Scout Notes

FPL pre-season: Conte on Perisic and Doherty’s fitness

Roma beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 on Saturday but Ivan Perisic (£5.5m) impressed in defeat, while Nottingham Forest handed Jesse Lingard (£6.0m) his first appearance in a 1-1 draw against Valencia.

We’ve got the goals, assists, line-ups and Fantasy Premier League (FPL) talking points from these matches in our Scout Notes.

Reports on the day’s other games are linked below, with more to follow.

FPL pre-season lessons:

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.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR 0-1 ROMA

Match highlights

Spurs concluded their pre-season preparations with a narrow friendly defeat against Jose Mourinho’s Roma on Saturday.

However, Antonio Conte will take positives from the loss, with new signing Ivan Perisic impressing in his first start for the club.

The Croatian went close to scoring on three occasions and was a real threat in the final-third, although Conte did stress that he still needs further time to become “…the Ivan Perisic I know”.

“He’s an important player because he’s really good. He moves forward, good in one v ones, and then he can use both feet and he was before a winger which us why he’s good in one v one. But he has to continue to work because at this moment he’s not the Ivan Perisic I know. That is normal though, but I’m happy because he reduced the time to recover from his injury.” – Antonio Conte on Ivan Perisic

Fellow wing-back Matt Doherty (£5.0m) didn’t feature against Rangers last time out but started here and had a header tipped onto the woodwork before he was flagged for offside.

He also took up some encouraging attacking positions, but like Perisic, still needs to build up his fitness having only recently returned from a knee injury.

Doherty lasted 67 minutes before he was replaced by Emerson Royal (£5.0m), with new-signing Djed Spence (£4.5m) an unused substitute.

“It was the same (as Perisic) for Matthew (Doherty). I hope to see him like last season and now he’s working and he’s struggling. We need to have patience. We need to give time for these players to be really fit. In this moment we have two players, Perisic and Doherty, they have to continue to work and reach the peak of fitness because after a long injury they are struggling a lot. We need to have patience, but today it was positive to give them a lot of time to play again for Matthew and Ivan.

It will be very important for us (to get Perisic and Doherty fit), but then we have Sessegnon, that is a guarantee, also Emerson is good. There is the new player Spence. He is a guy who has to work a lot, because to go into Tottenham it’s different in the Premier League with Tottenham but in the end I’m happy.” – Antonio Conte on his options at wing-back

In a game of few clear-cut chances, a Roger Ibanez header proved the difference for Roma, but Harry Kane (£11.5m) was perhaps a little unfortunate not to return.

The England forward had the ball in the net just before the break only for the goal to be ruled out for offside, missed a late headed chance, while he also should have been awarded a penalty in the second half.

Elsewhere, Richarlison (£8.5m) also made an impact after replacing Son Heung-min (£12.0m), while Ben Davies (£5.0m) was back on the bench after injury.

“Richarlison I liked a lot the way he impacted the game. We need this type of player. Richarlison to start the game or go into the game, he can have a big impact. For us it’s very important. We need him behind Sonny, also Kane and Kulusevski. He is an important player because we have a lot of games to play.” – Antonio Conte on Richarlison

Tottenham Hotspur XI (3-4-2-1): Lloris (Forster 67); Romero, Dier, Sanchez (Lenglet 46); Doherty (Royal 67), Bissouma (Bentancur 46), Hojbjerg, Perisic (Sessegnon 75); Kulusevski (Moura 67), Son (Richarlison 67); Kane


NOTTINGHAM FOREST 1-1 VALENCIA

  • Goals: Johnson
  • Assists: Awoniyi

Match highlights

Nottingham Forest rounded off their pre-season campaign with a 1-1 draw against Valencia, with Jesse Lingard impressing on his debut.

The summer signing – deployed in a no. 10 role behind Brennan Johnson (£6.0m) and Sam Surridge (£5.0m) – showed glimpses of what he has to offer, taking on several shots whilst also being central to much of Forest’s attacking play.

“Thank you to the fans for a warm reception. I really, really appreciate it. I’m going to do my best for Nottingham Forest, don’t worry about that – 110% each game.” – Jesse Lingard

Brennan Johnson’s goal on 83 minutes ensured it finished even at 1-1, with substitute and record signing Taiwo Awoniyi (£6.0m) grabbing the assist.

