Scout Notes

Mane a doubt for Gameweek 1 as Senegal make AFCON final

The Gameweek 1 availability of Sadio Mane (£11.5m) must surely be in question after Senegal made it through to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2002.

Senegal face Algeria in Friday’s final, which is staged exactly three weeks before Liverpool’s season-opening fixture against Norwich City.

Jurgen Klopp appears to be giving all of his players a three-week break following their international exertions this summer – as happened with several players after the 2018 World Cup – and Mane’s delayed departure from Egypt casts into doubt his chances of featuring against the newly promoted Canaries, at least from the start.

It’s not just Mane who is representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, of course, and we’ll be bringing you up to date on the other FPL assets involved at the quarter-final and semi-final stages in the Scout Notes article below.

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Egypt bowed out of the competition at the round-of-16 stage.

Senegal 1-0 Benin
Senegal 1-0 Tunisia (after extra-time)

Mane was heavily involved in Senegal’s quarter-final win over Benin, teeing up Everton’s Idrissa Gueye (£5.0m) for the match-winning goal and seeing two strikes of his own chalked off after VAR intervention.

Mane lasted the whole 90 minutes, along with Cheikhou Kouyate (£5.0m) – again playing at centre-half – and Newcastle United’s forgotten man Henri Saivet.

Gueye was withdrawn just before the game entered stoppage time.

The Lions of Teranga then saw off Tunisia in a tense semi-final, with the game going to extra-time after a goalless 90 minutes.

Dylan Bronn headed into his own net to give Senegal the victory, although Mane had earlier wasted an excellent chance when screwing a shot wide after rounding Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassan.

That was the Liverpool winger’s only attempt on goal in the entire game and he was perhaps more peripheral than he had been throughout the tournament.

The former Southampton man also ceded penalty-taking duties after two misses from the spot in the tournament, allowing Saivet to step up from 12 yards in the 80th minute – only for the Newcastle man to see his effort saved.

Mane said:

It’s a momentary withdrawal. I have missed penalties in both games and must admit that it is not a good ratio.

I do not want to penalise my team and, at least for the time being, I’m going to stand aside for the penalties and let other teammates get on with it.

When I return to my club, I will continue to work hard to improve on this aspect.

Tunisia had a penalty award of their own overturned after VAR intervention, meanwhile.

Mane, Saivet, Gueye and Kouyate played all 120 minutes of Sunday’s semi-final.

Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
Ivory Coast 1-1 Algeria (3-4 penalties)
Algeria 2-1 Nigeria

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) will be up against Mane and Senegal in Friday’s final after Algeria saw off Nigeria in dramatic fashion.

Mahrez curled in an injury-time free-kick to give his country a 2-1 win, having earlier forced an own goal from Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong with a fizzed cross from the right flank.

Mahrez, Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) and Alex Iwobi (£6.0m) played the full 90 minutes for their respective countries, while Leon Balogun (£4.5m) was an unused substitute for the Super Eagles.

Algeria had progressed to the semis following a penalty shootout victory over Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.

Neither Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) nor (surprisingly) Mahrez were on the field by the time the game reached that point, having been replaced on 94 and 86 minutes respectively.

Jonathan Kodjia (£5.5m) was also withdrawn in extra time but the Aston Villa striker had at least found the back of the net by that point, collecting Zaha’s pass and rifling in a low shot from the edge of the Algerian box.

The Palace winger cut a frustrated figure at times and picked up a booking after a clash with Ramy Bensebaini, although the Algerian defender didn’t do himself any favours with a theatrical reaction after contact with Zaha’s arm.

Serge Aurier (£5.0m), who has picked up hamstring and wrist injuries during the tournament, watched the game from the sidelines.

A day earlier, Nigeria had seen off South Africa in their own quarter-final.

Iwobi impressed and it was from his cross down the left that Nigeria first took the lead, with Samuel Chukwueze finishing at the second attempt.

Troost-Ekong scored an 89th-minute winner before Iwobi was replaced by Balogun in injury time.

Ndidi again lasted the course in central midfield.

The tournament is not over for Nigeria despite their subsequent semi-final defeat: the third-place play-off takes place on Wednesday evening between Tunisia and the Super Eagles.

1,390 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Nortjam89
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Help me please ...

    KDB/Vardy

    Or

    Sterling/Perez

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      For the 1000000th time. Sterling probably has better value than KDB.

