Scout Notes

Giroud injury scare as France held to draw

A busy Saturday of international friendlies saw ten World Cup teams in action for the final time before the tournament begins this week.

Olivier Giroud was withdrawn following a clash of heads in France’s 1-1 draw with the United States, while Spain left it late to see off a stubborn Tunisia side in Krasnodar.

Aleksandar Mitrovic hit a hat-trick in Serbia’s 5-1 demolition of Bolivia, but Sweden played out a second successive goalless draw in a stalemate with Peru.

France 1-1 USA

Didier Deschamps gave Fantasy managers a strong indication of his intended starting XI for France’s World Cup opener against Australia with his team selection in Lyon on Saturday.

Kylian Mbappe played just off Antoine Griezmann and Giroud in a 4-3-3/4-3-1-2, with Blaise Matuidi lining up alongside N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba in the midfield three.

Should Giroud’s head injury rule him out of France’s first group match, then his replacement yesterday, Ousmane Dembele, would seem likely to plug the gap against Australia.

A fully-fit Benjamin Mendy got the nod at left-back and put in a promising display; the Manchester City defender’s surging runs and dangerous crosses almost leading to two assists.

Djibril Sidibe and Hugo Lloris were both culpable for the USA’s opener, with Julian Green beating the Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper at his near post after having been gifted the ball by Sidibe inside the penalty area.

Sidibe’s replacement, Benjamin Pavard, provided the assist for Mbappe’s 78th-minute equaliser for the hosts.

Though France dominated the match and Pogba was denied by the woodwork, there will be concerns for Deschamps and Fantasy managers over how difficult an inexperienced USA side proved to break down.

France XI (4-3-3): Lloris; Sidibe (Pavard 74), Varane, Umtiti, Mendy (Hernandez 66); Kante, Pogba, Matuidi (Tolisso 58); Griezmann (Fekir 69), Giroud (Dembele 58), Mbappe (Lemar 88)

Tunisia 0-1 Spain

Spain also struggled to breach the defence of less-fancied opposition, as a late Iago Aspas strike gave Julen Lopetegui’s side a 1-0 win in Russia.

The Spanish were near to full strength, with Alvaro Odriozola filling in for the injured Dani Carvajal at right-back and Rodrigo getting the nod over Diego Costa up front.

It wasn’t until Costa’s introduction that Spain mustered a shot on target, with the former Chelsea striker being denied by Aymen Mathlouthi on 65 minutes.

Costa combined with fellow substitute Aspas for the winning goal, teeing up the Celta Vigo striker after being put clean through by Sergio Busquets. Aspas now has five goals and four assists in his last ten starts for the national team.

A well-organised rearguard effort will give Tunisia plenty of encouragement for their forthcoming World Cup encounters with Belgium and England. Naim Sliti missed Tunisia’s best opportunity from close range, as the North African country sat deep and hit Spain on the break.

As mentioned in last night’s article on budget defensive options, the Tunisians recalled experienced goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi with Mouez Hassen – a £4.0m budget option in the official game – making way.

Spain XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Odriozola (Nacho 45), Ramos, Pique, Alba (Iago Aspas 76); Busquets, Thiago (Koke 45); Isco (Vazquez 45), Iniesta, Silva (Asensio 60); Rodrigo (Diego Costa 60).

Tunisia XI (4-5-1): Mathlouthi; Bronn, S. Ben Youssef, Meriah, Maaloul (Haddadi 58); Skhiri, Sassi, Badri (Benalouane 78), Khaoui (Ben Amor 62), Sliti (Khalifa 69); F. Ben Youssef (Srarfi 90)

Serbia 5-1 Bolivia

Some familiar names were involved as Serbia demolished a poor Bolivia side in Graz, Austria.

Fresh from his successful loan spell at Fulham in which he scored 12 goals in 17 appearances, Aleksandar Mitrovic grabbed a hat-trick and recorded an assist to strengthen his appeal to Fantasy managers ahead of Serbia’s enticing-looking World Cup opener against Costa Rica next Sunday.

FPL cult heroes Dusan Tadic and Luka Milivojevic also registered assists, while former Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic scored an excellent volley to put the Serbs 4-0 up at the break.

