Scout Notes
23 July 2016 1473 comments
Paul Paul
Share:

Henrikh Mkhitaryan bags his first goal for United in a 4-1 loss to Borussia Dortmund. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain earns Arsenal a draw in Lens, Victor Janssen and Michy Batshuayi open their accounts for Spurs and Chelsea and Salomon Rondon nets as the Baggies see off Vitesse.

Borussia Dortmund 4 Man United 1

Henrikh Mkhitaryan netted his first goal for United as Jose Mourinho’s side were well beaten by Dortmund in Shanghai.

After featuring as a number 10 against Wigan on his debut, the Armenian international started on the left before swapping flanks with Adnan Januzaj later in the first half. Juan Mata – who was afforded the central support role behind Memphis Depay, then Marcus Rashford after the break – supplied the assist for Mkhitaryan’s consolation.

Luke Shaw and Antonio Valencia were fielded as full-backs and the latter continued to build up his fitness by playing the full 90 minutes along with new boy Eric Bailly. Mainly utilised as a centre-half by Louis van Gaal, Daley Blind partnered Ander Herrera in central midfield, allowing Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo to be handed 45 minutes each alongside Bailly in the heart of the back-four.

With a number of his first-team still yet to participate in the summer action, Mourinho was unconcerned over the result:

“At the moment, I’m not even creating a team. So many players are not here. We’re creating individuals’ form and trying to bring these players to a good condition. For the new signings and all of the players, they had a chance to play 45, 70 or 90 minutes. It’s very, very important and I can imagine it will take a long time to recover from this effort in the game. In this weather, in reality, at this stage of pre-season for them individually it’s good.”

Man United XI: Johnstone (Romero 46), Valencia (Pereira 75), Bailly, Jones (Rojo 46), Shaw, Blind (McNair 66), Herrera, Mata, Mkhitaryan (Januzaj 66), Lingard (Young 46), Depay (Rashford 46).

Lens 1 Arsenal 1

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain netted the Gunners’ equaliser in a 1-1 stalemate in Lens last night.

In his first appearance for five months, the fit-again midfielder chipped in after being teed up by fellow substitute Serge Gnabry with just nine minutes remaining.

With many of his regulars still yet to return to training due to the recent Euro 2016 tournament, Arsene Wenger’s side contained just one of last season’s guaranteed starters, left-back Nacho Monreal.

The likes of Per Mertesacker, Francis Coquelin, Mohamed Elneny, Theo Walcott and Alex Iwobi (who was handed the central support role) were also named in the XI, with Walcott seeing a goal ruled out for offside.

Given that this was their first match of the summer, it was no surprise to see Wenger make numerous changes over the course of the second period, with only Mertesacker, Coquelin and Callum Chambers afforded the full 90 minutes to step up their fitness.

Arsenal XI: Martinez (Macey 46); Debuchy (Bielik 46), Mertesacker, Chambers, Monreal (Gibbs 46); Elneny (Campbell 46), Coquelin; Walcott (Zelalem 77), Iwobi (Willock 77), Reine-Adelaide (Oxlade-Chamberlain 46), Akpom (Gnabry 46).

Vitesse 1 West Brom 2

Salomon Rondon and Callum McManaman grabbed a goal apiece as the Baggies registered a second successive victory on Thursday evening.

Tony Pulis handed Jonny Evans and Gareth McAuley their first taste of action after the duo returned to the fold a little later than usual due to their exertions for Northern Ireland in Euro 2016. The pair were afforded just over 45 minutes apiece in a match that saw the Baggies boss make ten second-half changes, with only Craig Dawson playing from start to finish.

Jonathan Leko recovered from the knock that saw him miss the previous friendly against Kidderminster Harriers to take up the left flank berth in a 4-2-3-1, with new boy Matt Phillips again starting on the opposite wing. The youngster terrorised the Vitesse defence and drew a foul that led to Rondon’s opener courtesy of a 25-yard free-kick.