      1. Nortjam89
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        My bad, only just started using this site

        1. The Wise Owl
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          No worries.

      2. The Spion Kloppite
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I have told you a million times not to exaggerate

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Latter.

    3. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B in this case

      1. Nortjam89
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, my feeling.
        In that case ..

        Loris
        Robbo/TAA/Digne
        Salah/moura/sterling/Perez/pereyra
        King/jota

        Think there’s enough there to be competitive ..

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Looks decent mate

  2. DIMITRIS
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think of Pulisic ? Chelsea paid big money for him in winter transfer window, and he looks like a real deal. I've watched him play for Borussia Dormund in Bundesliga and most of the time he was their best player on the pitch, looked lively all of the time. Yeah, perhaps his finishing is not good as it should be, but given the fact he'll play for Chelsea I can easily see him score 10-15 goals this coming season.
    He might be a steal for 7.5 .
    My team looks like this with him:
    Pope
    VVD | Laporte | Coleman| Dunk
    Salah | Sterling| Pulisic | Siggy
    Vardy | King

    What do you think?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably not nailed yet wait for their pre season games. Think it more likely willian and Pedro start on the wing with Barkley at CAM. Pulisic could play as one of the CM’s in the narrow 41212 lampard used in their first pre season game though like pulisic has done for USA. But he loves to change it up a bit so we will have to wait and see how much he experiments.

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah that could be the case as well, but if he gets Pedro's or Willian's sport in a 4-2-3-1 (with kante and jorginho in the middle and barkley up front behind the striker) he can be a real threat. I agree that we ahve to wait and see, but I also think that he could be a great asset for 7.5 compared to Fraser for example .

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah ideally I will start with Fraser for the opening 2 then swap to whoever stands out in Chelsea midfield. I hope willian is nailed as he offers so much potential with set pieces and he could take on the penalties as I doubt Jorginho will be lampard’s first choice CDM.

          1. DIMITRIS
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Thats a fair point, wait and see, but I might take a punt on him.

        2. Markus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I see him usually starting ahead of Pedro on the right, but will get subbed to manage minutes. I think willian safer option while cho out shifting to Pulisic as season progresses. At the moment, I think both will get good returns per 90 (as pulisic did even last year) but just depends on gametime

          1. DIMITRIS
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I hate to see minutes managment. They train so hard so that they can play for 90+ minutes every week , and then they have to "rest" ... I would understand if Lampard wants to keep everybody happy and because of that he has to switch Pedro/Pulisic , but if they paid 50 millions on someone just to rotate him, that's just stupid

    2. Beinahruga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I rate him im willing to wait till the season starts

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It's a wait and see for me re Pulisic. He didn't play that much last season, but you've gotta remember he's still only 20, and will improve.

    4. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He was in my team as soon as he was added in the game.

      Then he was out. Then in. Then out.

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

      Not quite sold on his numbers to buy into the hype that early. He does look promising though.

      1. Markus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        0.5 xg per 90 minutes last season not float your boat? I think everyone is looking at returns per appearance which just isn't like for like comparison. If he gets a solid place he will score well imo

      2. Marmalade Forest
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I’ve seen literally no hype around him

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

      ... Most of the time he was their best player on the pitch? You must have picked like the 5 good games he had starting for them last season...

      1. DIMITRIS
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Hahah maybe, but realy when he has the ball it looks like something good will happen...

      2. Nico.
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        And you picked the season he was already on loan from Chelsea hence Dortmund decided to nurture their own Jadon Sancho instead...

  3. Beinahruga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Rmt

    Loris
    Vvd robbo zinc coleman
    Fraser gylfi salah sterling
    Wilson che

    Cheap bench but 1.5 itb

    1. Bumbaclot
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Use that 1.5 for Coleman and zinc to digne and Walker

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Why not Laporte?

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Actually quite like it. Do you have a plan for the banked money? If not, I'd do Coleman to Digne with 0.5m of it (and possibly Zinchenko to Laporte if that floats your boat).

    3. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      not possible with 100m

      1. Beinahruga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry kdb not sterling

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          ah right...I liked that team way too much for it to be real 🙂

          still nice though, would also do Coleman > Digne. Personally want no more than 0.5m ITB, but more is always better of course

          1. Beinahruga
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Have also toying with eriksen over fraser or gylfa

            1. The 5% Team
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Eriksen could be good yes...Spurs attackers usually are good FPL assets

    4. Beinahruga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The 1.5 is either going for haller/chelsea/everton fwd?