And the pair almost combined again a few minutes later, only for Valencia’s ‘keeper to deny the Welsh forward getting a second.

Elsewhere, Neco Williams (£4.0m) looked lively in the final-third, while Jack Colback (£4.5m) started in central midfield alongside Lewis O’Brien (£5.0m).

That’s because Ryan Yates (£5.0m) has suffered another injury and is set to be out for a couple of weeks.

Nottingham Forest XI (3-4-1-2): Henderson; Worrall, Cook, McKenna; Williams, Colback, O’Brien, Toffolo; Lingard (Cafu 77); Johnson, Surridge (Awoniyi 62)


PRE-SEASON MINUTES TRACKER

Haaland Foden


2,358 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Paqueta Rice
    • 3 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    How bad was Pereira’s injury earlier? Castagne looking likely to start because of it?

    1. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      He's injury prone regardless, better to stay away?

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Of Pereira? For sure. More Castagne I’m interested in or are you saying Castagne is injury prone?

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I was talking about Pereira. But Castagne is not that great either injury wise.

    2. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Should get more news later but Rodgers said that it didn't look good

    3. Simon69
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Oof. Hadn't heard that. Poor fella has had a bad run with injuries.

    4. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Thought Castagne played on the left?

      1. Paqueta Rice
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        He can play both luckily.

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          In my team atm. Good differential and always seemed very attacking

  2. JariL
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    The question is:

    A) 541: Son + Robertson + 2nd 4.5 fwd (on the bench)

    B) 442: Håland + L. Diaz + N. Williams (on the bench)

    Exact same money. What do you think?

    1. Runnerboy31
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      B by a long way out of these options, A risks having 10 players play if your striker is rested / injured as you can’t play 0 up front

      1. JariL
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Thanks, I've been on B) for a while now. Having Andreas-Neco-4.5fwd on the bench certainly feels much better than Andreas-2x 4.5fwds.

        1. Jackie Moon
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Agreed. I’m happy having 1 non-playing forward on the bench, but don’t want 2.

          But I am now leaning towards Robbo over Diaz. Could go either way though.

  3. TVG
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Gtg Guys?

    Sanchez, 4M
    Patterson, TAA, White, N Williams, Jansson
    Salah, KDB, Neto, Rashford, Martinelli
    Jesus, Kane, Greenwood

    Any Changes?

    1. Jackie Moon
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      That defence makes me sad. Only 1 players between your GKs and defenders that is want in my starting 11. If you’re set on 3 premiums then I’d definitely suggest downgrading Rashford to Bailey to upgrade the defence.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Icky.

  4. Simon69
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    *whistles nonchalantly*

    Ramsdale

    TAA - Robertson - Cancelo - Perisic

    Salah - Martinelli - Eriksen - Neto

    Haaland - Jesus

    Subs: Dennis - Neco - Andreas - Greewood

    1. gart888
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Rashford over Eriksen imo

    2. Runnerboy31
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      There’s much better options than Eriksen

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        There are definitely more popular options.

        1. I Must Break You
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I'll be surprised if he's a starter when the season kicks off

    3. JariL
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Not sure about Eriksen's game time. Perisic also risky but big upside on the other hand.

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Eriksen a punt and kind of a 7m placeholder atm but he created glorious opportunities in 20 mins against Atletico M.

        I think Perisic will start. Conte's definition of 'struggling' is different to the average man's 😀

        1. Runnerboy31
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          But isn’t that the point - he probably only gets 20 mins a match? And if he starts it’ll likely be very deep as he’s not dislodging Bruno. If you wanted a United punt doesn’t Rashford make more sense?

          1. Simon69
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            It's not the point in this context because he played 20 mins yesterday vs A Madrid and started today vs Rayo Vallecano.

            As deep as a box-to-box midfielder might play. I get your point, there are more nailed picks, but I think he's an option - Created 30 chances in 10 games for Brentford.

        2. JariL
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I'm also tempted by Perisic. I think he'll get multiple 15+ pointers (goal + CS + 3bonus) over the season.

          1. Simon69
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            The wingbacks positioning vs Roma was something else. Another draw is Southampton playing 3 at the back in preseason...