McManaman also staked a claim for minutes out wide, though – emerging from the bench as a replacement for Leko early in the second period, he produced an eye-catching winner as Pulis’ side scored twice for the second match running.

West Brom XI: Foster (Myhill 45); Dawson, McAuley (Fitzwater 48), Olsson (Wilson 48), Evans (McClean 48); Fletcher (Field 48), Yacob (Gardner 48); Phillips (Roberts 48), Morrison (Berahino 48), Leko (McManaman 48); Rondon (Lambert 48).

Atus Ferlach 0 Chelsea 8

Loic Remy bagged a hat-trick, whilst new boy Michy Batshuayi and Pedro both netted twice in a behind-closed doors friendly against local Austrian outfit Atus Ferlach on Thursday.

Antonio Conte once again lined his side up in a 4-2-4 formation, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek utilised as a central striker – the youngster bagged a couple of assists, whilst Juan Cuadrado also earned an assist in an impressive second-half showing on the flank. John Obi Mikel was also in the goals thanks to a deflected effort.

Conte made six changes at the break as he afforded a number of players who joined up with the squad this week – including Pedro, Batshuayi and Cesc Fabregas – crucial pitch time.

Chelsea first half XI: Blackman, Azpilicueta, Miazga, Hector, Baba Rahman, Kenedy, Mikel, Chalobah, Atsu, Loftus-Cheek, Remy.

Chelsea second half XI: Blackman, Cuevas, Cahill, Miazga (Chalobah), Baba, Cuadrado, Fabregas, Mikel, Pedro, Loftus-Cheek (Remy), Batshuayi.

Tottenham 3 Rotherham 1

Vincent Janssen grabbed his first goal for Spurs in a behind-closed-doors friendly win over Rotherham on Thursday afternoon.

Tottenham’s summer signing was supplied by right-back Kieran Trippier to level matters after his side went behind before youngsters Shayon Harrison and Marcus Edwards (who also supplied an assist) found the net to secure a 3-1 win.

Although the club’s official website didn’t list a full starting XI, they did reveal that first-team squad players such as Victor Wanyama, Nacer Chadli, Heung-min Son and Ryan Mason were all handed a run-out as Spurs prepare to fly to Australia to face Juventus and Atletico Madrid next week.

Paul Is certain he won't make the same mistakes next season. Follow them on Twitter

  1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Am i correct in remembering that pardew's wingers don't usually get the full 90? could be 70/20 splits for townsend/zaha/sako/bolasie

    1. Defcons are for Kinnear
      • 12 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Good point

    2. JK - Cønt ⭐
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Am definitely going off Townsend

    3. PogChamp
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Sounds about right. Put me off Bolasie.

    4. twoplustwo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      Minefield and is the reason I am off Townsend at the moment

  2. JK - Cønt ⭐
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    9 years, 6 months ago

    Heard a suggestion Stoke might be going 3-5-2. Any chance?

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 14 Years
      9 years, 6 months ago

      They used it in their pre-season game.

      But they lost 3-0 to Burton Albion. So yeah...

      1. QPR expects... glory!
        • 14 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        We're missing Shawcross though. We know what they were like without him last year...

  3. AA33
      9 years, 6 months ago

      anyone looking to Rooney considering his low price and no.10 role

      1. TheSteel
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        9 years, 6 months ago

        Role unknown

        1. Dr Dream
          • 13 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Not according to Mourinho.

        2. AA33
            9 years, 6 months ago

            mou has said that he will never play rooney as a no.6

            1. TheSteel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              So
              -----------ibra
              Martial Rooney Mhiki
              ?

              1. AA33
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  yes I believe

          • Dr Dream
            • 13 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            o/

          • Ruth_NZ
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Yep. I will probably either have him or Mkhi.

          • Big Sum
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            I'm looking at rooney

          • Netley Lucas
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            JM v Roo has a whiff of ego v ego, not a good recipe for FPL.

