Scout Notes
20 July 2022 1197 comments
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There were more pre-season friendlies contested on Tuesday and we’ve got all the goal, assist and line-up information you need in this latest Scout Notes article.

We’re also keeping tabs on the minutes played in all of these warm-up fixtures, with Premium Members of Fantasy Football Scout able to access this information at the bottom of this article.

READ MORESunday and Monday friendlies: £4.5m midfielder Pereira on set plays?


MANCHESTER UNITED 3-1 CRYSTAL PALACE

  • Goals: Martial, Rashford, Sancho | Ward
  • Assists: Dalot, van de Beek, Martial | Milivojevic

Match highlights

Manchester United made it a clean sweep of pre-season victories so far by comfortably defeating Crystal Palace 3-1 in Melbourne.

Attacking trio Anthony Martial (£7.0m), Marcus Rashford (£6.5m) and Jadon Sancho (£7.5m) continue to impress and were all on the scoresheet, which Bruno Fernandes (£10.0m) discussed after the game.

“… the three guys up front have been much more aggressive in the way they press and they are strong too. They make the last line squeeze and it makes the midfielders come a little bit higher, it makes it so, when we recover the ball, we are being closer to the ball too. 

We all know that everyone wants to score goals, but the main ones have to be the strikers. They know that they have to be there to score goals and they are doing really well. We have to keep supporting them in making them happy because we know that they lead from the goals.” – Bruno Fernandes

Martial added to his strikes against Liverpool and Melbourne Victory with a composed finish from a lovely left-footed Diogo Dalot cross (£4.5m), while Sancho was electric on the right-wing and has arguably been United’s standout player of the tour so far.

As for Dalot, there was a moment in the first-half when he made another one of those infield runs, cutting inside Sancho and offering a passing option, and it’s that partnership that is already looking strong.

Tyrell Malacia (£4.5m), meanwhile, made his first United start, lasting 77 minutes.

“I think it’s pre-season and we are happy with the improvement we see but also you see a lot of work to do. We scored some wonderful goals and that is also true. I agree (that we are winning the ball higher up in the field in dangerous positions) and that is also the demand on the team. We press all day and, if we can, do that high up the pitch. But if we can’t, we get to do that in a lower block but we also have to press and do it together as a team.” – Erik ten Hag

As for Crystal Palace, Joel Ward (£4.5m) headed in a Luka Milivojevic (£4.5m) corner with 15 minutes remaining, while Jack Butland (£4.5m) was forced off after feeling pain following a fingertip save.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Dalot (Wan-Bissaka 66), Maguire (Fish 65), Lindelof (Telles 66), Malacia (Laird 77); McTominay (van de Beek 46), Fred (Savage 66); Sancho (Amad 66), Fernandes (Iqbal 66), Rashford (Hannibal 66); Martial (Elanga 66)

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Butland (Matthews 15); Clyne (Quick 65), Andersen (Siddik 77), Ward (O’Brien 77), Mitchell (Adaramola 65); Milivojevic (Boateng 77), Phillips (Ozoh 65), Rak-Sakyi (Raymond 65); Ebiowei (Banks 77), Ayew (Akinwale 77), Mateta (Ola-Adebomi 65)


GILLINGHAM 2-3 CRYSTAL PALACE

  • Goals: Zaha x2, Benteke
  • Assists: Benteke, Zaha

Match highlights

The second part of Crystal Palace’s friendly double-header on Tuesday took place at the Priestfield Stadium, where a Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) brace and Christian Benteke (£5.5m) goal was enough to earn a 3-2 win.

The Eagles put out a strong XI consisting of players who didn’t travel to Singapore and Australia, with Zaha, Benteke, Marc Guehi (£4.5m), Eberechi Eze (£5.5m) and new-signing Cheick Doucoure (£5.0m) all featuring from the off.

Zaha, meanwhile, was in confident mood and heavily involved from the left-wing, while budget forward Luke Plange (£4.5m) followed up his hat-trick against Ipswich Town with another start.