      Or as you guys said upgrade the def

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        you are 1m over budget with that team...not 1,5m under

    5. JohnnyMagrinho
        4 years, 8 months ago

        5.5
        6.5, 7, 5.5, 5.5
        7.5, 8, 12.5, 12
        8, 6

        + 4, 4, 4.5, 4.5

        = 101.

        You're 1m over budget, not 1.5 under.

        I didn't know people bothered to lie so poorly in such meaningless contexts.

        Weird.

        1. Beinahruga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          If you had read the other posts you would have seen i said kdb not sterling

          1. Beinahruga
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            And said sorry

    6. Bumbaclot
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What do you guys think of my sterling + salah team

      Fabs
      TAA/VVD/digne/Walker
      Salah/sterling/siggy/Perez
      King/giroud (or haller

      Button/wickham/Kelly/donkey

      Thanks for the feedback everyone

      1. Beinahruga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Like it, like zinc over walker pending pre

      2. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Pretty much everyone has a Sterling + Salah team

    7. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Bayern Munich vs arsenal and Ajax vs Watford tomorrow. Interesting watch for BBGW1’s like me should be some bargains on display in Iwobi and the Watford midfield x

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        For sure. You going for it then?

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          100% unless anything drastically changes regarding the key players I am targeting

      2. milanista10
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Highly considering it myself. Are you getting Man City players in though? Their prices make it so difficult to get “good” 15 players..

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Only Zinchenko as it stands but not convinced by him, I will reshuffle my team soon. Sterling would maybe be the only exception but that would mean losing one of salah or Auba who are the best captain choices for the first two weeks. I am happy to go without city for the first two, especially as the West Ham will have VAR to defend themselves now.
          Main focuses are arsenal, Liverpool, Bournemouth and Everton players for me

          1. milanista10
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah my BB side currently has no City which is a bit worrying but I believe that’s the only way to do it (especially that I need Salah and Kane/Auba for the first two).
            Watford seem to be a good choice also for BBers! Everton - I’m not sure (currently on Digne only). Who you following from Arsenal? Iwobi is on international duty & their defense isn’t settled I assume (will probably have Leno myself).

            1. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              As long as you get on city for GW3 I am confident we won’t miss anything exciting. Auba and salah are far more important.
              Yeah have Pereyra and holebas atm but not delighted by either.
              Leno is perfect as he has a nice second fixture and is a top class keeper, Auba for obvious reasons and whoever the cheapie is that emerges to play at CAM or on the wing, whether that be Iwobi or someone else. Long way to go but I feel like doing this and WCGW3 is the best strategy I can see with the fixtures how they are

              1. milanista10
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Sure plan has to be a WC for GW3 where we can jump on City and maybe Chelsea or United (after assessing the first two games). Pereyra, Holebas, and Foster are in my team now but as you said Watford need to be monitored. Let’s hope we get into a great start with this strategy! BBing GW1 is the only way you actually WC and BB in the same GW!

                1. Ask Yourself
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Exactly let’s smash it and show all these losers what for x

      3. Kimmich
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Iwobi isn’t on the US tour.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Oh whoops yeah he went afcon didn’t he

      4. Marmalade Forest
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        BBGW sounds like a term that would be on those other websites who’s clientele is almost all men.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          We are on a website who’s clientele is almost all men

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

        BBGW1 - bold, as I see it

        Pros
        You should be able to get 15 playing players out
        You can tweak up to deadline day with your team
        Even if it doesnt do well it'll boost your early rank making it motivational
        Makes your team less susceptible to injuries

        Cons
        Almost guarantees a need to wildcard early
        Will result in a weaker team on the pitch until you wildcard
        You miss out on DGW
        You know even with a lead others have the chip in hand to pull back 15-30 points

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Happy to WCGW3. Big fixture shift there, transfer window before the season and returning players makes this an optimal time to WC for me so happy to get as many points as I can for first 2 then take off. When it comes to DGWs I can cover the ones that warrant covering and leave the duds alone, DGWBB’s always let me down would rather free hit and triple captain. So rare that so many players would deliver for it and requires a lot of awkward planning around it, I found myself avoiding form players just because they didn’t suit the plan and lost out on a lot for it

    8. Dream Killers 2.0
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      My first draft for the new season. What do you think?

