Scout Notes

Injuries in Burnley’s defence as £4.0m defender gets more pre-season minutes

Fantasy Premier League managers can still take some important lessons away from the recent round of friendlies, even in light of the international break.

Several teams were in action on Tuesday afternoon with some missing key men, while others held onto assets who would rather get into match sharpness with their club rather than their country.

There was a further update on the £4.0m defender situation as well as some interesting developments in the Burnley defence.

Preston 0-0 Burnley

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None

Fantasy managers learned more about Burnley’s defence than their attack in a 0-0 draw with Preston on Tuesday.

Nick Pope (£5.5m) and Bailey Peacock-Farrell (£4.0m) joining Robbie Brady (£5.0m) on international duty, Sean Dyche handed a debut to former Wolves goalkeeper Will Norris. Yet to be priced up by FPL, he was kept busy in a 45-minute outing before coming off at half-time, replaced by Lukas Jensen.

Elsewhere in the backline, James Tarkowski (£5.0m) was not risked due to a “minor knock”, which only adds to the uncertainty about Burnley’s defence ahead of the new campaign.

With Ben Mee (£5.0m) and Kevin Long (£4.5m) still absent through injury as well, it meant 90 minutes for junior centre-back pairing Jimmy Dunne and Bobby Thomas. The two players have now been involved in more pre-season action than any other Burnley asset. It will be interesting to see if FPL decide to price either of them up. 

As this was the first time Burnley brought their squad together for one match this summer, having previously split it across two, there may be something we can read into the fact that Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) was selected ahead of Erik Pieters (£4.5m), who played the last 30 minutes. However, we must remember that the latter still has more assists this summer than the former Leeds defender, so still has something going for him.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£5.5m) stayed behind from international duty with Iceland to get some more match fitness into his system with Burnley. The winger has now played more than 70 minutes in each of his pre-season appearances.

Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) was especially lively against Preston and his total of 170 pre-season minutes is so far only beaten by Dunne and Thomas.

Jack Cork (£5.0m) and Ashley Barnes (£6.0m) are two other names still on the sidelines through injury, which meant an unsurprising start up-front for the Project Restart preferred pairing of Chris Wood (£6.5m) and Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m).

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Norris (Jensen 46′); C Taylor (Pieters 60′), Dunne, B Thomas, Bardsley (Lowton 60′); McNeil (Richardson 80′), Brownhill (Elva-Fountaine 80′), Westwood (Benson 60′), Gudmundsson (Goodridge 70′); Rodriguez (Mumbongo 70′), Wood (Vydra 60′).

Millwall 0-1 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Max Meyer (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m)

Tyrick Mitchell (£4.0m) continues to be heavily involved in Crystal Palace’s preparation for the new campaign, playing most of the 1-0 win over Millwall.

His most recent outing takes his game-time this summer to 208 minutes, with more than anyone else at left-back.

We will continue to caveat this with the current squad situation at Palace though. Luka Milivojevic‘s (£6.0m) ongoing absence from the team and Cheikhou Kouyaté (£5.0m) filling in for the injuries at centre-back has pulled Jairo Riedewald (£4.5m) into a defensive midfield assignment. If Palace’s club captain returns to the fold, or one of the centre-backs do, Riedewald could be pushed back into competition with Mitchell for the left-back position.

Elsewhere, Fantasy managers can be increasingly confident that Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) will operate out-of-position this season, as he was deployed up-front for the second start in a row.

For the third successive game, the Ivory Coast international was involved in the goals as he assisted Max Meyer‘s (£5.0m) game-winning effort.

That extends his position as the most in-form player of Palace’s pre-season campaign for Zaha, who now has two goals and two assists across three matches.

Meanwhile, Andros Townsend (£6.0m) missed out for the first time this summer, while Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) was finally involved after Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m) and Stephen Henderson had shared goalkeeping duties in his absence.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita; Mitchell (Inniss 74′), Dann (Kelly 45′), Kouyaté (Jach 74′), J Ward (Woods 74′); Meyer, McArthur (M Boateng 74′), Riedewald (J-K Gordon 86′), Schlupp (Kirby 74′); Zaha (Pierrick 74′), Ayew.