Crystal Palace XI: Goodman, Boateng (Wells-Morrison 68), Sheridan, Guehi (Gordon 68), Riedewald (Addae 68), Doucoure (Bartley 68), Eze (MacArthur 68), Schlupp (Hughes 68), Plange (Cardogan 79), Zaha (Mooney 79), Benteke (Watson 68)


RANGERS 3-1 WEST HAM UNITED

  • Goals: Soucek
  • Assists: Zouma

Match highlights

West Ham United suffered a 3-1 defeat at Ibrox on Tuesday, their first loss of pre-season.

After a finely balanced first-half, Rangers stepped up a gear with three goals inside 15 minutes, before Tomas Soucek (£5.5m) pulled one back from a corner for David Moyes’ side.

Declan Rice (£5.0m) got some more pre-season minutes under his belt but new centre-back signing Nayef Aguerd (£5.0m) picked up an ankle injury, with Issa Diop (£4.5m) coming on in his place.

However, Moyes later revealed the Moroccan hadn’t suffered a break.

“We’ve already had Nayef x-rayed and there’s no break in his ankle, which is good news. It might be some ligaments, or he’s twisted his ankle – it blew up immediately so we have to hope it’s not a problem.” – David Moyes

Elsewhere, Jarrod Bowen (£8.5m) was probably West Ham’s best player but failed to get the goal his play deserved.

“They’re a good side, but I thought the goals showed the other side to us too. It’s not like us to defend the way we did, but that wasn’t the main reason. We didn’t show enough attacking purpose and when we had a couple of half-chances we didn’t take them. Look, it’s a pre-season game, so hopefully we can get it out of the way and move on. It was always going to be a difficult game, but I’m disappointed with a lot of elements of the game and things that we did.

I hope it comes as a good thing having a wake-up call, but I thought it was a good pre-season last year when we won all the games. You want to win the games and you want to go in (to the season) in good form. We certainly need to make a lot of changes and do something different, that’s for sure.” – David Moyes

West Ham United XI (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Johnson (Coufal 55), Zouma, Aguerd (Diop 24), Cresswell, Rice (Downes 55), Lanzini (Soucek 55); Bowen, Fornals (Coventry 75), Benrahma (Vlasic 55), Antonio (Mubama 75)


STRASBOURG 2-2 BRENTFORD

  • Goals: Wissa, Lewis-Potter
  • Assists: Janelt

Match highlights

Brentford’s pre-season tour of Germany ended with a 2-2 draw against Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.

Yoane Wissa (£5.5m) scored a superb first-half effort, blasting into the net after a decent first touch, while Keane Lewis-Potter (£5.5m) is off the mark following his 16m move from Hull City.

The pair may end up competing for minutes in 2022/23, although for those considering Wissa as a budget midfielder, Athletic journalist Jay Harris sounded upbeat on his chances of starting Gameweek 1 in a recent Q&A:

“If Brentford start the season playing 4-3-3, I expect Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo to play rather than Lewis-Potter. Wissa was the club’s second-leading goalscorer last season with 10. Mbeumo recorded the most assists (seven) and Frank also values his work out of possession. This will allow Lewis-Potter to be gradually integrated into the side, instead of being thrown in straight away as he steps up a division from the Championship. The England U21 international’s favourite position is on the left wing, which suggests he will mainly be competing against Wissa for game time, although he is versatile. Lewis-Potter’s arrival gives Frank more options up front.” – Jay Harris, Brentford reporter for The Athletic

Ivan Toney (£7.0m), meanwhile, hit the bar from 10 yards out, with Thomas Frank generally happy with his team’s efforts in the final-third:

“There were a lot of positives. It was a game against a good side and overall, we kept them quiet. I like the intention and intensity. We lacked a bit of quality sometimes. We’d like to play even quicker but the pitch was slow. In the game, we maybe created six chances, so we need to score one or two more goals. We also need to defend better in the box.” – Thomas Frank

Brentford XI (4-3-3): Raya (Cox 60); Hickey (Roerslev 60), Bech (Crama 60), Jansson (Oyegoke 60), Henry (Stevens 60); Jensen (Dasilva 60), Janelt (Trevitt 60), Onyeka (Baptiste 60); Mbeumo (Dervisoglu 60), Wissa (Ghoddos 60), Toney (Lewis-Potter 60)


BRAGA 2-1 BOURNEMOUTH

  • Goals: Solanke
  • Assists:

Match highlights

Bournemouth ended their Portugal training camp with defeat against a strong Braga outfit that finished fourth in the Primeira Liga last season.

