Scout Notes
9 June 2018 283 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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Timo Werner furthered his case for inclusion in World Cup Fantasy squads after starring in Germany’s first win of 2018.

Meanwhile, Uruguay’s top players all impressed ahead of Russia’s finals.

We’ve got all the goals and assists from the latest round of international friendlies.

GERMANY 2-1 SAUDI ARABIA

Germany survived a scare to record their first win of 2018 by beating Saudi Arabia 2-1 in Leverkusen, but only just.

In the eighth minute Timo Werner scored his second goal in his fourth friendly start since qualification. He fired high into the net from close range after a square ball from Marco Reus.

Werner was involved in the second as it was his cross which was diverted into the net by defender Omar Hawsawi.

However, Saudi Arabia still asked questions of the German defence on a night when substitute Ilkay Gundogan was booed by his own fans following a controversial meeting he and Mesut Ozil had with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Ozil missed the match with a slight knee problem but is not doubtful for the World Cup.

The Saudis finally made a breakthrough in the 84th minute when Sami Khedira fouled Taissir Al-Jassim in the box, conceding a penalty.

With regular spot-kick taker Nawaf Al Abed missing out on a place in the final squad for Russia, Mohammad Al-Sahlawi took the penalty only to see substitute Marc-Andre ter Stegen make a save.

However, Al-Jassim, who registered three assists in qualifying, scored the rebound, slotting home his third friendly goal of the season.

Saudi Arabia should have had another penalty in the closing stages as Mats Hummels fouled Al-Sahlawi, but nothing was given.

GERMANY XI (4-2-3-1): Neuer (ter Stegen 46’); Hector, Hummels, Boateng (Sule 46’), Kimmich (Ginter 81’); Kroos, Khedira; Draxler, Reus (Gundogan 57’), Muller (Brandt 74’); Werner (Gomez 62’).

SAUDI ARABIA XI (4-1-4-1): Al-Maiouf; Al-Harbi (Al-Burayk 46’), Omar Hawsawi, Osama Hawsawi (Albulayhi 83’), Al-Shahrani; Otaif (Al-Mogahwi 75’); Al-Dawsari (Babhir 87’), Al-Faraj (Alkhaibari 91’), Al-Jassim, Al-Shehri; Al-Muwallad (Al-Sahlawi 62’).

CROATIA 2-1 SENEGAL

Croatia came from behind to record just their second victory since qualification in beating Senegal 2-1.

On Sadio Mane’s return to the starting line-up, Alfred N’Diaye set-up Ismaila Sarr’s opening goal in the 48th minute.

Ivan Perisic levelled things up with a heavily deflected free-kick in the 63rd minute.

Luka Modric was the creator for the winner in the 78th minute as he provided the assist for substitute Andrej Kramaric to net the winner.

Mario Mandzukic was back in the starting line-up for Croatia after missing the last three matches. However, he failed to have an impact on proceedings and was replaced by Nikola Kalinic at half-time.

For Croatia, Mane and Diafra Sakho were preferred up front to Mame Biram Diouf, who appeared as a 74th minute substitute.

CROATIA XI (4-2-3-1): Subasic (L Kalinic 67’); Strinic, Lovren (Jedvaj 46’), Corluka, Vida; Rakitic (Kovacic 65’), Badelj (Kramaric 46’); Perisic, Modric, Rebic (Brozovic 61’); Mandzukic (N Kalinic 46’).

SENEGAL XI (4-4-2): Diallo; Sabaly, Koulibaly (Mbodji 82’), Sane, Gassama; Niang (Balde 63’), Gueye (N’Doye 88’), A N’Diaye (B N’Diaye 75’), Sarr (Diouf 74’); Mane, Sakho (Sow 86’).

POLAND 2-2 CHILE

Robert Lewandowski scored his second goal in as many friendly starts for Poland, his 53rd international strike in total.

However, Adam Nawalka’s side let a 2-0 lead slip as they are now without a clean sheet in four matches.

West Bromwich Albion midfielder Gregor Krychowiak provided the assist for Lewandowski’s opener in the 25th minute.

Piotr Zielinski made it 2-0 in the 34th minute following a cross from Kamil Grosicki, who has now been involved in three goals in as many friendly starts (one goal, two assists).

