Scout Notes

Budget Magpies strike as puzzle emerges in Brighton defence

There were goals for two budget Newcastle United strikers in the latest round of pre-season friendlies.

Meanwhile, the defensive situation at Brighton was complicated slightly as Leon Balogun made his first appearance for the Seagulls and Crystal Palace won again.

In this Scout Notes article we’ll discuss what that all means for our Gameweek 1 preparations…

BRIGHTON 1-1 PORTSMOUTH | CHARLTON ATHLETIC 1-1 BRIGHTON

  • Goals: Anthony Knockaert (£5.5m) | Pascal Groß (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Tomer Hemed (£5.0m) | Glenn Murray (£6.5m)

Following his World Cup campaign with Nigeria, Leon Balogun (£4.5m) has arrived on the scene for Brighton to complicate centre-back selection in Sussex. The 30-year-old played just over an hour alongside Lewis Dunk (£4.5m) at Charlton, the second of two friendlies played on Tuesday. The starting XI named for the Valley meeting appears to have been the stronger of the two team-sheets on the day, with Shane Duffy (£4.5m) involved in the behind-closed-doors match against Portsmouth. However, that fact shouldn’t count against the Irishman as his game-time is still being managed because of his groin injury last month and being forced off against Wimbledon. Fantasy managers interested in Brighton’s defence will have to follow further Scout Notes to see who earns favour at centre-back between now and Gameweek 1.

Glenn Murray (£6.5m) was another returning face after ankle trouble forced him out of the pre-season match against St Gallen in Switzerland earlier this month. He featured from the beginning against Charlton and set up Brighton’s only goal of the game. The veteran striker connected with James Tilley’s cross shortly after half-time, his header saved by Dillon Phillips and turned in by Pascal Groß (£7.0m). With Tomer Hemed (£5.0m) involved in the secondary line-up used earlier in the day and Jurgen Locadia (£6.0m) now confirmed as being out for two weeks following the injury sustained at Wimbledon, Murray certainly has the advantage over his colleagues when it comes to competition for the centre-forward role.

Also returning from summer leave was Mat Ryan (£4.5m), who managed 51 minutes against Portsmouth before being replaced by Hugo Keto, while it has been revealed that Jose Izquierdo (£6.0m) won’t be involved in match action until a behind-closed-doors match against Nice next week. The Colombian has returned to the club but is restricted to training and won’t be involved at Birmingham City on Saturday, as is the case with new signing Florin Andone (£5.0m), who has a minor groin injury.

Defender Markus Suttner (£4.0m) was deployed on the left-wing once again and, while he is unlikely to feature in the first-team this season, it’s worth knowing he is an alternative in that position if injuries occur to Solly March (£5.0m) or Izquierdo. Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£4.0m) appears to still have the advantage in Suttner’s price bracket, with Bournemouth’s Jack Simpson potentially an outside option.

Anthony Knockaert (£6.0m) got his first goal of pre-season against Portsmouth, converting a cross from Hemed, adding an assist to his two goals of the summer so far.

BRIGHTON XI vs PORTSMOUTH (4-4-1-1): Ryan (Keto 51’); Bong (Mandroiu 51’), White (Collar 51’), Duffy, Schelotto; Suttner, Kayal, Bissouma (Gyokeres 51’), Knockaert; Norwood; Hemed.

BRIGHTON XI vs CHARLTON (4-4-1-1): Button (Keto 79’); Bernardo (Cochrane 79’), Dunk (Kerr 79’), Balogun (Barclay 64’), Bruno (Moore 79’); March (Maguire-Drew 79’), Pröpper (Collar 79’), Stephens (Normann 79’), Towell (Tilley 36’ | Gyokeres 57’); Groß (Mandoiu 79’); Murray (Connolly 64’).

STEVENAGE 1-2 CRYSTAL PALACE

  • Goals: Jonny Williams, Sullay Kaikai
  • Assists: Jason Puncheon (£4.5m), Jason Lokilo

Youngster Sullay Kaikai continued his fine pre-season form on Monday, his third goal making him the top-scorer of the summer so far for Crystal Palace. The attacking midfielder has not been added to FPL yet but may well receive a price in the coming days following his involvement with the first-team so far. He has started two matches but has been involved in all four, registering a total of 246 minutes, featuring for at least an hour in three of them and involving himself in a goal in every single one with his assist against Heksingør. Two of those appearances have involved a centre-forwards role for him and he was stationed in attacking midfield at Stevenage where he netted a late winner.