Stoke City 3-0 Leeds

  • Goals: None
  • Assists: None

There was very little for Fantasy managers to learn in Leeds’ 3-0 defeat to Stoke City on Tuesday, which only lasted 80 minutes.

Played during the start of the international break, there were a total of nine senior players missing including Illan Meslier (£4.5m), Liam Cooper (£4.5m), Robin Koch (£4.5m) and Stuart Dallas (£4.5m) from the defence.

Kiko Casilla (£4.5m) and Luke Ayling (£4.5m) were present although the former, who has not played competitive football since February due to a racism ban, did not have the best game.

Barry Douglas (£4.0m) started the match but only because Dallas and Ezgjan Alioski (£4.5m) were absent, while involvement for Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) in midfield was only because Kalvin Phillips (£5.0m) is currently with England.

There were more of the key attackers involved in this one, with Pablo Hernández (£6.0m) and Patrick Bamford (£5.5m) both in the starting XI but we do not have confirmation of how many minutes either of them played.

Middlesbrough 5-1 Newcastle

  • Goals: Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Sean Longstaff (£5.0m)

Fantasy managers might have half an eye on teams who face Newcastle in the early part of the season after this heavy defeat to Middlesbrough.

The Magpies could not use the excuse of international duties disrupting their side as they were still able to field DeAndre Yedlin (£4.5m), Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m), Florian Lejeune (£4.5m) and Javier Manquillo (£4.5m) in defence for this one.

Karl Darlow (£5.0m) was in goal for the first 62 minutes before Mark Gillespie (£4.5m) took the field.

Anyone who had been considering Andy Carroll (£5.5m) for the start of the season, in light of his two goals in as many matches so far, could be a little deterred by his role on Tuesday.

Despite Dwight Gayle (£6.0m), Joelinton (£6.0m) and Yoshinori Muto (£5.0m) missing out once again, Steve Bruce opted to deploy Miguel Almirón (£6.0m) in a false-nine for the first 56 minutes before Carroll took to the field.

Newcastle United XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow (Gillespie 62′); Manquillo, Lascelles, Lejeune (Fernández 56′), Yedlin (Dummett 56′); Hayden, S Longstaff (Barlaser 62′); Murphy (Ritchie 62′), Atsu (Clark 56′), Saint-Maximin (Saivet 68′); Almirón (Carroll 56′).

Derby 0-2 Sheff Utd

  • Goals: Ben Osborn (£5.0m), Billy Sharp (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Oliver Norwood (£5.0m), Kean Bryan

Billy Sharp (£6.0m) continues to make a case for Fantasy consideration this season as he produced an attacking return for the third straight friendly match.

With several Sheffield United strikers missing much of the summer campaign thus far, the veteran forward has now registered 215 pre-season minutes, more than any colleague in any position.

Oliver McBurnie (£6.0m) finally managed to get his first involvement of the summer in this one, coming on for Lys Mousset (£6.0m) at half-time, but with David McGoldrick (£5.5m) still absent, Sharp is looking increasingly nailed-on to start Blank Gameweek 1.

Oliver Norwood (£5.0m) was a key man for Sheffield United in this one, going close to an assist for McBurnie’s first touch of the afternoon and it was his blocked shot that set up Ben Osborn (£5.0m) for the game’s opening goal.

With Jack O’Connell (£5.0m) still not registering a single pre-season minute, Jack Robinson (£4.5m) has become an ever-present in these friendlies. With 202 minutes to his name, only Chris Basham (£5.0m) has played more often in the back-three thus far. Could it see Robinson start in Blank Gameweek 1? Hard to say at this stage, but certainly something to look out for once we start to hear from Chris Wilder’s in the media next week.

Sheffield United (3-5-2): Foderingham; J Robinson, Jagielka, Basham; Norrington-Davies (K Bryan 62′), Osborn, Norwood, Slater, Baldock (Brunt 71′); Mousset (McBurnie 46′), Sharp.

Best players by position:

1,052 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    JWP worth the extra mill over Soucek, or too much of a gamble too?

