Dugout Discussion

Soucek and Wilson feature as West Ham host Newcastle

Tomas Soucek (£5.0m) starts for West Ham United amid concerns over his match fitness for Gameweek 1.

The player reportedly missed international duty with the Czech Republic on account of a quarantine period and missed some training too.

But the first chance David Moyes had to include the budget midfielder, he starts, against a Newcastle team that typically struggles to deal with the aerial threat of a player like Soucek.

They may also face a tough test competing with Michail Antonio (£6.5m) who has retained the centre-forward berth on the back of his exceptional Project Restart form.

That means Sebastien Haller (£6.5m) remains on the bench, where is joined by Ben Johnson (£4.0m), kept out of the team by Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m).

Callum Wilson (£6.5m) comes straight into the Newcastle team following his summer signing from Bournemouth.

He is paired with Andy Carroll (£5.5m) in a two-man strike-force while Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.5m) and Jeff Hendrick (£5.0m) are tasked with providing the width from midfield.

West Ham United XI: Fabianski; Cresswell, Ogbonna, Diop, Fredericks; Soucek, Rice; Fornals, Noble, Bowen; Antonio.

Newcastle United XI: Darlow; Lewis, Lascelles, Fernández, Manquillo; Saint-Maximin, Shelvey, Hayden, Hendrick; Carroll, C Wilson.

Best players by position:

1,329 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Jebiga
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    So another puke of the season :/
    It was realy penalties or another diving from Salah?

    1. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Sour grapes

    2. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Relax. Season is long.

    3. Miniboss
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      First day almost over and nearly 38 weeks to go... Cheer up emo.

    4. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Lol

    5. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Posted last page

      Didn't have Sterling for his hattrick last season in GW1 vs Wham. Finished comfortably inside top 5K. Non-Salah owners don't need to panic. Long long season ahead.

      -Mo Owner.

    6. Stockport Hatter
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Having spent the afternoon watching people laugh at Salah captainers- utterly bizarrely - then wanting to hang draw and quarter Aubameyang for not scoring 6 goals in the first half I’m rather enjoying my beer with the 47 points those 2 delivered me. Won’t criticise those who made different choices because it’s pathetic and embarrassing. I’m a grown up. Some decisions go your way some don’t. It’s spineless to wait for results then say I told you so. There’s some skill but a huge amount of luck in this game. Everyone needs to chill and enjoy it. Roll on tomorrow.

    7. Lh909
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Also a rocket

  2. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    David Moyes still looks like someone battling relegation.

    1. how now brown cow
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Give it time and he will be

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

    59 with Ryan, Doherty, Soucek, Werner to go. Not bad imo.

    1. The Pesci challenge
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      54 with 4 to play, it’ll do for now

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

        Best of luck!

    2. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      62 with Alli, Havertz, Barnes & DCL to play! Fingers crossed!

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

        Whoa, not bad.

  4. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What formation are Newcastle playing?

    1. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      flying v

    2. Gnu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Basic 4-4-2 by the looks of it.

  5. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Wilson picking up some xG already. Should have done better with the header.

  6. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Lwow the commentator literally said Fabianksi was flapping haha

  7. Ser Davos
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    NEW started well here

    Shelvey could be significant as deep lying playmaker

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      West Ham look all over the place...

  8. FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I am so happy that we have a captain sensible article that is fit for purpose now! 😀

    Thank you thank you thank you Scout!!!

    1. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Dafuq

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Its Virg....

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I think he means this one.
        https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2020/09/10/who-are-the-best-captain-options-for-fpl-blank-gameweek-1/

        It really was that amazing. Video evidence about Leeds' high line and how teams have exploited it in the past. Really great stuff.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          But that wasnt how Salah scored points

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            The high line was why Liverpool got in behind Leeds time and time again, which led to the Salah goals. Turns them inside out. It could have been Mane on a different day, but Salah of course has the better stats so it focused on him.

            1. Pat Bonner
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Salah had 9 shots and 8 in the box which backs this up. Could’ve had more

              1. Piggs Boson
                • 12 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                Check out his touches in the box...

