Scout Notes

How Aubameyang fared on the right wing against Bayern

Our Scout Notes continue with a look at three fixtures contested on Thursday.

Aston Villa and Watford got their pre-seasons underway while Arsenal secured a last-gasp victory over Bayern Munich in the United States.

Our pre-season minutes spreadsheet has been updated accordingly and can be viewed by clicking here.

Bayern Munich 1-2 Arsenal

  • Goals: own-goal, Eddie Nketiah (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m),  Tyreece John-Jules

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) made his first start of pre-season on the right flank as Arsenal edged past Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup.

There will be understandable reservations among the Fantasy community if Aubameyang becomes a permanent fixture out wide in the 4-2-3-1 that Unai Emery employed against the Bundesliga champions but the Gabonese forward was still a real threat despite the position change.

He wasn’t always hugging the touchline, either, cutting inside as Arsenal’s fluid front four dovetailed in attack.

One surging 70-yard run through the centre of the pitch led to a chance for Mesut Ozil (£7.5m) while the Gabon international almost scored a carbon-copy of his goal against Watford when charging Manuel Neuer down.

Aubameyang’s pace and trickery caused a lot of problems down the Bayern left and indeed it was the premium FPL forward’s low cross that led to the game’s first goal, with Louis Poznanski turning the ball past his own goalkeeper.

A superb bit of wing play later on culminated in an excellent chance for Reiss Nelson, which the Arsenal substitute spurned.

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) didn’t have too many goalscoring opportunities (bar one decent chance carved out by Ozil) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m) flattered to deceive but Ozil looked like his old self in the number ten role, buzzing in behind the French striker.

Fantasy managers will need more convincing than an impressive 81-minute showing in pre-season, of course, and given Emery’s predilection for changing his formation on a weekly basis the cons probably outweigh the pros at present.

Shkodran Mustafi (£5.5m) was his usual ropey self at the back and it was the much-maligned German defender who lost Robert Lewandowski for Bayern’s equaliser in the second half.

Rob Holding (£4.5m) could be back sooner rather than later, though, as Emery explained after full-time:

We are really happy with his progress. He started training with us a few days ago. We’re going to do one process to let him play little by little.

We need his performances as a centre-back. When he had his injury he was really playing with big performances.

We’re looking forward to seeing him with us and other players with injuries like Hector Bellerin, Mavropanos and Emile Smith Rowe. We are waiting for [Holding] to come back with us with his quality.

Eddie Nketiah (£4.5m) grabbed Arsenal’s winner after coming off the bench, with fellow substitute Tyreece John-Jules claiming the assist.

Youngster Joe Willock impressed in the central midfield two, meanwhile.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno (Martínez 46′), Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi (Chambers 81′), Monreal (Kolasinac 46′), Willock (Burton 65′), Xhaka, Mkhitaryan (Nelson 65′), Ozil (John-Jules 81′), Aubameyang (Saka 81′), Lacazette (Nketiah 81′).

Minnesota United 0-3 Aston Villa

  • Goals: Jack Grealish (£6.0m), Henri Lansbury (£4.5m), Birkir Bjarnason (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Frederic Guilbert, Andre Green (£5.0m)

Dean Smith gave his verdict on new Aston Villa signing Jota (£6.0m) after his side got their pre-season off to a winning start in the United States.

Jota lined up on the right flank but roamed from his starting position and was one of Villa’s standout players in the first half of their victory over Minnesota.

One superb pass for Anwar El-Ghazi (£5.5m) set up a great chance for the Dutch winger and Jota himself saw a low shot finger-tipped wide, with the summer signing from Birmingham frequently drifting infield from the wing.

The Villa boss said:

Jota had a lot of touches in the first half, popped inside and found really good pockets of space on the ball. It was unfortunate he didn’t score with a right-foot shot. He put a really good ball through for Anwar El Ghazi, also. 

Wesley Moraes (£6.0m) also made his Villa debut and looked a handful up front, although a physical presence and the ability to link up play are not attributes that Fantasy managers place at the top of their wishlist when looking for a striker.

It is still early days, of course, and this match – as so many mid-July pre-season friendlies are – was an exercise in fitness-building rather than anything else.

Jack Grealish (£6.0m) showed promise in pulling the strings in central midfield, at least, and the gifted playmaker broke the deadlock with a well-hit shot from distance.

Villa’s first-half XI was perhaps the stronger of the two but there were still players of interest involved after the interval.

