Scout Notes

Defensive injuries at Liverpool and Man United could impact FPL squads

Pre-season injuries for Manchester United and Liverpool may cause something of a defensive re-shuffle at both clubs and Fantasy Premier League managers should stay on top of the developments.

We’ve looked at the possible implications of Joel Matip and Antonio Valencia missing out on the start of the new FPL campaign in our latest Scout Notes, and will continue to track their fitness this summer.

Elsewhere, we learned a little more about who might start in Everton’s back four and Rui Patricio made an impact in his first outing for Wolves.

We’ve got all the goals, assists and Fantasy talking points from Sunday’s round of friendlies.

PORTO 1-0 EVERTON

  • Goals: None
  • Assist: None

Fantasy managers were handed some more information on Marco Silva’s defensive plans in their defeat to Porto on Sunday. With Everton hosting Southampton, Huddersfield and West Ham in the first six Gameweeks, as well as travelling to Wolves and Bournemouth, there is some interest in whether the Toffees can offer some defensive value for an early-season rotation.

Against Porto, Silva named the same back-five that lined up against Bury, having deployed a largely second-string side the previous day in a defeat to Lille. Not surprisingly, Leighton Baines (£5.5m) and Seamus Coleman (£5.5m) were stationed on the flanks of the defence in front of Maarten Stekelenburg (£4.0m), who made his fourth start in a row with Jordan Pickford (£5.0m) still away on World Cup leave. Phil Jagielka was the £4.5m man who slotted in beside Michael Keane (£5.0m), for his second start of the season. If he continues to be deployed in the back four, the former Sheffield United man may become the budget way into Everton’s defence, although he still faces competition from Ashley Williams (£4.5m), Mason Holgate (£4.5m) and Cuco Martina (£4.5m) – later pre-season matches will tell us more.

Cenk Tosun (£7.0m) made his third start of pre-season suggesting again that he will be first-choice when Everton face Wolves in Gameweek 1, although he has some work to do to convince Fantasy managers to invest in him ahead of Marko Arnautovic or Wilfried Zaha at the same price point. His main competitor Oumar Niasse (£5.5m) featured from the bench again. In midfield, Kevin Mirallas was handed another pre-season chance but both Theo Walcott (£6.5m) and Yannick Bolasie (£6.0m) are still expected to be above him in the pecking order when fit and the addition of Richarlison (£6.5m) to the ranks at Goodison Park could push him further away from the first team.

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.5m) and Idrissa Gueye (£5.0m) were named in a match squad for the first time this summer after returning from World Cup leave, but neither of them featured against Porto. Both of them should be involved against Blackburn Rovers on Thursday, with Kieran Dowell and Tom Davies (£5.5m) to make way for them.

Tosun and Sandro Ramirez were Everton’s greatest threat against Porto but neither of them could take their chances.

Moussa Marega scored the only goal of the game slotting in under Stekelenburg’s legs following a through-ball from Otavia.

EVERTON XI (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Baines, Keane, Jagielka (Holgate 75’), Coleman; Schneiderlin, Davies (Besic 87’); Ramirez, Dowell (Niasse 87’), Mirallas (Vlasic 71’); Tosun.

SV DARMSTADT 98 1-1 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN

  • Goals: Steve Mounié (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Jordan Williams

Steve Mounié (£6.0m) scored his first goal of the summer against SV Darmstadt on Sunday to end Huddersfield’s run of 270 pre-season minutes without finding the net. Young full-back Jordan Williams set him up for the finish.

Aaron Mooy (£5.5m) made his return to the side following the World Cup, featuring as a second-half substitute and nearly providing an assist for a late Mounié from a free-kick. Fellow World Cup competitors Mathias ‘Zanka’ Jorgensen (£4.5m) and Jonas Lössl (£4.5m) were not involved though, as they are yet to return to training.

Scott Malone (£4.0m) got his first start of pre-season having managed 45 minutes against Dynamo Dresden. By all accounts he was a threat going forward and defended well too, but he has some work to do to justify his current position as the most popular option in his price bracket. The former Fulham man is owned by 12.1 percent of Fantasy managers but has been utilised considerably less than club-mate Chris Löwe (4.5m) so far. The German has already registered 145 minutes this summer, posting two assists and one clean sheet in the process. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (three starts) looks a better option in Malone’s price bracket while Bournemouth’s Jack Simpson has two starts and a goal under his belt thus far.