          • twoplustwo
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Prefer Martial as Roo/Ibra should be feeding him

          • ThunderPants
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            not for me. Rooney is a good player for a few positions. the problem is he's not as good as others at man.u in those positions.
            Rooney is basically an attacking version of John o'shea.
            Rooney is twice as much as o'shea
            o'shea is 4.5m
            Rooney can't get clean sheet bonus'
            o'shea bandwagon

            1. Rasping Drive
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              An attacking version of John O'Shea? Have you been drinking?

        3. TheBusDriver
          • 10 Years
          9 years, 6 months ago

          Who will partner Pogba in midfield?

          1. AA33
              9 years, 6 months ago

              schweini i hope

            • Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Marchisio

            • Wilshere Knowledge
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Kroos and Modric.

            • TheBusDriver
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Oh dear. You're not funny guys.

            • Jay10
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Matuidi and Sissoko

          2. Puyol Pants Up
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Whats the general consensus on Martial vs Miki?

            1. twoplustwo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              On Martial at the moment as he'll be the legs for Roo and Ibra

            2. Netley Lucas
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              MKH has the numbers but Martial has the PL form. MKH for me but it's tight.

              1. twoplustwo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Ya, obviously a straight swap either way if one looks markedly better than the other

            3. ThunderPants
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              its very much either or. i think they'll both do well, but i have martial on the basis i can easily pronounce and spell his name.

              (and that prem experience)

            4. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Is Martial even 100% nailed with their participiation in the EL?

              1. Davido989
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                participation*

              2. twoplustwo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Deeply Young Januzaj alternatives...

                1. twoplustwo
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Depay

          3. Mane Of Steel
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Lots of love for eriksen it seems... At least more than I've noticed in the past few days.

            1. TheSteel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Scored well last year, had the summer off.

            2. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Great underlying stats throughout the season, had the summer off, more differential to Alli

          4. lukaku10
            • 9 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Any advise on this team guys ?

            foster / jaku

            azpil / shaw / friend / (pieters, parades)

            hazard / ayew / tadic / townsend / (fletcher)

            kun / ibra / gray

            Should I go with haz or mkhi ? problem there is id have 3 man u players then. Maybe overkill ?

            Tnks

            1. Mane Of Steel
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Stick with Haz. Don't like Swanseas fixtures after week 2. Other than that, good stuff!

            2. TheSteel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Pretty good Ibra Kun hazard team. Not much play with those 3 in.

          5. Your Mum's Athletic
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Don't be a brunt and get on this punt 😀

            1. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              😀 I just hope he's fit.

              1. Your Mum's Athletic
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Rondon on pens no? would be a FFS classic if Brunt was fit and had pens

                1. Jazz!
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Not sure at all who's on pens for WBA. Think it's Morrison though?

                  1. Your Mum's Athletic
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    yeah you might be right actually

                  2. JK - Cønt ⭐
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    If he's on the pitch I think Gardner is 1st choice

                    1. Your Mum's Athletic
                      • 14 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      that grav JK!

                      1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        9 years, 6 months ago

                        Giggity

                    2. MrMaverick
                      • 9 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      remember Morrison taking a peno off brunt, while gardner was on the bench http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33950789

                      1. MrMaverick
                        • 9 Years
                        9 years, 6 months ago

                        1st choice gardner, 2nd morrison, 3rd brunt?

                      2. Your Mum's Athletic
                        • 14 Years
                        9 years, 6 months ago

                        good spot maverick!

                      3. JK - Cønt ⭐
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 14 Years
                        9 years, 6 months ago

                        and Morrison missed

                        Rondon is the unknown

                        1. MrMaverick
                          • 9 Years
                          9 years, 6 months ago

                          rondon has only ever scored one penalty http://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/jose-salomon-rondon/elfmetertore/spieler/80197

                          1. Jazz!
                            • 11 Years
                            9 years, 6 months ago

                            Oooh

          6. reason17
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            A) aguero, lukaku, mkhitaryan
            B) aguero, Rooney, mahrez/hazard

            1. Mane Of Steel
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              A

            2. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              A.

