Pre-Season
16 July 2018 970 comments
DavidMunday815 DavidMunday815
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Arsenal particularly impressed in Unai Emery’s first match in charge, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scoring a hat-trick.

As pre-season preparations continue for the Premier League, Bournemouth and Brighton were held to draws and Burnley won in Ireland.

Meanwhile, Everton were invovled in a crazy match that saw them emerge 22-0 winners.

We’ve got all the goals, assists and Fantasy Premier League talking points from another round of pre-season friendlies…

Boreham Wood 0-8 Arsenal

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang x3 (£11.0m), Reiss Nelson, Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m), Eddie Nketiah, Jeff Reine-Adelaide, Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Joe Willock, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Nelson, Lacazette, Aubameyang, Lucas Perez, Aaron Ramsey (£7.5m), Nketiah

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) scored a first-half hat-trick in Unai Emery’s first match in charge of Arsenal on Saturday.

The Gunners’ new manager opted to do away with a three-man central defence for the friendly against Boreham Wood, opting instead for a traditional back-four. However, all the full-backs used in the fixture still took up very advanced positions.

Aubameyang opened the scoring in the sixth minute, curling an effort from range into the net after Joe Willock laid off the ball to him.

His second came just two minutes later after a scintillating run from Ainsley Maitland-Niles down the right wing, was followed by a cross turned in at the back post.

The hat-trick was completed from the penalty spot in the 16th minute after Reiss Nelson was fouled in the area.

Nelson got a deserved goal in the 34th minute to make it 4-0. Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) cut back from the dead-ball line for the youngster to chest down and fire an effort into the top corner.

Aubameyang became provider in the 39th minute as he broke down the left and played a sweeping ball across to an unmarked Lacazette up top. He slotted the ball under the goalkeeper for 5-0.

Emery changed his entire 11 in the second half, notably deploying Calum Chambers (£4.5m) in midfield after committing the 23-year-old to a new long-term contract this summer.

Naturally, the scoring continued with Lucas Perez’s 52nd minute drilled cross from the left was turned in by Eddie Nketiah at the front post.

Chambers was the key man for the seventh goal, winning the ball back in midfield and offloading to Aaron Ramsey (£7.5m), whose pass to Jeff Reine-Adelaide was struck home from 30-yards.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m) netted the eighth after a wonderful flick-on from Nketiah sent him clean through to finish emphatically.

ARSENAL FIRST-HALF XI (4-2-3-1): Cech; Osei-Tutu, Mavropanos, Sokratis, Bellerin, Willock, Maitland-Niles, Smith-Rowe, Lacazette, Nelson; Aubameyang.

ARSENAL SECOND-HALF XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Kolasinac, Mustafi, Holding, Jenkinson; Chambers, Ramsey; Lucas, Reine-Adelaide, Mkhitaryan; Nketiah.

SEVILLA 1-1 AFC BOURNEMOUTH

  • Goals: Jordon Ibe (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Lys Mousset (£5.0m)

Jordon Ibe (£5.5m) still managed to score for Bournemouth despite being deployed in an unfamiliar position against Sevilla.

The former Liverpool man played as the right wing-back in a 3-4-3 system for the Cherries in their first pre-season friendly.

Sevilla took the lead in the 24th minute, Nolito putting Wissam Ben Yedder through to score after an excellent counter-attack from the Spanish side.

Manager Eddie Howe made 11 changes at half-time, which created the goal in the 68th minute.

Lys Mousset (£5.0m) released Ibe down the right whose mazy run into the box enabled him to find the net.

In the first-half new signing David Brooks (£5.0m) was deployed on the right-flank of the front-three and could be one to watch during pre-season.

Elsewhere, midfielder Andrew Surman (£5.0m) was used as a centre-back in the three-man defence in the second-half.

BOURNEMOUTH FIRST-HALF XI (3-4-3): Begovic; Simpson, Ake, S Cook; Daniels, Hyndman, L Cook, A Smith; Wilson, King, Brooks.

BOURNEMOUTH SECOND-HALF XI (3-4-3): Boruc; Mings, Surman, Francis; Pugh, Gosling, Arter, Ibe; Mousset, Defoe, Fraser.

St Gallen 1-1 Brighton

  • Goals: Tomer Hemed (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Ollie Norwood

Striker Glenn Murray (£6.5m) left the pitch with an injury after 30 minutes in Brighton’s first pre-season match, against St. Gallen.

The knock is not expected to be too serious just yet with club officials expecting it to have simply been caused by a tough summer training camp.

Pascal Groß (£7.0m) looked lively on the right-wing in the first-half but it was the hosts who opened the scoring.