Alexander Sørloth (£5.0m) furthered his case for inclusion in Gameweek 1 squads with his fourth consecutive start of pre-season. As of Monday, he is now the only Palace player to have featured from the beginning of every match so far. Christian Benteke (£6.5m) is yet to make a return after being brought off as a precautionary measure against Halmstads, so Sørloth still has the advantage, and could provide a value route into Palace’s attack with a goal and three assists so far this summer.

New man Vicente Guaita (£4.5m) has now overtaken Wayne Hennessey for game-time so far in pre-season, with the first-choice goalkeeper still unclear. The Spaniard has registered 180 minutes to the Welshman’s 135, with both of them having conceded two goals each. With the uncertainty over the position at Palace, it further strengthens the case for investment in assets such as Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m), James Tomkins (£4.5m), Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m) and Wan-Bissaka whose starting places look much more assured, although none of them featured at Stevenage.

CRYSTAL PALACE XI (4-2-3-1): Guaita; Souare, Woods, Kelly, Ward; Puncheon, Williams (McGregor 69’); Lumeka, Kaikai (Street 90’), Lokilo; Sørloth (Daly 69’).

HULL CITY 2-2 NEWCASTLE UNITED

  • Goals: Joselu (£5.0m), Ayoze Perez (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Jonjo Shelvey (£5.5m), Ciaran Clark (£4.5m)

After scoring on six occasions in the final eight Gameweeks of last season, Ayoze Perez (£6.5m) once again demonstrated his eye for goal in Newcastle United’s 2-2 draw with Hull City at the KCOM Stadium on Tuesday.

The Spaniard tapped in a late equaliser after defender Ciaran Clark (£4.5m) had flicked on debutant Ki Sung-yueng‘s (£5.0m) corner.

Clark is a name to monitor for Fantasy managers, following Jamaal Lascelles‘ price rise to £5.0m, Chancel Mbemba’s departure to Porto and the news that Florian Lejeune (£4.5m) is suffering from a knee injury.

Rafael Benitez said of the Spanish centre-half’s knock: “Some of the players have little problems. The only one that is a bit more serious could be Lejeune. He has a knee problem that we have to assess in the next couple of days.”

United had the best defence outside of the top seven last season and, although their fixtures in the first few Gameweeks are fairly unappealing, Clark would represent decent value at £4.5m with Newcastle short in the centre-back department.

The Magpies have, however, been linked with a move for Fabian Schar in recent days and the Swiss international’s arrival would likely see Clark slip back down the pecking order.

Joselu (£5.0m) started his second successive pre-season friendly for Benitez’s side and the much-maligned Spanish forward opened the scoring early in the first half, latching on to a trademark Jonjo Shelvey (£5.5m) through-ball.

Shelvey and Matt Ritchie (£6.0m) both went close with free-kicks before Hull turned the match on its head with two scrappy goals either side of the break.

A mixture of youth products, reserves and established first-teamers lined up in Benitez’s customary 4-2-3-1 formation, with Shelvey and Mo Diame (£5.0m) reprising their partnership in the double-pivot. DeAndre Yedlin (£4.5m), Lascelles and Ritchie were the only other regulars to start the match, with goalkeeper Martin Dubrakva (£5.0m) an unused substitute. Kenedy (£5.0m), meanwhile, missed the match as his wife has recently given birth.

NEWCASTLE XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow (Woodman 46′); Yedlin (Sterry 46′), Lascelles (Clark 46′), Yarney (Hayden 53′), Roberts (Manquillo 46′); Shelvey (Ki 69′), Diame (Fernandez 60′); Murphy (Aarons 46′), Longstaff, Ritchie; Joselu (Perez 46′).

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1,050 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Union_Jacks
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I now have treble Everton. 😮

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

      me too, and I had 0 a few mins ago
      Pickford Stekelenburg and Richarlison?

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

        I’m on Coleman, Richarlison, Tosun. 😀

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

        Those are the 3 I have.

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

      Mistake. Had you sorted your team out earlier you could have had richarlison too for four :p. Think they look great for the start.