Frederic Guilbert certainly caught the eye from right-back, getting forward to support the attack and setting up Henri Lansbury (£4.5m) for Villa’s second goal.

The consensus among Villa fans seems to be that Guilbert is their preferred option at right-back and with Mohamed Elmohamady (£4.5m) still to return following his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, it could be that the Frenchman has the edge in that position for Gameweek 1.

Back-up winger Andre Green (£5.0m) set up Birkir Bjarnason (£4.5m) for Villa’s third goal.

Reflecting on the game, Smith said:

It was a good goal from Jack Grealish. We possibly could have scored a few more.

If I was being picky, I’d say we were a little bit loose on the ball in that first half. We didn’t press as we would have liked. We allowed them to play through the two-thirds too quickly. That’s something we can work on and build on. 

Defensively I thought our shape was better in the second half but I thought we were wasteful in the final third until the last 10 or 15 minutes.

Not involved was new signing Bjorn Engels (£4.5m), who Villa have recruited from Reims.

The towering centre-half has scored 16 league goals in 130 appearances and Smith highlighted the defender’s goal threat when asked about his recent capture:

He’s a player I really like. He can adapt well. He’s a great age. His potential is that he will get better and develop – he has a hunger to develop too.  He’s calm and assured on the ball. He reads the game really well.  

But another thing that attracted me to him was that he scores goals. It’s something we want to target in the Premier League – to become a really good set-piece team because it can win you games. He scores goals. He scores from set-pieces. He’s good in both boxes.

Aston Villa first-half XI (4-3-3): Steer, Bree, Konsa, Hause, Targett, Hourihane, Grealish, O’Hare, El Ghazi, Jota, Wesley.

Aston Villa second-half XI (4-3-3): Kalinic, Guilbert, Chester, Mings, Taylor, McGinn, Bjarnason, Lansbury, Green, Davis, Hogan

Ajax 2-1 Watford

  • Goal: Andre Gray (£6.0m)
  • Assist: Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m)

Watford’s pre-season got off to a losing start in a fairly low-key affair in Austria.

Javi Gracia gave 45 minutes to 22 of his players, although Troy Deeney (£6.0m) and Ben Foster (£5.0m) were not part of the matchday squad – the reasons for which are as yet unknown.

Gracia predictably sent his two sides out in a familiar 4-4-2 shape, although there was little joy for the Hornets’ attackers from open play against last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists.

Watford’s deadlock-breaking goal came from the penalty spot, with Andre Gray (£6.0m) tucking away the spot-kick in Deeney’s absence.

Stefano Okaka, playing alongside Gray in the first half, was heavily involved in the lead-up to the penalty, with his run and cross finding Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m) in the Ajax box.

Doucoure – who looked solid alongside Etienne Capoue (£5.0m) – tucked the ball past Dominik Kotarski but not before the referee had blown up for a handball, with Gray beating the Ajax goalkeeper for pace with his effort.

Tom Cleverley (£5.0m) went close with a free-kick but it was the Hornets’ two shotstoppers who the busier ‘keepers in each half.

Daniel Bachmann was tested on a handful of occasions in the first half, with Pontus Dahlberg (£4.5m) also called into action after the interval.

Dahlberg was first beaten by Donny van de Beek following some sloppy defending, while Jurrien Timber struck with a header late on to hand Ajax the victory.

Gracia said after full-time:

We have conceded to goals in situations where we have to do better, we have to defend better. We need to improve our attacking and lots of other different phases, like set-pieces, but it’s normal. We are in pre-season and we have time enough time to improve and I’m sure with a good attitude, we are able to do it.

Gerard Deulofeu (£6.5m) was thrown on at half-time and looked sharp up front, often drifting into wide areas and going close with one shot that crept wide.

The recently reclassified FPL forward said ahead of the game:

I scored 12 goals [last season] but I can score more. In some periods of the season, I missed chances but I hope this season I score more than 12 goals because I can score. I feel the players like me can score more and also the best thing is to help the team take three points and achieve something special with Watford.

Before I came here I thought a lot about being a forward and spoke a lot together with Javi and all season I have been playing up front. I feel really well and I want to keep my career there up front because I feel near the goal, I feel much better than in the wing.

I got chances against big teams and I have to be more clinical.