Nassim Ben Khalifa headed in at the far post in the 44th minute after a cross from Yannis Tafer.

Striker Tomer Hemed (£5.0m) equalised for Brighton just short of the hour-mark. Anthony Knockaert (5.5m) went close to scoring himself but his effort was cleared for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, taken by Ollie Norwood, Hemed powerfully headed in for the equaliser.

Shane Duffy (£4.5m), goalkeeper Jason Steele (£4.0m) and forward Florin Andone (£5.0m) did not feature after picking up minor injuries in the pre-season training camp. Also missing for the Seagulls were those involved in the World Cup, Mat Ryan (£4.5m), Jose Izquierdo (£6.0m) and Leon Balogun (£4.5m).

BRIGHTON FIRST-HALF XI (4-4-2): Walton; Bong, Dunk, White, Bernardo; March, Stephens, Kayal, Groß; Murray (Gyokeres 30’), Baldock.

BRIGHTON SECOND-HALF XI (4-4-2): Walton (Keto 62’); Suttner, Barclay, Bruno, Schelotto; Knockaert, Norwood, Propper, Locadia; Hemed, Gyokeres.

Cork City 0-1 Burnley

  • Goals: Jimmy Dunne
  • Assists: James Tarkowski (£5.0m)

Youngster Jimmy Dunne was the only goal-scorer as Burnley beat Cork City 1-0 in the Clarets’ first pre-season fixture.

Tom Heaton (£5.0m) started the match in goal with Sean Dyche deploying his men in a 4-4-2 formation in the opening 45 minutes and a 4-3-3- in the second-half.

It was a lively game with Nahki Wells (4.5m) and Sam Vokes (£5.5m) having good chances in either half.

In the end, Ashley Westwood’s (£4.5m) corner was met initially by James Tarkowski (£5.0m) and turned into the net by Dunne.

Matt Lowton (£5.0m), Robbie Brady (£5.5m) and Steven Defour (£5.5m) were the only players currently in the training group who did not feature while Nick Pope (£5.0m) and Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£6.0m) are still on extended leave.

BURNLEY FIRST-HALF XI (4-4-2): Heaton; Ward, Mee, Long, Bardsley; Lennon, O’Neill, Cork, McNeil, Wells, Wood.

BURNLEY SECOND-HALF XI (4-3-3): Lindegaard; Taylor, Dunne, Tarkowski, O’Neill; Hendrick, Westwood, Walters; Vokes, Barnes (McNeil 82’), Agyei

ATV Irdning 0-22 Everton

  • Goals: Leighton Baines (£5.5m), Mason Holgate (£4.5m), Michael Keane (£5.0m), Cenk Tosun x4 (£7.0m), Ademola Lookman x3 (5.5m), Kevin Mirallas x5, Oumar Niasse x4 (£5.5m), Nikola Vlasic x2 (£5.0m), own-goal.
  • Assists: Vlasic x3, Mirallas x2, Cuco Martina x2 (£4.5m), Kieran Dowell x2, Tosun x2, Niasse x2, Sandro Ramirez, Seamus Coleman (£5.5m), Lookman.

Kevin Mirallas was the stand-out player as Everton put a whopping 22 goals past ATV Irdning at the weekend. Despite coming on at half-time he still found the net five times and assisted a further two goals.

Also on form in this match was Oumar Niasse (£5.5m) who scored four goals and assisted two, Cenk Tosun (£7.0m) doing exactly the same.

Young midfielder Ademola Lookman (£5.5m) netted a hat-trick and registered an assist while Nikola Vlasic (£5.5m) was the provider for three goals and scored two himself.

It’s hard to know exactly what we can learn from this match as there was a clear gulf between the two sides.

What we do know is that new manager Marco Silva went for a 4-2-3-1 formation in both halves, with Mason Holgate (£4.5m) preferred at centre-back to Ashley Williams (£4.5m) and Phil Jagielka (£4.5m) in the first 45 minutes.

The only other talking points were those who were absent. Midfielders Theo Walcott (£6.5m) and Beni Baningime (£4.5m) missed out due to reportedly minor ankle knocks, Davy Klaassen (£6.0m) was declared unfit, Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£5.5m) is still recovering from a back injury and Yannick Bolasie (£6.0m) had a stomach bug.

On top of that, Jordan Pickford (£5.0m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.5m) and Idrissa Gueye (5.0m) are still on extended leave following the World Cup.

EVERTON FIRST-HALF XI (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Baines, Holgate, Keane, Coleman; Davies, Schneiderlin; Dowell, Sandro, Lookman; Tosun.

EVERTON SECOND-HALF XI (4-3-3): Hewelt; Robinson, Williams, Jagielka, Kenny; Connolly, Besic, Vlasic; Dowell (Martina 66’), Niasse, Mirallas.