Elsewhere in the side, new signing Adama Diakhaby made a first start on the right-flank with Ramadan Sobhi (£5.0m) coming on for his second appearance of pre-season. Rajiv van La Parra (£5.0m) and Alex Pritchard (£5.0m) are starting to look like sure options in the Huddersfield attacking midfield area both making their third starts of the summer on the left-flank and number 10 role respectively.

Ben Hamer (£4.0m) was unlucky to be beaten for Darmstadt’s goal. After a string of impressive saves in the match, he directed one into the path of Yannick Stark who converted easily. The former Leicester City man has now started all but one of Huddersfield’s pre-season games so far so is worth keeping an eye on in the unlikely event that Lössl misses any action as a result of his World Cup leave.

HUDDERSFIELD XI (4-2-3-1): Hamer; Malone (Williams 72’), Schindler, Hefele, Smith; Billing, Sabiri (Mooy 65’); van La Parra, Pritchard, Diakhaby (Sobhi 63’), Mounié.

BORUSSIA DORTMUND 3-1 LIVERPOOL

  • Goals: Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Andrew Robertson (£6.0m)

Virgil van Dijk (£6.0m) demonstrated his appeal for the upcoming FPL season by opening his pre-season account against Borussia Dortmund on Sunday. The centre-back was unlucky not to find the net in his first six months at Liverpool but jumped high enough to convert an Andrew Robertson (£6.0m) cross in a promising first-half display for the Reds in Charlotte, North Carolina.

However, there was a first-half muscle injury for Joel Matip (£5.0m) which has ruled him out of further participation in the USA tour, which could potentially open the door for one of either Joe Gomez (£5.0m) or Ragnar Klavan (£4.5m) to take his place in the expected absence of World Cup finalist Dejan Lovren (£5.0m) for Gameweek 1. Either one is worth considering as cheap alternatives into what we expect to be a strong defence in 2018/19, especially with some uncertainty over whether Nathaniel Clyne (£5.0m) or Trent Alexander-Arnold (£5.0m) will be first choice at right-back.

“Though the muscle injury suffered in his upper leg is not considered to be a long-term concern, Matip will not be available for selection in the remaining two games in America. He is therefore returning to Merseyside and will continue his recovery at Melwood.”

Matip may return to action before the start of the Premier League season so it’s worth keeping an eye on his fitness throughout the summer. However, Fantasy managers should also track the minutes of Gomez and Klavan to see if either of them stand a chance of lining up alongside van Dijk against West Ham on August 12. Both players have been involved in five matches, neither of them completing a full 90 minutes yet, although it was Gomez who specifically replaced Matip in Charlotte. He has also registered more game time (248 minutes to 225), but the cheaper Klavan has started more times (two to one). Furthermore, all of Klavan’s appearances have come at centre-back but two of Gomez’s have been at right full-back and a large portion of his outing against Dortmund was there too, after he was shifted wide to accommodate young centre-back Nathaniel Phillips coming on for Clyne. Although with Clyne expected to be first-choice in that position, Gomez may not be needed at full-back.

Naby Keita (£7.5m) impressed again, this time as a second-half substitute although he was unable to add to his pre-season tally of three assists. Alongside him in the second period was James Milner (£5.5m), who conceded a 66th minute penalty after fouling Christian Pulisic in the area. The American converted the spot-kick past Loris Karius (£5.0m).

In attack, Daniel Sturridge (£6.0m) played another match in a deeper number 10 role, although he remains Liverpool’s top scorer in pre-season with three goals. The Englishman is certainly worth keeping an eye on if any injuries come up in the Reds front line.

Pulisic scored an 89th minute goal on the counter attack to make it 2-1 before another Karius mistake allowed Jacob Brunn Larsen to add a third. Pulisic’s shot was parried by the goalkeeper straight into Larsen’s path.