Midfielder Adem Ljajic scored Serbia’s other goal and set up two of Mitrovic’s strikes.

Serbia XI (4-2-3-1): Stojkovic (Rajkovic 80); Ivanovic, Milenkovic, Tosic (Rukavina 67), Kolarov; Matic (Milivojevic 46), Milinkovic-Savic (Grujic 63); Tadic (Radonjic 85), Kostic, Ljajic; Mitrovic (Prijovic 70)

Denmark 2-0 Mexico

Christian Eriksen returned to the Denmark side to inspire his country to a 2-0 win over Mexico in Brondby.

Having missed the 0-0 draw with Sweden to attend the birth of his first child, Eriksen demonstrated his importance to the national side by setting up Yussuf Poulsen’s opener and then sealing the win himself with a close-range strike.

Eriksen’s Fantasy prospects look particularly appealing with fixtures against Peru and Australia to contest in the coming fortnight.

Mexico looked poor for the majority of the match, with coach Juan Carlos Osorio omitting the likes of Javier Hernandez, Miguel Layun and Carlos Vela from his starting line-up and giving several fringe players the opportunity to impress.

Henrik Dalsgaard grabbed the assist for Eriksen’s goal as he begins to emerge as £4.5m defensive option in the official game.

Denmark XI (4-2-3-1): Schmeichel; Dalsgaard, Kjær, Christensen, Larsen; Kvist (Lerager 62), Delaney (Schone 62); Eriksen (Krohn-Dehli 90), Sisto (Braithwaite 45), Poulsen (Fischer 82); Jorgensen (Dolberg 45)

Mexico XI (4-1-4-1): Ochoa; Salcedo, Ayala, Moreno (Alvarez 45), Gallardo; Herrera (Marquez 45); J. Dos Santos (Layun 60), Guardado (Fabian 45), G. Dos Santos (Lozano 57), Corona; Peralta (Hernandez 60)

Sweden 0-0 Peru

The hosts once again drew a blank in a World Cup warm-up match, with Peru the latest opposition to frustrate a full-strength Swedish side.

Sweden are winless in four friendly internationals and haven’t scored in their last three, though their defence once again recorded a clean sheet and are worthy of consideration for Fantasy managers ahead of their World Cup opener against South Korea.

Paolo Guerrero, free to play in this summer’s finals after having had his drugs ban temporarily lifted, led the Peru attack, who looked particularly dangerous on the break.

Sweden XI (4-4-2): Olsen; Lustig (Krafth 70), Lindelof, Granqvist, Augustinsson; Claesson, Larsson (Svensson 90), Ekdal (Hiljemark 82), Forsberg (Rohden 85); Berg, Toivonen (Thelin 76)

Peru XI (4-4-2): Gallese; Advincula, Ramos, Rodriguez (Santamaria 81), Trauco; Carrillo (Polo 84), Tapia (Aquino 76), Yotun, Cueva (Flores 76); Guerrero, Farfan

Estonia 1-3 Morocco

Hakim Ziyech and Younes Belhanda will have caught the eye of Fantasy managers ahead of Morocco’s promising-looking opening World Cup group game against Iran this Friday.

Ziyech, who scored two goals and registered as many assists in five World Cup qualification starts, was on target from the penalty spot after Amine Harit was upended in the box.

Belhanda, who failed to deliver an attacking return during the CAF qualifiers, popped up with a goal and an assist as Morocco breezed past a weak Estonia side.

Lone striker Ayoub El Kaabi had supplied Belhanda’s opener before Belhanda turned creator to set up Youssef En-Nesyri for Morocco’s third.

Nordin Amrabat, ostensibly a midfielder, was stationed at right-back in coach Herve Renard’s starting XI.

Morocco XI (4-1-4-1): Mohamedi; N. Amrabat (S. Amrabat 63), Benatia (da Costa 45), Saïss, Hakimi (Boutaib 76); El Ahmadi (Ait Bennasser 63); Ziyech (Bouhaddouz 45), Belhanda, Boussoufa, Harit (En-Nesyri 45); El Kaabi

Hungary 1-2 Australia

The Socceroos edged a close encounter with Hungary in Budapest in a match that featured two own-goals.