              2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
                • 14 Years
                3 years, 7 months ago

                They weren’t great shots though according to the all-seeing eye of XG

                Salah’s average home open play XG per game last year was 0.5

                Today it was 0.2

                His average home non-penalty XG per game last year was 0.6

                Today it was 0.4

                Don’t ask me what the difference is between those - but they both say he was hugely benefitting from 2 pens today, and did nothing more than what he generally does the last 24 months which is perform well at home, the lower the opposition the better

                In conclusion - stats are placebo-effect bollocks (pool’s defence was statistically exemplary today - 0.32 XGc) and Salah was a penalty merchant

        2. Sgt Frank Drebin
          • 7 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah amazing stuff isn't it. Can't wait for more of these articles

          1. Piggs Boson
            • 12 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah, I mean the guy had the 2nd highest total for captaincy points last season. What a record. Knows what he's talking about.

            1. Ginkapo FPL
              • 12 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              The approach he has taken is what I want to do, if I had a spare couple of days every week

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Whens your podcast & patreon starting?

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm signing up if true

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Until next week.

  9. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    All those without Salah, it hurts today but remeber that GW havent finished yet and for most of you decision to leave Mo out was a part of bigger plan.
    Yes owners and captainers have the early advantage but its still a long way to go.

    1. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Am a Salah C but yup, the season is so so long that it is just a blip.

    2. goriuanx
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      You win some and you lose some, it's part of the game.

      I just find it baffling with the amount of people who completely wrote him off and are now seemingly shocked and of course salty.

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        No point being salty or schocked he is always capable of haul, accept it and move on.

      2. Begbie.
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I'm genuinely shocked at how many people have went without him and are now talking about patience and plans etc. Like to me including him is a no brainer and he's the first guy I put in my team every year now. There's been players throughout the years that were just essential and you had to own. Suarez, Aguero back in the day and Salah is definitely one of those IMO.

        1. Ginkapo FPL
          • 12 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          They scored basically the same amount last year. So is Mane also essential?

          1. Sgt Frank Drebin
            • 7 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            One of them probably is...

      3. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I didn't write him off , I'm not shocked , I'm not salty.
        I thought that the cash was better spread elsewhere.
        Looks like it was a bad decision. Shocking start which will take some pulling back.

    3. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yup
      Wise words.
      Agree completely. I was going to sell him. Not now though. Don't have that courage

    4. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      it should have been a brace that last-minute penalty was silly. Looks like was a bad call from `gW1 standpoint but we will see. Lateriser FPL wire has become a must watch

    5. Ser Davos
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I don't see why Mane can't match Salah closely over the medium term and I didn't see anything to suggest that otherwise. Though Mane's finish from interplay with Salah was dismal

      1. el polako
        • 6 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I have neither but was really close of playing Mane, then I watched some in depth analys of Havertz and my head was turned...

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Just a reminder that instead of stewing on this week's disappointment it's key to start targeting future (C) hauls

      2. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Penalties are why it's harder for Mane to match Salah.

        1. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah, open play they were pretty similar on the eye test, but pens can really skew things

          Mane didn't play v NOR last season but was a decent asset (if not better) till about December iirc

    6. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      With the amount of expensive players this season, it's literally impossible to own everyone, so chances are you will always miss out on someone's haul. Salah could blank next week while Fernandes scores loads.

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This

        Remember Sterling's hat trick GW1 last year? Was then useless from then till the Restart

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

      I think Klopp has to go back to playing more conservatively after today, he just doesn't look comfortable on the sidelines at all.
      I expect Liverpool's focus to be on keeping goals out for the next few weeks in training, rather scoring them at the other end.
      Plays well into the triple defence owners at least, well at least I hope so 🙂

      1. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        They'll likely tighten at some point, but it'll take a while

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

          It'll be soon I think. Their fixture list isn't kind, and Liverpool's results against the better sides since the restart at the back end of last season have been poor.

          He'll know if he doesn't sort the defence out, points will be dropped regularly.