      Ederson,
      Robertson, VVD, Digne, Ake
      Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Perez
      Jota, King

      Button, Diop, Dendoncker, Wickham

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Would rather Fraser than Siggy.

      2. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        good

      3. scubasmithy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Very template, and logical. good team

    9. Thug
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Which of the following (7) will Liverpool win?

      Community Shield
      Super Cup
      Champions League
      League Cup
      FAC Cup
      World Club Championship
      Premier League

      And who will it cause to rotate in the Prem?

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Super Cup, FA Cup & World Club Championship.

        Everyone, possibly with the exception of Salah, Mané, Robbo, VVD & Alisson.

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

        Super Cup and if Klopp takes it seriously, Club World Cup.

        Can't see them winning FA or Carabao as Klopp has binned them off in every season bar his first.

        Fancy City to win the league and Madrid to win the CL atm.

        1. fantasyfog
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Can I borrow your crystal ball

      3. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Klopp’s focus is always the league. Rarely changes his line up in competitions, once he has his league XI it will rarely change

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

          Yep, apart from the usual tweak in midfield dependent on opponent. Trent got benched a few times but last season was his first full season to be fair. His rotation doesn't impact FPL much imo.

    10. Rupert
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Afternoon all. Action finally starting to get going with these pre season games.

      What do we think?

      Ryan

      TAA VVD Laporte Coleman

      Salah KDB Perez

      Kane King Delf

      Button Diop Hayden Dendonker

    11. thorvaldsson
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I caved in as a KDB fanboy I have to admit having him your team is cool but that is as far as it gets. Sterling is where the points are at. I am willing to go with Salah and Sterling while also taking a punt on Kane at the same time. I think all three are worth it.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agree on the KDB stuff. Had him in my team for weeks after the game launch but looks so much better without him now. I reckon Kane will do well, but would rather have Salah & Sterling with money left over for players like Siggy & Wilson.

      2. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Me too, but I can't find a way of making a team with all three work, if you find a way, please share it

        1. thorvaldsson
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Burnley keeper Button
          TAA Digne Ake Cathcart Diop
          Salah Sterling Zaha Tielemans Dendoncker
          Kane King Wickham

          Had Siggy but what's the point having him and Digne. Everton are only worth one player in my opinion.

          1. HamezMace
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            It's not bad, but just too many weak links for me to feel happy starting the season with it.

            1. thorvaldsson
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I just think good things are to come from that three. Heavy defense is new for me but I'm willing to change. I like the free kicks from Digne and Trent and Ake always has a goal.

              1. HamezMace
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Last season I went with Salah, Kane and Aguero...which meant I couldn't get Alonso, Robertson, or Mendy early on...I also started with a 5m mid (Cairney as he was on pens and people thought Fulham might do okay)

                Obviously, it massively backfired, so I'm reluctant to do the same again.

                1. thorvaldsson
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  I had a bad season didn't have Robertson once I went without Sterling with huge chunks. So I'm starting high at each position. I'm making sure I have that 7m defender that 12m midfielder and that 11m striker.

                  1. HamezMace
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Yes I think that's very important, I see people totally disregarding a premium striker, it'll be so tough for them to get an Aguero/Auba/Kane if there most expensive forward is 8m.

      3. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        mostly agree...but KdB did look on point in this pre-season match
        and yes, he is cool to have in your team 🙂

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

      Giroud and Laca/Auba.

      Feel free to explain your thoughts.

      1. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Whoever starts up front for Chelsea (assuming Abraham is around 7m) is absolutely golden.

        Laca/Auba is problematic due to rotation - great fixtures to start off with though.

      2. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud (from GW3 if he looks nailed) is a good pick imo, although a lot think he may not nail down a spot.

        Got to be Auba if any Arsenal - could be a great early differential. Despite that, would prioritise Salah & Sterling.

        1. All For One
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          GW3

          Fraser>Felipe Anderson
          King>Giroud If nailed on

          1. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Exact same thinking here: intend to do Wilson & King to Haller & Giroud/Abraham.

            1. All For One
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              yep although I would want Son aswell lol

      3. Kimmich
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I like Auba for the first two.

        Giroud is probably a wait and see if he gets the nod. Good value there if he is starting.