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970 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best Wolves options (especially in attack/mid)?
    First draft has Costa at 5m.

    1. dloh
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      going with costa aswell, bit unsure because of the rotation.. is cavaleiro more secure?

      1. Rich2086
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Id expect Jota to be a starter and Cav and Costa to fight out for the other wide spot. Could be in for some heavy rotation but to early to tell, Wolves have some friendlies against some decent opposition and Nuno used the last friendly in 17/18 to play a pretty strong team. He only made one change from the last friendly which was forced due to suspension going in to the first game of the season

      1. jayzico
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Neves. INNNNNN

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Haha pretty sure both those links say Neves OUTTTTT

          1. jayzico
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            The first hails him. Sorry, never read the second

            1. Deulofail
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              The first one says, " I don't believe he is an FPL asset though because he is a defensive midfielder and almost always picks a card up. He will get suspended at least once this season. I am currently waiting for my wolves top with his name on the back but he will not be in my FPL team at any point."

      2. dloh
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        2 one's brilliant, cheers!

    2. dbeck
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Costa looks a steel at 5m. I'm monitoring who will get the nod up top, Jimenez at 5.5m could be an awesome 3rd striker option. Likewise Jota but less willing to punt on him as he is 6.5m

      1. jayzico
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Surely Neves looks far more of a steal than Costa reading that article?

        1. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Nope. It says Neves is deep lying CM, will pick up a lot of yellows. The phrase about lots of assists is referring to Douglas, not Neves

    3. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Jota and Douglas are the best from what I have read/been told

  2. JurgenRodgers
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Shaqiri £7.5

    No thanks

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Oof, that is expensive.

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He'll get a fair bit of bench time certainly - not worthwhile.

    3. dilksymatey
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That's a ridiculous price for someone who is literally there to be back up.

      1. Rogue Todd
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Players aren't priced based upon how likely they are to play

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          They are a little bit, surely? Players likely to be in and out of the side are priced lower than they would be if they were nailed. Players who will never see a minute are 4.0 and 4.5.

          1. Rogue Todd
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Romero 5.0?

            1. chilli con kone
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              I would say it's a bit of both. Some priced at their potential to contribute to the team when on the pitch but always cheaper than those nailed on

            2. Deulofail
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Yeah. If he were United's #1, he'd be 5.5 surely.

              1. Rogue Todd
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                That seems to suggest Shaqiri's price is fair though?

                1. Deulofail
                  • 10 Years
                  8 years, 1 month ago

                  I have nothing to say about Shaqiri's price. Just disagree with "Players aren't priced based upon how likely they are to play". 😉

                  1. Rogue Todd
                    • 11 Years
                    8 years, 1 month ago

                    Dilksymatey did though

                    1. Deulofail
                      • 10 Years
                      8 years, 1 month ago

                      Yeah I don't think anyone would buy Shaqiri, even at 5.5, unless he were in a period in which he was likely to start quite a few games. In that scenario, 7.5 would likely be a steal, if anything.

            3. BRONALDINHO
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              Back-up to a 6.0 keeper

            4. Zilla
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              This doesn't back your claim, if he was a starter he would be 5.5.

              1. Rogue Todd
                • 11 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                Was in response to the point made of Shaqiri's price being "ridiculous" and "players who will never see a minute are 4.0 and 4.5" - don't worry, I was slagging off one of your precious United players 😉

                1. Deulofail
                  • 10 Years
                  8 years, 1 month ago

                  I didn't mean "all players who will never see a minute are 4.0 or 4.5", I meant that there are tons of 4.0-4.5 players who are only that price because they are unlikely to see many minutes of football, if any. If these players happen to become nailed, they could also be some of the highest value players in the game. That's because they have been priced by factoring in how likely they are to play.

  3. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Happy summer everyone.
    Had no idea FPL was back, when did that happen?
    Anyway, has anyone ever done Pula to Venice for a day trip? Is it worth the 7 hours of travel?

    1. Patch
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nah stay here in the UK, weather too nice to go somewhere else as all that matters is the weather...

    2. CoffeeBean
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Happy summer.
      Been tweeking for a good week already.

      I have not done that trip, but have been to Venvice twice. If you have never been there I would deffinetly go. probably a nice scenic route along the coast I would assume.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Trying to decide on whether I'd drive or take the ferry, same amount of time.
        Ive never been to Venice, seems like a good opportunity.

    3. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Venice is worthy of a stop anytime. But 7 hrs travel doesn't leave much time for enjoying the city on a single day!