    4. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      4

  5. gart888
    • 9 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Is this total madness to not include Salah? Just feel like everyone in the whole 11 is a top tier player.

    Mendy
    Cancelo Trent Robertson James Perisic
    Mahrez Saka Diaz
    Kane Jesus

    4.0 Bailey Andreas Archer

    1. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I've stuck with the insanity too mate, pretty similar team

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Very nice. Just prefer more flexibility with going 3 or 4 at the back rather than 5. 🙂

    3. Runnerboy31
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I see the appeal but you have no route to KDB, Son or Salah without sacrificing Kane. So yeah I just wouldn’t risk it. Given the opening fixtures and the current ownership, the chances of a Salah or haaland mega haul in a week where their effective ownership is over 100 % is very high - going without either is just not worth it imo

    4. One Man
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Not a bad team at all, as you say you’ve got quality throughout.

    5. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Could be great as long as you have a viable captain each week

  6. Arvin-ation
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    How's it looking?

    Raya (Forster)
    TAA James Cancelo Perisic (N.Williams)
    Son Diaz Martinelli (Perreira, 4.5)
    Jesus Haaland Martial

    Cheers 🙂

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      No Salah is obvious, but other than that it looks good.

    2. Fer Fuch's Ake
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Won't Martial be competing with Ronaldo upfront?

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Nope.

      2. One Man
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yes he will, And I’d say Ronaldo will play more.

        1. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          No, he won't.

          1. I Must Break You
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            Why do you keep saying that?

            1. Grande Tubarão
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              I think he’s drunk

      3. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        He won’t be competing. He’ll be backup at best

    3. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I like it. It's differential yet it's hard to fault any of the picks.

      I'd maybe consider starting with Son and Kane for gw 1 and then transferring one of them to a City player in gw 2. It allows you to attack Southampton at home and also watch the games to see which out of KDB and Kane vs Son and Haaland looks the better option

    4. Arvin-ation
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Thanks fellas appreciate it!

      Definitely been considering Kane first @BadKompany, only thing is that it books in a transfer ay

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        It does which is not ideal. Southampton was leaking goals toward the end of last year and West Ham is a tough game and Haaland still needs to get used to playing with City. Even if it makes you take a hit, it could still gain you the points back.

        I also suggested it because I think Kane and KDB might be the better option. I think Kane will score about the same as Son. Kane normally outperforms his xg but didn't for the first time last season. Also, I prefer him for captaincy. I feel like Son does better against teams playing a high line where he has space to run into. I think for early on I might also prefer KDB to Haaland. Haaland might need some time to adjust to the league and for him and City to start to link up. KDB seemed to be playing as a sole cam with Silva deeper (almost cdm). When they pressed, KDB joined Haaland forming a 4222 shape.

  7. Magic Zico
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    A. Raya Perisic or B. Ramsdale Walker

    1. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      B

    2. Big_Andy_GAWA
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I have the last 3. Guess there's no other option(s) for ya?

      1. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Team is full 😛 Perisic can wait for later ...

  8. Hinchcliffe Thumper
    • 8 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Ramsdale, Raya, Meslier. Which one? 😀

    1. dunas_dog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Ramsdale

    2. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Sanchez?

  9. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
    • 7 Years
    1 year, 9 months ago

    Suggestions on how to improve this defence?
    don't want anyone from City

    4.5
    Trent James Trippier Saliba (Neco)

    1. Runnerboy31
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Is Saliba nailed?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Not sure...

    2. Magic Zico
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Improvement needs funding ... prepared for that?

      1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        no

        1. Magic Zico
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          How much is Saliba? Slightly better would be Cash/Digne, Gabriel for 5.0 ... if 4.5 Dunk Jonny Dalot but it's really marginal

          1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            he is 4.5! Dalot could be an option for sure! I like s fullback but don't know if we can trust United's defence?

            1. Magic Zico
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              Can't ask too much for 4.5, can we? 😛

              1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 7 Years
                1 year, 9 months ago

                true! but at least one of them will be gold.. gotta find the right one (;

    3. DelPiero10
        1 year, 9 months ago

        James/Saliba -> Perisic/Gabriel is an option.