Ken Sema (£5.0m) had an effort saved and Nathaniel Chalobah (£4.5m) flashed an effort wide but there were few clear-cut chances in the second half against one of last season’s most impressive European clubs.

Watford first-half XI (4-4-2): Bachmann, Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Masina, Cleverley, Doucourè, Forster, Gray, Okaka.

Watford second-half XI (4-4-2): Dahlberg, Femenía, Dawson, Kabasele, Holebas, Hughes, Wilmot, Chalobah, Sema, Deulofeu, Success.

 

1,103 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi. How does this draft look. It has a heavy defence with 2 x lpool fullbacks plus salah sterling and vardy.

    McGinn is the weak point clearly- is he worth the punt?

    Ryan button
    TAa robbo digne zinchenko diop
    Salah sterling maddison McGinn dendonker
    Vardy king Greenwood

    Thanks

    1. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      if you can find 0.5 go houri if not go el ghazi

    2. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Lots of people don't like the Bournemouth double up, but l would would rather do:

      Vardy to Wilson
      McGinn to Perez

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

        I'm v keen to have vardy to start with. Never seem to have in my squad and can see him being v good under Rodgers

        Could do Madison to perez and mcginn to 6m. But not sure Perez has nailed as Madison....

        1. SHOOTER MCGINN
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Leicester fixtures aren't the best. I've got Vardy too and he's going nowhere, but I'm not sure on the double up. I'd rather go Maddison to Brooks to get the 0.5

  2. Team Bobcat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Andre Gray stats are very impressive. In 1350 mins he has scored 7 assisted 2.

    Deeney has double his minutes. Why doesnt Andre Gray get as much playing time as Deeney. Is there a fitness issue with Andre. What am I missing?

    He would be a shoe in as 6m if he was guaranteed the same playing time as Deeney or others

    1. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      deeney is watford
      gray needs a thousand chances to score and does FA for the team-that might be what you are missing

      1. Team Bobcat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Brilliant 🙂

  3. Hits from the Bong
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this looking? Planning to bring in Fornals for Perez/Tielemans after a week or 2.

    Pope
    TAA VVD AWB
    Salah Sterling Fraser Perez Tielemans
    Wilson Deulofeu

    Button Diop Kelly Wickham

    1. Michael Gary Scott
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Opinion 🙂 Shaw > AWB (if any), Maddison > Ayoze > Tielemans

    2. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What we must accept is that the defence is where the points were last year.

      With that in mind setups with at the very least four premium defenders if not five seem like the best tactic.

      Your setup only has three premium defenders. The alternative may seem dull but last years stats are no fluke.

      Eg. Azpi is better value than any 6m mid or forward. He has proven that in three consecutive seasons.

      Those defenders who performed better than Azpi all deserve to be considered also.

      It kinda goes against my ethos but the stats are there.

      So you need Four or five premium defenders for your team to stand a chance.

      Back to the drawing board for now!

      The other thing worth considering is the inclusion of AWB. Man United defenders have not had a decent return in ages.

      What is the most you can expect from AWB. I too have AWB in my starting lineup after a day of changes buy starting to rethink his inclusion.

      PVA outscored AWB last year by a decent margin also.

      1. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers for the reply! It does seem sensible and it would be pretty easy to swap Deulo to 4.5 fodder and spend £2m on improving the defence. However even your man Azpi actually scored 4.2 ppg compared to Deelofeu’s 4.4 ppg, and now has an inexperienced manager with a weaker squad.
        I’m confident AWB will be rampaging up the right wing and getting plenty more assists than in that regimented Palace team

        1. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          It will all depend on what teams are fighting for what. Chelsea surprised me last year. They seemed at odds with their manager but fought throughout the whole season. Alonso appeared to down tools but Azpi didnt do that bad. Provided they can stay in the fight for european football I suspect chelsea defensive assets are safe. Interesting to see hoe they cope without Hazard.

          Luveepool and Man City will fight all the way. The more players you have of those two the better.

          AWB mmm. Man United still have a lot of work to do to sort out their defence. They would need at least two good centre halves before I could trust them. Ole is a striker and they conceeded in almost every game in the run in.

          Everton are another team whose assets are there in plenty. Digne Coleman Siggy Rich but I am worried about them defensively without Zouma. Offensively they are not fairing ant much better. Siggy losing appeal and fast.

          Pogba could be a driving forch this year. If ole can turn Sanchez head in the right direction then he too will deliver. Man Utd offer more offensively than defensively.