      4. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Laca lacks impact. Auba is the one to get.
        Chelsea’s striker will be key it’s just a case of identifying them. I think lampard will rotate a lot in the midfield but the striker should be safe

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

        If Giroud gets game time, he can definitely outperform his price tag based on past mins/pt.

        Premium forwards do not appeal to me.

      6. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud indeed might become great value...wait and see, good fixtures as well

        didn't think of any of the Arsenal strikers, until I watched todays Newcastle match...might want to get Laca/Auba only for that GW1 fixture

    13. sirmorbach
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What makes you choose between Jota and Deulofeu?

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Deulofeu doesn't have Europa.

        1. sirmorbach
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Good point. That settles it. Many thanks.

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Because he plays for a worse team

      2. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm not going with either, but I would suggest Jota is the better FPL player, but Europa league involvement might sway people towards Deulofeu.

      3. Rotation's Alter Ego
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Deulofeu:
        Points per 90 Vs teams called Cardiff and Huddersfield = 20.15.
        Points per 90 Vs teams not called Cardiff and Huddersfield = 3.66.

        Courtesy of - @fplkernow

        Not fully in love with Jota due to some of Wolves early fixtures and EL involvement, but might warm up to him.

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          ha that's a nice stat 🙂

      4. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Jota has 50% goal involvement - he showed nicely against Liverpool too late on and once EL is done and dusted he could be a keeper and comparatively fixture proof as Jim was.

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

        Dang, now I don't know what to do. lol

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

          No doubt Jota is the better FPL option, stats-wise. Much better for xGI generally and, as noted, more consistent. And Deu doesn't even seemto have consistent minutes. And Wolves are a better team generally.

          But the Europa League thing will surely tae its toll on that squad. Even if Jota doesn't play many Euro-minutes, he's still travelling. Nobody knows the extent to which this will affect Wolves, but I guess it's logical to assume, like, at least a bit?

          Watford also have much better first-few fixtures, really, after he moved up-top, Jota's stats are superb. xGI over the last ten games is higher than both Salah and Sterling.

          Tricky! Good luck!

          1. sirmorbach
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks for such a thoughtful response, mate, I do appreciate it. It has really been helpful.

            (And I'm not sure if that's what you would do, but that made me lean towards Jota again, haha.)

            Cheers!

    14. TheRealDonaldTrump
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      managed to hit Salah, Sterling & Premium forward in.

      Pope
      VVD - TAA - Coleman - Dunk
      Perez - Salah - Sterling - Brooks
      Kane - King

      what do you think?

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good, but always sth I dont like. Here, it’s no Vardy and Siggy.

      2. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Saw an identical one earlier. Not bad

        King Brooks though doesn’t float my boat at all - quite the wrong double up imo. Dunk? Don’t fancy Brighton defence at all really.

        I’d be more tempted by the guaranteed 2 pointed being a 4.5 mid and upgrading the defence.

      3. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        If Dunk goes to Leicester, that is one hell of a team.

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Leicester wont keep many CS in first 8 GWs

        2. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          probably will get more points in first 6 GW with Brighton than with Leicester though

          still a good choice 🙂

      4. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Try this - I had it earlier - now on backburner. Sexier I feel

        Fab
        TAA Robbo Digne Holebas/Christensen/Zapacosta
        Mo Sterling Perez Dendo
        Kane 6.5

        You can downgrade Fab to upgrade the 5.0 at the back to Zinc or get a 7.0 striker. Haller!

    15. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      BREAKING NEWS

      Kieran Trippier has passed his medical with Atletico Madrid and his £21.7m move from Tottenham is set to be announced this evening, Sky Sports News understands.

      1. AuFeld
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ask yourself, who fills the hole?

        1. HamezMace
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hopefully it's Max Aarons.

        2. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          My girlfriend isn’t into that stuff

    16. School of Poch
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A: Digne/Walker
      B: Coleman/Laporte

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        B for me. I'm with it atm.

        1. Milk, 1 Šuker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          This

      2. Podge
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        All 4 😉

    17. Crofty92
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I haven’t ever used my bench boost successfully so thinking about using it for the 1st game week where I can pick a starting 15.

      Has anyone had much luck doing this before and did you have to play your wildcard for GW2?

      1. The Albatross
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Trouble is this season it's a real stretch to get a first 11 you want, let alone a decent bench.