    4. A.T
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Nah. Just stay at home and watch telly.

    5. Leaf
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Do you have a driver ?

  4. jayzico
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I may as well have a shot. Any obvious mistakes:

    Ederson
    Valencia / WanB / Douglas / Coleman / Scheloto
    Salah / Mahrez / Cairney / Pedro / Chalobah
    Auba / Niasse / Kun

    1. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Quite a few question marks there - if you are looking for value, you need to do it just before the season starts.

      1. jayzico
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Such as? Niasse and Pedro I presume?

        1. Rogue Todd
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Those are the two best examples - impossible to know at this stage (where we are pretty much in pre-pre-season) whether fringe players like this are going to start GW1 or not.

          1. jayzico
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Early doors I know. Just a bit of fun right now.

            But I agree. So did Niasse/Pedro > Tosun/Neves

    2. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Far too many rotation fears I'd be nervous starting the season with that. Pedro, Niasse, Schelotto, WanB in particular are either not nailed, one performance away from being dropped or will be dropped when WC players come back

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      WanB
      Scholetto
      Pedro
      Niasse

      All rotation worrys

  5. Park the bus
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    can't believe someone has bothered writing up that Everton game in such detail. basically played against the Dog & Duck

    1. boc610
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      or Panama

      1. BIind Moth
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Look through this guys post history. Nothing but digs at England lol.

        I'd bet my left nut that he is Scottish.

        1. boc610
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          wow , thats some good investigating columbo... for what its worth I supported England during this world cup and im Irish. that still doesn't mean panama aren't the worts international team ive ever seen . if your than thin skinned, maybe FFS isn't for you

          1. BIind Moth
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            "Supported England" Lmao, why lie to yourself?

            You've just brought up the Panama result out of nowhere. Just admit you're salty and you dislike England. Nothing wrong with that, no point lying.

            1. boc610
              • 14 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              not lying to anyone chief. was up for england all the way. i support english teams, drink english beers and watch english football and these were all decent lads with a nice manager. so I supported them. what do you want me to say? panama were really adept at defending set pieces , didnt have a team of amateur footballers, were aware of VAR and didnt relentlessly foul??

              will you sleep better then?

              1. BIind Moth
                • 9 Years
                8 years, 1 month ago

                "Go Colombia"

                https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2018/07/03/fantasy-managers-set-for-dilemma-as-brazil-face-belgium-in-world-cup-quarter-final/?hc_page=1#hc_comment_18324019

                Any reason you were supporting Colombia in the England v Colombia game?

                Seems a bit weird for an England supporter.

                1. BRONALDINHO
                  • 12 Years
                  8 years, 1 month ago

                  right, but you still have to give him your left nut

                  1. Rogue Todd
                    • 11 Years
                    8 years, 1 month ago

                    😆

                2. boc610
                  • 14 Years
                  8 years, 1 month ago

                  right. well done, you may have heard of people posting stuff-on forums, that isn't necessarily true - to get a rise of people ,especially on this site, becasue theres people who take the bait, like yourself, and that makes it more fun.

                  1. Bucky Barnes
                    • 13 Years
                    8 years, 1 month ago

                    lol, stop digging

            2. Debauchy
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              You thought he loved you but he lied..

  6. Fire Chief Moe
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Willian & Zaha/Tosun or

    Cairney & Firmino

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      The latter at the moment from them. Willian is still risky.

  7. Patch
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    If it wasn't for the August curse I would get Kane, as he has recently done sweet FA during the world cup

    For now dancing between Kun and Morata the differential...

    1. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Not really considered Morata but could be worth a punt with a point to prove and full preseason

      1. Patch
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        If he scores a brace pre-season I will take him.

        I predicted Tieleman starting and destroying England so I am almost tempted to give Morata a chance...if he secured a brace in the pre-season I will have him

  8. Painter
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    I see a heap of teams with jota. I also have him. After watching Cavalerio and costa I’m thinking of downgrading to get both.
    Thoughts?

    1. arndff_
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I guess you watched a pre-season game, so you can't judge them yet lol.

      I don't think 2x WOL mids is a good idea. One is enough. Just pick who.

  9. Deulofail
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Vlasic would be perfect back up for Deulofeu if he were nailed 🙁

  10. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Bottomed previously and just looking for another perspective...

    Best WHam option for the 7m bracket? Haven't decided whether to wait until the fixtures improve. Surprised Felipe is only 7m to be fair.
    A) Yarmolenko
    B) Arnie
    C) Felipe Anderson

    1. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hopefully we will get an article soon on Felipe Anderson which while iron this out 🙂

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      would prob go arnie proven prem player the other two have got to settle in

  11. payetisgod
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Hi all, could you provide thoughts on below please + my rationale behind it.

