Scout Notes
7 September 2020 2395 comments
Skonto Rigga Skonto Rigga
Share:

We round off our coverage of Saturday’s pre-season friendlies with a look at how Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Leeds United and Leicester City got on in their final warm-up matches before Gameweek 1.

Watford 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goal: Son Heung-min (£9.0m)
  • Assist: Erik Lamela (£6.0m)

Son Heung-min (£9.0m) led the line and scored from the spot as Tottenham Hotspur rounded off their pre-season campaign with a defeat at recently relegated Watford.

With Harry Kane (£10.5m) away on international duty, the Korean was again given the nod to spearhead the Lilywhites’ attack in front of an attacking midfield trident of Erik Lamela (£6.0m), Dele Alli (£8.0m) and Lucas Moura (£7.0m) at Vicarage Road.

On paper, it seems that Lamela would be the placeholder for Kane, with Son moving back to the left flank, but the South Korea international has shone in pre-season in a central role and his energetic displays were in sharp contrast to the sluggish performance that Kane turned in for his country at the weekend.

The England striker has mitigating circumstances for his rustiness, of course, having been quarantined following a trip to the Bahamas, and even if half-fit, it’s difficult to see Jose Mourinho omitting him for the visit of Everton this weekend.

Son’s goal from 12 yards came after Lamela had been fouled and with Alli on the pitch, which, even if it is only a meaningless pre-season kickabout, may be an indication that the Korean is next in line in the penalty-taking pecking order whenever Kane is absent.

Alli had caught the eye in his first two pre-season starts, bagging a goal and two assists, but he was unable to replicate that form here, being moved into a deeper central midfield role in the second half as Tanguy Ndombele (£6.0m) was sacrificed for young winger Jack Clarke; Alli’s ball-playing skills perhaps required from deep as the two long-passing centre-backs – Eric Dier (£5.0m) and Toby Alderweireld (£5.5m) – were not on the pitch.

That’s not a position Fantasy managers want to see him in and it likely isn’t the plan long term but with Giovani Lo Celso (£7.0m) not featuring at all in pre-season, Harry Winks (£5.5m) withdrawing from the England squad because of injury and Ndombele locked in a never-ending battle to regain match-fitness, there is a lingering question over who gets the nod alongside midfield anchor Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg (£5.0m) in Gameweek 1.

Youngster Dennis Cirkin and Juan Foyth (£4.5m) both got 45 minutes at left-back in the absence of Ben Davies (£5.0m), who was away with Wales, while Serge Aurier (£5.5m) stepped into the void at right-back with Matt Doherty (£6.0m) and Gedson Fernandes (£5.0m) away on international duty.

None of the deputy full-backs turned in particularly convincing displays, with Cirkin giving away a converted penalty and Aurier’s distribution typically erratic, so there was little to worry prospective owners of Doherty and Davies.

Mourinho said after the game:

I would say that those are the positives, players who needed minutes had them, some players played 90 minutes. Also positive was that Watford took it very seriously. I liked that. They competed, they were aggressive, they made the game very hard, those are all positives.In the same way I wasn’t super-enthusiastic after winning three friendlies, wins that don’t give us any points, I’m not sad that we lost this one.

I said to the players at half-time, maybe in the Premier League if we are losing 2-0 at half-time, we have the second half to fight for the result. It was a game to give us minutes and a competitive mentality and I really liked the fact that in the last minute, we are fighting to try to score, and then Sonny makes a 100-metre sprint to stop the 3-1 on the counter-attack. So, overall, it was okay.

*With thanks to TopMarx for his observations

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-2-3-1): Hart (Gazzaniga 46′); Aurier, Sanchez, Carter-Vickers, Cirkin (Foyth 46′); Ndombele (Clarke 46′), White (Bowden 81′); Lamela, Dele, Lucas; Son.