    1. barry custard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      depends if you have ings or not

      1. sirmorbach
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have him for GW1. GW2 onwards more likely to be Martial

        1. barry custard
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          leave in then

      2. Old Man
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Why does this make any difference? He's either going to score more points than Soucek or he isn't. I would point out that there is an argument that it's BETTER if he has Ings because one goal could potentially produce points for both Ings & JWP.

        1. Castiel
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I think though people have a tendency to rather look at it as no goals mean no points for either. All about confidence in the double up

          1. Fit of Pique
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 8 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            There's a small issue with sharing bonus around too.

            Ings gobbles up the bonus in that team (40 last year!)

            Makes Southampton defenders (including McCarthy) slightly less attractive for me, Bertrand excepted

  2. JELLYFISH
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Please could I have your thoughts on this team/approach:

    McCarthy
    TAA Davies Vinagre Mitchel
    Salah Auba Soucek Gordon
    Werner Ings

    (Steer Greenwood Wood Taylor)

    Mitchell and Gordon obviously picked at risk, but enable a strong team for GW2 and contain hits downstream.

    Provisional GW2 transfer: Ings > Martial

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner kills that team

      1. Christina.
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Ings->Martial(bench wk 1)
        GW to someone that plays wk 1?

        1. JELLYFISH
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Yes thats an option but I'm not sold on any of the other picks around the 7.5/8.0 price point

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Im going Salah/Auba/Son./Soucek if Ziyech is not fit

            1. JELLYFISH
              • 11 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              I had Zyech in my team before injury....may well ending up putting him back in and swapping at Werner before the deadline

            2. Lanley Staurel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              3 years, 6 months ago

              Same mid as me. Miminez, Ings and Werner up front. Lots of price points to move to City or Utd thereafter.

      2. JELLYFISH
        • 11 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I have swapped him out with Vardy a few times and have the funds

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I just think Gordon & Michel is looking for trouble. Maximize the players in wk 1

          1. Christina.
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            If I go Werner then I cant go Ings, simple.

          2. JELLYFISH
            • 11 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            No so concerned about Mitchell as he could easily be swapped out for Ferguson (depending on injury) or Johnson. Agree re Gordon though

  3. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which 2 of these 3 do I play gameweek 1?

    Soucek (Newcastle home)
    Armstrong (palace away)
    Saint max (westham away)

    Thanks guys

    1. barry custard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      soucek & arm

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sou and ASM

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soucek and Arms

    4. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Soucek and Armstrong.

    5. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Sou and ASM

  4. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Sorry......bottomed....please can I have a view on best option here? Thanks

    Mccarthy 4m
    Taa vinagre taylor xxx xxx
    Salah auba greenwood xxx soucek
    Werner ings xxx

    A....justin, 4m, Armstrong, mitro... 343 most weeks

    B...dier, lamptey, jwp, brewster.... 442 / 352

    Thanks

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B imo. I was just toying with RMT-tool and small extra money seemed to help more with defenders.

      1. Flynny
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

    2. nolard
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B for me - looks overall stronger.

  5. Crashjct
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hello all. Choose one:

    A. Doherty & Ritchie
    B. Dier/Davies & Ward-Prowse

    Thank you.

    1. barry custard
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      a

    2. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B

  6. Moxon
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    What strikers you starting the season with lads?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Currently have Jimenez Ings Antonio in a 433

    2. Bumbaclot
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner Jimmy mitro

    3. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner Ings Jimenez

      1. Lanley Staurel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This

    4. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner Adams

    5. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like it will be Kane, Jimenez, 4.5

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Werner mitro Antonio with 2.5 itb for Antonio to martial

        1. Dthinger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          hm. My first thought was "wow that's a lot of money spent up front!" But it adds up to just 2m more than mine. I'm gonna have to reconsider Kane over Werner.

    6. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner Ings Antonio

    7. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Currently with the super budget: Mitro, Adams, Wickham. But happy to wait and see. Can easily use Auba as a cash cow to upgrade one of them.

      1. L S P
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        nice to see another one - i'm currently on antonio, adams, davis.