    Ederson/Boruc
    Robertson/Tomkins/Coleman/Cedric/Pelt
    Doucoure/Gundogan/Salah/ Sanchez/Stephens
    Tosun/Aguero/Zaha

    I have 1.5m in the bank

    I've gone for Gundogan very short term due to world cup - expect some game time from him and he could chip in with some points
    Doucoure I prefer him over Del and cant see many other 6m.
    Depending on how things pan out I'd like swap out sanchez for KDB and upgrade Gundogan.

    I've tried to capture the key players that are easier to get out then take hits on to get in.

    Thanks for advice!

    1. Patch
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Apparently Ederson missing GW1...

      1. arndff_
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Why? Give us some information.

      2. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Come on, you can’t say that without some evidence - dodgy rumours fly around with this sort of thing

        1. Shatner's Bassoon
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Stuart Brennan has put something on MEN titled "how City could line up vs Arsenal".

          It has Bravo in goal, but also features Danilo in a back three(!). So I'd imagine it's clickbait garbage based on absolutely nothing.

      3. Black Rabbit
        • 8 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Evidence?

      4. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 15 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Source?

      5. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Reports coming in on this. Where did you hear that?

        1. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers

    2. Black Rabbit
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Great line up GW 1 and great plan behind your team I reckon. Good flexibility.

  12. boc610
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    remember when Josh mceachran looked a world beater in chelsea pre season friendlies? the stock put into them on here is comical, especially during a world cup year.

  13. arndff_
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    What about that team structure?

    5.5 (4.0)
    6.0 5.5 5.5 (4.5 4.0)
    13.0 8.5 6.5 5.0 (4.5)
    11.0 9.5 7.0

    Nothing ITB

    1. ludaslol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Let me guess?

      Ederson
      Robertson Coleman Bailly
      Salah D. Silva Jota Cairney
      Auba/Kun Firmino Tosun

      1. ludaslol
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        I like the money invested in the back tbh, thinking of doing something similar

        1. arndff_
          • 14 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Kun it is.

          The bench's: Speroni | Cedric Peltier Masuaku

          Did you really guess all these players? lol

          1. ludaslol
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            Did I nail the rest? Nothing to do at work, really

    2. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      yeah, it's this one or the other one...which one though...?

    3. BRONALDINHO
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Honestly I don't like putting this much cash in defense so early. Usually only 1 or 2 of the good teams start off with a series of clean sheets as far as I remember.

      1. arndff_
        • 14 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Ederson (Speroni)
        Robertson Bailly Cedric (Coleman Peltier)

        Succeded in squeezing all these good players, so that's my current draft, but changes may occur as well.

        Thanks for the suggestion!

  14. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Did Mark not say Jota is the first name on his teamsheet?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Who's that?

      1. Christina.
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        the guy that owns this site.

        1. BRONALDINHO
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          what site?

    2. BRONALDINHO
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Isn't Mark on Holiday? Will he be back for GW 1 after the WC? So many unknowns!

  15. ramzieibrahim
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    ederson fabiasnki
    tarkowski azpi cedric daniels bennet
    salah sanchez jota lamela(cover for erikson as cant afford) stephens
    auba tosun reid

    1.0 in the bank any suggestions RMT

    1. Vijay
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      If you're going with Ederson, you're never going to play Fabi, so you might as well downgrade to a 4.0 GK & save 0.5 to spend elsewhere.

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Until Ederson gets injured and you have waste a transfer .... much prefer nailed players on my bench for .5 more and who may get a price rise .... rather than non playing fodder

        Each to their own though 🙂

  16. anish10
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Kamara good value at 4.5? Only way I can afford Salah in my team.

    1. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Kamara Sutra69

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes for now. If Mitrovic signs he will still get game time but fewer minutes

    3. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Mitrovic will sign

  17. chilli con kone
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Could someone please outline whether or not Cairney is a viable 4th mid option?

    1. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I guess he isn't then.

      1. Big Jono
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        If you need your 4th mid to play for you every week then no. If your 4th mid is first on your bench (like me) then he’s ideal in my opinion

  18. stat
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Stones has apparently said that he wants to play in the Community Shield and that he'll be ready for GW 1. I wonder how many players who got far in the World Cup will start in GW 1 - if a player insists that he's fit enough, will the manager give in?

    (Source: http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/man-city-defender-john-stones-i-ll-be-back-for-community-shield-4240075 )

    1. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Not really going to say "nah, I don't want to do what I'm paid for" is he?

      1. stat
        8 years, 1 month ago

        No, but he doesn't have to come out and say that he's going to cut his summer break short.