Mohamed Salah (£13.0m) and Sadio Mané (£9.5m) watched the match from the sidelines and are expected to be involved against Manchester City on Wednesday.

LIVERPOOL FIRST-HALF XI (4-3-3): Karius; Robertson, van Dijk, Matip (Gomez 22’), Clyne; Jones, Lallana, Fabinho; Camacho, Origi, Markovic.

LIVERPOOL SECOND-HALF XI (4-2-3-1): Karius; Moreno, Klavan, Gomez, Clyne (Phillips 62’); Milner, Keita; Woodburn, Sturridge, Ojo; Solanke.

SAN JOSE EARTHQUAKES 0-0 MANCHESTER UNITED

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None

Interest in Manchester United’s defensive assets may take a hit if Antonio Valencia’s (£6.5m) knock sustained against San Jose Earthquakes forces him to miss out on competitive action next month. Manager Jose Mourinho explained that the newly-appointed club captain is injured although there is no estimated return for the Ecuadorian just yet.

“He’s injured and I think we need to get used to it. Last season he was already in this type of situation and this season he will probably have more of that.

Were Valencia to miss out on the start of the Premier League campaign, it would be difficult to determine who would replace him at right-back and United’s defensive solidity may diminish somewhat too. New signing Diogo Dalot (£5.5m) is not expected to be fit until September as he deals with a meniscus problem, Matteo Darmian (£5.0m) may leave in the coming days amid interest from Juventus and Napoli, while Victor Lindelöf (£5.0m) will return late after World Cup involvement and is more naturally a centre-back anyway. Youngster Timothy Fosu-Mensah (not yet in FPL) could feature in his place, having amassed 12 appearances for United and 17 for Crystal Palace in the last three seasons. All the aforementioned options could provide further budget routes in United’s defence but it may be harder to trust without Valencia, so Fantasy managers are urged to keep an eye out for the next update on his fitness.

Other defensive options do seem a little easier to predict with United as Luke Shaw (£5.0m), Chris Smalling (£6.0m) and Eric Bailly (£5.5m) all started for the second match in a row. With Ashley Young (£6.0m) and Phil Jones (£5.5m) still missing for now, this trio may be the ones to look at for United defensive cover.

Aside from that, the team that faced the Earthquakes in America was another second-string one as Mourinho continues to miss a large number of key players as a result of World Cup leave. Anthony Martial (£7.5m), who has picked up some ownership in the last week, started another match as the centre-forward, lasting 90 minutes but was unable to capitalise on his advanced position once again. The Frenchman may have to improve his pre-season performances to convince Fantasy managers to keep him in their squads, even if he is playing out of position. Meanwhile, Alexis Sánchez (£10.5m) got his first start of pre-season under his belt ahead of a season where he could be an important asset.

Although it’s difficult to read too much into pre-season performances and results, Man United do feel a little out of sorts ahead of the new campaign. They will be missing a large number of key players if Mourinho delivers on his early claim that he won’t use anyone who played in the World Cup in Gameweek 1. This most recent quote about pre-season may also chastened interest in United players.

“We are not a team. We’re a group of players from different teams. Some are first-team, some under-23s, some coming from loans and going on loan, some are younger, under-18s. We don’t have a team to play much better than we did but it’s one more training session.”

Some good news for United is that Nemanja Matic (£5.0m) has now joined up with the training squad following his World Cup leave.

MANCHESTER UNITED XI (4-3-3): J Pereira (Grant 45’); Shaw (Mitchell 75’), Smalling (Fosu-Mensah 45’), Bailly (Tuanzebe 45’), Valencia (Darmian 8’); A Pereira (Gomes 83’), Garner (McTominay 45’), Herrera; Sánchez (Greenwood 65’), Martial, Chong (Mata 45’).

VfL Bochum 0-0 Wolves (5-4 on penalties) | Real Betis 0-0 Wolves

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None

Rui Patricio (£4.5m) saved two penalties in the shootout between Wolves and Bochum on Sunday, although it was not enough to win the contest. But such a performance, in his first outing for the newly-promoted side bodes well for the Portuguese international ahead of his first Premier League campaign.