        1.5 ITB and will free up more funds with selling off my 3x12.0 midfield in the first few GWs.

    8. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Werner Ings Mitro

    9. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Jimmy, Adams, Davis

  7. Gonzola
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys, can someone please talk me in to owning Soucek? Not sure what the hype is about?

    1. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      5.0, decent pre-season and seems fairly nailed

    2. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Nailed DM with some set piece threat

    3. linkafu
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      30 goals in a year and an half in prague 😉

    4. Louis Van Gaalstones
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      He has a good fixture week 1, he seems pretty attacking and seems like he'll get a few goals over the season and he cost 5m - can't ask for a better 5th mid at that price.

    5. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      worth the 0.5 over 4.5 mids, he's nailed (many 4.5s don't seem to be), has some goal threat, nice first fixture, easily benched, but might get you something when for whatever reason you decide to play him or are forced to through injuries/suspensions

    6. Dthinger
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      highest goal threat of the 5mil mids

      1. Russell
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If Onomah continues to start in no.10 for Fulham he may take this prize.

    7. F4L
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Can just switch to AK when he starts banging in the goals 😉

    8. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Flavour of pre season. Dropped like a hot cake when he does nothing for three games.

      Probably nothing to see here. Probably

    9. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm hoping he drops a bit then I can pick him up for gw8 when fixtures improve.

  8. Wild Card this!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Is Gordon going to be loaned to Watford as part od Doucoure deal?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd like to hear more of Gordon too. If not him, then who(max 4.5m)?

    2. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      don't think so - ancelotti loves him and he's just signed a new 5 year deal. Think he will be above bernard etc. in the pecking order and get plenty of mins. There was talk of Branthwaite going on loan there.

  9. linkafu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Alli or Berjwin?

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Alli

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Alli

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      sorry, but neither. trsfr waiting to happen.

    3. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Alli

    4. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Neither, Alli if you have to - if he's fit i'd prefer a punt on Ziyech at that price...Alli could work, but i'd want some playing evidence first

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Alli

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Alli by a distance, if it goes sour then many easy routes out and I think there is quite a big potential up side to him

        1. Fit of Pique
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Agree. As likely as anyone in that price range to score double digits GW1.

          Then easy move to Utd / City if it's not working out

  10. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Think I’ve nailed it -

    McCarthy
    TAA + 3*4.5 + 5.0
    Salah, Auba, ASM (Greenwood & 4.5)
    Werner, Jiminez , 4.5

    1.5mio ITB for future upgrades (ASM to Foden for eg)

    The 3*4.5 & 5.0 defenders are - Vinagre, Justin, KWP & Davies/Egan. They rotate perfectly

    All 4 start GW 1 when Greenwood is benched - wba, shu, cry, Eve
    GW2 - bur, tot, sou (Vinagre benched vs Man City)
    GW3 - whu, bur, new (Justin benched vs Man City)
    GW4 - whu, Ful, w brom (Davies benched bs Man Utd)
    GW5 - Villa, Lee, whu (KWP benched vs Chelsea)
    GW6 - new, eve, bur (Justin benched vs arsenal)

    1. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Egan works equally well instead of Davies ... both Davies and Egan have bad fixture only in GW4

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Like it....well thought through

  11. Now I'm Panicking
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which one lads?

    A) Son and McBurnie
    B) Kane and Almiron

    1. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane and someone else, maybe JWP

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      x

    3. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      don't really like either of those tbh, could make something work at those pricepoints tho.

    4. Pasqualinho
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks like the sort of conundrum that the Jarvish Super Spreadsheet would throw up.

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Throw up as in vomit?

    5. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Difficult one ....

    6. Fit of Pique
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Neither of those appeal.

      If you're set on a Spurs player then I'd go Alli and Ings / Jimenez.

  12. olly:)
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    thoughts on this bunch?

    Mccarthy Steer
    TAA Robbo Davies Vinagre Mitchell
    Auba Mane(C) JWP Soucek Gordon
    Werner Martial Davis(will be Brewster if moves)

    £1.0 itb

    Midfield is a little weak i kniow but I suppose thats the tradeoff for Trent, Robertson, Mane, Auba, Werner and Martial in one. No plans for anymore UTD / no ideas for city players right now but have the price points to get them fairly easily.