West Ham United 3-5 Bournemouth

  • Goals: Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) x2, Felipe Anderson (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Josh Cullen x2, Robert Snodgrass (£6.0m)

A West Ham United side who have kept only two Premier League clean sheets since David Moyes took charge in January were again exposed on Saturday, this time by a team who have just dropped down to the Championship.

The alarm bells were ringing upon the release of the teamsheets as Moyes, without the unavailable and influential Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) and Declan Rice (£5.0m) due to their international commitments, opted to name the attack-minded Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) and the ageing Mark Noble (£5.0m) in a two-man central midfield.

Noble was overrun and Lanzini lasted all of 32 minutes before limping off but they weren’t the only ones culpable, with the back four unconvincing as ever and back-up goalkeeper David Martin (£4.0m) not doing his future prospects any good.

In a possible blow to managers who were looking for playing defensive bench fodder, Ben Johnson (£4.0m) turned in such a poor performance that he was hooked for Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m) with less than half an hour gone, a withdrawal that can’t have done the youngster’s confidence any good.

The return of Rice especially (providing he isn’t sold) will add much-needed protection to the back four but the Hammers haven’t recorded a single shut-out in pre-season and, given the fixtures that are to come, few Fantasy managers will be interested anyway.

Goals at the other end have been flowing at least, with Jarrod Bowen (£6.5m) continuing his fine form with a brace on Saturday – both strikes being set up by Josh Cullen.

Encouragingly, Bowen was loitering around the six-yard box for each one and he took his tally to four goals in three warm-up matches with that double at the weekend.

Felipe Anderson (£6.5m) added a late consolation with a header from fellow substitute Robert Snodgrass‘s (£6.0m) corner.

Michail Antonio (£6.5m) didn’t get on the scoresheet, however, and one of the form FPL players of the post-restart era rounded off pre-season without a goal to his name.

Antonio was paired up front with Sebastien Haller (£6.5m) as Moyes plumped for a 4-4-2 but the recently reclassified forward saw little joy against the Cherries, eventually being replaced just after the hour mark.

West Ham United XI (4-4-2): Martin; Johnson (Fredericks 26), Diop, Ogbonna (Balbuena 63), Cresswell; Bowen (Masuaku 63), Noble (Wilshere 63), Lanzini (Cullen 32), Fornals (Snodgrass 82); Antonio (Felipe Anderson 63), Haller (Xande Silva 82).


Leeds United 3-1 Pacos de Ferreira

  • Goals: Pascal Struijk (£4.0m), Pablo Hernandez (£6.0m), Helder Costa (£5.5m) 
  • Assists: Barry Douglas (£4.0m), Patrick Bamford (£5.5m) x2

With at least half a dozen possible/probable starters away on international duty, including new signings Robin Koch (£4.5m) and Rodrigo (£6.0m), a patched-up Leeds United side saw off Portuguese outfit Pacos de Ferreira in their final warm-up match before Gameweek 1.

Two budget FPL defenders combined for the Whites’ opening strike, with Barry Douglas‘ (£4.0m) free-kick being nodded in by the ‘out of position’ (at least, in Fantasy terms) Pascal Struijk (£4.0m) two minutes after the visitors had gone in front.

Patrick Bamford (£5.5m) went on to claim a brace of assists after the break, first teeing up Pablo Hernandez (£6.0m) for a net-busting strike from distance and then providing a lofted through-ball for substitute Helder Costa (£5.5m) to convert.

The fluid 4-1-4-1/3-3-1-3 Bielsa set-up was again in evidence, with the hosts putting in an improved display after the interval and Hernandez looking more effective when moving into a central role from his original position on the right.

Douglas may well get the nod in Gameweek 1 if Bielsa opts to use Luke Ayling (£4.5m) at centre-half over new recruit Koch, although the longer-term prospects don’t look quite so positive for the bargain-bin defender.

Few will be wanting him to be anything other than emergency bench fodder this weekend anyway, given that reigning champions Liverpool are providing the opposition.