Diego Valdes headed Angelo Saga’s cross four minutes later to put Chile back into the game before Miiko Albornoz scored a sensational equaliser from outside the box in the second-half.

POLAND XI (4-2-3-1): Szczesny (Fabianski 46’); Rybus (Bereszynski 82’), Pazdan, Bednarek, Piszczeck (Cionek 46’); Linetty (Milik 46’), Krychowiak; Grosicki (Goralski 67’), Zielinski, Blaszczykowski; Lewandowski (Teodorczyk 74’).

SWITZERLAND 2-0 JAPAN

Defender Ricard Rodriguez furthered his Fantasy appeal ahead of the World Cup as he converted another penalty in a 2-0 win over Japan.

The designated spot-kick taker also helped the Swiss to their 11th clean sheet in 14 internationals and ensured they go into Russia’s finals undefeated since October.

Substitute Haris Seferovic sealed the victory in the 82nd minute with fellow replacement Francois Moubandje claiming the assist.

Meanwhile it was another match for Japan where both Shinji Kagawa and Shinji Okasaki were named on the bench.

The former came on for Keisuke Honda in the 77th minute while Leicester’s Okasaki did not make an appearance.

SWITZERLAND XI (4-2-3-1): Burki; Rodriguez (Moubandje 73’), Akanji (Elvedi 46’), Schar, Lichsteiner; Xhaka, Behrami; Embolo (Zuber 64’), Freuler (Dzemaili 64’), Shaqiri (Drmic 83’); Gavranovic (Seferovic 64’).

JAPAN XI (4-2-3-1): Kawashima; Nagatomo, Makino, Yoshida, G Sakai (H Sakai 56’); Oshima (Shibasaki 70’), Hasebe; Usami (Inui 55’), Honda (Kagawa 77’), Haraguchi; Osako (Muto 40’).

IRAN 1-0 LITHUANIA

Substitute Karim Ansarifard scored a late winner for Iran as they played Lithuania behind closed doors.

It was the Asian nation’s first match since the end of May after friendlies against Greece and Kosovo were cancelled.

The result represents their seventh victory in ten friendlies since qualification was secured last year.

However the performance was not what coach Carlos Quieroz will be hoping for when Iran start their World Cup campaign, as Ansarifard spared them from registering an embarrassing draw against lowly opposition.

URUGUAY 3-0 UZBEKISTAN

Luis Suarez registered a goal and an assist as Uruguay rounded off their World Cup preparation with a 3-0 win over Uzbekistan.

The Barcelona forward flicked the ball onto Giorgian De Arrascaeta, making his third start in four matches, in the 32nd minute who fired Uruguay into the lead from just inside the box.

Suarez then netted his nation’s second goal from the penalty spot after Rustamjon Ashurmatov was penalised for a handball.

Substitute Carlos Sanchez added to his seven assists in qualifying by providing one for Atletico Madrid centre-back Jose Gimenez from a corner.

Matias Vecino and Rodrigo Bentancur started alongside each other in central midfield for the third fixture in a row, throwing further doubt on Sanchez’s starting berth when Uruguay face Egypt on June 15.

Elsewhere, Guillermo Varela ended a run of two consecutive starts as Maxi Pereira was preferred at right-back.

Uruguay have now won three in a row and have lost just once in their last nine matches.

URUGUAY XI (4-4-2): Muslera; Caceres, Godin, Gimenez, M Pereira (Laxalt 59’); De Arrascaeta (C Sanchez 65’), Bentancur, Vecino (Torreira 59’), Nandez (C Rodridguez 46’); Suarez (Stuani 83’), Cavani (Gomez 76’).

World Cup Preivews by Team

Group A Egypt, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay

Group BIran, Morocco, Portugal, Spain

Group CAustralia, Peru, France, Denmark

Group DArgentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria

Group EBrazil, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Serbia

Group FGermany, Mexico, Sweden

Our editor’s Fantasy World Cup tips as told to Proper Sport

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283 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Leaf
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Can we bb & wc in the same week on the McDonald’s game ?

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

      Apparently not from what Ive heard.