Raul Jimenez (£5.5m) also made his first start for Wolves against Bochum, taking up the role of centre-forward, flanked by Diogo Jota (£6.5m) and Bright Enobakhare (£4.5m) in a front three.

Nuno split his squad between two 45-minute matches, one against Bochum, the other against Betis. The first was the semi-final of H-Hotels Cup, which was lost on penalties after a 0-0 draw.

Ruben Neves (£5.0m), Ryan Bennett (£4.0m) and Jimenez had chances to score in the semi-final but the tie went straight to spot-kicks where Neves, Jota, Pedro Goncalves and Enobakhare found the net and Jimenez, Conor Coady (£4.5m) and Ryan Giles had their efforts saved.

It was another 3-4-3 formation used against Betis, and another goalless draw. Helder Costa (£5.0m) and Ivan Cavaleiro (£5.5m) were the biggest threat in that match but neither could break the deadlock.

WOLVES vs BOCHUM XI (3-4-3): Patricio; Hause, Coady, Bennett; Giles, Goncalves, Neves, Buur; Jota, Jimenez, Enobakhare.

WOLVES vs REAL BETIS XI (3-4-3): Ruddy; Boly, Batth, Saiss; John, Watt, Gibbs-White, Doherty; Cavaleiro, Ashley-Seal, Costa.

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884 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Has the Keita wagon left the station yet?

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      They need to replace one of the chips to allow 4 players from the same team for one week.

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        what's your take on him?

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Brilliant player, good differential.

          Not in my team as I have 3 other players.

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Ah, I'm tempted to go Keita+Aubu over Mahrez+Firmino.

            Probably not wise.

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

              Hmmmm...

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

              Not sure if you saw a couple pages back but I posted the same suggestion and there was some discussion.

              On my phone so can't link back.

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

            Could you see him matching favourably with Firmino for points given his price tag?

      2. George James
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Berbs how do you think the middle 3 will line up for Liverpool? Fabinho begind Henderson and Keita?

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      The tracks are clogged up with rusty old trains like Richarlison right now, no space for other trains to leave.

  2. Swills
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Pope (patricio)
    Coleman Trips Daniels TAA (wan bissaka)
    KDB Mhiki Mane (jota, Jorginho)
    Aub Tosun Firmino

    Unsure on Jorginho jus need a 5m last midfielder, also unsure if TAA and KDB will be playing start of season... all help appreciated lads

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      For the 10.5 mil you would spend on De Bruyne i'd rather someone who is back in pre season now e.g. Mahrez/Sane

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        KDB should be 10.5, think we got off very lightly with him at 10.0. Same with Pogba at 8.0, should be at least 8.5. Will probably be 9.0 after this year if he stays

        1. ElliotJHP
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry, wasn't saying he shouldnt be 10.5, just saying I'd want a player who is going to start from the off rather than come in maybe 2/3 week.

  3. Nespinha
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Rate this new draft please

    Pope, Speroni
    Bailly, Lovren, Coleman, Peltier, Bennet
    Salah, Eriksen, Mikhitaryan, Cairney, Martial (to KDB afterwards)
    Aguero, Reid, Deeney

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      1)Defence with both peltier & Bennet a doubt.
      2) is pope guaranteed a start?

      1. Nespinha
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Not sure for pope, but there are other 5.0 ones (schmeichel, pickford, leno)

        A bad defence is the price of having that super loaded midfield

  4. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    The 4-5-1 has evolved - how is this looking? Not sure I’ll go without Firmino though. Probably go back to him instead of Kun & Robertson > a city def

    Patricio
    VVD, Robertson, PVA, Coleman, Douglas
    Salah, Sané, Dilva, Martial
    Kun
    (Boruc, Stephens, Quaner, Kamara)+0.5 ITB for Martial>Pogba

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Double Liverpool defence will be a problem once attackers start firing

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Also I'm not sold on PVA at 5.5 ,other options need to be assesed

        1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          I just look at PVA’s numbers & they are ridiculous for a defender, I think he should be good fun to own with a chance of double figures in literally every game. I’ve seen Schlupp OOP mentioned. Tomkins gets some amount of goals too. Plus AWB is basically free. Lots of alternatives to PVA in Palace, let alone at other teams.