            3. Lone Wolf FPL
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              A

          7. Mane Of Steel
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Good morning Jazz. You have become one of my favorites on this site. You should feel loved. Lol

            1. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              😀

            2. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Agreed

            3. Every Dog Has Its Day
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              cringe lmao

              1. Every Dog Has Its Day
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                but hes safe

            4. Your Mum's Athletic
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              who? 😉

            5. TheBusDriver
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              You must be joking.

            6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              hulk this

            7. Ruth_NZ
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Are you kidding? Jazz is down there with KOL and Irish Madridista among the lowest of the low. 🙂

              1. Davido989
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Somebody's had a makeover 😯

                1. Ruth_NZ
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  I wanted to get a more accurate likeness.

              2. Jazz!
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                😆

          8. Puyol Pants Up
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Which option lads?

            A) Azpi + Bojan
            B) Fernandez + Fabregas

            Cheers 🙂

            1. Dušan Citizen
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 12 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Naylor and Fab

              1. MrMaverick
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Naylor?

                1. Puyol Pants Up
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Neil Taylor (SWA)

            2. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              B

            3. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Probably B from that lot.

            4. Puyol Pants Up
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Cheers 🙂

          9. Mane Of Steel
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Debating whether or not to become a member. Last year I was a member, and finished in the top 1k. 560 or something like that. Although I finished very high, I never really used the membership. Mostly because I didn't understand how it worked. Should I give it another go and figure the whole thing out, or just stick to being a non-member?

            1. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              You don't have to use the data if you don't want to. Being a member is a good way of giving back to a fantastic site with some cool people.

              1. Jazz!
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                This particularly.

            2. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              you probably did use it at some point as there were member articles. You read the articles right? 🙂

              1. Mane Of Steel
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Yeah every now and then. Mostly the comments to be honest. Depends on the article. Good point tho.

              2. Jazz!
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Ah yes, forgot the member articles!

            3. Netley Lucas
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Might join meself, pess poor last season, dunno?

            4. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              It's worth the money imo. 2015/16 season was my first at FFS and I was a bit confused when I bought membership but it's great. Lots of useful tools like the tables and a nice gratitude to this lovely site. 🙂 + That little gray guy next to your name is a bonus 😉

            5. TheSteel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Not sure how you were not able to figure it out? Its pretty easy. Sometimes you dont even need to go into the member section, the numbers are posted right in the articles if youre logged in.

              1. Mane Of Steel
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                It was more of just not utilizing it. Maybe I thought it was going to be better than it was idk. I will become a member just to give back. I could see one little thing on the member site, and could change the whole outcome of my season. One of the member articles last year persuaded me to get mahrez in for week 1.

            6. Ruth_NZ
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              If you have to think about it you probably shouldn't bother. 😕

          10. mikess
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Thoughts on going without Firmino until their fixtures turn for the good?

            1. mikess
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Or Mane or Coutinho *

            2. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Firmino's best games came in the big games.

              1. mikess
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                True that

            3. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              I'm not fussed about Liverpool's fixtures, I fancy them to score quite a lot of goals. Just struggling to fit Firmino/Mane in atm.

            4. Netley Lucas
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Like Couts atm, Firm seemed te do well OOP? With Studge back I dunno, Couts for me and a nice price.

            5. Dirty Harry
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Liverpool Midfield Minefield.

              Too be honest their opening fixtures aren't ideal and until I understand what way Klopp will be going I'm staying clear.

          11. awgJose
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Rank the 7.5 mids:

            A) Fabregas
            B) Pedro
            C) Tadic
            D) Siggy
            E) Ayew

            1. Puyol Pants Up
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              A
              D
              C
              E
              B (Will Pedro start?)

            2. TheSteel
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              I have it has e a d c b. I like the prosect of Ayew playing as a forward

            3. Big Sum
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              E,D,C,A,B

            4. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Personal opinion.

              D
              E
              C
              A
              B

            5. Däzzy
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              D
              E
              C
              A
              B

            6. FFFrog
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              DECAB

          12. zotter
            • 16 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Rmt folks please !!!