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Also want to know. Planning on GW3 WC + BB

      1. Leaf
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I can’t see anything in the rules saying you can’t
        I’d like do both gw2 I think

  2. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Spanish defence a good shout for the group stages? Portugal don't have a great record against Spain outside of Portugal.

  3. Sharkytect
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Best 4th midfielders for up to 6mil?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Cueva

  4. jaybradlights
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    First crack at this - thoughts appreciated

    Cavani Jesus Lukaku
    Mueller Lo Celso Tolisso Belhanda Isco
    Sidibe Godin Meunier Hegazi Sakai
    Navas Uzoho

  5. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Better combo

    A) Naymar, Griezman, Zhirhov
    B) Jesus, Cavani, James/Cou

    1. Pirlø's Pen
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B. I was all set on Neymar but can’t ignore the value of Jesus at 3 mil less tbh.

      1. Lone Wolf FPL
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly! Neymar was first in my team but that price makes my team weaker.
        With those rules we need to think a bit different and use some smart tactic

  6. SorSy
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Please suggest any possible changes ?

    Gallese / Uzoho

    Marcelo Mendy Godin Tagliafico Munier
    Cueva Nandez Muller Carrasco Isco
    Mbape Jesus Cavani

    May some downgrade of marcelo to danilo?

    1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Gallese and Uzohu don't rotate very well

  7. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone else on double brazil defence?

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

      I have been but I’m not atm might switch back depending on Varela

      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Don't see Argentina keeping many clean sheets to be honest. I've been toying with double Uruguay double Brazil but i also want Carvajal and Meunier so can't have Gimenez, Godin, Marcelo and Danilo

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

          I’ve got double Uruguay still. Also got Danilo, Meunier, Dalsgaard and Hakimi atm

  8. Lone Wolf FPL
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Coutinho or James? (Got Jesus)

    1. Niemi
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      James the better pick for me.

  9. Pirlø's Pen
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A. Danilo, Muller, Grizemann

    B. Marcelo, Werner, Isco

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

      B with Danilo and spend the money elsewhere

      1. Pirlø's Pen
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        It would be a double up with Danilo. Marcelo Danilo the standout defensive picks imo. Dunno if having both is wise though.

    2. Lone Wolf FPL
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

    3. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      B

  10. johnnybeefcake
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Who are the must haves?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Nobody really. I would highly recommend Uruguay defence and the likes of Meunier however

  11. NUFCAndrew
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Muslera Uzoho

    Kimmich Meunier Sidibe Danilo Hegazy

    James Isco Cueva Nandez N’diaye

    Griezmann Lukaku Cavani

    Do i need to fit Müller in? Should i be concerned about lack of Brazilian attack?

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I can see more traffic going through Jesus than Griezmann, personally.

  12. Kaptenen
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Playing on a local site. Thoughts of Guedes from portugal as a 8mil mid?

  13. Sebbo29
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    thoughts on this one?

    Caballero (Ryan)
    Kimmich/Danilo/Godin (Granqvist/Hegazy)
    James R./Isco/Cueva/Golovin (Trezeguet)
    Jesus/Werner/Mbappe

    leaves me nothing with itb

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Is Caballero nailed?

      1. Sebbo29
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        looking at it again, could also be Armani. May be a bit too risky. Anybody on here know if Armani or Caballero will be No.1 for ARG?

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          There's nothing conclusive on it that I've seen

  14. jaybradlights
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    16.5M to spend on three bang average midfielders.
    Currently settled on Lo Celso / Belhanda / Ndidi - has anyone found some value picks in this price bracket?

  15. Totalfootball
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Can we play WC and maximum captain in same round ?

  16. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Is a Suarez / Cavani double up stupid? Their goal involvement for Uruguay is ridiculous

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      It would leave you missing out on all but one of Lukaku, Werner, Jesus, etc

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      I don't think so.

      Both are great options. I personally favour some of the others but nothing wrong with having those two

  17. Boydinho
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Muslera - 4.5
    Meunier, Walker, Young, Marcelo - Hakimi
    Carrasco, Pavon, Coutinho - Inui, 4.5
    Kane, Hazard, Cavani

    All set for 2 GWs and then use WC for GW3.

    Thoughts?