          I think he’ll come good though, you can’t beat a defender who scores goals for fun!

      2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I just wonder whether both VVD & Robertson will turn out to be smash hits this year, they’re playable in any game, and could score/Assist/clean sheet in any game... 6.0 for players like that is so cheap when you get past the stigmas of them being defenders... much better than the 6.0 & 6.5 mid/fwd options imo

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I have been on 4-5-1 before, my only issue has been what happens if Aguero gets benched? basically playing 10.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah it’s my biggest hesitancy with selecting Kun, and I nearly always go back to Firmino instead with 2x City mids & Ederson.

      2. TheDonald
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        If Aguero gets benched, then Aubamayang.

        Or downgrade to Morata, Firmino (if Liverpool slot free), plenty of other options. Maybe Lukaku will come good. Maybe won’t be difficult to get Kane. Lacazette...

    3. Finnish Fish
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      City attack triple up? Risky but could pay off nicely

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, it could work, but probably makes more sense to go with two attackers & Ederson to be honest, easier on the budget too

    4. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Personally I'd downgrade Martial to Jota and upgrade your bench but I think it's just me who likes a good bench (especially with 3 City players).
      I like this team.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Martial is a nice punt for the TV game on Friday night, and if he was nailed he’d be 9.5 at least so hoping he gets a goal or two before his competition returns to the team. I’ve had Jota in my team for a while & he could yet be back in it, very exciting prospect.

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I love a good bench, especially with 3 City. Good bench is the maverick approach. The season will reward us.

    5. BigBarn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I think you need a likely-starting striker on your bench for that formation, because if Kun is benched against Huddersfield you may not be able to get 11 out. I'm a sucker for a defence-heavy RMT, though, and really hope those brave enough to start with five defenders get rewarded. I just don't like PVA and Coleman as options because of the lack of clean-sheet potential (I'd rather Bailly and a starting Chelsea 5.5) but I'm also boring, so obvs go with your gut.

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I don’t know if I’ll eventually go with Kun, I think the Huddersfield game could be fools gold for Kun myself! But he’s a nice placeholder for Auba for GW3.

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

      Your bench is painfully bad. I’d downgrade Martial and upgrade Quaner to at least a playing striker

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I love a bad bench! First sub is the only one that matters until Christmas... but I do take your point as my first sub is terrible haha

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

          Even Cairney at 5.0 doesn’t require a huge downgrade elsewhere!

    7. TLF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I like your team and have similar thoughts about double Pool defence, you not interested in City defence though ? I have switched between Mendy/Allison and VVD/Ederson a few times.

      Also, how has Coleman looked pre season ? Everton can't seem to keep a CS at the moment can they....

  5. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    RMT out of 10

    Patricio/ Ryan
    Mendy,Bailly,Tomkins,Jagielka,peltier
    Salah,Eriksen,jota, richarlison,Stephens
    Aubameyang,Aguero,Kamara

    1) Jagielka, richarlison ,Kamara I'm still unsure of
    2) trying to keep defence a little cheaper .
    3) kun can go to sane/mahrez depending on pre season .

    Thanks

    1. Il Papera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Kun to Sane/Mahrez is two moves, who are you considering?

      1. Srv210
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Kun+richarlison to sane +8.0m (Zaha or Tosun & spread rest of cash)

        1. Srv210
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          But I like to have kun for the start

          1. Il Papera
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Keep Kun, I’m not completely convinced by Jesus, plenty of 6.5 or less value options to wait until Richarlison is bedded into this new Everton project.

            1. Srv210
              • 6 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Yeah, thanks mate..I'm considering richarlison..let's see his form then decide.

  6. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Spurs dark horse in title race?

    Understand that City and Liverpool have strengthened by Spurs have kept that great starting XI.

    think it's between those three. cant wait for the season regardless.

    1. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Spurs will finish below Arsenal

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

        Arsenal 1st,Spurs 2nd?

    2. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Like how everyone is ruling out United

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        West Ham need a few years yet.