        1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Yeah, just don't know if perisic will start

    4. OptimusBlack
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Which is better to Start with
      A 4-3-3
      Meslier
      TAA, Cancelo, Saliba, Botman
      Salah, Bailey, Martinelli
      Kane, Jesus, Haaland
      4.0 (Neco Andreas Colback)

      B 4-4-2
      Meslier
      TAA, Robbo, Cancelo , Perišić
      Salah, Bailey, Martinelli , Maddison
      Kane, Jesus
      4.0 (Neco Andreas Archer

      1. Hinchcliffe Thumper
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        A!

      2. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        You deadset on Meslier? Struijk at LB would be enough to put me off.

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Okay but A or B

      3. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        B but change the GK

      4. OptimusBlack
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Cheeers

      5. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        So looks like:

        A) Saliba Botman Haaland
        B) Robbo Perisic Maddison

        B for me, but don’t like Meslier GK

        1. OptimusBlack
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Cheers

    5. Silecro
      • 6 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Latest draft. Would you change anything in this team?

      Ramsdale
      TAA, Robbo, Walker, Trippier
      Salah, Saka, Neto
      Kane, Jesus, Wilson

      Steele, Neco, Andreas, Dasilva

      1. Silecro
        • 6 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Its basically Wilson vs Mount in regards to my last draft

      2. Hinchcliffe Thumper
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Walker out for me

      3. Magic Zico
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Saka > Martinelli, Walker > Cancelo

        1. N00B
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          This

    6. Hinchcliffe Thumper
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Formation?
      Ramsdale
      TAA, Dias, Robbo
      Salah, Saka, Mount, Bailey, Andreas
      Håland, Jesus
      (Gazzaniga, Neco, Patterson, Greenwood)

      Ramsdale or 4.5GK and 0.5itb?

      1. N00B
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Ramsdale but I will downgrade Saka to Martinelli and upgrade that team.

      2. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Saka or Martinelli is the key here and same conundrum I have. If you save the 2m on Mart so you can get Cancelo for Dias and a 5m defender for 1 of the 4s and leave Andreas on the bench.

    7. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      a) mendy bailey
      b) sanchez neto

      1. N00B
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        b

      2. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        A but with Ramsdale

    8. N00B
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Is Toney overlooked? Awesome fixtures, penalty taker, nailed on.
      You will say "no Eriksen" but Brentford is a good team even without him.

      I'm thinking to go with this:
      Ramsdale
      TAA Robertson Cancelo Perisic
      Salah Martinelli Neto
      Haaland Jesus Toney

      1. Fer Fuch's Ake
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Twerking with this non template team and kinda like it, any thoughts?
        Meslier (Forster)
        Robertson Digne Dias (Castagne) (N Williams)
        Salah Mount Foden Rashford (Andreas)
        Jesus Bamford Vardy

        1. Boberella
          • 7 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Don’t like the Bamford pick and wouldn’t bench Castagne.
          No Spurs could hurt
          Vardy great diff for the first few weeks

      2. Fer Fuch's Ake
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I like Toney though Mitrovic will probably end up being better choice when fixtures improve

        1. I Must Break You
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I have neither, but Toney's fixtures improve much sooner than Mitrovic's, for what that's worth

    9. Gazump
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 3 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Thoughts?

      Ramsdale
      Robbo - James - Purisic - Cancelo
      Salah - Son - Bailey - Neto
      Darwin - Jesus

      Bench
      Greenwood - Andreas - N Williams

      1. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I prefer Aaronson at Leeds now ahead of Neto with Jimenez out

      2. Gazump
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Or … this one

        Ramsdale
        Robbo - James - Purisic - Ait Nouri
        Salah - Son - Bailey - Neto
        Haaland - Jesus

        Bench
        Greenwood - Andreas - N Williams

      3. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Also you have to downgrade ramsdale to get trent

    10. Brewstercat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      A - Dalot + Neto
      Or
      B - Perisic + Andreas

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        B by a wide margin

    11. AF90
      • 11 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Ramsdale
      TAA, Robbo, Cancelo, Dalot
      Salah, Mount, Martinelli, Bailey
      Kane, Jesus

      Ward, Andreas, Neco, Greenwood.

      Happy with this team & 0.5 itb. How would you use it?

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        This is the team that I've had for the last week except I had Trippier over Dalot.
        I made a few changes this evening but not sure I improved on it...

