedric
    KDB - Salah - Willian - Atsu
    Kane - Lukaku

    Elliot - TCarroll - Mee - McBurnie

    1. Gooner Kebab
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Triple Soton will make or break

      1. Polo
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I like it, death or glory

  6. CloudSky
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Need help on some fine tuning. Which one fellas?

    Ddg
    Stephens Dann Daniels
    Kdb Zaha Willian RITCHIE
    Lukaku Kane FIRMINO

    Elliot TC Mee Long

    Ddg
    DANILO Stephens Dann Daniels
    Kdb Zaha Willian
    Lukaku Kane FIRMINO

    Elliot TC Mee Chalobah

    Ddg
    DANILO Stephens Dann TAA
    Kdb Zaha Willian SALAH
    Lukaku Kane

    Elliot TC Mee Quaner

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

  7. Hansel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    a) 4.0 def, Pogba, Jesus

    b) Kolasinac, Atsu, Lukaku

    c) Dawson, Ritchie, Lukaku

    1. Energetics
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      C

    2. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      of those B

  8. Distinctly Average
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Where's all this new love for Firmino come from?

    Missed the scoutcast...

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

      He took a peno

      1. Distinctly Average
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Was Milner on the pitch?

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

          Yep

          1. Distinctly Average
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Now that makes things interesting...

    2. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Luke enlightened us

  9. skriniar
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RTM please
    Forster(Elliot)
    Cedric Dawson Fonte (Rangel,?)
    Alli KDB Phillips (Davies, L.Cheek)
    Kane Lukaku Firmino

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

    So... what happened to "Trollkaku"? Assuming the whole thing has been entirely forgotten and swept under the rug in typically fickle FPL fashion?

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If he doesn't score in the first half in the first game, I expect there to be a lot of LOLs at trollkaku on here.

    2. Francescoli
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      only 5% more efficient than Ibra. however everyone on here thinks it's the second coming.

    3. nobwak
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It's just funny. SOOOOO many people calling him a troll last season, and before that. Move to United, get a price hike, all of a sudden you're essential. It's a joke hahahaha.

    4. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'm wondering what's happened to the general nailed on opinion that Firmino was a big no-no due to now not having cs bonus? 1 pen?

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

        I reckon FFS would be a great case study for a psychology student, focussing on group-think and herd mentality.

        1. Visionaries
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Haha, I'm certainly guilty myself

    5. UshFPL
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He lost that title last season

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

        Rubbish! Several people maintained that he was a troll all through last season.

  11. GE
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    1) Mane and T. Carroll (playing T. Carroll as my 4th mid in 4-4-2)

    2) Zaha and Willian

    3) Pogba and Ritchie

    1. CloudSky
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      2.

  12. n14mul
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Morning,

    I need a bit of advice with my team please!

    I have an initial team of:

    DDG / Elliot
    Yoshida Trippier Dawson / Rangel Hunemeir
    Pogba Coutinho KDB Milivojevic / Carroll
    Gayle Lukaku Kane

    The issue I have is with all the speculation regarding Coutinho I am inclined to replace him with Salah at the moment. But more importantly after seeing United last night and Pogba I don't think at the early part of the season he will be as potent in attack as we are all hoping. I also have the issue of Trippier most likely being injured so that is also playing on my mind!

    Any thoughts that may help me with replacements? I am in two minds to change to the following:

    DDG / Elliot
    Yoshida Trippier Dawson / Rangel Hunemeir
    Phillips Salah KDB Milivojevic / Carroll
    Firmino Lukaku Kane

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

      Forster (Elliot)
      Cedric Dawson Fonte (Rangel, Hunemeier)
      Alli KDB Phillips (Davies,L.Cheek)
      Kane Lukaku Firmino

      Pogba, Coutinho maybe latter in season

  13. mcrayeps
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Forster
    Daniels - Dann - Dummet
    KDB - Salah - Zaha - Willian

    A) Upgrade Dann to 5.5 and downgrade who?
    B) Keep as is

    1. versatile
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'd get rid of Forster for Foster, switch Dann to Cedric then you have .5 to upgrade Salah to Mane/Alli depending where you need cover.

      1. mcrayeps
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        10% only trust in WBA this season after poor preseason..

      2. NestorC
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        This

  14. versatile
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Is Vokes a terrible option?

    1. bench boost for every gamew…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      not for the long run perhaps, but certainly not for Chelsea away in the first match, maybe?

    2. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      gw1 not the best ,but not the worst

  15. Farke in hell
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts

    De Gea (Elliot)

    Walker, David luiz, Cedric, Daniels (Hunemeier)

    Kdb, Alli, Zaha, Ward-Prowse (ward-prowse)

    Lukaku, Aguero (Quaner)

    1. Farke in hell
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      *carroll

  16. Visionaries
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Any reason for the Firmino bandwagon other than scoring that pen the other day?

    1. versatile
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      he's in that price bracket below the luxury strikers, and is cheaper than other Liverpool attacking options. Third striker spot seems hard to fill.