          Difficult to get away from

          VVD TAA Robby Laporte Walker Azpi (my man ) Alonso (worth monitoring)

          After the above difficult to know.

      2. wh05nxt
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This isn't great advice. Careful with it. I'd write a long reply but I'm a hit pissed atm and cba.

        Team looks recent but I'm not sure I'd slot two Leicester kids and if I did I'd find the money for maddy.

        I touted pererya here last season, my wildcards are that either barkley or lanzini could be that guy this year (preseason dependent).

        Turns out was a big reply. 6m mids can ofc outscore a 6m def if form is considered. Fraser a great example.

        GL!

        1. Hits from the Bong
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Cheers. I’ve got my eye on Fornals, hoping to bring him in for one of the Leicester boys.

        2. Team Bobcat
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          There seemed to be a lot more value in the 5.5m to 7m department last year.

          Fraser 5.5m
          Rich 6.5m
          Siggy 7m
          Jiminez 5.5m
          Wilson 6m
          Miki 6.5m

          There just isnt that type of value around this season. Perez or Tielsmans and your mentioned Lanzini maybe. Anderson and Miki 7m may perform also. Ings at 6m is decent too but after that where do you go. Moura 7.5 worth monitoring but nothing in the 5m to 6m bracket.

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

    Further on that Gibson thing let’s think rationally, sorry to be a party pooper.
    New and Gibson are both left footed CBs. A look back to the pre season friendlies and dyche appreciates this and vs Tranmere partnered Mee with Long in the “first team” defence with Gibson next to tark in the “second team” one. Long is a complementary right footer who has partnered mee brilliantly in the past, is he not tarkowski’s natural successor and are we getting too carried away?

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Burnley will probably bring in a replacement aswell.

    2. Valar(Keith)
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yup the 2 left footers thing could be an issue considering Gibson was originally brought in to partner tarks. Again though it's all up in the air. Exciting times though. And again.. Rumors.

    3. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      suddenly my eye testing next tuesday with uncle eddie to watch bartons 'friendly' cod army v burnley is looking a whole load more interesting...

      1. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm gonna be watching tmrws lineups with interest 🙂

    4. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I see Long is back-up more than the 1st choice CB at Burnley but let's see, not impossible to see 2 lefties.

  5. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Game time thoughts on Giroud and
    Zinchenko ??

    1. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      variable + nailed

  6. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) 4.5 def & Perez/Tielemans
    Or
    B) Kelly (Palace) & Maddison

    Thanks

    1. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A
      easy

      1. 32chickens
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        kelly offers little

        1. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks mate, he could be nailed at first though with Sakho & Tomkins out

        2. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Perez over Tielemans?

    2. Michael Gary Scott
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, that is if the other four defenders are starters. If Perez hits the ground running, it would be easy to downgrade. Not that easy the other way.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, Kelly would be starting in a 5-3-2 (Dendoncker subbed on if he doesn't play)

    3. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A, even with Kelly it would be A for me

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

    I don't like the Zinchencko pick... I currently have him because he's got value, I'm just afraid he doesn't have value of he doesn't play! Anyway I can rework this team to get Walker/Ed in there? Not really fancying a 4.5m Def.

    Pope
    TTA/VVD/Coleman/Zinc
    Salah/Sterling/Siggy/Brooks
    Vardy/Adams

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

      He does play though so relax.

      1. Egg noodle
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He is the least secure defender in the man city backline...

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

          I'd be quietly confident he gets a good run, less so with Stones.

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

    1) Ederson and two rotating 4.5 defenders vs 4.5 GK, Laporte, 4.0 def(bench fodder)

    2) Perez vs Tielemans vs Brooks (one of them as fourth Mid - the others are Salah, Sterling, Siggy)

    1. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No real striking options for you then?

  9. thepeen555
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Where is batman in the Chelsea team on FPL

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

      He's not added yet. Same with Abraham.

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Strange, seeing at batman was with palace last season. Could have just put him back to Chelsea. Will keep waiting to sort my team then.

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

      I suspect FPL are being crafty, instead of pricing him at 7m now, they'll wait to see if he looks ahead of Giroud and Tammy, then price accordingly.

      1. thepeen555
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Lol yeah valid point. I was hoping around that 7m mark would be pretty good. But if Giroud is the main man, even he is alright

  10. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Currently have Sterling and KDB but i just look at the options City have in midfield this season and it screams rotation.