Leeds United XI (4-1-4-1/3-3-1-3): Casilla; Douglas, Ayling, Casey, Davis; Struijk; Hernandez (Gotts 73′), Shackleton, Roberts (Costa 45′), Harrison (Poveda 70′); Bamford (Cresswell 88′).

Leicester City 1-1 Blackburn Rovers

  • Goal: Daniel Amartey (£4.0m)
  • Assist: None

An under-strength Leicester City side drew their final warm-up match against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend, with only a handful of first-teamers featuring.

Harvey Barnes (£7.0m) and Demarai Gray (£5.5m) flanked Jamie Vardy (£10.0m) in a strong-ish looking three-man attack but there was little to report from the long-serving striker, who forced an early save from distance and then took one of his trademark tumbles in the opposition box without reward.

Ayoze Perez (£6.5m) chalked up his first pre-season minutes as a substitute but there was again no James Maddison (£7.0m), who looks to be a major doubt for Gameweek 1 given that he was only training in the ‘rehab gang’ with fellow absentee Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m) last week.

Daniel Amartey (£4.0m) made his return after a lengthy period on the sidelines, nodding home the Foxes’ only goal from a corner following a goalkeeping howler.

Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) was deployed as a centre-half for this one and it’ll be interesting to see if he is again given the nod alongside Caglar Soyuncu (£5.5m) in Gameweek 1, with Jonny Evans (£5.5m) suspended and Wes Morgan (£4.5m) nursing an injury – although Filip Benkovic (£4.5m) is a more natural fit and James Justin (£4.5m) could potentially deputise.

Brendan Rodgers has favoured a back four in pre-season over the wing-back system he ended 2019/20 with, although the knowledge that Evans will be suspended for Gameweeks 1-3 has perhaps forced the Leicester manager’s hand, given the lack of options at centre-half.

Leicester City XI (4-3-3): Stolarczyk; Daley-Campbell (Leshabela 84′), Ndidi (Amartey 62′), Knight (Johnson 62′), Thomas; Mendy, Choudhury, Dewsbury-Hall; Gray (Perez 71′), Vardy (Iheanacho 75′), Barnes (Albrighton 71′).

Best players by position:

2,395 Comments Login to Post a Comment
  1. Pacer.
    6 years, 1 month ago

    PLAY UP POMPEY!

    1. Soopaboonch'o'lad…
      6 years, 1 month ago

      PPU!

  2. The-Red-1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Best 2 playing mids for 11 m or less?

    Currently on Ward-Prowse and Soucek

    1. Openboxman
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I'm on armstrong and bowen

      1. Stockport Hatter
        6 years, 1 month ago

        But that's 12. He said 11 or less.

        1. Openboxman
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Touche

  3. ☈☾
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Sanchooooooooo

    1. Qaiss
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Can sign Sancho, will still have a P.E. teacher in charge

      1. Champions League Varane
        6 years, 1 month ago

        BAHAHAHAHAA HES AN ARSENAL FAN HAHAGAGAGAGAGAGAGSGSGSGSGSGSGSGAG

        absolute clown

        1. Qaiss
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You know yourself what I said is true

          And Solsjoker has spent 200m already before Sancho, so I think it's fair to say he's a bit of a chequebook manager.

    2. Champions League Varane
      6 years, 1 month ago

      What what what what what about him

      1. ☈☾
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Talks are in final stages

        1. Champions League Varane
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Source pls

          1. Rogue Todd
            6 years, 1 month ago

            I'm guessing Twitter as a wild stab in the dark

    3. Vazza
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Has he signed for United?

  4. kevchenko
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Son in ... and let's hope Kane is too tired to play a full 90....