However, Dominic Solanke (£6.0m) netted his second goal of pre-season and really should have added to it, going close on several occasions.

Ryan Christie (£5.5m) linked up particularly well with Solanke with some clever passes, while at the other end, ‘keeper Mark Travers (£4.5m) made two smart saves.

In the 70th minute Bournemouth made wholesale changes, with a number of academy prospects taking to the pitch.

Bournemouth XI: Travers (Lossl 70), Smith (Genesini 70), Mepham (Stacey 70), Hill (Greenwood 70), Zemura (Sadi 70), Billing (Lowe 70), Cook (Stanislas 70), Lerma (Marcondes 70), Rothwell (Anthony 70), Christie (Dembele 70), Solanke (Moore 70)


PRE-SEASON MINUTES TRACKER



  1. Ady87
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Eager to see how City get on tonight. How many assists does Cancelo get whipping balls in to that 6ft 5 monster centre forward?

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

      Funnily enough he's not known for his heading abilities

    2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I expect a fair few, like Zimo says he's not exactly known for heading but I still expect he'll get a fair few goals from Cancelo due to his excellent movement

      1. banskt
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I wish blanks from Haaland, so that his ownership will reduce in the FPL.

  2. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Exciting pre-season games this evening/morning. Let’s see how reactionary the community becomes!

    1. Nate(U)dog(ie)
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Haaland blank and Mahrez brace to set the yearly trap is inevitable

    2. Fish up a tree
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yeah anyone who bags a haul tonight is straight in my team to join the Utd lads!

  3. Under my Cucurella
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A: Trent Dias Trippier
    B: Robbo Cancelo Dalot

    James the other starter and Neco on the bench

    1. Ninjaa
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      A but the City downgrade would be upsetting

      1. Under my Cucurella
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        I've just toyed with making James Trippier and replacing Meslier with Mendy to give this instead. Thoughts?

        Mendy
        TAA Cancelo Trippier Dalot (Neco)

        I've checked and when Tripps has tough fixtures against City and Liverpool in 3 and 5, Neco has Everton and Pereira has Brighton to step in for those games. Feeling with Chelsea defences uncertainty maybe James is the best one to drop

        1. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          3 years, 7 months ago

          I prefer the option you just outlined...but then I love actually making use of my bench and getting a good fixture rotation.

  4. Ninjaa
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Sanchez 4m
    Cancelo TAA James Dalot Neco
    Salah Sancho Mount Neto A. Pereira
    Haaland Jesus Greenwood

    Thoughts??

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Yep pretty template and good.

  5. The FPL Units
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    What are thoughts on a big midfield?

    Raya 4.0
    Robbo James Doherty Botman Neco
    Salah Son KdB Bailey Andreas
    Jesus Johnson Greenwood

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

      Could work wonders. Like it a lot. Not a fan of Bailey though, maybe make it a one-man attack?

    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I dislike it as I think the value is in the £8m options.

    3. The Knights Template
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      It isn't flexible. You want a yoga team.

    4. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Quite like it, but feel two 8m mids in place of KDB and Bailey would be more productive, and more flexible.

  6. 11SPECIALONE11
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    I think iv decided to go 4-3-3. Here it is (for now)

    Sanchez
    Trent, Cancelo, James, Neco
    Salah, Rashford, Saka
    Jesus. Kane, Martial

    Bench fodder...

    1. Eastman
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Like the forwards but Martial and Rashford may be a bit much

    2. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Not keen on starting Neco every week.

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

    Please: James + Andreas (sub) or Cash and Neto rotation?

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

      Who would be playing with James?