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

        Got stek, Coleman and tosun at the moment myself

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

        haha, I think what I have is too much even. Great fixtures but their last season was poor and they conceded a lot.
        Not so sure about Pickford and Stekelen - hope Schmeichel goes to CHE, but that seems to have fallen apart

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

        😀

      4. Saka Rice
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        is that actually allowed? will probably not work when the deadline hits

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

          Yes it is allowed. I have four Man City

    3. Bucky Barnes
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      one of my earlier drafts had triple everton after reading about their great fixtures and Silva being such an attacking manager.
      As logical thinking and reason returned to my brain one by one they were all removed from future drafts

    4. Hymie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Currently on quadruple Everton myself...

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

    Ia Schlupp a better option than Tomkins?

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

      If nailed in midfield, yes.

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

        Id be fine with him starting and playing 60-70 mins 😎

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

    Moutinho M Wolves £5.5m

    Fabri G Fulham £4.5m

    Rico D Bournemouth £4.5m

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

    Rate this bunch out of 10.

    McCarthy (Fabianski)

    Bailly, Robertson, Mendy, (Cedric, Tomkins)

    Salah, Mkhi, Sane, (Wilshere) (Stephens)

    Arnie, Aguero, Zaha

    1. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      7/10

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      7/10

    3. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty standard template /10

  5. Kloppen Schloppen
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Little different RMT:

    Fabi
    Mendy / Robbo / Bailly / Coleman
    Salah / Sane / Mahrez / Martial
    Laca / Arnie

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

      I would maybe do Sane > Dilva and Coleman > VVD
      But I like your team, bold
      Playing Fab GW1 tho?

      1. Kloppen Schloppen
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the advice. Yeah just set and forget Fab.

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

      Auba or Kun needed especially with Arnie's opening slate of fixtures.

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      If going Laca i would pair him up with Aguero, looks good though

    4. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I really like the laca pick

      When arsenal switched to playing auba with Laca he was a different player. Quality for 9.5, for me it's an absolute bargain

  6. Greenbackbøøg…
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone know a pair of good rotating 4.5 defenders?

    1. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Huddersfield and Southampton rotate well. Schindler and Cedric could work.

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

      Daniels + Tomkins

  7. Siggy in the Middle
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Tear it apart!

    Ederson

    Robertson Bailly Cedric

    Salah Mahrez Jota Richarlison

    Aubameyang Firmino Wilson

    Hamer Peltier, Wan-Bisaka, Cairney

    1. Peace-o
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer Wood over Wilson. But looks good!

      1. Siggy in the Middle
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Literally my exact team apart from Ederson to schmeical and Bailey for mendy! Assuming schmeical goes to Chelsea

      1. Riders of Yohan
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Actually have wood too

        1. Siggy in the Middle
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Did you just wake up?

          1. Riders of Yohan
            • 5 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Hahahah nah just when you see salahs 300+ points

      2. Siggy in the Middle
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Will probably go for Schmeichel too if he moves.

  8. The Chosen One...
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Just looked, Palace genuinely have 4-5 good def options. Have no idea which one to get

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      PVA if you can afford him

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

        And if you can’t afford him, get Wan Bissaka.

        Then you’ll be able to afford him 🙂

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

      PVA, Sakho, Tomkins and Van-Bissake all good options at their respective price points.

      My personal choice would be Sakho at 5.0. Absolute bonus point magnet with ariel threat. Tomkins a good alternative at 4.5.

      PVA a bit of luxury choice - but fun. If Zaha leaves, I would avoid though.

      1. Back on the horse
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Agree about Sakho.

        Not sure how he uses the Little Mermaid as a threat though.

        1. Reuser
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Tried desperately hard to come up with a Disney-themed witty retort - and failed....

          1. Zero
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Just hope he doesn't Flounder...

            1. Reuser
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 10 Years
              5 years, 8 months ago

              Let it go.

  9. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    15 mil for 2 defenders... who’d you pick? Already got salah, Mahrez and Stephens?

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      You mean midfielders I’m guessing?

      Eriksen and Fraser.

      1. Riders of Yohan
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Oops yeah haha. Fraser? Not seen many with him, think he’ll start every game?

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

        You can have any 2 defenders you want for 15m!

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Meant midfielders!

    3. The Finnisher
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ramsey/Richarlison

      Keep the change.