  5. THE Wild Rover
    6 years, 1 month ago

    'Aurier’s distribution typically erratic, so there was little to worry prospective owners of Doherty and Aurier'

    Oops 🙂

    1. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      6 years, 1 month ago

      There ain't no Aurier and there never was

      (fixed)

      1. THE Wild Rover
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Shows we are at least reading each others stuff 😉

        1. Skonto Rigga
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          6 years, 1 month ago

          I'm flattered, even I tend not to bother (hence the typo)

  6. Amey
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Good to see Vardy saving it for PL ...

    1. Flair
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Sounds uninspiring but he can go for Aguero in GW3

      1. Amey
        6 years, 1 month ago

        He'll be good.

      2. kevchenko
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        GW4 home to the hapless Hammers though....

        I can see me holding on for a while!

  7. Wirtzle Gummidge
    6 years, 1 month ago

    First 433 attempt.

    Would look like this in GW2 after 1FT

    McCarthy
    TAA // 4.5 // 5.0 // Davies
    Aubamayang // Sterling (Son in GW1) // Havertz
    Martial // Werner // Mitrovic

    4.0 // 4.5 // 4.5 // 4.0

  8. THE Wild Rover
    6 years, 1 month ago

    There goes my Bowen diff 😐

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      6 years, 1 month ago

      What do ya mean?

      1. THE Wild Rover
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Nothing

        1. Amey
          6 years, 1 month ago

          😆

        2. Moderately content penguin
          6 years, 1 month ago

          🙂

    2. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      He's a one week punt likely. But he's a tidy player and could be worth picking up once the nightmare fixtures are out of the way.

      1. Moderately content penguin
        6 years, 1 month ago

        How solid are Arsenal really? Only potential so far and Wolves will be different at the back. Not a particularly nightmarish first 3.

        1. ☈☾
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Arsenal are solid imo

        2. Camzy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Alright maybe they're not nightmarish but they don't get better either.

      2. THE Wild Rover
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Fixtures are not really that bad for an attacking player

  9. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Mbappe tested positive.

  10. Vazza
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If Sancho joins Utd, what is his price likely to be?

    1. Vazza
      6 years, 1 month ago

      And up to how much are you willing to pay?

    2. Gazans
      6 years, 1 month ago

      10.5

    3. Ron_Swanson
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I think he would be £10m, and I might wait and see at that price.

    4. King Dong
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      And who misses out?

  11. ☈☾
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Chelsea are in advanced talks and really ‘confident’ to sign Edouard Mendy as new goalkeeper from Rennes [as per @JacobSteinberg]
    The agreement is going to be completed on next days. Declan Rice still in the list as next target too.

    https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1303035761277784065?s=19

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Chilwell in if that is the case. Hopefully his toe is healed...

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        6 years, 1 month ago

        GW3 at earliest it seems.

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Will be the go to CHE defender IMO. Priced perfectly at 5.5.

          1. Gazans
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Still prefer James tbh. 0.5 cheaper and will get just as much attacking returns

            1. ☈☾
              6 years, 1 month ago

              James isn't nailed

              1. Gazans
                6 years, 1 month ago

                James is the starting RB for Chelsea? Isn't he?

                1. ☈☾
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  No will be rotated with Azpi

                2. The Suspended One
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  Not when we play back 4

      2. FantasyHero
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Is Alonso nailed until chilwell recovers?

        1. Gazans
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Dont think so. Azpi might play LB till Chilwell returns

  12. FOO FIGHTER
    6 years, 1 month ago

    I just have to repost...

    I reckon everyone is coming to their senses that City assets are not the be all and end all with the wealth of options available this season.

    Seen nobody benching KDB lol.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      6 years, 1 month ago

      GW2 might be a factor.

      1. FOO FIGHTER
        6 years, 1 month ago

        GW2 might be a factor for any asset.

        KDB is not going to be flavour of the week anymore IMO.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          6 years, 1 month ago

          United play Fulham.
          City play Wolves

          Is Messi signing for City?