Jackson Irvine set up fellow substitute Daniel Arzani for Australia’s opener in the 74th minute, before Trent Sainsbury put through his own net to bring Hungary level.

Irvine recorded a second assist when his cross was deflected in by one-time Newcastle United defender Tamas Kadar to give Australia their second successive friendly victory over European opposition.

Andrew Nabbout started up front ahead of Tomi Juric, while Massimo Luongo was preferred to Mile Jedinak alongside Aaron Mooy in the double-pivot.

Australia XI (4-2-3-1): Ryan (Jones 45); Risdon, Sainsbury, Milligan, Behich; Luongo (Jedinak 45), Mooy; Leckie, Rogic (Irvine 64), Kruse (Arzani 73), Nabbout (Juric 45, Cahill 80).

523 Comments Post a Comment
  1. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Any changes to make?

    Courtois, (AlHadary)
    Meunier, Mendy, Dalsgaard, Hakimi, (Varela)
    Eriksen, Rodriguez, Paulinho, (Sanchez, Kvist)
    Lukaku, Cavani, Werner

  2. FFFrog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Teams to keep two clean sheets in the first two games of the 2014 World Cup: Mexico, Nigeria.
    Number of goals scored by defenders across the first two games in 2014: 5

    Still want your backline of Kimmich, Marcelo, Alba and Meunier?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      That's why the max defender I have is £5.5m.

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Agreed, Kolarov is worth it

    2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks for the info. So who is your defender?

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Meunier, Danilo, Godin, Varela, Sabaly

        1. trinzoo
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Isn't Varela injured?

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      What about 2010 and 2006?

      1. FFFrog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        2010 - 2 clean sheets in first 2 games - Netherlands, Portugal, Chile, Uruguay

      2. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I remember Switzerland in 2006 keeping clean sheets in all three group games, before being knocked out of the second round on penalties after drawing 0-0.

        1. FFFrog
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah - Switzerland in 2006 and Uruguay in 2010 are the two teams to have kept 3 clean sheets in the last 3 tournaments

    4. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I still like Meunier out of that lot. There weren’t wing backs back then. His first 2 fixtures are easy and he can score a goal.

  3. money face bandwagon
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Read that granqvist is the swens pen taker. Anyone taking?

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      considering it, and he is

  4. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Hi, which one is better?
    A. Coutinho, Meunier
    B. Paulinho, Kimmich
    Thanks.

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

      Paulinho, Meunier.

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        This

        1. 007 [RoboKlopp]
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Thanks, want to know the result Brazil vs Austria today then decide.

  5. Powell
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Love Giroud, but this is great for France. Debate should end now and Griezmann goes central. Dembele RW.

  6. JJeyy
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Best time to use bb and max captain?

    1. Powell
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’m using BB straight away

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

    Playing a Belgian variant of fantasy World Cup, you need to pick 11 players + a coach. Points are given almost the same as in FPL, only no save points for goalkeepers and no bonus. Coach receives 3 points for a win of his team, 1 point for a draw. Interesting idea for FPL as well maybe, including a coach?

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah, the coach thing is a nice idea - but in Fantasy football you are the menager supposedly

  8. Powell
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    FPL would be rubbish if they were as strict with positions as the WC game are. FPL would have Mertens, Hazard, O. Dembele, Sterling, D. Silva, Perisic, etc. as midfielders.

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Spot on, only midfielders we'd have left would be Fabregas, Kante, Henderson types.

      1. nicecat
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        With Milivojevic being a bargain at 8.0M

  9. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Lukaku or Hazard?

    1. DoubleO
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Lukaku

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hazard has pens so may sway it for me

      I may even got Merten's to save some moolah

    3. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Lukaku for me

  10. Leflueric
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Muslera, Uzoho
    Danilo, Kimmich, Mendy, Dalsgaard, Mojica
    J Rodriguez, Carrasco, Paulinho, Cueva, Aldawsari
    Lukaku, Werner, Cavani

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Needs more France

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

    A Mbappé Muller or
    B Werner JRod

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      b

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B

    3. Ginkapo FPL
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      or 4 captain options and take all 4?

  12. HALFSPACE
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Lack of England players in your XIs

    1. HALFSPACE
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Great value, underpriced

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

      Not in mine - got Pickford and Cahill.