      1. Visionaries
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He is good value don't get me wrong, but thought the consensus was to stay clear

    2. Polo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      He and Liverpool have been pretty great in pre season. Could be on pens, nailed to play the most forward, central spot in an attacking team. Cheap price compared to his peers.

  17. lornemalvo
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Hey guys,
    What do you think about my team?

    Foster (Myhill)
    Alonso, Darmian, Cedric, Clark, Hunemeier
    KDB, Fabregas, Zaha, Phillips, Carroll
    Kane, Lukaku, Abraham

  18. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    1) Lukaku + KDB + Ritchie
    2) Jesus + Salah + Mkhi

  19. Crofty92
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Think I have my final team, what do you guys think?

    Foster
    Valencia-Yoshida-Bertrand
    Fraser-KDB-Salah-Willian
    Lukaku-Benteke-Firmino

    Elliot-Daniels-Loftus-Rangel

  20. PMassive94
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    a) DDG
    Monreal, Cedric, Danilo
    Atsu
    b) Foster
    Kola, Cedric, Baily,
    Ritchie

    Cannot decide?!?!?! Man City defensive coverage or not?

    1. The Kolarov Mane ⚔
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

  21. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Is it worth downgrading def to get funds for JWP > Ritchie ?
    Soton have good run of fixtures so maybe start JWP and do some surgery if needed ??

    1. The Kolarov Mane ⚔
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'm going with JWP

  22. Gunners.The.Best
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Bottomed

    A) Alonso Eriksen Lacazette
    B) Kompany Salah Kane

  23. UshFPL
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Thoughts on this? I think I'm just about finished.

    Gomes
    Daniels Stephens Danilo
    Salah KDB Willian Fraser
    Lukaku (c) Kane Benteke

    Subs: Elliot Carroll Long Rosenior

    Please rate out of 10 and suggest any changes 🙂

  24. NotsoSpursy
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Monreal or Danilo ?

    many thanks

    1. pablitosway12
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Montreal

    2. skriniar
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      both rotation, pick another option

      1. Chandler Bing
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Monreal is not a rotation risk, dude. He's actually the only one nailed on in that Arsenal defense.

  25. Heavy Data
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    settled on this, i think its great

    DdG
    Yosh/Aanholt/Luiz
    KDB/Ritchie/Alli/Matic
    Lukaku/Jesus/Firminio

    Myhill/T.Carroll/Mee/Hünemeier

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

      Why not Elliot over Myill so you have 2 starting keepers?

      Otherwise as good as you can get for gw1 good luck

      1. Heavy Data
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Ye i could do that

    2. Turns
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Really nice, but matic won't get many points. Why not go 4-3-3, and use money from downgrading Matic to invest in good 4th defender?

      1. Heavy Data
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        been on 4-3-3 for a while, had Valencia and Alonso but changed my plan. Im rotating Mee and Aanholt every week until gw6. If i downgrade Matic to a 4,5 midfielder im only able to upgrade Yosh or Hünemeier. Yosh could become Monreal i guess but there are no real upgrade going from 4.0 to 4.5.

      2. Heavy Data
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        of course another option would be to downgrade Matic to Loftus-Cheek, giving me 0.5 to upgrade David Luiz to Walker, but then that leaves me with two 4.5 mids

  26. Cooper123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Going with:

    Foster // Eliot

    Kolasinac // Daniels // Cedric // Mee // Long

    KdB // Salah // Willian // Fraser // Carroll

    Kane // Lukaku // Gabbiandi

    Question marks remain over Fraser and obviously Gabbiandi. Any thoughts?

    1. versatile
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I like this. In a similar boat with Gabbs.

  27. pablitosway12
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    help please !

    A - Alonso Daniels Cedric (mee) (hunemeur)

    B- Valencia Dawson D Luis (Hunemeier) (4.0)

  28. MiguelAngel
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    RMT...

    Foster Eliot
    Yoshida Mee B Smith Simpson Hunemeier
    Mane KDB Eriksen JWP Carroll
    Jesus Firmino Lukaku

    1. versatile
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      6 - weak defence but still no Kane.

  29. Turns
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Apologies for posting again.

    This 4-3-3 good to go?

    Foster
    Cedric - Bailly - Daniels - Kolasinac
    KDB - Willian - Zaha
    Firmino - Kane - Lukaku

    Subs: Elliot - Carroll - Romeu - Long

    Thanks all.

  30. Bubz
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Surprised more people on here don't have Walker. Seen as a bit of a casual pick, but I think he is going to be obscenely attacking for Pep and City are going to be scoring 4 or 5 goals regularly this season. Dare I say, they are actually starting to look better defensively too (as long as Kompany stayed fit for more than 5 minutes)

    1. Hairy Potter
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Will he rotate with Danilo?

    2. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      walker nothing special bought because he is home grown
      wouldnt be suprised when mendy comes back for danilo to stroll over to that side of the pitch and nick walkers place

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

        Bit unfair on Walker, 32, he's been bought because he's the best performing RB in the Prem over a period of time. I know we looked at Fabinho also but.....

    3. Polo
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Have just put him in instead of zaha, I think he'll be as attacking as any mid with 4x the clean sheet points. Fingers crossed

    4. Visionaries
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Just so damn expensive