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Wolves to destroy City again 🙂

    2. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Because Auba to KDB/Sterling in gw3 is an obvious transfer

    3. Gazans
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Chelsea assets > City assets (except for KDB)

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        And Sterling and potentially Mahrez if his minutes are increased

    4. FPL Blow-In
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Still reckon Sterling and KDB will be in the 6-7 scoring mids seasons end

  13. waltzingmatildas
    6 years, 1 month ago

    A) robbo and Adams
    B) Justin and ings

    1. antis0cial
      6 years, 1 month ago

      A

  14. kime67
    6 years, 1 month ago

    ah shii here we go agian.fraser wilson double up

    1. Flynny
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If Wilson comes in at 6.5m id be tempted to start the season with him....

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Why stop there 😀

  15. kime67
    6 years, 1 month ago

    cant blame the boys, the girls were pretty hot.

    1. Davido989
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Grow up.

      1. Nightcrawler
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Lol this. Seen people claim its okay they're young. Theyre over 18 not 14 year olds new to puberty jeez

    2. Qaiss
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I just saw the video of the phone call, they’re so stupid.

      1. Flair
        6 years, 1 month ago

        The players or the girls?

        1. Qaiss
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Players obviously and the girls are scummy for recording it, maybe they were set up, who knows.

  16. OPTA FPL
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Final piece: please give me the name of best 4M defender

    1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Mitchell

    2. Skonto Rigga
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      6 years, 1 month ago

      They all look short-term punts or at-risk at present. Mitchell for now but PVA is already back in training so may not be too far away. Douglas could start in GW1 but probably at risk when Koch is up to speed, while Johnson got hooked early on Saturday (see above).

    3. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Risking it on Buur currently. But there's certainly no Lundstram or AWB to be found this year. Ferguson could be the long term option once fit.

  17. ☈☾
    6 years, 1 month ago

    The Premier League has announced it has received three positive tests in its first round of testing ahead of the new season.

    https://twitter.com/SkySportsNews/status/1303036843466858498

    Looks like we will need all 4 bench players

    1. Davido989
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Null and void.

    2. Qaiss
      6 years, 1 month ago

      'we'?

      I'll probably have no-one or a 4.5 defender and that's it.

      after project restart, hardly any players had it because they weren't going on holidays in the middle of a pandemic.

      1. ☈☾
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah but we have internationals now? Another set after GW4

        Ever considered that? lol

        1. Qaiss
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Have you considered that a lot of players have been on holiday in the middle of a pandemic and won’t be able to do that during the season mostly? They’ll all be in bubbles, and will all be taking the same precautions.

          1. Azathoth
            6 years, 1 month ago

            " They’ll all be in bubbles".....Kyle Walker too?

    3. FOO FIGHTER
      6 years, 1 month ago

      All players will be coughing sooner or later. Surprised they are not forced to wear masks while playing lol

      1. Steve The Spud
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Probably won’t even have symptoms if they test positive

        1. FOO FIGHTER
          6 years, 1 month ago

          But we forced to wear masks irrespective of taking the dog for a walk or going to the shop.

          Even your kids are forced to wear masks if they are on soom staring at their phone 😀

          1. FOO FIGHTER
            6 years, 1 month ago

            *zoom*

        2. FOO FIGHTER
          6 years, 1 month ago

          22 football players on a pitch in close proximity to each other and no mask. So WTF should I wear a mask to the shops?

          1. Nightcrawler
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Theyve all been tested and keep getting tested regularly.

            If youre just winding folks up id be happy. Better that than u actually being ignorant and putting others in damger

            1. FOO FIGHTER
              6 years, 1 month ago

              Ha ha. You have to wear a mask whether you have been tested or not.

              Can you feel the irony!

              1. FOO FIGHTER
                6 years, 1 month ago

                PLANDEMIC.

              2. Ginkapo FPL
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Yes, because you can catch it at any time so tests are quickly inconclusive for stating your current state. Footballers are getting testing often enough that they will be found positive before they become a spreader.