    3. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Right now I’ve got Cahill. Don’t fancy the attacking players much.

      1. HALFSPACE
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Maguire LCB IMO

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          And that is another reason why there's not many Eng. uncertainty over the cheaper players.

  13. Drexl Spivey
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    It appears to me the Bench Boost chip seems somewhat redundant with the McDonalds setup, at least in the initial stages. The issue of players blanking, which is inevitable, is resolved with the free rotation.

    Perhaps the more appropriate time to use it is later in the tournament, when we have a tighter understanding of a particular game's outcome (outsiders finally becoming unstuck in the quarters), to maximise coverage of a one-sided show.

    I'm sure someone will beg to differ of course. Opinions welcome.

    1. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Last 16 for me when we have an extra 5.0 budget. The line ups should be clearer by then too.

    2. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I’m probably using B.B. in R1 as in the KO stages I will probably have either a def or mid fodder to allow me to maximise the rest of my squad

    3. Nailed Jesus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Don't know if you can BB and WC at the same time but GW3 seems like an ideal time as plenty of cheaper players will be given game time & you only have to think about one week.

    4. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      No. Because in the latter stages we often keep a 4.0 def and 4.5m mid that are eliminated to maximize team value. 5m isn't enough when the final 8 teams are all super expensive.

      Use your Bench Boost in the group stages or r16 and captain later when you have fewer days to stick or twist.

    5. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Last 16 certainly seems a good compromise.

  14. KickIt
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Repost: Anyone know if you can BB and WC at the same time? Might be aiming for both in GW2 if possible.

  15. St. Joseph
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    W. Kvist (4.5 M) nailed on? How's his fantasy prospect?

    1. Sigsgaard
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Dane here. He is pretty much assured of starts, but his fantasy prospects are horrible. He’s the defensive midfielder where Delaney is allowed to go in the box at times.

  16. Blue&White85
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Was going to have Sidibe in my team but given that he cost the goal and his replacement Pavard set up the equaliser I’m probably switching to Mendy. Thoughts?

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

      Mendy wont get 3 games.

  17. DoubleO
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on zielinksi and paulinho?

  18. Yankee Toffee
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How is this looking for a first go? Cheers

    Schmeichel, Uzuho
    Danilo, Kimmich, R Rodriquez, Hegazi, Advincula
    Isco, Cuadrado, Muller, Carrasco, C. Sanchez
    Griezmann, Jesus, Salah

    0.0itb

  19. Powell
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Current team. Bench boost active...

    Olsen - Akinfeev

    Kolarov - Kutepov - Vertonghen - Meunier - Benatia

    Casemiro - Coutinho - Uribe - Lo Celso - Nandez

    Griezmann - Lukaku - Messi

    1. JJeyy
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      why casemiro?

      1. Powell
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Cheap. Sneaky goal threat. Plays for an elite team.

  20. HALFSPACE
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    How many transfers do you get in between rounds in groups stages

    1. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      1

  21. Meinhoff
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Why so little love for Lo Celso?

    6.0m, nailed, playing in the hole for Argentina

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Messi, Dybala, di Maria and Aguero/Higuain would all be playing in more advanced positions, right?

      Dont see him getting a lot of points.

      1. Meinhoff
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Dybala is not starting. Unlike Lo Celso, who has started all friendlies, and after Lanzini's injury is even more nailed. Granted, he's not playing in a striker position, but that is why he is classified as a 6m mid.

        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I don't know - Argentina have played like 40 guys in qualifying... But given those reverses against Spain and Nigeria, I'd assume they would back their better players to do well.

          Not saying Lo Celso won't start - personally see him playing in the double pivot.

    2. Powell
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He’s in mine

    3. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Not really nailed, is he? Think Dybala could start ahead of him.

      1. Powell
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Not nailed, but likely to start. Good enough for me ahead of that fixture

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

          He's a CM tho. Not really sure how good he'll be for 6.0. Though I'm considering him myself now too.