  8. Fish up a tree
    • 4 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    No Tierney in the squad again tonight so Zinchenko looking nailed for LB start GW1

    1. Nuka Girl
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Just done Tierney to Zinchenko after that comment 🙂

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

      But doesn't he need to train with the squad before starting a game in the PL?

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

        Hes already with the squad in Orlando.

    3. svgcr
      • 13 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No Tomi either

    4. Logic
      • 12 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      They have a Chelsea game on Saturday

  9. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    How many cleansheets did Arsenal keep second half of last season, particularly whilst Partey was out?
    Might be worth monitoring if he will play...

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

    I keep coming back to this- but so template……Gabriel would be Zinchenko if move goes through and looks a starter.

    Mendy
    TAA Cancelo James Gabriel
    Salah L Díaz Rashford Neto
    Haaland James

    Ward Neco Andreas Archer

    1. noquarternt
      • 10 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Just out of interest why would you get Zinchenko over Gabriel? Same price but Gabriel's goal threat is enormous comparatively.

      1. Tony Moon
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 16 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        This, definitely. And Gabriel is nailed.

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

        Assist and goal threat

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

        You can expect him to be in a more influencial role at arsenal especially since the rightbacks Tomi and Cedric dont really get involved in the attack much.

    2. Sheffield Wednesday
      • 5 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      I feel stupid for asking but who is the forward named 'James'?

  11. adstomko
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Can't see myself changing this draft for a while. I'd like a cheap enabler, but having 1 premium boosts elsewhere so much.

    Lloris
    Trent, Robertson, Cancelo, Chilwell, Gabriel
    Luis Diaz, Mount, Maddison
    Kane (C), Jesus
    (Bazunu, Andreas, Lavia, Plange) (0.5m ITB)

    Bazunu for GW2 & 7
    Kane & Haaland transfer rotation.

    1. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Assume Haaland's in your team, as he's not in your list.

      1. Sheffield Wednesday
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        "Kane & Haaland transfer rotation"

  12. Sergeant Slaughter
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Other than an awkward price point, is there some reason that Vardy has such low ownership?

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

      Perhaps Maddison is better value and less injury prone

      1. Sergeant Slaughter
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Yes, certainly a factor

      2. Sergeant Slaughter
        • 14 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Barnes is 1m less than Maddison and is healthy. He could easily outperform expectations.

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

          Choosing Barnes over Benrahma ruined my start last season. I'm avoiding

          1. Sergeant Slaughter
            • 14 Years
            3 years, 7 months ago

            Same boat. Different circumstances. His knee was a nightmare early on last year. He may bang them in from the off this year.

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

      He’s in my team. I think the price is putting people off and probably the Jesus/Haaland/Kane factor too means he’s hard to get with either of them and still have a strong mid.
      I’m going Salah Son and Vardy and hoping my punt to go sans Haaland pays off

  13. dunas_dog
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Mané scores again …….

  14. Boberella
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone know much about the Maddy to spurs rumours?

  15. RWB_1991
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A) Pope
    B) Ramsdale

    1. OPTA FPL
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      B

  16. JLAEST
    • 11 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A: Sanchez, Chilwell, Neco

    B: Ederson, Trippier/Doherty, Neco

    C: Ramsdale, Trippier/Doherty, Dalot

    Third player is bench, on C Dalot would be insurance for Neto/Martinelli

    Thoughts?

  17. SpaceCadet
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    New draft. Thoughts?

    Sanchez
    Taa cancelo James jansson
    Salah son Diaz Neto
    Jesus martial

    Steele neco Andreas plange

    1. Letsgo!
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      No haaland no go

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Can get him for a hit if he fires

    2. Boxwoods
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Could be great if Martial will be starting or Jimi regains pre-injury form / another 7.0 or lower fwd emerges.

    3. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Perfectly good team. No need for Haaland. You can get him in one or two transfers if needs be.

      1. SpaceCadet
        • 12 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

  18. Letsgo!
    • 9 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Do you guys think jesus is quite nailed , afraid nketiah will start some of the games?

    1. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 16 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Seems pretty nailed. I think Arteta experimented with two up front in a recent friendly, presumably if he needs to play both together, rather than one or the other.