        1. Rogue Todd
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Depends what the journo asked him

        2. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          I think City would come under some criticism if they don't enforce a full 3-week holiday for their players, especially with the embarrassment of riches they have. If Stones looks tired at any point during the season, fingers will be pointing.

      2. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        This. All players should be available for GW1, but most are unlikely to be selected to start. Some WC finalists probably will start though.

    2. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Only the players who play for teams with slim squads and dont think it will make any difference.

      City have options in that position i.e Lapotre and Otamendi. John racked up alot of minutes. Pep will listen to the physio/fitness staff and not the players. That's why he didn't knee jerk (no pun intended) Mendy straight back in last season

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No. They will all be tested for fitness. A player won't get a say if scientifically they not ready.

      Plus stones isn't certain to play. Otamendi is the nearest to nailed

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        It's also about training, tactics and cohesion with the team. It's a huge ask for a player to just turn up to the Community Shield after a holiday and put in a MotM performance.

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          (Even if he were as fit as a fiddle)

    4. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Central Defenders are capable of such a quick turnaround (and GK’s too). None of the other 8 outfield positions though.

  19. billnats
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    A) Walcott, Costa, Auba
    B) Jota, Mahrez, Tosun

    1. ludaslol
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      B for me

    2. The Mighty One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Mahrez, Auba, and 4.5...is that doable? It is much better.

  20. #FPLBhuna
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    sooo.. slightly off topic - anyone own any beats by dre wireless headphones? if so, which? and thoughts on them?

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      No but i know a thing or two about headsets.

      Beats are overpriced for what they do and from what i hear have questionable build quality.

      If you want a good noise canceling headset do not look past the BoseQC35s

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        thanks mate

  21. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Why is Zaha now a forward?

    1. chilli con kone
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Played up top in a 4-4-2 most of last season?

      1. Deulofail
        • 10 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Not most. Just about 6 games at the end, I think, in which he scored 5 goals (This from memory)

        1. Deulofail
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Just checked. I am correct. 😉

      2. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        If true, I don't know how I missed that.

    2. Niemi
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Because he played as a forward.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Ah, thought he was fairly wide. I get why Arnie is registered as a forward but was a bit baffled by Zaha.

    3. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      While Salah aint....
      Good Q!

      1. Rogue Todd
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Two wrongs don't make a right

        1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
          • 12 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          True Jarvish. But yet it is a bit strange in my mind.

          1. Rogue Todd
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 1 month ago

            I agree. Both should be forwards.

            1. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
              • 12 Years
              8 years, 1 month ago

              I´m guessing it has to do with FPL people don´t want their inbox completely blocked for the foreseeable future.
              Would probably have happened if They re(down in points) classed the most popular player

  22. ramzieibrahim
    • 12 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    ederson fabiasnki
    tarkowski azpi cedric daniels bennet
    salah sanchez jota lamela(cover for erikson as cant afford) stephens
    auba tosun reid

    1.0 in the bank any suggestions RMT ?

  23. Bumbaclot
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Best 7.0 midfielder guys? (Already have Micky)

    1. JurgenRodgers
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Groß

    2. Lord Flashheart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      wlcott, gross, yarmolenko

  24. falafel
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Any suggestions?
    Pickford (speroni)
    Bailly, TAA, Tomkins, Cedric, Daniels
    Mahrez, KDB, Mane, Deulofeu, Cairney
    Aubameyang, Kane, Kamara
    i will rotate a bit with my midfielders and defenders due to fixture, any ideas of improvements?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Will burn another Everton place but Stekelenburg for Speroni so you guarantee yourself a keeper?

      1. BRONALDINHO
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Everton still likely to sign a back-up keeper though, and that back-up will likely come at 4.5 just to mess with us

        1. falafel
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 1 month ago

          Was thinking that too, but will go for Stekelenburg for now!

  25. Christina.
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Is Troy Deeney first choice @ watf?

    1. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      First in the dinner queue

    2. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      He was. But I think many are expecting Gray to have his chance again, due to Deeney's age and lack of pace. Seems like the weakest link at Watford. I don't know why they don't just play Deulofeu up top 😀

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Lost his place to Gray . Then Gray was garbage and lost his place to Deeney then Deeney was garbage and lost his place to Gray....avoid both

  26. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    hello everyone!
    what a world cup!

    so back into FPL, its great to have such a wealth of players to choose from again after the last few rounds of WC fantasy football.

    been away from the site, what do people have an opinion on:

    1 - salah at 13mil, yes or no? when I've drafted teasm without they seem so much more balanced, very tempted to start the season without him
    2 - bargain basement players - cairney, peltier, any others should be watching during pre-season?
    3 - man city midfield - I feel like KDB could be the only player can be relied on to start regularly

    hope everyone shaving a great summer!