    CDM - Fernandinho Rodri
    CM - KDB, D.Silva, B.Silva, Gundogan, Foden
    RW - Sterling, B.Silva, Mahrez, KDB
    LW - Sane, Sterling, Mahrez

    You never know, in certain games Rodri and Fernandinho might play together with only one of the CMs starting.

    This is when having the 4.5 subs might hurt.

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think City will have to play every game with their best foot forward. Otherwise they will not win the league. Pep knows that. He knew it last year also. Sterling or Aguero didnt get much rests. It will be the same this year. The players are not their to cover those talents. With that in mind sterling and aguero are cities best picks. BSilva would be as good as them if he could involve himsrlf more in the business end. He doesn't score enough but he plays more minutes than any. KDB.... jury out on this man. Very talented but injury prone so I think he will be rested more.

      Sterling yes
      KDB No

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agree.

        In a year where their is an international tournament i don't think a recovering KDB will kick up a fuss about not playing every game.

    2. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I disagree and agree with Team Bobcat. The issue wont be rotation with key city assets (kun, bilva, sterling and KDB when fit) it'll be their minutes being managed, their strength in depth is so good that you can rely on Jesus regularly playing 30 minutes to rest Kun, or sane coming on to rest Sterling/Bilva. But they're not so good that pep will start them too much, and in doing so, sacrificing the quality of Kun/sterling/Bilva/KDB starting games

      1. Team Bobcat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I dont doubt citys strength in depth. But every time city take to the field the opposition will have a plan to stop them. Nothing but your stongest eleven at that moment in time will do in order to win that game. I believe the margins are that tight. Jesus was not started in too many games last year. Did he start any. Sure if he is as good as Aguero then he would have started at least half.

        First and foremost you must win the game. In order to do that you must start your strongest team. After that you can only make three substitutions. Steeling and Aguero mat be pulled off but only if you are winning comfortably by which stage they have the points in the bag. They may have scored a brace at that stage.

        Just check Aguero, Sterling and BSilva minutes. Not bad for rotation risks.

        I think Sterling Aguero and BSilva are rotation free as is Laporte and Ederson.

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

    A Ederson Azpilicueta KDB or
    B Pope Zinchenko Sterling

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

      B

    2. thepeen555
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for me

    3. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I prefer A) better even though I dislike the KDB pick. Think Azpi is gold

      1. Team Bobcat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Fraser in place of KDB for now

    4. Hits from the Bong
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    5. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

  12. Ninjaa
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Draft #7, thoughts lads ????

    Ryan (Button)
    Robertson Zinchenko Digne (Dunk Kelly)
    Sterling Salah Richarlison Fraser Zaha
    King Deulofeu (Greenwood)

    1. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Decent. Would rather have Siggy than Rich at that price though.

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ditch zaha for vvd or taa

    3. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Personally I would rotate 2 cheap 4th and 5th defenders, downgrade Zaha to bench fodder, and upgrade either deulofeu, Rich or Fraser (and obviously play 442)

  13. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which pair would you go for, both will be in my starting eleven, with the latter being rotated with another bench player:

    A) Walker, Ake
    B) Laporte, Dunk

    ?

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

      Looks like you can afford Zinc + 5.5, maybe consider that?

      1. Phil's Stamps
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I don't like the Zinc pick, I'd like a set and forget City defender if possible.

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

          You want solid, fair play, go B then.

          1. Phil's Stamps
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            cheers

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    Obviously the risk is that clean sheets for Liverpool not as high as last season but what are views on this team? No Liverpool attack but overall this seems ok ?

    Ederson
    TAA Van Dijk Azpilicueta Robertson
    Sterling KDB Richarlison Pérez
    Wilson King

    Woodman Dendoncker Gibson Greenwood

    1. Egg noodle
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Gets a solid 9/10 from me.
      Just don't like perez and Azpili in there.

    2. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like that! I like the Perez and Azpi shouts aswell

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

        Thanks!

    3. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team, regardless of fixtures though, I just don't see double Bournemouth strikers being optimal. I also personally prefer Siggy to Rich and Tielemans to Perez, but many would side with you I'm sure

      1. Hits from the Bong
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agree with this 100%
        I also look at this team and wonder where all the Salah money has gone tbh.

    4. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Shouldn't leave you trailing to begin with. Personally I would prefer Pogba or Fraser to Kdb. That would leave money in the bank to invest in attack when needed. Solid enough attack otherwise.