  19. OPTA FPL
    • 14 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Bye Bye Reece James, playing RCB this season with Husson Odoi + Kounde RWB

    1. Letsgo!
      • 9 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Really?

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

      No chance..its only in the interim till they sign Kounde.

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

      Kounde is a centre back..why would he play RWB? And the Wing back will play RCB?

  20. Lallana_
    • 12 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    My draft for today. I would go Salah but prefer Robertson, Trent and Diaz until I see how Liverpool play. Salah ended last season with poor form too.

    Mendy
    Tomiyasu Robertson TAA
    Neto Diaz Son (C) Mahrez Rashford
    Haaland Jesus

    Steele, Vestergaard, N. Williams, Taylor

  21. samaael
    • 15 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Concerned with martinelli playing in this second string team

    1. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Scored, though. May help his chances of starts in the Prem...

  22. Taegugk Warrior
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    A. Dalot,Sancho.Neto
    B. Cash,Rashford,BrunoG

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

      A imo

  23. Boxwoods
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Toffees. ChristAlmighty.

  24. EgyptianKing
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Which duo?

    1. Tomiyasu Rash

    2. Neto Martinelli

    Cheers!

  25. Avery
    • 6 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Man City v Club America Pre Season Friendly
    I’ll drop some periodic notes down. Highlight observations -
    0-10mins
    Ortega in goal for City, looked a little unsure a few times.
    Grealish up on far top left. Making some cutting runs inside. Quick 1-2s with Silva. KDB passed out wide a few times from some central runs looking to get back but didn’t.
    Fast passing from City. Super quick up the pitch.
    Alverez drifting right. Had one whipped ball across but too hard and 6ft in front of KDB.

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

      11-20 mins
      Rodri dropping in deep to help Ake out a few times mid right of def.
      Walker isn’t so wide on the right.
      Cancelo linking with Rodri nicely on the left midfield at times. He is sitting back a bit tho.
      KDB is getting a good workout. Running all over.
      Grealish another good little run but fouled outside box upper left midfield.
      Mahrez little quiet with one shot way outside box and skyed over

      Def looks settled at
      [left]Mbete | Ake | Walker[right]
      Cancelo and Rodri sat in front of those 3

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

        21-30mins
        Club America get their 1st corner on the left.
        Rodri deal with it nicely with power header out from 6 yard box (he is playing real well so far)
        Mbete is having a composed game so far on the left (4.0M defender)
        Walker and Mahrez could be linking up better

        @24 mins - Grealish makes Another speedy run from the left coming inside and KDB passes again out that way to him. Grealish cuts inside the box and gets tackled. Calls for penalty (it wasn’t) Grealish get all argumentative in protesting (handbags at dawn from him). I don’t think he dived and it was a fair tackle. He was being Jack the boy trying it on. He is looking quite dangerous to be honest.

        2nd corner for Club America (on left) but comes to nothing.

        KDB is a beast making some really central powerful runs. Seems to be passing left to Grealish more than Alverez on the right.
        Cancelo sitting behind Grealish but occasionally comes up for lateral 1-2s

        Walker makes 1st proper pass to Mahrez up right side but comes to nothing. No real traffic on the right.

        29 mins - KDB Scores a screamer. Brilliant finish. Just outside the box in the centre to the top right corner

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

          31-38mins
          Walker still has his pace. Couple of good challenges and interceptions.

          Mahrez ball watching a little.

          On the left it’s more Cancelo / Silva / Grealish playing triangles

          Alverez two 1-2 attempts with Cancelo with flicks but came to nothing.

          38mins Cancelo shot outside box centre. Took deflection for corner.
          KDB takes corner aiming for Ake back post ish. Defended though.

          39-45mins

          Rodri controlling everything in DM.

          Grealish continues far left runs with the goal of cutting inside. Good dribbling. Getting tackled though.

          Cancelo yellow. He is heating up a little.

          42 mins Club America score. Stabbing shot in the box. Ake fault in CB position over his head. Didn’t track back quickly. GK could’ve done better in coming out too.