    1. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      1 - Of course a team is more balanced without the most expensive player. That's just maths 😀 But is balance important? I would say no. On the other hand, I currently don't own Salah. Hope that helps!

  27. How seriously do you take pre-season form?
    BIind Moth
    • 9 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    For those who have played FPL for many years, how seriously do you take pre-season? I mean, do you believe it's a good way to gauge form?

    I've only taken FPL seriously since last year. and I vaguely remember Iwobi smashing it in pre season. Ended up going with him in my team which ended up being a massive fail.

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Largely ignore, but I don’t take FPL too seriously ... so largely ignore me 🙂

    2. mazzington☘
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I find it almost completely meaningless from a form perspective. It's often not even that instructive from a nailedness perspective.

      Personally, I've found individual and team form during April and May of the preceding season to be much more useful indicators.

    3. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Iwobi > Cork in GW3 failing to sell before the price drop after GW1 🙁

    4. shotgunnufc - MANIAC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      personally feels its rubbish for form but useful for guesses at line-ups

    5. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I don't understand why people bother as much as they are doing in pre season. Just seems a waste of time imo. In my 12th season I think. I never bother too much until after charity shield. I do mess when I'm bored though

    6. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Ignore form, unless it is a deciding factor. Is helpful though in seeing who is likely to play GW1 and how teams are going to set up, particularly if they have a new manager.

    7. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Very misleading. Darren Bent , Redmond, lamela. Just a few of the pre season players that looked 'essential then did nada. Not a true reflection at all

    8. timPgoodwin
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I'd echo most of the other comments in terms of it being useful for judging how a team will play and their potential formation(s) but completely meaningless from a form perspective. Even more so in a world cup summer where certain players just won't figure at all (MUFC WC players aren't even travelling to the US)

      I would look at the close of last season and if you can, stick with 'less-risky' picks for GW1 - Your Cedric's, Coleman's, Aguero's etc

    9. Shatner's Bassoon
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Will probably only really look at it from a system/tactical perspective for new managers rather than individual players' form.

      Especially for Sarri / Emery / Silva ... and possibly Pellegrini at clubs I'm looking at investing in, just how they're likely to set the team up at the start of the season and whether their setups offer any clues as to FPL bargains or OOPs.

      In some cases I'll look at specific players - notably Ramsey. Emery's mentioned him a couple of times as being key... but does that mean in a 'late-arrival-in-box' finisher.... or a deeper-lying player who will end up assisting the assister.

      1. Jonny JAB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        THIS. Swapped Ramsey to Mkhi to save 0.5m out of fear Ramsey won't be an FPL scorer regardless of how "integral" he is to Emery's plans.

    10. Rotation
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Each of my last 5 seasons I have been top 10k by GW 3.

      I ignore pretty much everything in pre-season, apart from the cheap punts, ie players coming up from the Championship. There's always 1 that comes in with some lovely form and a nice price and kills it for the first handful of gameweeks before disappearing.

      That being said, my history at the end of the season is aggressively mediocre, so it might all be luck.

    11. Ronaldo7
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Ill always look at it, just to try and unearth this seasons Michu!

      1. Adams6
        • 12 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Ahhh, Michu.....

    12. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Yes look at players but more than anything formations. Wanna know how teams are setting up.

    13. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I keep an eye on it without taking it too seriously.

      I am mostly watching out for formation and tactics and injury's especially by new managers in the league.Young and inexperienced players often get games in preseason just to try them out but this does not mean they will be starting the season and this is a trap that needs to be avoided.Just remember nailedness above all else when starting the season.

    14. The Rumour Mill
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Pre season is absolutely critical for predicting team line ups. Someone last season collated which players had featured in which friendlies on a club by club basis, it was incredibly accurate in terms of who played GW1.

      In terms of form though I don't take them too much into account, although of course if someone smashes in a hat trick against a full strength real madrid in pre season its worth taking into account over an Everton forward who scores 4 against Austrian 5th tier opponents who are part time amatuer footballers....

    15. Ohhh Shola Ameobi
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Minutes and formations, especially in the last couple of matches, are more important to me than form in pre-season. Friendlies are often mis-matched in terms of ability, and fitness levels, with both teams at different stages of their pre-season.

    16. Dušan Citizen
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I take it to see what formation teams gonna play, and to see if there is some cheap nailed option.

    17. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Depends really, like Aubameyang scoring a hatty against Boreham Wood doesn't make him essential all of a sudden. If he did it against Real Madrid or someone like that a week before the season starts I'd sit up and take notice of it.

      As people have been saying though, it's more about systems and tactics and how that could affect a player.