      Might even turn gibson into Laporte with the kdb switch. 9/10.

      My own team isnt 9/10 🙂 so haopy days

  15. LangerznMash
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Everton 1-0 Monaco

    https://footy11.viuclips.net/player/html/8SFNxwwEQE?popup=yes&autoplay=1

    Interestingly they had a central freekick around 25 yards out. Siggy and Digne stood over it... Digne pulled rank and took it (fluffed it into the wall).

    1. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not new, he took over set pieces last season.

    2. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Worryingly Monaco had a third team playing the second half. They swapped their eleven and everton had their best on show. Monaco missed a peno. Mina and Rich were missing but all else were there. Offered very little offensively. Only worried now that the slump they had mid season hasnt returned. Silva was on the ropes at one stage last year. Not too long ago either. Brands and Moshiri were in attendence so it might not have been a bad result ($$$$$). They will not sleep soundly tonight. Need a centre half, right back, left winger and a striker.

      I think a central defender is key. If everton are defensively weak then Siggy and Digne potential as fpl assets drops significantly

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

        They were missing the main man DCL 😉

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

        Watched the 6 minutes highlights, Everton had shedloads of chances, Niasse the main culprit. Coleman looked lively and raced into the box for his headed goal after releasing it left, maybe back to his old ways.

  16. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So Ozil is now back in people's thinking?

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      nearly

    2. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nah

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Gonna take more than one preseason game.

      More like Lacazette.

  17. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    First attempt at a squad, think it's a bit different:

    Fabianski - Heaton
    TAA - Digne - Zinchenko - Ake - Kelly
    Salah - Sterling - Moura - Maddison - Dendoncker
    Jota - Deulofeu - King

    Was thinking maybe downgrading Maddison to Perez/Tielemans then I could get Giroud in for any of the strikers.

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

      I have always failed with swaping gk i would drop 1 of them.

      If you are playing
      343 lower ake > 4.5
      442 lower 1 of the strikers
      Atleast what i would do, like the spine of the team

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Just play Fab every game then you have your 0.5

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

    Rmt

    Loris
    Vvd robbo coleman
    Fraser gylfi sterling salah groß
    King adams

    Bench fodder

  19. drinkup245
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If anyone is interested in a cash league, we can use some fresh blood. Been running for about 7 years now. Typically around 30-40 entrants. Top 3 win cash. Also prizes for monthly winners. drinkup245@gmail.com for info.

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

      What was the OR of the guy who won it?

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I take it this would be open to UK entries only?

    3. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Could you give a bit more details here?

    4. drinkup245
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      We're actually mostly US and Caribbean based, and some from europe. We mainly use paypal. Buy in is $50 USD. Cash payout for top 3. Plus every monthly winner (earning most points for the month) wins $50.
      There is potential for expansion on prizes depending on number of entrants.

      Last yr, based on 39 entrants, the payout was as follows,

      1st
      $600 usd + choice of club merch worth up to $120 usd

      2nd
      $300 usd + choice of club jacket worth up to $100 usd

      3rd
      $175 usd + ultimate ears wonder boom bluetooth speaker

      4th
      $75 usd + amazon fire stick

      Monthly prize of $50 usd for highest accumulated points in a month (10 months)

      Final prize structure for this year will be determined once we have an idea on our number of entrants for this year.

  20. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A Laporte Zaha Coleman Robbo
    B Zinchenko Fraser Digne Robbo
    C Laporte Zaha Digne VVD

    Have TAA and King

    1. Team Bobcat
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Laporte VVD Azpi for Digne and zaha look good

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  21. LSK
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Does anyone know if Haller has joined up with the West Ham squad? Would be nice to see him against Newcastle tomorrow.

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

      Apparently not, word is maybe @ful next Saturday.

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

        Ah that’s a shame. Thanks for the info anyway

  22. Sengedrengen
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Nailed the first gameweeks?

    Pope (SHU GK)

    TAA, Coleman, Davies (Stones, Gibson)

    Fraser, Maddison, Sterling, Salah (c) Siggy

    King, Origi (Greenwood)

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

      Itching to use your wildcard already?

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Davies could be great if Rose leaves. I wouldn’t want to bench a City defender but I can kind of see why you’ve done it. You’ll need an exit plan for Origi but unless you want to downgrade Salah or Sterling your funds are very evenly spread so it will be hard to upgrade him significantly when he drops back out of the team.

