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31 July 2018 2563 comments
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With just over a week to go until the 2018/19 season begins, Watford players aren’t proving to be popular purchases in the Fantasy Premier League community.

The Hornets are one of only two clubs – the other being newly promoted Cardiff City – who don’t have a single player with an FPL ownership of 5% or more.

This isn’t a huge shock, looking at last season’s figures: the Hertfordshire club had the third-worst defensive record in the top flight and only one of their players – central midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m) – scored more than five league goals. Richarlison, meanwhile, departed for Everton last week.

Javi Gracia’s side are third-favourites for relegation with some bookmakers and their form from Gameweek 14 onwards last season – the Hornets won more matches (six) before this point than they did in their remaining 25 games (five) – was that of a team fighting the drop.

Watford’s opening three fixtures this season are enticing, however: home matches against Brighton and Hove Albion and Crystal Palace sandwich the Hornets’ trip to Burnley, who could be in UEFA Europa League action either side of that encounter.

Encouraging underlying defensive statistics, the pre-season form of Andre Gray (£6.0m) and a tactical system that encourages their full-backs to attack are worthy of note, too – all of which we will expand on in the article below.

In-depth data on Watford’s season is available in the Members’ Area, while Fantasy Football Scout members can also read our detailed analysis of the key statistics in the article below.

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  1. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A Mané Salah (and double up) or
    B Mahrez Salah

    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A for me

  2. Francescoli
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Currently rocking a 3-5-2. Thoughts?

    Patricio
    Davies Cedric Tomkins
    Salah Mane Eriksen Pedro Jota
    Aguero Arnautovic

    Skelkenburg; Mee, Wan Bisaka, Quaner

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      You prefer Jota to finding 0.5m for Arnie in a 343?

      1. Francescoli
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I have Arnie. Not sure what you mean?

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 16 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          sorry, meant Zaha instead of Quanar.

    2. TallestJohn
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Have to say I quite like this, one of the better Salah teams I've seen (I think I'm going without). I'd look to upgrade Quaner if possible

      1. Francescoli
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        He is bench fodder (like a 4.5 mid in a 433 set up).

  3. Tempestic
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Thought I'd pop on a cheeky RMT

    Ederson
    Robertson Luiz* Lowton Cedric
    Salah Eriksen Richarlison Hughes
    Aguero Auba

    Hamer - Sorloth WanB Ward

    Any feedback would be greatly appreciated 🙂

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Looks good to be fair...

      1. Tempestic
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Thank you sir

    2. yakirh
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Very good
      Weak bench but with that lineup it might be worth it

  4. Twisted Saltergater
    • 16 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone think Richarlison will be a flop? I think I only have him because of Everton's fixtures. Am getting itchy transfer fingers.

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Feel the same, easy to move on for the likes of jota, pedro, mkhi or Maddison though so not too big a gamble at 6.5

      1. Norman Conquest
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        that's my plan too loads of options easy to switch

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Feels a bit like the start of last season when Southampton had good fixtures and many people picked Gabbiadini 😀

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 16 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I picked PVA for the first 3 games. It was a disaster!!

      2. Rainer
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Gabbi warned them the previous season during the DGWs but they still went back for more 😆

    3. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I'm more worried about Everton as a team than Rich

    4. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I'm avoiding for now. Will look at how he goes for a couple of weeks first (unless he rips it up early!)

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

      Don't think he'll repay the fee this season but I think he'll be lively and just needs to find his shooting boots again to have a solid season

  5. Champ
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Would appreciate if you have any tips for this lot!
    Thanks

    Patricio 4.0

    PVA Lowton Robertson Dunk 4.0

    Salah Mane Ramsey Jota McArthur

    Zaha Aubameyang Wood

    I tried to distribute funds to give me plenty of options post GW1 (0.5m ITB)

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Solid team mate

    2. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Dunk was awful luck for me last year but at 4.5 theres not many options. Good overall team and good strategy

  6. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    So had settled on (A)....and now come up with a (B).....aaaarrrgghhh!!!! :#

    A or B guys??

    All subject to nailedness obvs, just looking for better overall rating please!

    A) balanced team - 3x premium mids - weak/no bench
    Ederson
    Luiz - Robbo - KOLA (AWB/Pelts)
    Salah - Mané - MAHREZ - Costa (4.5)
    Aubs/Kun - Zaha - Arnie

    B) cheaper mids but better bench for rotation...
    Ederson
    Luiz - Robbo - TOMKINS/DOHERTY (AWB)
    Salah - Mané - MKHI - JOTA (Costa)
    Aubs/Kun - Zaha - Arnie

    1. Champ
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I would prefer B. Good luck

      1. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Cheers. I’m leaning that way too now....Mkhi & Jota surely get more combined points than Mahrez???

    2. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      If you need to get a second big hitter striker in Laca/firmino or even Kane/Lukaky alongside Auba & Kun - how you gonna do that in 2 transfers or less?

      1. Andy Mac
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Really good point!! Forgot about need to bring in KdB with B so def more limiting!

        Back to A it is then!!