    18. Silecro
      • 8 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Last season I've watched Mounie in pre season games and he returned me in season opener with brace against Palace.......and that was about all from him for next 30 gwks

    19. Splatter\\\'s Omerta
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      critical - everton will v likley score 22 goals a game after their pre-season form, so have to get niasse, tosun and mirallas - shame we can't choose 11 everton players

      1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        100% THIS

    20. darth_valdes
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I remember Salah has amazing pre-season form last year.

    21. tricky80
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      For every Bojan there's a Capoue...

    22. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Unbelievably seriously.

      I update my team after every game.

      Currently on 3 everton and auba

      1. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
        • 9 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Benteke in now!!!!!

    23. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I take it seriously, but one needs to be aware of the usual traps. As mentioned above, the Bosellis or Grahams have fooled quite a few of us, but stuff like line-ups or the form of premium assets (like Salah last summer) can be of great help.

    24. Jigger & Pony
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I have fallen into the Wayne Routledge pre-season form trap before. Ignore.

    25. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 9 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Pinch Of Salt.
      Basically: Yer, but No but.

    26. Swanmoretime
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Hit and miss for me but more miss. Michu and Salah had good pre seasons and went on to do well. Ighalo was one I ignored because it was only pre season and he went on to have a great season that year.

      But for every Ighalo there have been 3 Routledges

    27. Rains of Castamere
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Never forget.

      https://i.imgur.com/MBJ3oJ4.png

    28. jamesacresswell
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      You have to take it in context but it was that which meant I went with Salah from the start last year. So it is definitely something to be aware of.

    29. brianutd-why always we? 20
      • 15 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Last year Benteke was bang on form in pre season and nailed in my GW1 team = fail

  28. Bumbaclot
    • 15 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this very first draft my friends?

    Foster/fabs
    Coleman/Robertson/Daniels/dunk/Cedric
    Micky/salah/jota/milivojevic/cairney
    Aguero/lukaku/Wilson

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Lukaku unlikely to start GW1 - swap for Auba and doesn't look too bad

    2. timPgoodwin
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Swap Lukaku out for Auba or downgrade to fund that Midfield. I wouldn't want to rely on 2 of Jota / Mili / Cairney week-in-week-out, a bit too risky for me. King > Wilson too.

    3. buzzkill
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      That's a weak midfield

  29. Differential C (Mark)
    • 10 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Patricio
    Robertson Sakho Tarkowski
    Salah(c) Mahrez Lookman Cairney
    Aubameyang Aguero Wood

    Leno Kenedy Cedric Peltier

    Thoughts of rotation pair of Cairney and Kenedy?
    Also, worth getting that extra 0.5m for Tosun?
    And do I need a Wolves mid? I really do fancy them, but only considering Jota. Everyone else not as impervious to being benched for the Bench.

  30. Over Midwicket
    • 14 Years
    8 years, 1 month ago

    Anyone tripling up on Everton attack after their incredible win? Not sure who it was against but 22 goals in a match plus juicy fixtures seems to suggest they're in for a huge first half of the season. Thinking Tosun, Siggy and Walcott.

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Tosun, Siggy and Coleman for me but that was before the 22-0 win

      1. Hotdogs for Tea
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        This

      2. stat
        8 years, 1 month ago

        On these three as well. Hopefully one of Siggy / Tosun will be on penalties too.

    2. Differential C (Mark)
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Im getting one mid or forward. I really fancy Marco Silva to hit the ground running at Everton. Lookman is in ny sights, although Tosun is interesting as well.

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Not using that game as a source of information.

    4. Rogue Todd
      • 11 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Everton players look good value - especially with their early fixtures - but not sure how much I would be influenced by a match against a pub team.

    5. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Coleman was nailed on from the start - and Tosun is a leading contender for a third striker.

      Have been looking for a decent value 5.5 midfielder, so hoping Lookman steps up and becomes a regular - but will monitor closely in pre-season.

    6. Christina.
      • 16 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      I have a bad feeling about Everton.

    7. Deulofail
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Just Coleman at the moment, but interested in other defenders, Walcott, Siggy, Vlasic (unlikely), Lookman and Tosun.

      Too easy to be influenced by picking from a team (e.g. Everton) rather than picking between the individual players. If I happen to triple up, so be it, but for me the decision isn't about double or triple, but Baines vs PVA, Tosun vs Zaha, Lookman+Hughes vs Deu+4.5, etc...

    8. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 17 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Your better off pretending that game never happened. Don't read anything into it

    9. timPgoodwin
      • 12 Years
      8 years, 1 month ago

      Their keeper literally went home. Not sure you can read too much in to it.

      1. tricky80
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        8 years, 1 month ago

        Could've taught the Saudi keeper some positioning tips after the Russia game.