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Like the Young pick. Is he nailed? Some peeps suggesting it's Rose that starts

      1. WE GO FOR IT
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Nowhere close to nailed!

    2. TaiwanHC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Pavon can't be nailed, can he?

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

        With Lanzini out it's between him and Banega? He's had a good season..

  18. Fantasy Gold
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Any idea if Salah is on target to be fit for the first game?

  19. diesel001
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Are there any websites which show full international stats for each world cup squad (like caps, goals, assists, clean sheets, YCs, RCs etc)?

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      This one I think 😆

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

      Transfermarkt.com

  20. Butcher
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Anyone know how to deactivate a chip on the McDonalds game?

  21. WE GO FOR IT
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    RMT

    Sommer
    Fabra Kimmich Larsen
    Golovin Isco James Muller
    Neymar Mbappe De Arrascaeta

    Uzoho | Cueva Hegazi 4m

  22. Drexl Spivey
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Surprisingly low ownership on some standout forwards (to my eyes at least):

    31% Messi
    27% Neymar
    27% Griezmann
    9% Cavani
    9% Jesus
    8% Lukaku
    7% Suarez
    6% Werner
    6% Kane
    6% Ronaldo

    Lukaku & Jesus for me, personally.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Lukaku a must vs Panama. All the others are a raffle

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Cavani is a snip at 9.5.

    3. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Most people will pick on name recognition alone though (hence Werner low ownership) FFS % ownership of some of these will be markedly different

  23. palace ash
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Please RMT

    Muslera, Uzoho
    Kimmich, Godin, Tagliafico, Hegazi, Sakai
    Coutinho, Isco, Müller, Carrasco, Sanchez
    Griezmann, Cavani, Guerrero

  24. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Colombia's first choice left back Fabra (5.0) has tore his acl and ruled out of the WC. Back up Mojica (4.5) now set to step in.

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      That's a good shout, thanks for sharing. Where do you see Columbia getting to in the WC?

      1. AYEW KI-EDEN MEE
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        Round of 16 probably as far as they'll get with that squad.

    2. DantheManinaPan
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      thanks for the info

  25. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Hiya all please can I have some constructiveness on this first draft???
    Cheers all
    Muslera
    Danilo Kimmich sidibe Godin meunier
    De Bruyne mueller
    Griezmann Jesus Cavani

    Cheers again all

  26. Nailed Jesus
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    Is Reus nailed? 8.0 seems a good price.

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Haven't seen him in any teams. Shocking.

  27. LosBlancos
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    A) Werner G Sigurdson
    B) Son Muller
    Thanks!

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      A

  28. Rohirrims
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    RMT:

    Pickford - El Kajoui
    Godin - Varela - Mendy - Kimmich - Meunier
    Coutinho - Pavon - Isco - Sanchez - 5.5
    Lewandowski - Hazard - Perisic

    Considering Matic for the last spot as of now. El Kajoui and Varela will start the week and if they get cleanies stay on or else make way for Pickford and Matic.

  29. Stevie B
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    What would players rather win the World Cup or the Champions League? What has a higher status? Probably the World Cup because it takes place only every four years (and the Champions League every year). Or is this wrong?

    Everyone can win the Champions League. This is different at the World Cup. So Gareth Bale will never win the World Cup with Wales, although he is a fantastic player.

  30. The Royal Robin
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 6 months ago

    My first draft... Any advice?

    Neuer
    Carvajal Godin Sidibe Marcelo
    Coutinho Muller Carrasco
    Jesus Cavani Lukaku

    Uzoho Sanchez Hegazy Guzman

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Would rather have Danilo over Sidibe. Frontline looking good, although I would consider Werner and Paulinho over Muller and Jesus. Also, which Sanchez is that 😛

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        C

      2. The Royal Robin
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 6 months ago

        I didn't know Danilo was nailed?

        1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 8 Years
          7 years, 6 months ago

          His competition is Fagner, who has not played much in his stead in the NT

          1. The Royal Robin
            • 10 Years
            7 years, 6 months ago

            Fair enough. Wouldn't be able to do Sidibe > Danilo even if I wanted to though. Already got trips Braziliaaaah.

            1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 8 Years
              7 years, 6 months ago

              True, didn't notice. Would have Paulinho over Coutinho imo

    2. Roy Rovers
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 6 months ago

      Marcelo > Danilo and Jesus > Werner