    18. Naby K8a
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Heard Angelino had a poor game. Zinchenko appeals even more now

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        yes, caused a penalty, almost caused another (should have been) and got a nice talking to by Guardiola

        City is no PSV

        1. Naby K8a
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah he'll take time to adapt. Just wonder what the timeline is on Mendy, who hasn't travelled on pre season

    19. FPL Maldini
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Which combo is a better shoot guys?

      A) Vardy, KDB and Fraser

      B) King, Sterling and Perez

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        B because Sterling, I guess. But it's a toss up imo.

      2. Andrew
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        b

      3. Podge
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Trying to be objective, A looks like more points

    20. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      thoughts on the below?

      Ryan
      TAA / VVD / Digne / Ake
      Sterling / Salah / Perez
      Kane / King / Andone

      Button / Jorginho / Dendoncker / Kelly

      Would rotate Andone & Jorginho depending on the fixtures

    21. ElliotJHP
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ole saying Greenwood in contention to start the first game of the season to United.

      Anyone buying it?

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

        Gollum is a bit useless, so probably.

        1. AuFeld
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Which one is gollum?

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

            Surely it's obvious?

          2. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Ole Gollum Solskjaer

      2. Earn your Spurs
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I already had him as my filler so will put him as no.1 sub

      3. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He's probably the 4.5m striker for people playing 1, or 2 up front, but doubt he'll start many PL games this season.

        I said earlier, saying he's in contention to start is silly, surely everyone is 'in contention', it would be more strange to hear him say someone wasn't even in contention to start GW1.

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          haha exactly

          just a great option for your 4.5 striker / 1st on bench

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

          This. It's manager speak. It's not like he can come out and say he's not in contention as and demotivate him.

      4. Evil Greg
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49021763

        I'm happy with 4-4-2 and Greenwood 1st sub, safety!.

    22. Over Midwicket
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Is Siggy still on pens after missing 3 last season? Kinda ridiculous that he was so bad at them. Maybe Digne will be given a shot at them to begin with, making him FPL gold and the true Baines successor.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Digne seems to be his competition. Having both covers that problem.

      2. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wishful thinking

      3. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He's not a bad penalty taker all of a sudden. He missed 3 last season but before that he had never missed in the Prem. His overall record is 26/32 which isn't too shabby.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Overall record isn’t that important on penalties imo. Last 6 is a better indicator. His head just isn’t there anymore

      4. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Digne does have a 100% record dating back to 2012

    23. rozzo
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Hows this looking?

      Pope
      TAA Robertson Digne
      Salah Sterling Fraser Perez Yarmolenko
      Wilson Jota

      Cheap as poss bench

    24. Kimmich
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pope
      VVD - Zinchenko - Digne (4.5 - 4.0)
      Salah - Sterling - Fraser - Moura - Perez
      Wilson - Jota (4.5)

      Worth losing Kane for this?
      4.5 - 6 - Kane
      Digne - Moura - Wilson

    25. Where dahoud at
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Please let me know what you thank off this team, iv went with pogba as i believe he aint going nowhere this year, and im thankn hes guna play out of his skin to get a move away next year, so here it is

      Ryan
      Vvd, laporte, taylor, robertson
      Salah, richarlson, pogba, grealish
      Aguero, king

      Bench, button, Dendoncker, diop, wickham

    26. Holteenderinthesky
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don't all laugh at once please.

      Is Benteke an option? 6.0m Eve, Shu, Avl 3 of the first 4 and seems to be the only real option upfront.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I would be surprised if they didn’r Sign someone and if they don’t it would be a shame as they are some nice fixtures at a nice price point. They have a lot of money no idea why they aren’t spending it

        1. Holteenderinthesky
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          The fixtures and prices are exactly why I'm looking at Palace.

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Benteke is not your guy I am sorry

        2. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I’m sort of expecting Benteke to start up top. Palace may sign someone but I doubt it’s with a view to replacing him.

          The fixture run may be misleading - Palace have great home fixtures but that’s not where they score goals!!!

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            This is true

        3. pingissimus
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I suspect a lot of the money is being earmarked for defence.

          Arguably we need two full backs (depending slightly on how Schlupp is viewed) and Dann may be pensioned off soon and neither Sakho nor Tomkins have a great fitness record - so a new CB is on the cards.