    3. joeydelucchi
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      hahaha if spurs havent strengthened then how can they be dark horses

      man city liverpool , probably chelsea arsenal ..and maybe united with a settled sanchez will all be better this season.

      i'll be very surprised if spurs finish top 4 this year

    4. Il Papera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Spurs to finally crack this season, inhibited by no transfer activity and numerous late WC returns.

      Eriksen to Barca/Real to be next summers big transfer saga.

    5. Teror
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Spurs are my favourite PL team but I see them struggling this year. If Chelsea click under Sarri then I worry they'll miss out on CL.

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

    433:

    Bego / Boruc
    Douglas - Mendy - Robertson - Coleman (4.5)
    Salah - Mkhi - Pedro (4.5, 4.5)
    Aguero - Firmino - Tosun

    Pedro and Tosun could be any 6.5 and 7.

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

      Wrong, Mkhi is really Mahrez..

  8. Botman and Robben
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Lingard or Richalison?

    1. Il Papera
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I have a prediction that Lingard will live off his one streak (and intelligent movement) for 2 seasons max and then West Ham will sign him for 20 million. Maybe to replace Wilshere.

    2. Texas Pete
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Richalison

  9. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Patricio
    Robbo • Mendy • Bailly
    Mo • Mane • Mahrez • Richarlison • Ralls
    Auba • Arnie

    (4.0 / Tomkins / Kamara / Peltier)

    Cheers! 🙂

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Bench is same for me too except GK, double pool attack can go both ways but overall it's looking good

  10. LAMB TEA
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    is pope starting for burnley?

  11. Dacra
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Try again..

    433:

    Bego / Boruc
    Douglas - Mendy - Robertson - Coleman (4.5)
    Salah - Mahrez - Pedro (4.5, 4.5)
    Aguero - Firmino - Tosun

    Pedro and Tosun could be any 6.5 and 7 when we know more.

  12. Parm
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Surprised there are so many people going for the Mendy's and Robertson's of the world when there are plenty of bargains about in defence. We will probably be seeing £5m starters at two or three of the top six clubs and every other side *probably* has a £4.5m starter.

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah but those two are very attacking regardless of the bargain options we might or might not get from the top 6

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        They are indeed but does your average FFS/FPL player have the patience to keep a Mendy or Robertson after a few weeks without attacking returns? Most people are very trend heavy and abandon strategies at the first sign of weakness.

        1. Arctic monkeys
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          You can always transfer them out and use that 1m if a good forward or midfied option emerges. Just like Davies at the start of last season. We got so many attacking returns from him, by the time his points started to dry and the competition from Rose begun, we started transfering him out.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Last season's overall rank?

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        #1 in my eyes.

        1. goriuanx
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          My hero.

    3. Finnish Fish
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Can u name a few, please no Shaw 😉

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

        Shaw Lovren TAA/Clyne

        1. Parm
          • 12 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Potential for Kolasinac/Holding/Chambers/Mavropanos at Arsenal also with Emery not settling on a backline just yet.
          Lindelöf/Rojo always in contention.

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

            All “wait and see” for me at the mo. I am one of the impatient people you mentioned above 🙂

          2. BigBarn
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Yes, of course, but impossible to go with any of those from the start, and much easier to downgrade defenders and push the money further forward than it is to upgrade all of your defenders one-by-one. Also, Lascelles beat Azpi (the top-scoring defender) on value last season but no other 4.5 came close. Zanka was the next-best-scoring 4.5. Defence is almost always worth investing in.

    4. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Just because of the attacking potential of both of them..

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Looking at attacking returns. Defs who can give 12-14 points in a GW occasionally are fun.

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

      The only potential ones I can see are Kolasinac and TAA.

      1. Norman Conquest
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        and maybe bellerin he is top of my watch list right now

      2. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        And both have competition

  13. ShaunGoater123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    anyone interested in Sturridge at 6m? if firmino doesn't start the season that could be gold.

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Even if he starts, it's a transfer waiting to happen after GW1

      1. Il Papera
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        *injury

    2. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      it's a close close call on who will win the wheelchair race between him and wilshire

  14. Pia06rc
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    A) Mane & Arnautovic (+0.5m itb)
    B) Firmino + Sigurdsson

    Which would you choose

    1. Finnish Fish
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A

  15. Finnish Fish
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Best Defender for 4.5-5.5? (for first few weeks at least)

    Cheers!!