            Foster. Jakupovic
            Terry. Baines. Sagna. Friend. Peters
            Mktryan. Firmino. Siggy. Cesc. Hjojberg
            Aguero. Lukaku. Berahino

            1. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Think a tad too much invested in defence. Downgrade Sagna and upgrade Cesc to Eriksen/Alli maybe?

              1. zotter
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Ta. Alternatively could downgrade Sanga and upgrade mkhtryan to KdB ?

                1. Jazz!
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Nah, I think Mkhitaryan is a great pick. So is KDB though. A lot of tinkering to be done 🙂

          13. Every Dog Has Its Day
            • 11 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Current draft -
            Foster Mandanda
            Azpilicueta Shaw Stones Friend Taylor
            Mkhitaryan Eriksen Ayew Mirallas Fletcher
            Agüero Costa Long

            Pick one.
            A) Mkhitaryan and Costa
            B) Fàbregas and Ibrahimović

            1. zotter
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Probably A. Though B nearly as good too !

              1. Every Dog Has Its Day
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Cheers.

            2. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Solid team mate. I much prefer A personally. Conte likely will deploy a 4-2-4 formation when attacking, Fabregas with Kante in midfield - he will be quite deep imo. Costa should have a big season if he stays and seems great value at that price, though I prefer Batshuayi 🙂

              1. Every Dog Has Its Day
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Thanks - I'm kinda on the side that Fab is undervalued. I think he'll have a good season.

                1. Jazz!
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Yeah there are 2 sides to him, some believe he's great value - others don't. I'm with the others here 🙁

          14. mikess
            • 15 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Hazard and Batshuayi too much?

            Really like them both individually

            1. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              It's fine 🙂 Not seen much Batshuayi around here.

            2. ThunderPants
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              not too much if they're both playing and on form.
              only question mark is will batshuayi start?

              1. mikess
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Fairly confident they will start with Costa and Batshuayi. With Remy and Loftus Cheek reserve strikers

                1. Ruth_NZ
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  I don't know where you get that confidence from.

                  We could easily see Hazard or Fabregas as 2nd striker.

          15. Gooner97
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Juventus want to improve;sign Dany Alves,Higuain and Pjanic.
            Arsenal NEED to improve;sign a decent CM an unknown Japanese & a young CD.

            1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              arsenal have many cm, I don't think that's an issue anymore

              CB and striker is a priority but would still take mahrez

              1. zotter
                • 16 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Mahrez is an odd signing though still worth taking !

                (As a Liverpool fan bit like how I felt about wijnaldum)

                1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  maybe if mahrez signs it means more opportunity for sanchez to play striker

                  1. Davido989
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Dunno about this. Sanchez's finishing is very erratic and often poor.

                    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                      • 15 Years
                      9 years, 6 months ago

                      Yep he isn't the best finisher I agree. Just thinking maybe that's what wenger does instead of signing a striker

                      easier to get a top mid than a striker in the market right now I think

            2. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Bit harsh on Arsenal really. Juve's transfer structure is amongst, alongside BVB Atleti and Bayern.

            3. Big Sum
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              We need a CD and a LB

          16. Dušan Citizen
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 12 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Why nobody mentioning Albrighton?

            He is also 5.5, should be fairly nailed on, especially with CL on the way, on most corner kicks.

            1. zotter
              • 16 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Concerned about Leicester as a force full stop without Kante and Mahrez

            2. Christina.
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Just get Fuchs. Same price. CS points. Corners.

              1. Dušan Citizen
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Maybe if I go with attacking defenders.

              2. Davido989
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                This.

            3. mikess
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              He's a good player but I think Schlupp if he remains and Gray will take some minutes

              1. Dušan Citizen
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Gray at 5.0 will be fantastic if Mahrez leave.

            4. Netley Lucas
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Doubt he's really nailed, didn't really inspire and others worthy of inclusion. Gray could be the one but depends on transfer activity I guess.

          17. Your Mum's Athletic
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Would you rather have:

            A) Ozil and Rooney
            B) Mkhitaryan and Giroud

            1. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Mkhitaryan and Giroud.