      1. Riders of Yohan
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks!

    4. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Alonso and Mendy/Robbo

      1. Riders of Yohan
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks but meant midfielders lol

  10. ACMeRollin
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Hi Lads,

    What do you think about this team? One of my many drafts:

    -------------------Foster----------------
    ---------Cedric-Keane-Shaw---------
    -Maddison-Salah-Sanchez-Ozil-Jota-
    ----------Kane-Arnautovic----------

    Bench: Boruc | Kamara | Wan-Bissaka | Peltier

    Many thanks!

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      It's certainly different, I'll give you that!

      Personally think there are too many risks in there for the season start and lack of proven points scorers

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Defence is slightly weak, not sure on ozil and Kane in August after a World Cup?

  11. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    All those jumping on the Mahrez bandwagon ... yes he is cheaper than Sterling, KDB and Sané but he is coming from Leicester where he wasn't one of 5 or so mids that could all easily score in any match - why are you so sure he is worth it?

    In my view sticking with Sané as MCI attacking cover with a strong backup mid in case of rotation feels more solid....

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

      but Sane is also one of those 5 or so mids...

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yes but what I mean is people comparing Mahrez points per game etc with Sane and others aren’t considering he had no competition in his position for delivering points whereas, despite competition and rotation, Sané was still a bit of a beast

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

          the other side of the coin is he has better players around him at City.

          At least that what are people are saying when they sell Richarlison on here.

          lol

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Price is one of the big factors though. Can't just ignore it.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Oh totally - if you are down to one last decision and can only afford Mahrez then he's a decent punt but if you have the wiggle room in cash then I think my point still stands

    3. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Luckily Sterling & KdB only likely to be back by GW3, so Mahrez is pretty much nailed with Sane until then

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        This is a fair point

  12. The_Adam
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I posted my current team on here yesterday, which shows that my plan is to go heavy in defence for the first few weeks before looking to wildcard around GW8.

    Ederson (4.0)
    Robertson Azpi Bailly Coleman PVA
    Salah Mahrez (Cairney Costa Hughes)
    Zaha Aguero Wood

    At the GW8 point, it is likely I will completely switch things up by investing heavier in the attacking positions. The main reason I feel starting heavy on defence is the way to go, with mostly assured starters who should all contribute, is based on the clean sheets per gameweek last season. There is a clear difference in the number of clean sheets in GW1-7 compared to GW8-16, as teams and players alike perhaps take a bit of time to really get into full flow.

    GW1 clean sheets: 8
    GW2 clean sheets: 7
    GW3 clean sheets: 9
    GW4 clean sheets: 7
    GW5 clean sheets: 9
    GW6 clean sheets: 7
    GW7 clean sheets: 8
    Average CS's per GW: 7.85

    GW8 clean sheets: 4
    GW9 clean sheets: 4
    GW10 clean sheets: 6
    GW11 clean sheets: 6
    GW12 clean sheets: 7
    GW13 clean sheets: 5
    GW14 clean sheets: 6
    GW15 clean sheets: 4
    GW16 clean sheets: 4
    Average CS's per GW: 5.1

    So almost 3 more clean sheets per GW in those first 7 weeks. I'm putting my faith in something similar happening again, and that I've landed on players/teams who will be heavily involved in racking those clean sheets up!

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

      Interesting. Would be cool to see data for previous seasons too.

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

        I haven't gone any further back yet 😀

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

          I might take a look at this in a bit.

    2. Rains of Castamere
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      If there are more clean sheets at the start of the season (GWs 1-8), doesn't it make sense to go cheap from the beginning and then go for premium defenders when the honeymoon period for the lesser teams wears off?

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

        It's being lucky and finding those lesser teams who will contribute to those clean sheet numbers though. By going for a GK and 5 DF's who play for the better sides and/or have nice fixtures (with the potential of attacking returns too) I feel I'm more likely to pick up more clean sheets.

        Plus, downgrading 1, 2 or 3 of my current defence is all well and good, but that extra 4 or 5m only really allows me to upgrade one of my 5.0 MD's to a premium MD, who may not even fire in the early weeks.

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Good analysis, defense heavy was a key feature of my early drafts too and this data helps show this could be a viable early strategy. 🙂 every season is different, however, and teams with late returning players could struggle to gel defensively - United and Spurs for example - leading to fewer clean sheets.

    4. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Brilliant... Wood is a big question mark for me... Trolled me all last year. Think King would be the safer choice early doors.