        2. Meinhoff
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I think he is pretty much nailed, because Lanzini got injured and Lo Celso is practically the only real midfielder to link up play between DMs (Mascherano, Banega) and forwards (Messi, Di Maria, Higuain/Kun).

  22. Jairzinho
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Have we had confirmation on how many points for a clean sheet for goalkeepers and defenders in McDonald’s?

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      It says 4 for both in the scoring rules, why would it be something else?

      1. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        One one page it does. It says 6 for goalkeepers and 4 for defenders elsewhere, and FFS claimed 6 for both which was probably a mistake but hasn’t been corrected which is odd.

          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Oh, where did you get this from? If I had to assume, the rules on the site gotta be the latest, right?

            1. Jairzinho
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Was posted on here, before the game launched I think. Would assume it’s 4, but would like clarity. Maybe I’ll email FIFA myself get confirmation from the horse’s mouth.

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      4

  23. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Goal has to be to get 4 x 6 from BB1 I reckon. Morocco defenders can come in handy.

    Many having poor milfs though that won't get anything I reckon.

  24. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    El-Kajoui, (Udoho)
    Meunier, Danilo, Mendy, (Varela, Sabaly)
    James, Mueller, Eriksen, Al-Dawsari, (Kvist)
    Jesus, Cavani, Lukaku.

    -- I know it is a manual sub game, and my bench four look quite weak - but wouldnt wanna miss out some of the premium guys to strengthen overall squad, right?

    Any improvements you'd suggest? I have £1m in bank.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'm BB1 so I'm spreading the cash around.

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Would you share your team? Where have you made sacrifices?

        PS. Also great to see you after a long time... Been around two years since I was last on here, so hi.

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, I'm Nirvana these days. You not a member there?

          1. Saniul
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I took a year off Fantasy last season - new job and some other pressures part of the reason. I was a member there before, but haven't visited in a quite long time either.

            Back now after things have settled now, WC Fantasy an appetiser as I'm getting back next season. 🙂

      2. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Dont really get this. You need to spread cash around anyone so you get the most out of your manager substitutions. Its only the final day players you need to be reliable as well four decent captain options, one from each day.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          *anyway

        2. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Help me improve my bench. I already have £1m, plus if you'd want me to cut down on some places.

          1. Ginkapo FPL
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I just went of the budget def article yesterday and hoovered up names. I dont want to be spending on my def till the alter rounds. Clean sheets are a nightmare to predict in tournament football. Playing for 0-0 isnt a thing outside of leagues.

            1. Saniul
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              That's why I like defenders like Kimmich, Marcelo, Meunier and Mendy in this game. They are no less than wingers attacking-wise, while maybe they could get clean sheet...

    2. D_wins_chips
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I think going without either Messi or Neymar is suicide.

      1. D_wins_chips
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Sorry I meant without both

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Are you just being silly?

          1. D_wins_chips
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Its like going without Kane in fpl. Its dumb.

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Yet a legitimate strategy for the season just past....

            2. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Each to their own.

  25. rdamjan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Why is Paulinho more popular than Coutinho?

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Cheaper, gets further forward.

    2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Check out the Brazil article

    3. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'm a bit confused about who starts where for Brazil... Does Coutinho start in front three, or mid three?

      If front three, then he must be the guy to go with... But doesn't Willian also play sometimes?

      ....
      -----------------------Casemiro
      ------Paulinho------------------------Fernandinho
      --Neymar--------------Jesus--------------Coutinho

      Is that how they play?

      1. Niemi
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Coutinho could play as a winger with Fernandinho as a CM, or as a CM with Willian as a winger.

        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I see. He's better in the midfield three, but Brazil needs him more in the front three...

    4. D_wins_chips
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Madness. Id understand if Paulinho was alot cheaper but its only 0.5.

    5. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Paulinho 6g2a in 11 qualifier games.
      Coutinho 4g1a in 13 qualifier games.

      Underlying stats. Paulinho more likely to score, Coutinho more likely to assist.