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Bailly

  16. Jimjam
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Patricio (Stekelenburg)
    Mendy, Robertson, Bailly, Cedric (Wan-Bissaka)
    Salah, Mahrez, Silva, Jota (Stephens)
    Aubameyang, Arnautovic (Quaner)

    1m in the bank - how to spend?

    A) Cedric -> Bellerin/Coleman
    B) Jota -> Martial/Sigurdsson
    C) Silva -> Mane/Sane

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      C

  17. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Why and how has Luke Shaw found a way into my team... Hoping i can offload him to Kolasinac after gw2 :p

  18. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Thinking of going Salah, Kun, and Auba at the start.
    Unfortunately I will need to play two 5.0 mids for this to work.
    Set on Cairney, who else would you advise?
    Ralls, Costa, Neves perhaps?

    1. Finnish Fish
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ralls or Hughes

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Wilshere or Ralls

    3. Z3US
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Costa out of those. Very attacking. However I feel not 100% nailed - his position to lose.

  19. Ógie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    How come mot of the RMTs look pretty much the same?

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      *most

    2. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Template season

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I have been hanging around here a few seasons now and i have never once seen a pre season template to hold up.In fact they nearly always go down in flames but who knows it might just change this season.

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Because the cool kids are keeping theirs secret and the rest are just copying 😉

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

        This. Last time I posted my team suddenly every team started looking just like mine. Im keeping it secret now.
        Ill give one hint though: Its 5 at the back 😉

        1. Jafoole_88
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          B, you know your stuff. What's your highest rank?

    4. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      It's what this site is about, finding the template

      1. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I hope that is not what it is about,that i a horrid thought for me.

        I hate when people just fall into line without thinking for themselves.They might as well put on Chairman Mao costumes start marching in unison and just do what the leader tells them.

        How could you get any enjoyment out of the game playing like that?

        1. Arctic monkeys
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          If it can make you feel any better, I don't like most of the teams posted in here and I'm sure I'm not the only one. 😀

  20. joeydelucchi
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    best midfielder up to 9 mil for 1st couple of GW's?

    i already have mane sane mahrez and delefeu....

    1. Finnish Fish
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Keita, trust me.

  21. EmreCan Hustle
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Does Jiminez reduce Jota's appeal?

  22. Toonzie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    ranked 42 in top 250 manager of all time 😯

    https://premierfantasytools.com/fantasy-premier-league-manager-ranking-table/

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      41 better than you - must try harder.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Seen who's at number 2?

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Never heard of him 😉

        2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Maybe he should start charging for advice like the number 5 does

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Them all time tables have been proved to be pretty much a load of bs.

      Lots of managers could design one to put them in the top 250 if they wanted.

      1. Toonzie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        as bs as yr rank

  23. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Just a follow up on the discussion earlier about premium defenders. I agree that 6.0-6.5 defenders tend to be better value than 6.0-6.5 midfielders. However there are a few things that need to be taken into account.

    - You will probably downgrade these premium defenders during the season when attackers catch form.

    - I think Azpi's big 175 number is a bit misleading. The norm for that price range is actually around 120-140. You will always get the odd exception or two every single year.

    - There are many great 6.5m midfield options this season that are potentially incredible value. (Richarlison, Jota, Maddison, Sessegnon, Elyounoussi, Pedro, Walcott) - I'd be surprised if one or two of these didn't become bandwagons at some point.

    - As it stands, it's looking like there are some cheap enablers in defence.

    Be good to hear some thoughts on this. I'm currently going with one premium defender surrounded by cheapie's. I do agree that Mendy could be the exception if he's nailed, and maybe Robertson too.

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

      I have those two, Bailly, and then 4.5/4.0. Not breaking my mid or attack particularly 🙂

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

        Exactly. I have Pereira over Bailly atm although that may change.

    2. Supersonic Marv'
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Trent Alexander Arnold is being criminal overlooked in my opinion. No way is Clyne starting ahead of him In fact I think he will be sold if there are any takers. Takes the odd free kick/corner too.