  13. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Something different I guess; rate my fanteam squad:
    (Very similar game to fpl)

    Lloris Darlow
    TAA VVD Bertrand Vinagre White
    Salah Son Soucek Willian Bruno
    Adams Ayew Connolly

    Enough money in the bank to do Willian to Sterling

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Okay I suppose.

      Bertrand > Arsenal defender. Remember the FanTeam tenets of impact points and 90 minute bonus. You get extra points if your player wins the game and if they play the full 90. So your budget forwards all kinda suck. Would get a 4.0m one and upgrade to Ings or Jimenez. Mitro also stronger here because he'll play 90.

      Midfield is good with the exception of Willian who's very overpriced.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Which 4.5 Arsenal defender is nailed though? Upgrading to Ings could definitely be worth it. Willian will become Sterling

  14. Threat Level Midnight
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thinking I will go Adams instead of Ings off the jump. Allows me to keep 2.5 ITB and go Alli>Bruno much easier.

    Thoughts?

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      depends on his minutes im not a saints fan so not sure but they have plenty of options there right? Long, Obafemi etc.and Ings will surely be nailed

    2. JELLYFISH
      • 11 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      6.5m for a not nailed on forward is too high risk imo

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He's 6.0

      2. El Presidente
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        He´s 6m

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer having Ings, easier to move to other stikers and expect him to outscore Adams. However having a route to get fernandes is very useful.

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I am able to go Werner actually if I move a piece or two around. So I decided to go that route instead.

  15. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Which Spurs defender to get? On Davies currently, any reason to move to Dier or downgrade someone to get Doherty?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dier safer than Davies.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        I mean if Spurs play a back 4 (which they probably will) Sanchez, Aldeweireld and Dier will all probably see the bench at some point. Sessegnon will probably take some minutes from Davies too

    2. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'm on Davies too but don't know if that's just because of my love for him from a couple of seasons back, if he's nailed i'd want him over Dier tho. Dier is boring

    3. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Doc for me!!

  16. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Pick one:

    A. Justin
    B. Thomas
    C. Vinagre

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C easily imo as long as wolves don't sign a left wing back

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      C

  17. Dthinger
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Arsenal now has 13 defenders in the FPL game! I don't want to see anymore posts saying Arsenal just needs to some decent defenders.

    1. Jotangs
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Well Only Tierney, AMN, Saliba and Gabriel are decent. Luiz is good in a 3atb but bad otherwise.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      13 defenders, most of which are rubbish

  18. Jotangs
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts?

    McCarthy

    TAA Saliba Vinagre Justin (?)

    JWP Son Auba Salah Ziyech (??)

    Ings

    4.0 keeper, Ferguson Mitrovic Brewster

    ? Is Justin gonna play? Ive seen they're signing Castagne and im unsure if he plays LB or RB.
    ?? I think Ziyech will play after two weeks to recover but idk.

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Saliba might not start.

      1. BobB
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Saliba and Gabriel both more likely than not to start

        1. Dthinger
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          based on?

          1. Jotangs
            • 3 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Cos all our other CB's are injured and Rob Holding is either not good enough for Arteta (Saliba and Gabriel are better) or will go on loan.

      2. Jotangs
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        IMO as an Arsenal fan he will.

        LWB- Tierney
        LCB- Gabriel
        CB- Luiz
        RCB- Saliba
        RWB- AMN

        If Arteta plays a 4atb Saliba again would play as Luiz cant play in a four at all. If Holding goes on loan, Saliba is practically nailed on.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Mitro on the pine?

      1. Jotangs
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        If that means bench its only for the 1st GW... I dont see him scoring against Arsenal.

  19. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    James (Ham-mez) Rodriguez set for Everton...as if there were not enough competing midfield options!

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I obviously really hope he comes good, but won't be in any rush to bring him in fantasy wise

  20. Jolly Good
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    a) Best mid upto 7mio for the first few fixtures? Currently on ASM .. plan to move to Foden by GW 5-6

    b) Spurs def or Sheffield Utd? And which one?