  26. D_wins_chips
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Im so satisfied with my team. And I have 1m left itb! Open for criticism 🙂

    Caballero - Uzho

    Carvajal - Cahill - Lovren - Varela - Dalsgaard

    Coutinho - Thiago - Ljajic - Bentacour - C.Sanchez

    Messi - Cavani - Neymar

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      The amount of times we've seen Caballero in a RMT...

      1. D_wins_chips
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        He is to much value for money!

        1. Drexl Spivey
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          He isn't nailed.

          1. D_wins_chips
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Whaaaat? !?

            1. Drexl Spivey
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Plus Argies a bit ropey at the back (to be generous).

              1. D_wins_chips
                • 6 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Now that I don't agree with. Especially since Nigeria and Island can't find the net.

                1. Drexl Spivey
                  • 5 Years
                  5 years, 9 months ago

                  Moses and Siggy will find the net.

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      too heavy up top the rest of your team is suffering

      1. D_wins_chips
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I believe my defence is solid. But I know my midfield is weak. Thats why I have 1m itb to spend on anyone who gets hot in midfield.

  27. Saniul
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Midfield is weak. Can see all of Ljacic/Thiago/Bentacur being starting risks.

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Reply to above post, sorry.

    2. D_wins_chips
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Thats why I have 1m itb. Can change one if need to be.

    3. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ljacic has had 90,46,80 and 82 min in last 4. Who is he under threat from?

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        All depends on how they decide to use Milinkovic-Savic. He's more comfortable being the most advanced of the mid three, and to maximise his potential, they could easily go with Milvojevic or Grujic in pivot. Even in such a situation, Ljacic could play wide... Wouldn't say he's a risk per se, but interested to see how they play against Switzerland/Brazil.

        For the other two, Koke and Valverde/Torreira could easily start over Thiago and Bentacur - not to say they dont offer much attacking potential, either.

        1. D_wins_chips
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Im hoping Ljajic will start in a front three. Bentacour I don't expect much from, but Thiago has alot of attacking potential.

    4. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ljajic should be pretty safe.

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Mostly agreed, even though I have a slight doubt about it, which is why I'm avoiding him... Wouldn't have the other two, though.

    5. Meinhoff
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ljajic will start (coming from a Serbian). Although I myself am not a fan of his, and there are better options for that price imo

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Better options? Like who? Please share....

        1. Saniul
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Kostic, Cueva and Nandez for me. Last two will surely start, I feel.

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I'm only looking at GW 1, WC in 2 for me.

            Cueva has Denmark which will be tough....

            Is Nandez any good ?

            1. Niemi
              • 9 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              Have you looked at Belhanda? Not done much in the qualifiers, but scored two games in a row for Morocco now as well as assisting one goal. 3 goals and 8 assist in 30 for his Turkish club. Iran in GW1.

              Meza interesting as well for GW1. Looks like he'll play in the trio behind Aguero against Iceland.

              1. Christina.
                • 14 Years
                5 years, 9 months ago

                Yeah I'm on Belhanda at the moment.

            2. Saniul
              • 11 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              From what I've seen, he's far better than Cristian Rodriguez, who has been around this team for far too long.

              To be honest, I have hardly watched him play - but yeah, Russia and Saudi are the games I'm mostly looking at for him to bag a bunch.

      2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Mitrovic worth a pop?

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I swapped Greazeman for Mitro. Also Have Llajic.

          1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            He's in mine at mo but not sure if I'm knee jerking

  28. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Pavard unlikely to start for France guys?

    1. Niemi
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Not likely to start.

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Sidibe hasn't looked convincing and/or fit of late, has he?

        1. Niemi
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Still think he should be fairly nailed on, at least for the first few games.

    2. madeon
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Just go for Mendy, he should be nailed.

      1. Saniul
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        He's extremely attacking too.

  29. maff
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Mojica a good option in colombian defense at 4.5 with Fabra injured?

  30. Pigeon
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on this BB team?

    Lloris
    Meunier Marcelo Godin Granqvist
    Ziyech Rodriguez Carrasco
    Mbappe Lukaku Cavani
    El-Kajoui Cueva Hakimi Al-Dawsari

    1. Saniul
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Doesn't look like a BB team to be honest. Don't expect much from Hakimi, Cueva or Carrasco.

      Otherwise, its good.