    5. Saka Rice
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Baily>Shaw?

  13. Malinwa
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    need some thoughts pls

    Patricio (Fabianski)
    Cédrix - Mendy - Robertson (Peltier - W.Bissaka)
    Salah - Mahrez - Keita - Jota (Cairney)
    Kun - Tosun - Arnautovic

    Appreciated !!

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Defence is week. Keita I don't think is a good choice... But it remains to be seen.

    2. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Would probably just change Keita for either siggy, martial or Ramsey

  14. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    https://twitter.com/ChrisGilbertson/status/1022069177476104193?s=20

    Mitro confirmed? Granted, everyone already knew, but done deal I suppose.

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

      that deal is gonna go tits up by the weekend. Appar they sold those scarfs last season.

  15. Riders of Yohan
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Let me try again

    1. Riders of Yohan
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Ah ffs haha 15 mil for 2 midfielders, who’d you get?

      1. theswallow1965
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Who your other Mids?

  16. Portsmouth Bubblejet
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Fabian Schär, who is undergoing a medical at Newcastle at the moment ahead of a €4 million deal, would be one of the best pieces of business in the transfer window. He's very calm on the ball, builds play well from the back, has lots of experience for the national team and he's a good leader of the defence - he is just prone to switch off occasionally and make the odd mistake. Schär had a clause in his contract that allows him to leave for a fixed amount, so fair play to Newcastle for bringing him over.

    I'm not so confident about André Schürrle though if he joins Fulham. It's an open secret that Borussia Dortmund have been trying to offload him for ages, as 'a €30 million misunderstanding' who never produced his best form since signing from Wolfsburg. The player is no use when defences sit deep, as teams invariably do against Dortmund as Schürrle effectively only has one trick - running at a defence on the counter-attack, cutting in from the left and trundling the ball past the keeper's far post and out for a goal-kick. This inevitable miss induces a pained look on Schürrle's face that makes him look even more like mirthless comedian Hugh Dennis having a midlife crisis.

    Schürrle's counter-attacking skills might work better for Fulham, against whom defences are unlikely to sit back, but Dortmund will be very happy to have got him and Yarmolenko off their books, neither of whom were suited to BVB's quick, possession-based football.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Schar for the toon looks a great signing

    2. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      not to cheapen a great post but is good for team names too

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

    Hi all....keen to have firmino in my starting team - but as he doesn't join up with the squad until next week there must be some doubt if he starts v West ham......so...what is the better forward line given that doubt??

    A.....auba kun Arnie

    B....auba zaha arnie - with additional funds pumped around squad

    Thanks

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

      a

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

        Sky sports reporting how klopp praising sturridge.....

        And that he I an option to start v West ham as firmino only back with squad next week....

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

          I read that. Still a.

  18. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Rob Green is having a medical at Chelsea 😯

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Probably will fail medical due to excessive traces of grease in his hands.

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

      How the mighty have fallen.

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

        Rob Green must be gutted that Liverpool went for Alisson instead

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

      Didn’t even make an appearance for Huddersfield last season.

    4. The_Adam
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Seems sensible. An experienced 3rd choice GK who will likely never make an appearance, and it allows the club to loan out younger keepers for game time.

  19. DeathoftheParty
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Rico to Bournemouth means end of days for Daniels...

    Or..

    Daniels left wing in a 442...

    You decide.

  20. Knowledgeable meerkat
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Are we considering ddg on here? High ownership already but I’m assuming the majority of that is all the casual united fans out there

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

      Don't underestimate casual United fans. 😉

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, looks a good way into Utd's defence with no rotation worries.

  21. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    How is this non Salah team looking, dont plan on owning Salah all season unless he goes ballistic.

    Foster
    Coleman Mendy Robertson
    Richarlison Mane Sane Hughes
    Aguero Firmino Zaha

    Pickford Douglas Tomkins Westwood

    1m ITB

    Ideas:

    - Downgrade Pickford to Fabianski and upgrade Tomkins B.Davies

    - Upgrade Westwood to a 5.5m Mid

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

      Firmino seems a doubt for gw1.....

  22. Dont choose VW. Pickford
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    What do people think in defence:
    6m, 5m, 3x4.5m
    or
    6m, 6m, 4.5, 2x4m?

    1. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Depends who they are. 2 mil defenders have to play though. Especially early on

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

      I'm currently at 3x6m & 2x4m. So thumbs up for the latter.