                1. FOO FIGHTER
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  It does not take away from the FACT that everyone has been forces to wear a mask. 22 footballers on a pitch eith no mask.

                  Oh the irony.

                  1. FOO FIGHTER
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    *forced*

                    1. FOO FIGHTER
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      *with*

                      Apologies.

                      But there is no way escaping this fooking fact.

                      1. FOO FIGHTER
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        Otherwise I am allowedinto a shop without a mask with 22 people in the shop. Ha fooking ha

                      2. Ginkapo FPL
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        Football is outdoors and players are not in close proximity for long periods. There are rules for all organised sports.

      2. Nightcrawler
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Like when the played during the whole restart thing?

  18. Fordy40
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Gtg ?

    Ryan - McCarthy
    Doherty-TAA-VVD-Pieters-Mitchell
    Salah-Aubameyang-Som-Soucek-Saka
    Davis-Mitrovic-Jiminez

    1. Fordy40
      6 years, 1 month ago

      * - Son

    2. RAFA THE GAFFA
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Looks good. Don’t like the Mitro pick personally

    3. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Nah, you'll have to change that before Saturday morning.

      1. Fordy40
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Because....??

        1. kevchenko
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Just no wiggle room.

          Pieters isn't a sure starter (and blanks GW1), Davis non playing, Soucek a big doubt.

          Saka not a certain starter (I do have him though)....

          Mitchell you'll have to replace after a few weeks IF he does start...

          Money wasted on the bench on goals....

          Not a bad team, just think you aren't G2G, you'll change something 🙂 You need a plan for no Soucek....in GW2, he's got a horrible game, and who do you bring in, Pieters who isn't a sure starter, or Mitchell away at Man Utd?

          1. Fordy40
            6 years, 1 month ago

            Interesting thoughts.

            I think Saka will get lots of game time, can’t see anyone else that outscores him at 5.5, even if he doesn’t start every game. Soucek will be fine according to reports. After g/w 1 or 2, PEA becomes Bruno then Salah to KDB, giving extra £2m to bolster midfield. Davis is fodder, but I never plan on playing 3 forwards, rather spend it elsewhere. A £5m midfielder will out score most 5.5-6m forwards

            1. kevchenko
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              6 years, 1 month ago

              I'm an interesting guy 😮

              A 5.0 mid will not outscore a few key 6m forwards though.....

              Soucek is the only viable option to get anywhere near 100 points? Ceballos at a real push (but for .5 more Saka a much better pick).

              ,I understand the transfers, I'd just personally play a tiny bit safer (especially with Pieters in the team) for the first couple of weeks - the 0.5m you can save from the keeper is a really easy switch - Ryan out and improve Pieters or Mitchell to a 100% starter in Def and you've solved the hypothetical problem?

              1. Fordy40
                6 years, 1 month ago

                Noble, Rice & Doncke outscored all the £6m forwards last year with the exception of Ayew of Palace. Rice especially will be nailed, don’t think he misses a minute last year. Thinking of doing the gk thing though, maybe bringing in Gabriel, Dier, or a SHU defender

                1. kevchenko
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  6 years, 1 month ago

                  I love Egan at 5.0

                  Reading that the manager said after his first goal (in June or July) that he should have had 10 already made me laugh.

                  "Noble, Rice & Doncke outscored all the £6m forwards last year with the exception of Ayew of Palace."

                  I don't think that's correct...... Maupay was 6.0, he got 131 - Jay Rodrguez managed 100 (same as Deck) and he was 6.0

                  and Ings was 6.0, and got 198 - point being there is definitely going to be a 6.0 striker that crushes the 5.0 mids

                  1. Fordy40
                    6 years, 1 month ago

                    Possibly. But we’re talking this season, Maupay (who you’re right, did score 131, my bad) has gone up, as has Ings massively. I just can’t see which £6m forward I can be confident of hitting triple figures, maybe Mitrovic. That’s not to say that one won’t, but hard to find one to justify putting in. Hence I’d rather drop £2m and have fodder up front and spend it on midfield or even defence

                    1. kevchenko
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      6 years, 1 month ago

                      I think it's about a combination of 6.0's over the season that'd outscore a 5.0 mid - I don't think that can be argued.