        I hate this game......;(

        1. Random Name
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Yup, stick with A. A 'balanced' isn't necessarily bad - structure goes a long way

  7. EmreCan Hustle
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Man Utd playing 4 at the back? Forced change in formation or has Mourinho realized its time to dump it?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Probably both he’s 2 years too late

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      4 named defenders, 10 in reality.

      1. EmreCan Hustle
        • 13 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        True 😀

  8. Gooner97
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Firmino or Laca?

    1. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Firmino.

    2. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Laca.

  9. Siggy in the Middle
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Firmino expected to start Gameweek 1?

    1. Collie01
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Doubtful

  10. Lemonhead
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I am considering a Liverpool double in defense with Van Dijk and Robertson. I'm going for a gw 3/4 wildcard, and their opening 4 fixtures are pretty tasty, they seem nailed on (?) and both have attacking point potential. It just feels wrong somehow.... Any thoughts?

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Most people would prefer 2 pool attackers that's why the defensive double up isn't popular. Could easily work out though 🙂

    2. EmreCan Hustle
      • 13 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I wouldn't expect any CS in the first two games, which makes 12m hard to justify.

  11. CloudSky
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Age of Madrid squad:

    Casilla 31
    Odri 22
    Vallejo 21
    Sanchez 21
    Theo 20
    Llorente 23
    Ceballos 21
    Valverde 20
    Vinicius 18
    Bale 29
    Benzema 30

    Average: 23

    4 players having their first match with the club (Odri, Sanchez, Valverde, VJ). Whats going to be todays excuse special one?

    1. Norman Conquest
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      at least let him lose before you start getting salty

      1. CloudSky
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I fully expect them to win today, to be fair. Just dislike the man to his core.

        1. Norman Conquest
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          he won't win any popularity contests for sure

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Luke Shaw is starting so...

      1. CloudSky
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        This is the matchup Im looking for. Fat Luke into VJ, deemed the new Neymar. Hope kid starts of with a bang.

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      wow bale got old

      1. CloudSky
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Its been 8 years since his hattrick against Inter.

    4. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I think Mourinho realises that he's not special. That he's been caught up and overtaken, and that he hasn't adapted.

      Shame, as it was exciting when he was a cocky so-and-so.

    5. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Same as last time, that he's lacking players too.

      Excuses don't have a one time only use

  12. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 12 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Should Hazard stay, is it conceivable he starts GW1 or 2?

    1. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Should Hazard leave for Real Madrid? Absolutely 100%

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Helpful

        1. Random Name
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Fine.. i'll interpret it for you:

          in my opinion no.

    2. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure, Community Shield should tell something.

    3. Oven Glover
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Probably won’t play gw1. Chelsea forum info. I’m on Sanchez as a placeholder.

  13. One Man
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Best 4m defender to start /.

    1. CloudSky
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      AWB

      1. Gooner97
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Is he nailed?

        1. CloudSky
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Looks like it atm

    2. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Wan Bissaka, Peltier

  14. bennyp
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hey lads, thoughts here?

    Ederson - Steele
    Robertson - Tarkowski - Davies - Cedric - Wan Bas
    Salah - Ramsey - Richarlison - Barkley - Ward
    Aguero - Firmino - Wood

    Cheers

    1. GianniBanani
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Heard Barkley was poor pre

      1. bennyp
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        I've heard the opposite. I am monitoring him though. Looking for a gem under Sarri...

        1. GianniBanani
          • 7 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Thats why i cant wait for sunday game. Nailed Chelsea def under 6.0 would be gold

  15. GianniBanani
    • 7 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Hard one?

    A) Luiz, Tarkowski, Pedro
    B) Azpi, PVA, Neves

    Already have Cairney and Bissaka

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 16 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      A, sir

      1. GianniBanani
        • 7 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        cheers

  16. Siggy in the Middle
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I feel like Aubameyang Firmino Arnie is too expensive a strikeline but with the amount of players at the World Cup, I can't see any significant improvements that could be made to the midfield (Salah, Mahrez, Jota, Richarlison and Cairney).

    Say if I downgrade Firmino, I could to Zaha or King, I could get decent money to invest in my midfield but most good expensive mids will probably miss the first Gameweek or two. And as for the ones that won't, they seem dodgy. Eriksen is a good pick but not without Kane who probably will miss a week or two. KDB is a great pick but will miss a week or two I'd say. I don't feel I need Mane as I have Salah and Robertson. Pogba will miss weeks. Thoughts on what I should do?

    1. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Zaha will score 15+ goals this season.

      1. Siggy in the Middle
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Ok, thanks for the prediction but what about the midfield? That's what I'm asking about. What food expensive midfielders are there who'll start the first gameweeks.

  17. On the Watchlist
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A) Tosun
    B) Wood
    C) King

    1. bennyp
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      B out of those.

  18. Rainer
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    #THFC: Vorm (C), Walker-Peters, Sanchez, Eyoma, Georgiou, Skipp, Marsh, Amos, Lucas, NKoudou, Llorente.

    United vs Real it is!