  23. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Just gonna chuck my team in here but I feel very template at the moment!

    Anyone else going 2 premium city mids from the get go and ignoring Aguerooo?

    Ederson 4m
    Robbo Bailly Coleman Cedric 4m
    Mo Sane Mahrez Richarlison Cairney
    Auba Wood 4.5

    Wood, Richarlison and Coleman are the most under threat in this team at the moment, any thoughts?

  24. ramzieibrahim
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    ederson stekclenberg
    shaw azpi robertson cedric bennet
    dward sanzhez salah jota madisson
    aubameyang tosun reid

    RMT out 10
    advise appreciated

    1. theswallow1965
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Personally I would downgrade Sanchez for MC mid (Sane or KDB if he starts in GW1) and upgrade Shaw to maybe Mendy. Prefer Tomkins to Cedric too, just don't fancy owning any Southampton right now.
      I'm also on Auba, Salah, Robbo, Jota & Ederson

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

    Anyone here willing to give Sturridge a chance?

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

      If he's going to start maybe

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

        Yeah that is what we will have to be watching out for but all that aside if he is starting and is fit we all know how explosive he can be.

        Dare i say it if he was starting he would nearly be captain material.

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

      It is a pretty exclusive club only 0.1% membership.

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

      Might even do Sturridge and keep money ITB for when Firmino is back

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

    Experimenting with Richarlison

    Pickford
    Mendy Robertson Shaw
    Salah Sane Richarlison Jota
    Aguero Firmino Kamara

    Stekelenberg Peltier Wan-Bissaka Stephens

    Gives me 1m to spend as I've swapped out Siggi. But IF i go for it where to strengthen. 4.5 def? 5.5 forward? Stick with Siggi?

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      4.5 defender would be a good idea as that bench is seriously weak! plus Kamara probably won't start if Mitrovic is signed for Fulham

    2. theswallow1965
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'm taking a punt with Richarlison too.
      Shaw could be a short term fix, who will you swap to when and if he loses his place? You could upgrade him now to Smalling? Or do WB to Tomkins and still have 0.5m?

  27. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody have a view on Tosun for the start of the season?

    Haven't heard much lately so would appreciate any news

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

      Niasse may start ahead of him - wait for GW1 team news.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      7-6.5 is a competitive market but he's in the mix

  28. The Truth Is...
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Please give me some advise on this team.

      Fabianski (Speroni)
      Robertson Bellerin Daniels (Dunk,Schelotto)
      DeBruyne Salah Eriksen Jota Cairney
      Aubameyang Arnautovic (Quaner)

      Thanks guys

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Not bad but don't see the point in double Brighton defence as bench fodder to be honest. Bellerin could be a good shout from gameweek 3 onwards

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

        KDB may well take a while to come back after the world cup.

        Might be a little light in def

        like the rest.

        1. The Truth Is...
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks for the comments, i was thinking of starting with Sane and dropping De Bruyne in as soon as he is back. Which defender would you put in for the bench?

        2. theswallow1965
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Get Daniels out, his place severely in doubt now. Maybe go Tomkins?
          KDB may not start GW 1/2. Poss go Sane and hold the extra funds to get him in GW 2-3?
          Agree with Toblerone52 about Brighton double up. Maybe go Peltier/Wan Bissaka?

      3. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        First draft for me, any obvious issues with this lot? (352)

        Ederson Steele
        Trippier Bellerin Bailly Cedric Wan-Bissaka
        Salah Mahrez Silva Richarlison Deulofeu
        Aubameyang Arnautovic Kamara

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

          Not sure I'd go Mahrez and Silva. Trippier might be eased in. 2nd post today with Bellerin in. Not seen him in many. possibly because of the first two games. Might be an idea to wait on him

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

            Cheers. Keen on 3 city with their fixtures. Trippier to Davies could be wise, but not sure who to get instead of Bellerin for 5.5?

      4. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Single best 4.5m defender? Just one! 🙂

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Tomkins

        2. The Truth Is...
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Charlie daniels if Bournemouth can get a couple more clean sheets

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

              Lol

          • SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
            • 7 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            Cedric

          • Zizoulicious
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 8 months ago

            tomkins for me

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

              Not sure tomkins worth it when you can have Aaron WB for 4m....

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

                is he at all assured of a starting spot??