                      However, if you'd have said a 6.5 mid can outscore a 6.0 striker (rather than a 5.0 mid) then I'd agree.... so you've made your side of the debate harder than you needed to 🙂

                      The extra 2m you have to spend, will make it better - it just looks 'tight' in GW1, but that's not a huge issue.

                      1. Fordy40
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        Exactly. Upgrading the 5.5m midfielder with the spare 2m will help no end, but I’ll keep the other 5m one who is nailed to play, rather than bother upgrading the fodder forward

                      2. kevchenko
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        Yeah I see what you're saying.

                        I took the 5.0m being better than a 6.0 forward too literally.

                        I follow now.

                      3. Fordy40
                        6 years, 1 month ago

                        Cheers

  19. RAFA THE GAFFA
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this lot? 0.5itb for Ings >> Martial GW2.

    Ryan
    TAA, Davies, Egan, KWP
    Salah, Auba, Havertz, ASM
    Werner, Ings
    (4.0, Mitchell, Bissouma, Davis)

    1. Eleven Hag
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I would get two 4.5 DEFs as you are gonna start 4 every week

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Depends if Bissouma breaks through. Or I use the 0.5 now to get Soucek

    2. Sjaugen
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Pretty solid

    3. Karan_G14
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I like it.
      I've gone with Ayling, Alli, Soucek & Adams over Egan, Havertz, ASM & Davis. Rest is same.

      Currently have the same Ings to Martial plan but might need to use the 0.5m elsewhere.

    4. Z
      6 years, 1 month ago

      How about Davies into Dier and Haverz into Son...coz you alrdy have Werner

  20. Vazza
    6 years, 1 month ago

    If Sancho joins, it would be a massive spanner in the works for us Greenwood owners...!!

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Probably why Greenwood isn't a good pick.

      Not playing GW1 and he'd get less points than Martial, Rashford and Bruno over the season.

      The only hope if he is on a hot streak to start with and he keeps up with them so you get some value.

    2. Eleven Hag
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Even if he does, it will be close to the deadline which should give us 3-4 weeks of Greenwood

  21. Lilac Breasted Roller
    6 years, 1 month ago

    How does this look?

    McCarthy / Nyland
    Taa / Robbie / KWP / Vinagre / Bardsley
    Auba / Salah / Son / ASM / Reed
    Werner / Adams / 4.5

    Contemplating Auba -> KDB in GW3.

    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Decent mate

    2. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Would say maybe take Vinagre out, seeing as he is out of favour now. Otherwise, it's pretty good, glad to see someone else with Reed.

    3. FantasyHero
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Is vinaigre nailed ? Else looks good!

    4. Lilac Breasted Roller
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Thanks all, agree on the Vinagre comment. Better to play it safe now and get as many starters as posisble

  22. FantasyHero
    6 years, 1 month ago

    So what's the though on doherty and kane starting prospects?
    Neither have done any preseason games or training with the team. Son in amazing form.
    Is there a chance those 2 don't start gw1?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Kane will start. But Doherty might not depending on how integrated he is.

    2. Steve The Spud
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Absolutely no chance at all that neither of those players start

  23. tommo1989
    6 years, 1 month ago

    What do you think of this team?

    McCarthy
    Dier Vinagre Walker-Peters Justin
    Aubameyang (c) Son Saint-Maximin Soucek
    Werner Ings

    Peacock-Farrell Bruno Martial Mitchell

    I did have Salah and Nketiah instead of Bruno & Martial but I’m thinking I’d prefer slightly less points the first week and try saving transfers?