          44 mins Alverez breaks into box But drags his shot wide with just keeper to beat.

          45 mins. Alverez squares ball to Grealish Who goes down easy. No penalty.

          46 mins.
          Goal KDB.
          In the box on the right side. Mahrez threads it through to him. Tap in nutmeg for KDB.

          1st half complete.
          2-1 city

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

            1st half main takeaways
            Rodri playing well and controlling everything.
            KDB is a beast and it’s like normal for him. Good reminder of FPL asset. Got me considering him now. Goals were cherry on top.
            Grealish looks good. Looks fit and in shape. Lots of far left runs with cuts inside looking to draw fouls.
            Alvarez is finding his feet as the game goes on. Some good passes and some bad passes. No real goal threat though so far.

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

              2nd Half Starts
              On: Wilson-Esbrand, Palmer
              Off: Cancelo, Mahrez

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

                45-54 mins
                [left] Grealish | Alvarez | Palmer (looks like)[right]
                KDB sat behind Alverez high up. But also coming in between Alverez and Palmer.

                48mins - Grealish yet another inside run from far left. Gets passed two defenders but forced back out box (nice dribbling)

                49 mins. Grealish in On goal thru centre but saved.

                51 mins. KDB ball over top for Grealish. Grealish goes down yet again looking for a penalty but not given. I think he has a case for a penalty with that. Guy is looking so lively.

                Just noticed a Club America player with the number 206 on his back - funny stuff!

                54 mins KDB Definitely playing off the right of Alvarez. Another couple of darting runs through the centre. Came to nothing though.

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

                  55-60 mins
                  55mins Grealish finally passes to KDB from a cut in on the left. KDB Shoots but it saved

                  56 mins - Grealish tracks all the way back to defence to help out and he does.

                  Alverez - Showing a few nice touches and his workplay good. Closing keeper down a couple of times.

                  Club America trying to get the ball back and chasing and tackling everything.
                  City are doing OK under pressure and keeping the ball well.

                  60 mins - Poor challenge on Grealish Went right through the back of them in the centre of the pitch. Club America player gets a yellow.
                  Grealish seems OK and he’s laughing it off.

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

                    61-70mins
                    Club America now made 9 changes
                    Forgot to mention Kalvin Phillips is on for Ake. Playing central def. (After half time)
                    62 mins - Still good position from
                    City. Some good linkups between Palmer and Walker.

                    Ruben Dias on the bench. Commentator said he’s been feeling a little bit unwell and didn’t really train yesterday.
                    Haaland Watching game in casual clothes no sign of coming on

                    Wilson-Esbrand Has pushed up upper left side. Seems to have replaced Grealish in that spot with Grealish moving more central.
                    Couple of inside cutins from Wilson-Esbrand. He isn’t doing too bad to be honest, quite good play so far.

                    69 mins Corner to city on the right. Didn’t come to anything.
                    Alverez draws a foul 10yrds outside box in Centre. KDB Takes but fires over. Tries to curl it but too high.

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

                      On: Delap & James McAtee

                      Off: Alvarez & KDB

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

                        71-80 mins
                        Recap - Phillips filling in, in central defence. And you know what he’s doing a pretty good job at it. Something to consider for Pep if he needs him in the season ahead.

                        74mins more good play on left from Wilson-Esbrand. Cutting inside and good ball control. Making good impressions.

                        75 mins Spicy challenges happening all over from Club America for friendly.

                        76 mins - On: Kayky, Lewis | Off: Silva & Grealish
                        Grealish getting the boos as he leaves. Laps it up with cheeky face pulling.

                        77 mins. Palmer, doing a lot more running with KDB off. He’s quite energetic and strong.

                        Phillips has now moved back up next to Rodri. Lewis taking his spot in Central defence.

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

                        80-93mins

                        80 mins - Heavy challenge on Delap. Club America tackling like Sunday league.

                        City front line is basically Palmer, Kayky, McAtee and Delap. Young uns getting a run out. Believe this is Kayky debut? Few touches for him so far but nothing threatening.