        1. AF90
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          I have Maddison in for Mount at the moment but not sure about the transfer speculation! Looked at Neto for Bailey & also Trippier for Dalot too! May just keep the 0.5 to react to any bandwagons.

          1. Snevitz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I had Saka over Mount fir the last few days.
            Very happy with the core of the team...

            This evening I swapped out Cancelo, Neco and £8m mid to Castagne, Mee and Sterling.
            It probably makes the team worse but at the same time it makes it more interesting as the starting 11 changes every week and you get a potential 3rd captain option if Sterling can get close to his previous pp90.

      2. KieranKA
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Very nice team! Not sure about Dalot

        1. AF90
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Who would you pick instead at 5.0 or 4.5?

      3. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I think you need to find Reece James a spot

        1. AF90
          • 11 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Initially had Ederson/Gabriel/James but swapped to Ramsdale/Cancelo/Dalot

        2. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          The only two ways I quite liked from experimenting were:

          1)Salah to Son/KDB and upgrade Dalot

          2) Cancelo to James but then it's tough to know what to do with the extra money..apart from upgrading James to Cancelo.

          Sorry for jumping on your post AF90!

          1. AF90
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I'm not brave enough for option 1 & yeah did have James in earlier drafts with Ederson as City cover in defence. No worries, thanks for the feedback!

      4. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Only player different to mine is I’ve used the 0.5 to get Trippier for Dalot. Trippier is one of my favourite options and locked in.

        Still not sure which 8m mid I’ll go with. Had Mahrez, but moved to Mount after watching Mahrez look average in the community shield.

    12. KieranKA
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Two quick questions

      Which sounds like the better squad structure?
      A: the top 8-9 players I want, plus enablers who are nailed
      B: the top 5-6 players I want, plus good squad options

      Who is my premium striker?
      1: Kane for safe points
      2: Haaland to rotate captaincy with Salah

      1. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        A, Kane

        1. Fletch69
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          A to start, you have to assume a couple of decent enablers come along during the first few weeks you can that you jump on to.

          2. But in truth I think Son will outscore both Haaland and Kane. FPL scoring really benefits the midfielders

    13. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Thoughts on this 4-3-3 draft?

      4.5

      Trent / Canc / James / Dalot /

      Salah / Grealish / Bailey

      Kane / Theory of Evolution / Jesus

      Bench: The standard Andreas / Neco / 4.5 CF fodder

      1. KieranKA
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Not sure about Grealish and Núñez (who isn’t nailed). For that money you could have two of Saka, Díaz and Mount

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Fair point. It would be on the assumption that Darwin significantly outscores Diaz. I think he’s nailed now, much more dynamic than Bobby

      2. Grande Tubarão
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Can’t work out who theory of evolution could possibly be but otherwise looks good

    14. Fer Fuch's Ake
      • 10 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I'm twerking with this non template team and kinda like it, any thoughts?
      Meslier (Forster)
      Robertson Digne Dias (Castagne) (N Williams)
      Salah Mount Foden Rashford (Andreas)
      Jesus Bamford Vardy

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Tis a team of tears.

      2. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Bamford and Vardy is a put too far. Pick one at best…

        1. chilli con kone
          • 10 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          *punt

      3. Runnerboy31
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I took Dias out after yesterday. Given Haalands height I just think the set piece threat of City centre back is diminished and their route to attacking returns is severely limited.

      4. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        You're twerking? Sick.

    15. Runnerboy31
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      2 questions:

      1. How much stock are people putting in Hubs Team % thing. It’s giving me 100% and trying to work out how pleased to be.

      2. Is it just me who’s thinking Cucurella was only planned as a rotation / backup option alla Zinchenko and that Cancelo and Walker were always still the planned first choice. If Cucurella was genuinely first choice plan I just think they would have paid the £50m now, given the amount the spent on the likes of Ake.

      1. chilli con kone
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Cuc will be first choice it’s just a bartering tactic as window still has ages to go. They need a new Benjamin Mendy who will stretch teams wide and create pockets for Grealish/Foden

        1. Runnerboy31
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Can I check why you are confident he would be first choice? Mendy was only ever first choice for one season and only played half of it and they have done alright without.

      2. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        I think Cucu will end up 1st choice, but will take time to bed in a get used to playing Peps way. How long that takes is another question.