  24. clarkey_2000
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Thoughts on this?

    McCarthy, Nyland

    TAA, Doherty, Egan, Vinagre, Mitchell

    De Bruyne, Aubameyang, Traore, Norwood, Bissouma

    Kane, Vardy, Davies

  25. RAFA THE GAFFA
    6 years, 1 month ago

    With players at risk from Covid, is Ryan+Button the best GK combo at 8.5?

    1. Camzy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      If you really wanted to do that combo thing it's Johnstone - Button. Button plays for West Brom now.

      But I hate the combo thing. Just get the best GK and it's McCarthy imo.

    2. Davido989
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Except that they play for two different clubs.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Oh! Hahaha

    3. Vazza
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Button has left BHA for WBA

    4. Pukki Party
      6 years, 1 month ago

      No, i think we need two playing keepers from different teams.

  26. Emiliano Sala
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Struijk or Douglas ?

    1. kevchenko
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Neither likely to start....so doesn't matter?

    2. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Finding the extra .5 for Dallas will pay off in the long run.

  27. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Don't like the little FFScout man in the top left corner. Out of the corner of my eye, it looks like a moth on my laptop screen.

    1. Emiliano Sala
      6 years, 1 month ago

      now it's a little hard to go to main page for me

    2. Nightcrawler
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Didnt notice it before u mentioned it. Now cant take my eyes off it ughh

    3. Drip Doctor
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I mean, it's moth season, do these things not get a beta test or something?

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Even moves when you click refresh ffs.

  28. Mike2795647
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Kwp and Son with 343 or Robertson and Jota/Traore With 433. Leaning more towards kwp and Son due to initial fixtures and easier to downgrade Son to Chelsea mid if needed

    1. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Answered your own question

  29. FPL Pillars
    6 years, 1 month ago

    How’s this for a back five?

    Holding Mee Long White Koch

    1. ☈☾
      6 years, 1 month ago

      You're hilarious

      1. FPL Pillars
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Shame this was bottomed

    2. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Pretty bold to be rocking a 5 at the back defence of 4 and 5m players

      1. Stockport Hatter
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Lol!! I presume you're being sarcastic??

    3. Boo Ya Ka Sha
      6 years, 1 month ago

      lmao

  30. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    6 years, 1 month ago

    Mbappe has Covid meaning most of the French team including Martial are likely to have it, then they travel back to their clubs and spread it around there? This was such a ridiculous decision to play these games.

    1. OPTA FPL
      6 years, 1 month ago

      yes

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Probably all tested now.

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Can't it be in your system, undetected for 14 days? Thought the idea was, if you are in contact with someone who has tested positive, you have to isolate and take a test?

        1. Drip Doctor
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          6 years, 1 month ago

          Unless its a different rule for athletes.

        2. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          6 years, 1 month ago

          You are the doctor. All will be monitored and tested again at the very least. Didn't stop Watford playing when they had a player test positive.

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      6 years, 1 month ago

      I wonder if there is a fall out whether they’ll cancel the next games - certainly the clubs won’t want to send players on intl duty

      1. Nightcrawler
        6 years, 1 month ago

        Hope they do

    4. Nightcrawler
      6 years, 1 month ago

      They would get tested before joining the rest of the squad

      But i agree very stipid to have an int break at this time

      1. Drip Doctor
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        6 years, 1 month ago

        They join back up on Wednesdaythursday, what if they develop symptoms in a week or so?

        1. Nightcrawler
          6 years, 1 month ago

          U dont have to show symptoms to be tested positive

          If its in ur system u will give a positive test unless the test is faulty which is another case altogether

    5. Karan_G14
      6 years, 1 month ago

      Damn not ideal! I definitely can't risk benching Martial in GW1.

    6. MJF
      6 years, 1 month ago

      UEFA are a joke.

      1. Amey
        6 years, 1 month ago

        UEFA are what RKO says to Kofi

        https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x7e2oo8