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

        Clyne will start minimum the first fixture. People don't want to deal with that.

      2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        The lad’s 19(?) and just been to the World Cup. He’ll get a break I suspect

    3. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't say 'many great 6.5 mids' - Most from promoted team or new to the league and those are always hit or miss. I wouldn't be surprised if Davies, Coleman, Robertson, Mendy match or better those mids.

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

        Exactly. Saying Azpi is the outlier and then saying that there are many great 6.5 mids is a break in consistency as well.

        1. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Nah.

    4. SW6
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      6-6.5m defenders were better value last season. That was last season. There were so few budget strikers and mid-priced mids that did anything. The ones that did got slept on because they were pretty dull (Gross, Mili, Murray).

      Going with 4 premium defenders based on last season's results is not necessarily the way to get this season's points. Maybe they'll come to nothing but already there seem to be a lot more promising budget attackers than last year. 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 has so often been the best formation, I'm pretty sure it will be again.

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

        The answer as always is to pick balanced premium, midprice and budget picks across defence, midfield and attack, and go uber in goal. 😉

  24. joeydelucchi
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    PVA or Coleman??

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

      PVA

  25. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Rate my team predicts 2112 points so I must be on the right track...

    Pope, Ryan
    Robertson, van Dijk, Mendy, Ward, Sakho
    Salah, Silva, Jota, Kenedy, Cairney
    Aguero, Arnie, Wood

    3 x City, Liverpool & Burnley
    1 x Palace, Wolves, West Ham., Newcastle, Fulham & Brighton

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'd like to have cover from a top 6 side beyond city/liverpool

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Arsenal - Bad fixtures for first two.
        Chelsea - Unknown at the start of the season
        United - Don't score goals and rotate defence
        Spurs - No players at the moment

      2. the snazzy viking
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        why?

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      3x Burnley seems optimistic.

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe a little but I think they are the best options in their price brackets and they rotate well with Palace and Brighton.

  26. Scheister
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    On Mahrez at the moment (with Mendy and Kun), but am so tempted by Eriksen

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Get all four, join the club

  27. Merlinsnose
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Jorginho a good 5 mill pick?

    Sounds central to Chelsea and sounds like an assist machine.

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      4 assists last season in 33 games

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

    Changed tack to 4-4-2 formation. Views on this amended side would be appreciated. )Pedro could be another 6.5 if not looking nailed and Sørloth most likely looking cheap striker).

    Patricio (Fabianski)
    Coleman Bailly Mendy Robertson (Wan-Bissaka)
    Salah Mahrez Sigurdsson Pedro (Neves)
    Aubameyang Arnautovic (Sørloth)

    1. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure whether Siggy worth it despite the fact I like him.

      I’d go for Richarlison who’s going to Everton.

      Don’t know what Pedro’s case is. He didn’t play that good previous seasons.

      Back 7 and front 3 are good.

  29. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    How many players do you all have from the top 6 sides?
    Mine right now is
    Liverpool: 3
    Man City: 2
    Spurs: 2
    Man United: 1
    Arsenal: 2
    Chelsea: 0 (but Ill have Hazard for sure if he stays)

    1. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      City: 3
      Liverpool: 2
      United: 1
      Spurs: 1

      Rambo keeps playing on my mind though

    2. the snazzy viking
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool: 2
      Man City: 3
      Spurs: 0
      Man Utd: 0
      Arsenal: 0
      Chelsea: 0

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

      Obviously subject to much change

      Liverpool 2
      Man city 3
      Spurs 0
      Man United 0
      Arsenal 1
      Chelsea 0

    4. Stats Don\'t Lie
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      2
      3
      0
      1
      1
      2

    5. Zilla
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      City: 3
      Liverpool: 2
      United: 1
      Arsenal: 1
      Chelsea: 0
      Spurs: 0

    6. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Pool - 2
      Spurs - 1
      Man u - 1
      Man City - 1
      Arsenal - 1
      Chelsea - 0

  30. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Coleman or Mendy?

    1. Arctic monkeys
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Both are very good going forward but Mendy plays for the attacking team, so him