          The forward who cones in I expect to be low profile.

      2. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sorry, I laughed a little. Not in a million years.

      3. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Could be an alright punt but Che Adams is more appealing to me at that price (if it has to be anyone).

        Or just Greenwood and get a mid-price mid/premium defender is much better imo.

        1. Holteenderinthesky
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Already have Greenwood as my cheap Bench player. Struggling for that last player around 6.0

          1. Eytexi
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Let's hear your whole team. Maybe you can shave off 0.5m elsewhere?

            1. Holteenderinthesky
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Currently on

              Ryan, Button
              TAA VVD, Coleman, Dunk, Targett,
              Salah, Sterling, KDB, Siggy, Dedonk
              King, Greenwood, 6.0

              Like having the two subs just incase.

              1. Eytexi
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I had a similar team up until a couple days ago, then realising how much better I could do without KDB in there. I had an extra premium defender & a 5.0m midfielder who'd start for me rather than the 6.0m striker & rotating defenders.

                1. Holteenderinthesky
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Dunk will only stay in my team if he moves to Leicester.
                  I've even looked at having King 4.5 4.5 upfront and having 5 big midfielders. But don't think I'm brave enough

    27. bmor
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson
      TTA, VVD, Laporte, Ake
      Salah, Siggy, Zahe, Perez
      Aubam, King

      Bench: A Bag of Shite

      How is it looking lads?

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good but you might pay for no City attack as you know

        1. bmor
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yes you are right. thanks for comment

      2. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        No City is brave, but I like the Auba pick. Wouldn't touch Bournemouth defence & not a fan of Leicester options aside Vardy to be honest (although that opinion seems unpopular).

      3. Holteenderinthesky
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I couldn't go without any City attack, every game I'll be watching from being Sofa. Aguero is probably the easiest to get in without changing your team to much.

    28. Godfrey
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Haller at 6.5 would be in my team, 7 and above is wait and see imo.

      1. Eytexi
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        6.5m would be a bargain: very unlikely. Anything 8m or below and he's on my watchlist for GW3: easy switch from Wilson.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          This

    29. Werner Bremen
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think Emerson will be great at 5.5. Seems like nobody believes he'll start.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        The fans are desperate for him not to but lampard’s system may require an Alonso style LB. wait and see who the favourite is

      2. Markus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It's just that it seems just as likely for zappacosta to start at the moment on the other side, but watching pre season keenly

        1. Rotation's Alter Ego
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Massively disagree with that

        2. OLDHERMAN
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          We've seen both of them for several seasons in serie A and literally there is no match at all in favoir of Emerson. I think he'll play.

        3. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          James is better than Zappa

          1. OLDHERMAN
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            By far and away

    30. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Was happy with my draft so far but Sterling is not in it. Tough decisions to make.

      Double Pool def, Siggy, Salah, Sterling, Vardy and Kane. Those are who I want - could easily look past City def, Digne or Wilson.

      Impossible though.

      1. FPL_Gyarados
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm after putting Sterling in for the first time. Had KDB for ages.
        Means I have a 4.5 GK and a 4.5 DEF playing every week. Not sure how happy I am with it.

        1. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Who are you sacrificing amongst my must haves?

          Kane I suppose?

          1. FPL_Gyarados
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            No, haven't had Kane in my deliberations at all.
            I dropped Pickford down to Ryan, Yarmalenko to Dedonker and am playing my 4.5 defender as a 4th def, who is Dunk at the moment, instead of a 5th mid. I'll feel better if Dunk goes to Leicester maybe.

    31. Beinahruga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling/6.5 mid
      or
      Kdb and fraser

      1. FPL_Gyarados
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        A

      2. Beinahruga
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Or kdb and eriksen

      3. HeskoWhite
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sterling and 6.5 for me. KDB minutes may be managed st start of season. Lots of midfield options at 6.5m - Pérez, Tielemans. Fornals etc....

      4. HamezMace
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sterling + Perez/Tielemans

    32. Worsle90
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ryan
      Digne, TAA, VVD, Ake, Laporte
      Pogba, Sterling, Salah
      Giroud, King

      Button, Dendoncker, Noble, Greenwood

      Pogba's a knee-jerk after today but likelihood is that I'll go with KDB and Laporte will go to Zinchenko if he emerges as 1st choice LB. Which combo would you prefer?