    1. olly:)
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A) JWP imo

      B) Spurs, Mourinho season 2 says hello

      1. Jotangs
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Yep.... JWP is on Free kicks, corners and pens in a good run of fixtures (not even including that hes a set piece specialist) and Spurs as Ramsdale is at least 2 levels below Henderson (seriously Ramsdale isnt a great keeper).

      2. Jolly Good
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Personally don’t expect Spurs to do well ... but defence could do ok ... more skeptical of SHU though without Hendo

    2. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Hear you guys on JWP, ASM seems to be a talisman though ...

      and I’m planning double Sou defence .. so getting JWP locks me out of getting Ings in case he begins well

  21. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Best option here?

    McCarthy Steer
    TAA Dier Saiss Vinagre Ayling
    Auba Alli _____ _____ Soucek
    Werner Ings _____

    A. Vardy + Greenwood + Reed
    B. Bruno + Barnes + Brewster

    Gw2: Greenwood, Ayling & maybe Steer off the bench
    Gw3: flexibility of 2 transfers, can do a mini WC if necessary

    1. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Will Steer definitely play over Nyland

      Probably B from those - Greenwood game time more in doubt with new signing I believe?

      1. Pukki Blinders
        • 4 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        New signing doesn't impact Greenwood's minutes

        1. thepuntmaster
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Ah, good to know, was considering him myself. Saw someone posting about it early is why I mentioned.

        2. Old Man
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          It might if OGS changes formation

          1. Pukki Blinders
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Will play 433 most weeks, but the he plays the occasional back 5 against strong teams means Greenwood could see the bench... has nothing to do with Van Beek though.

              1. Pukki Blinders
                • 4 Years
                3 years, 6 months ago

                Mmm interesting, could happen

                1. Old Man
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 12 Years
                  3 years, 6 months ago

                  I'm only being devil's advocate and I still have MG on my bench for GW1 .... but I'm getting more nervous. Of course I'll certainly remove him if Sancho comes.

    2. Jolly Good
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Which new signing?

    3. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      A

  22. JamTart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy, Button
    TAA, Doherty, Vinagre, Taylor, Mitchel
    Salah, Auba, Alli, Greenwood, Soucek
    Werner, Adams, Brewster
    0.5 ITB

    Where to spend the extra cash if at all?

    1. Jotangs
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Dele Alli? not sure how long your gonna have him but i dont recommend. If you want him you can keep him.

    2. thepuntmaster
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I'd keep it. If you do Auba > KDB at some point, then you've got 1.0 to bump up Wener to Kane/Aguero if needs be

      1. JamTart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Sounds fair, I am planning on going with that transfer anyway

  23. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Maghalaes is a LCB so does this mean he pushes Tiereny into the LWB position when arsenal play a back 3....or am I just thinking too much?

    1. Jotangs
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Correct

      1. Lovren an elevator
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Tierney is going to be one hell of a pick then

  24. thepuntmaster
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Evening all! This article has got me considering Zaha... seems raring to go and won't have to carry all of Palace's pace with Eze. Could be a big season.

    Which of these combos do you prefer?

    A) Tierney - Zaha - Martial - Mitro
    B) Vinagre - Rashford/Son - Werner - Brewster

    Thanks

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Zaha = punt 😉

    2. Jotangs
      • 3 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Crystal Palace have possibly the worst attacking football i have seen in the league. Any one is a better option than Zaha imo so B as it looks better anyway.

      1. Flair
        • 3 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        This season has a different system, a return to a former tactical role for Zaha and the addition of Eze

    3. BerryMaze
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      B)

      I fell for the trap that is Zaha so many times. He is an exciting player to watch, but his stats do not match that (partly because of how Palace plays but also because he is not clinical). Rashford or Song will outcore him by a mile. Martial vs Werner will not differ much. Tierney and Vinagre (if nailed) similar (Tierney more G/A and Vinagre more CS). Mitrovic and Fulham do not impress me, I would prefer Adams as 6.0.