    1. Random Name
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Neither are worth watching

    2. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Spurs with only 7 on the bench, two of which are GKs.

      World Cup hangover + Son going to Asian games is going to hit them hard.

    3. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not even Davies

    4. Davido989
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Bedtime it is. Night 🙂

  19. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Having used a 4-1-4-1 in the last pre-season game Spurs' line-up/formation tonight could be interesting for enhancing Lucas as a longer-term prospect and nullifying the attacking potential of Trippier/Davies.

    https://realsport101.com/news/sports/football/tottenham-will-pochettino-go-4-1-4-1-this-season

  20. Lukakwho
    • 8 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Why is a 4.5M Schlupp playing at left midfield preaseason got no hype when a 5.5M left back PVA does?

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      PVA is FPL royalty.

      Schlupp is not guaranteed to continue playing.

      AWB is 4m.

    2. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Not sure why PVA at 5.5 is in every team. Bellerin is the same price ffs

  21. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    RMT out of 10:
    Foster(Rotate with Fabi)
    Van Dijk / Van Aanholt / Luiz
    Salah / Jota / Richarlison / Eriksen
    Arnie / Aguero / Zaha

    Bench: Fabianski / Costa / Cedric / Wan-B
    Thanks

    1. The Blind Badger
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      9.

      Sure there are some guys I wouldn't pick, but you have a strong starting 11 within a solid bench

    2. calinesti
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Almost feels like you have more money to spend than me.

      1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Haha I spent a lot of time on this!

    3. Pancake
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      That doesn't add up

      1. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
        • 10 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Exactly 100M!

        1. Pancake
          • 11 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Well played.. looks great

  22. sean 2099
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    RMT please gents
    (forgive spellings)

    De gea/speroni

    Azpilzuceuta/Mendy/Robertson/
    Bailly/cedric

    William/gross/
    /ricarlison/seri/ Fraser

    Firmino/zaha/arnautovic

    6mil in bank

    1. The Blind Badger
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Love the defence, but that 6m itb could really strengthen you attack, which it desperately needs

    2. Maddi Son
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Needs more money in the bank.

  23. The Blind Badger
    • 15 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Anyone interested in Lucas or Llorente for Tottenham's first 2 good fixtures?

    1. calinesti
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Maybe Lucas, but would probably regret.

    2. banskt
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Nah.. too much headache of rotation following.

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 8 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      no

  24. Fred the Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    A) Sanchez, Zaha, Arnie, Aubameyang
    B) Eriksen, Zaha/Arnie, Aubameyang, Firmino
    C) Eriksen, Zaha/Arnie, Aguero, Lacazette
    D) Other

    1. The Blind Badger
      • 15 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      C, wit Arnie

      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Do you know that Jesus also started training?

        1. The Blind Badger
          • 15 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          I am not worried about jesus

    2. charismasul
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      I would say B.

  25. Emiliano Sala
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    How will chelsea lineup in midfield ?
    Jorginho kante
    Barkley
    Seems best with cesc aging?!

  26. BLANKET DEFENCE
    • 9 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    First RMT

    Patricio Fabianski
    Robertson Daniels Kiko Femina Cedric Tomkins
    Salah Sane Jota Pedro Stephens
    Aguero Vardy Zaha

    1. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Downgrade gp and go for Laca, other good

    2. calinesti
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Vardy 9m without Mahrez? I would not go near him.

    3. banskt
      • 12 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Daniels no longer first choice probably.
      Pedro could miss games
      Vardy will not play GW1
      Aguero is at risk of rotation with Jesus.

      1. the snazzy viking
        • 9 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Aguero + Jesus could both play up top together

        1. banskt
          • 12 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          if you think so, buy Aguero..

        2. FFSbet.com
          • 10 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Someone delete this comment,hope Granville dont see it.

  27. Dušan Citizen
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    I think Bailly really bought Mourinho when he wanted to play in last game after Smalling's injury.

    Mou already criticized the players who don't want to play because of minor injuries before, so this gesture surely made Bailly nailed.

    He even got the armband now although there are few players who are longer in the club than him.

    1. Cofinho
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Mina is probably coming.

      1. Dušan Citizen
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        7 years, 4 months ago

        Until someone signs, he is deffo nailed. But even if they sign someone, I think he could still stay in first 11 considering Smalling could go to Wolves, and Lindelof and Rojo are for sale.

        1. Cofinho
          • 9 Years
          7 years, 4 months ago

          Right, he is definitely nailed

  28. Random Name
    • 10 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Lucas Moura? In his best season he could only managed 12 as a winger on the best team in a farmer's league.

    For context Depay scored 19 over there last season

  29. Fred the Red
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    Best five defenders for 4.5 (no need to rank)

    1. Dušan Citizen
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Cedric, Schlupp, Tomkins, Boly, Kabasele

    2. calinesti
      • 7 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      Dohorty, Cedric, Tomkins, Dunk, Diop.

  30. Parm
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    7 years, 4 months ago

    United in a back three with McTominay as the left sided centre-back.

    1. Rainer
      • 9 Years
      7 years, 4 months ago

      LWB Shaw essential!