  10. Hybrid.power
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Let's go Wilson

  11. Steve The Spud
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Wilson causing trouble

    I don’t want him to cause trouble I want him to score points

  12. Sjaugen
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Can someone book Carroll already?

  13. Mighty Banana
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Carroll will get subbed off before 10mins at this rate

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Horse and cart.

  14. Pedram
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    West Ham looks horrible tbh, Newcastle should win this

  15. Ted Bovis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone got Magnus Carlsen or Ville Ronkas FPL id?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Magnus went Salah captain judging by his tweets.

  16. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Liverpool and penalties, still living rent free in people's heads. What a laugh!

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Do those people know United exist

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        People just love to hate Liverpool. Happens to any other side and would be passed on

        1. FPL Blow-In
          • 11 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Erm united get it much worse, trust me

  17. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Looks like LiVARpool is alive and well... 2 pens to beat a newly promoted side

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      VAR only went on loan to United for restart 😎

    2. Jebiga
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      LOL

      I hope it will not be puke of the season like last one

    3. Sjaugen
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Second pen was 100%
      First one, noone saw the leg touch
      Qybs

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

      Both pens. Whinge more.

  18. KGFC
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Can anyone tell how is CWilson, ASM and Bowen looked so far?

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Wilson Good
      ASM okay
      Bowen Started ?

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

        Thanks, Amey!

  19. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    One rule I did make before the reason. I wont include any results against Leeds in my analysis. Too unpredictable.

  20. Nightcrawler
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Only relevant player id be scared of not owning here is Antonio

    ASM and soucek could get something obviously but youll always be comfortable watching them as non owners

    1. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      As an owner of ASM and Soucek I still agree with you.

      But can't do much better in that price range

  21. BenDavies
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    They're specifically targeting Soucek on all set pieces, nice!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      That's what they do

  22. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    ASM looks lazy af

  23. Kaptenen
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Ings to Martial transfer tonight?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I'm keeping

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Neither are changing price. Werner could get injured etc.

  24. el polako
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    C'mon Antonio Newcastle, Norwich what'the difference ?

  25. MoSalalalalalalalalah
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I have 21 points and only 5 players left. Tough first week, really put a lot of effort in as well

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Onwards and upwards !

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        100%, anything can happen next week!

    2. Lh909
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      How come? Your name n all.......

      1. MoSalalalalalalalalah
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        More of a Liverpool fan than a Salah fan, so based off pre season I thought Mane was the better pick of the 2

        1. Paul Psychic Octopus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          Ah. You need to consult us casuals who don't even know what either one looks like!

    3. Pedersen
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Salah you only player ?

  26. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Well, one thing is certain: Callum Wilson does look good on a Newcastle shirt.

    1. Drexl Spivey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      All players look better in a Newcastle shirt. It's just when we ask them to play things get a bit iffy.

      1. Paul Psychic Octopus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I preferred the 'on' a shirt!

  27. Je suis le chat
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    12k transferred out Salah already! What has the man to do to please some people?

    1. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Get better fixtures, probably.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Didn't score in 1st 3 mins.

    3. MoSalalalalalalalalah
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Perhaps making way for KDB/Fernandes?

    4. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I’m selling unless someone like Werner or Havertz gets injured.
      His hat trick is in the past, fixtures turn sour now.

    5. Paul Psychic Octopus
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Had originally thought about Auba+Salah > Bruno+KDB.
      But then remembered the folly of pre-planned transfer moves, so bought and benched Martial instead.

      My concern is other players are going to enjoy significant price rises, and if you want to amass team value, may want to get on Werner, Havertz, J.Rod Mk.II, Willian, Puli Puli etc. Holding lots of 12.0 mids means a lean budget for this.

  28. 2999 - Lady of Legend
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Always nice when captain gets a hat trick, vvd goal a nice bonus too!

    1. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Same here

  29. JamTart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    West Ham looking on the ropes here. Auba captain next week anyone?

    1. Rolls-Royce
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I think most will be on him

    2. Amey
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Everyone

      1. JamTart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Was more curious to see if there was anyone still grumpy.

        I'm planning it but considering Martial when I bring him in

  30. MagicMessi
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Wilson close