                        84 mins - Game feels like it’s ready to finish. Not so much action at the moment. Just city passing about but not threatening now.

                        85 mins - Wilson-Esbrand goes down and winds himself. Ball gets put out. He seems ok play continues.

                        88 mins - Club America get their first corner of the second half. Dealt with confidently by none other than Rodri. Machine that guy.

                        90 mins - Scuff shop from outside of the box from club America goes wide

                        2mins extra time.

                        Second half a lot more quieter.

                        City win the “Lonestar Trophy” 😉 (as played in Houston, Texas)

                        No Haaland Tonight!

    2. just a man
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks for these

    3. NJ MetroStars
      • 4 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      cancelo seems to be playing much more central

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

        Great commentary. Making me very nervous going without Kevin.

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

          Thanks buddy. KDB played very well. Was impressed most by him and Grealish and the links between them. I’ll watch the rest of the city games and see about KDB. Was hoping Haaland would come on

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

      Overall summary:

      Rodri - Play his DM role perfect. Linked up with KDB in centre with some nice thru balls.

      Cancelo - Was playing along side Rodri for large part of 1st half. Then he started getting forward more. Made some good tackles and passes with Grealish. If Grealish was able to ride some tackles out he could’ve scored a few and Cancelo would’ve got the assist points.

      Grealish - A large portion of the game play overall was down the left. Lots of passes to Grealish from all over. Tons of inside cutting runs from him. Should have won a penalty tonight. On occasion when he looked up he made some good passes across to KDB.

      KDB - The guy was a machine. Tons of running from all over and excellent work out for him. He would often collect the ball right in the middle of the pitch. Then he would often distribute to Grealish and bomb forward. Got two goals and very well deserved. He looked really good guys. Without the goals a sure 3BPS. Let’s see how he does for the rest of preseason but if it was anything like tonight absolutely need to consider him.

      Silva - Couldn’t get in on the action so much. Some lackadaisical challenges and effort to get the ball. Did have a few good 1-2s with Grealish. Not threatening.

      Walker - Didn’t play badly but didn’t play excellent. Rarely linked up with Mahrez on right. Didn’t take the opportunities presented to bomb forward with the ball. Looked o pass more to KDB square in middle. Energetic for periods but looked tired before he came off.

      Mahrez - Will need to do more in preseason for me to consider him as an 8mill forward. He did a great thread pass through to KDB outside box. But not much else. Slow to track back. Didn’t see a whole lot of action.

  26. 2EyedTurk
    • 10 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts?
    Mendy
    TAA Cancelo Spence
    Diaz Sterling Foden Sancho
    Kane Jesus Johnson

    Darlow Andreas Neco Castagne

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

      Yeah good. A bit different from all these sheep template teams. Personally, I don't get the Sterling hype but good luck

      1. 2EyedTurk
        • 10 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Had Mount there originally, and then Cash instead of Spence. Not sure

  27. tc93
    • 7 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Most of team nailed- just deciding whether:
    1) Rashford + Bailey
    2) Martinelli + Neto

  28. Berkshire Hafaway-Line
    • 5 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Small Onion vs Chelsea is currently streaming live on YouTube BTW.

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

      link?

      1. Berkshire Hafaway-Line
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Can I post youtube link here?

      2. WhilePaquetàGentlyWe…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        of course

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

          also, top username btw

            1. Berkshire Hafaway-Line
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Apparently on Chelsea's website too.

            2. Sheffield Wednesday
              • 5 Years
              3 years, 7 months ago

              Thanks, your link was working but now is no longer available.

  29. David Parkinson
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    Nice goal from KDB.

    1. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 15 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      Grelish helper

    2. Hazz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He's off the mark. Another casual outside the box banger.

  30. David Parkinson
    • 3 Years
    3 years, 7 months ago

    KDB brace, another very nice finish.

    1. Tea for the Tielemans
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      3 years, 7 months ago

      He's not a bad footballer.

      1. Berkshire Hafaway-Line
        • 5 Years
        3 years, 7 months ago

        Easy now Kev, you're the closest thing I have to a differential