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

    Fair play to overseas fans who sacrifice their nights (sometimes midweek too) to watch their clubs play. We don't realise how lucky we are to have games at fairly convenient times.

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      So much this! When I was younger I watched a Lot of NBA. Had to stay up at night and be silent so that I didn't wake up my patents. Did ruin my schooldays every now and then. Fell asleep in class haha

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Agree. I'm an MMA fan and staying up to watch UFC cards ain't easy so I have an idea what its like. Even so, they're only on weekends so I can't imagine what its like doing it on a weeknight. Fair play indeed.

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

      I kinda like it though. I live in South East Asia (GMT +7) and we often watch football matches on big screens every weekend, usually starts at 9PM. Perfect time to hang around with friends, watching our clubs play.

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

        Are you Utd?

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

          Nope! But the majority here are.

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

      Agreed bro. It aint easy being a United fan over here in the states.

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

        Didn't know you're American. Kinda unexpected.

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

          Yes bro - would love to visit UK one day though - you guys are great 😉

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

            I'm not from the UK. I'm Irish 🙂

            1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              This interaction above amused me on so many levels....

    5. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      As an NBA fan I've known the struggle for years!

    6. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That is one way of looking at it. The other is if even a small percentage more of those who do that follow thier own domestic leagues soccer worldwide would be a lot better for it.

  24. tyron
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you choose

    A alli holebas
    B bernardo zinchenco

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

      B

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    4. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  25. FC Hakkebøf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which pair would you prefer from the get go?

    A) Deulofeu & Fraser (4-4-2)
    B) Wilson & DCL (4-3-3)
    C) Deulofeu & Zaha + 0.5 (4-4-2)
    D) Deulofeu & Laporte + 0.5 (5-3-2)

    Option D would mean double City defence

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

      A

    2. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    4. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson + Yarmolenko (4-4-2) is an alternative

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        But thanks guys

  26. Big Red Rom
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What are people’s thoughts on Yarmalenko?

    Has a terrific record before signing for WHU, was doing reasonably well prior to the injury last season. Should be well recovered by the start of the season with a full pre season.

    Will he be nailed in the first XI? If so, think he could be great value at £6m

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

      I'm considering him but not starting with him at the moment. Assess pre-season.

    2. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      On my watch-list for sure!

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Lovely price if he nails down rw.

    4. Brehmeren
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He's gonna be great this season, once he's got some matches. However there is a lot of competition for the attacking midfield spots at WH and I suspect the most in form players will be chosen, rather than someone nailing down the right wing for the whole season. It's a wait and see for me.

  27. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Trying to fit the big three in !
    Pope (Button)
    Taa Vvd Digne Zinc (Kelly)
    Salah Sterling El ghazi (Hayden Dendoncker)
    Kane King DCL

    1. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It ruins the team

    2. FC Hakkebøf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The FOMO with premium attackers is really something people need to work on. Your setling for mediocre at best. Pick the two you believe the most in. Switch around later if you change your mind.

  28. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which 4.0 def do you think is a better pick?

    a. Kelly
    b. Rico
    c. Smith

    Cheers

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

      Add Gibson and Hanley, subtract Smith, he's 4.5. Wait, things should become clearer.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        C should have been Simpson.

        currently on Rico.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I am doing the opposite big at the back to start then downgrading when the bargains appear in the first few weeks.

      1. the dom 1
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        sorry this for my 4.0 bench fodder lads

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          VVD, Digne, Laporte are my 3 biggies at the back with Diop on the bench

        2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          hanley seems to be one people are talking about lately.
          Promoted team injury to the regular fella.
          Kelly was the flavour of the month before that.

          But since it is just a 4.0 player you might as well just pick a jersey colour you like.

          1. the dom 1
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            lol cheers

  29. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Dortmund 1-0 Pool (Alcacer 3')

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

      Looooooool go on Dortmund

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

      Imagining Pukki doing the same and a meltdown happens here.

      1. FC Hakkebøf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Calm down. Have you seen the line up?

  30. Klein
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys! How bad will not having zouma be for Everton back line? Who will parter keane if not him in CB?

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

      Mina, I would guess. Potential is there, but he's yet to show it in the PL

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

        You think everton will be solid at the back with mina?

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

          No, but would improve Digne's corners?

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

            Agree