    16. Grande Tubarão
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Ronaldo’s so loyal to Utd. Gotta love him

      1. Simon69
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        All the Ronaldo fans up thinking about Ronaldo on a Sunday night. So cute.

        1. Grande Tubarão
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 2 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          You ok mate?

          1. Simon69
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            1 year, 9 months ago

            I said it was cute, hope you didn't think that was a negative thing.

            1. Grande Tubarão
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 2 Years
              1 year, 9 months ago

              I didn’t intend to touch a nerve. I had no idea he was your boyfriend

    17. kamdaraji
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Walker is a trap?

      1. Boberella
        • 7 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Not for the first few GWs imo. Only really CS potential though.

      2. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yep. One goal from Trippier, Cash, Gabriel and people will switch. So many defenders with attacking potential that i won’t go near Walker.

    18. HellasLEAF
      • 14 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      This team genius or naf:

      Many sacrifices to have KDB and Salah but you never know..

      Sanchez/Steele
      TAA-White-Patterson-(N.Williams-B.Williams)
      Salah-KDB-Mount-Andreas-(Milner)
      Kane-Jesus-Johnson

      1. kamdaraji
        • 14 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Not a fan of this

        1. kamdaraji
          • 14 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          You will have to play White and Patterson (or Williams) every week

      2. Runnerboy31
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Not a fan - 5 fodder players is just too much of a gamble and Milner is unnecessarily locking up a Liverpool spot. If going triple premium (I’d advise against it) Mount or Jesus needs to be sacrificed to give more balance overall

    19. Freshy
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      I Did the math
      Son + 4.5 def = 16.5 mill
      8.0 mid + Robo = 16 mill

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        for the 50% of us that have Salah+TAA

      2. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        So who do you think scores more out of that? I’d say Robbo and the 8m mid, but a Son hattrick against Southampton could make me very wrong.

    20. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Thoughts on this?

      Ramsdale
      TAA Robbo Reece Walker Dalot
      Salah KDB Martinelli Bailey
      Kane

      Andreas Fodder

      1. The Knights Template
        • 10 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yuk

      2. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Should get you thru the first 6 GWs nicely

        One of my 3 possible teams ATM
        TAA-Robo-Saliba-Botman-(Neco)
        Salah-Son-Bailey-Neto-(Andreas)
        Haaland-Jesus-(Archer)

      3. Runnerboy31
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 2 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Really liked it until I noticed no Jesus. I’m not saying he’s essential but have double 4.5m FWDs is a risk so I’d prefer to have 2 up top and if doing that then Jesus is by far the best option.

      4. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Jesus this team needs more upfront!

    21. RichieW
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Triple arsenal too much?

      4.5
      Trent Walker Trippier Zinchenko
      Salah KDB Neto Martinelli
      Kane Jesua

    22. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      So at this rate, we could have a 4.0 GK in Danny Ward playing GW1?

      Can’t see them getting a replacement in time for GW1….

      1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        This is of course with the assumption of Kasper leaving….

      2. Nate(U)dog(ie)
        • 3 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Iversen seems to be ahead, think Ward is injured

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Ah ok. Not yet added to fpl annoyingly enough

    23. Royal5
      • 12 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Is Neco Williams and Patterson the best 4.0 options i defense?

      1. Freshy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        (2) 4.0 defenders?

      2. dunas_dog
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Yes

      3. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Big at thr back is the way to go ..

        1. Royal5
          • 12 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Not sure. Can see some rusty defenses at the start. That said I'm looking at 4 at he back atm

    24. Fletch69
      • 2 Years
      1 year, 9 months ago

      Finally settled. Messed about with it but keep coming back to this and going to go with it now:

      Ederson

      TAA Robbo Cancelo

      Salah Son Martinelli Neto

      Jesus

      With two from Mitro, Bailey and White rotating with fixtures (and the third leaves me a decent sub).

      Probably WC after 5 or 6 weeks when we know how Pool and City are doing up front.

      1. Royal5
        • 12 Years
        1 year, 9 months ago

        Eggs and basket at the back and no City in attack, still looks decent imo

        1. I Must Break You
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          1 year, 9 months ago

          Pretty good baskets to have your defensive eggs in, to be fair