    4. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I think Zaha is a decent shout. Well priced, OOP and his team's most attacking player.

      Always good to win a penalty too.

  25. Jdpz
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    McCarthy, Nyland
    VVD, Dier, Vinagre, Mitchell, Lascelles
    Salah, Son, Willian, Barnes, Stephens
    Werner, Jimenez, Ings

    What you think? 1-10

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Different.. I like the Barnes and Willian picks. Missing Auba, but you can't have them all.

  26. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Will Arteta clarify which Gk starts before the Fulham game?

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Not to us

  27. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    So now Neymar has tested positive for Coronavirus along with Angel Di Maria and Leandro Paredes. This Covid will wreak havoc on the new season as well 🙄

    1. Mighty Banana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      One of the many reasons why I am holding my WC.

      1. KGFC
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly.
        Plus, having two nailed cheapies on the bench rather than non-playing 4.0.

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          Shock at Neymar and Pogba being among the first high profile footballers to catch it

    2. Pacer.
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Pretty interesting seeing how many experienced managers are cutting it to the wire and giving themselves problems with a very weak bench with poor sub and rotation prospects. Efficiency could go out the window this year

  28. LewanGOALski
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Really happy with mu current draft.
    On this at the moment:

    McCarthy - Button
    TAA - Dier - Vinagre - Justin - Mitchell
    Salah - Auba - JWP - Pereira - 4.5
    Vardy - Werner - Mitro/Adams

    - Though I might go Bertrand over Dier because of Bertrand’s high attacking potential.
    Then I’d also switch McCarthy to Ryan not to double on SOU defence.
    - Pereira is also the one I am not 100% sold on. Trossard is tempting me. Shame McNeil has a blank GW1 as I also like him in 6m price bracket.

    Thoughts generally? 🙂

    1. Mighty Banana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Seems fine, no plans for united it seems?

      You could always drop one of your 6m's to a 4.5/5 and spend the delta to imrpove one of the 6m's, like Pereira if you're not happy with him.

      I do like the JWP/Pereira picks though.

      1. LewanGOALski
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Vardy will become Martial sooner or later I suppose

        1. Gingerman
          • 3 Years
          3 years, 6 months ago

          I don't get the JWP pic, maybe i'm missing something but I feel like there is better value about

          1. Mighty Banana
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 4 Years
            3 years, 6 months ago

            Nailed, fairy cheap and in a side playing well with a good run of fixtures. Only 9 mids have a higher xGI too thanks to those minutes.

  29. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Folks, how’s this looking ?
    Not sure on defence

    McCarthy/ Ryan
    Trent Justin Taylor Vinagre Mitchell
    Salah Auba Greenwood ASM Soucek
    Kane Werner 4.5

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That looks really good. Defence looks fine.

    2. Shineonme
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Lovely team. One of the best I've seen recently.

    3. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Looks good. I’d change Taylor to a playing GW1 defender so you definitely have 11 out for the first week.

  30. sergioaguero67
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 6 months ago

    Kane or Son?
    And why.
    Please help.

    1. Mayor of Flair
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I was obsessed with getting one of the two in my team.

      No I have neither, my team looks good and I feel fine.

    2. Pukki Blinders
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane, depends how he fits in your team though

    3. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      That's the one I'm having the hardest time with.
      Just can't decide.

    4. Mighty Banana
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      I prefer Son, but very much a 50/50. I have a small worry that Spurs fixtures are already busy, and Kane has internationals on top of that (I don't think Son does?).

      I'd focus on the other players in your ream to help you choose. does the 1.5m help the rest of your team balance? If so, Son, if not, Kane.

      1. Pacer.
        • 9 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        Is Mourinho really going to give a stuff about international fixtures. Kane has been ragged for years now. Don't see that changing any time soon

    5. thericeking
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 6 months ago

      Kane if you don't have any other expensive forward. As he gives you the price point for martial kun Werner and more I guess.

      SON if you have a premium upfront already as again price point to so very many options

      1. thericeking
        • 7 Years
        3 years, 6 months ago

        That said if you're not interested in transferring them early on I'd go Kane