            2. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Hmm, can I say B with an alternative to Giroud? 🙂

              1. Your Mum's Athletic
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Of course, who would you say

                1. Jazz!
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Don't even know how much Giroud is but Lukaku or Batshuayi?

                  1. Your Mum's Athletic
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    all 9mil, will chelsea play 2 uptop, only way id consider batshuayi

            3. cravencottage
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              B- only because I don't rate Rooney

            4. Ruth_NZ
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              That's a very decent question.

              B, I reckon. Mainly because I think Özil will be less central to Arsenal's play with Xhaka in the team.

            5. Your Mum's Athletic
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              cheers all, basically Rooney is not considered an option on here

              1. Ruth_NZ
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Yes he is. He's in my team right now. It is Özil I have doubts about.

                1. Davido989
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  I agree with this.

                  1. Your Mum's Athletic
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    cheers both, appreciate it

          18. JK - Cønt ⭐
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Think I am going to sell Baines

            11m for 2 defenders and then 13.5 for 1 spot feels wrong. I reckon I'll go 1 every week and either 1 4 way rotation or 2 2 ways

            1. Davido989
              • 15 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              What if he scores a penalty today? 🙂

              1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Then I might sell Shaw

                the issue is, it doesn't prove he's 1st choice unless Lukaku is on the pitch

                1. Davido989
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Get both, easy way out.

                  1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    I could do, but then I have 8.0 for my last mid, if I get Ibra (alos wondering if Fuchs is better than Baines)

            2. Jazz!
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              I'm having trouble deciding what to do with him too 🙁 Don't want to take Shaw out.

              1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                I am also thinking of getting Chadli (on the basis of him going to Swansea) and going

                Kun/Ibra/Kaku/Costa

          19. Huddersfield
            • 10 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            10th & 17th picks in draft League , what Captaincy options to aim for ?

            1. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              mki and payet

            2. VS10_
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Try to figure out who definitely goes before that and go from there.

              Maybe Mkhitaryan, Firmino. Someone like Eriksen could go under radar and be left still for 17th.

              1. Huddersfield
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                I will be Happy with Firmino , Costa !

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

              KDB,Lukaku,Vardy, Mhki, Costa,Kane

              1. Huddersfield
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                KDB Kane Costa won't go under radar

          20. cravencottage
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            9 years, 6 months ago

            Which looks better:
            A) Ibra and Fabregas
            B) Costa and Mikhi

            Thanks!

            1. Huddersfield
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              B

            2. Lone Wolf FPL
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              A

          21. Worzel Gummidge
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Mahrez to Arsenal? Yes please. It wont happen though.

              1. Davido989
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Just going to make Giroud look even more frustrating.

              2. Netley Lucas
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Seems a done deal but I dunno, a lot of false stuff flying about atm.

            • Blanka
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Rough draft, what we thinking?

              Butland / Heaton

              Fuchs Dawson Fernández (Friend & Paredes)

              Payet Mahrez Bojan Cabaye (Fletcher)

              Zlats Kun Long. 0.5m in the bank.

              No Chelsea, Spurs, Arsenal, Pool tho

              1. MrMaverick
                • 9 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                light in midfield

            • Lovren an elevator
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              IF Chelsea set up 4-2-4
              What do people see as the most likely line up?

              1. Davido989
                • 15 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Since when has 424 become a thing?

                1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  no idea but conte tried a couple of times in pre-season I believe

                  1. Davido989
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    It's basically 442. Everything is becoming so fancy.

                2. Elniñorules
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  People are getting too hung up on formations. Formation is just on paper anyways - once it is implemented is much more fluid and dynamic.

                  1. Davido989
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Exactly, just ask Brunt.

                3. Lovren an elevator
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Over sensationalised new way of saying 4-4-2

              2. Jazz!
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Ivan Terry Cahill Azpi
                Kante Fabregas
                Willian Batshuayi Costa Haz

                1. Lovren an elevator
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Thought so too. What team!

                2. Davido989
                  • 15 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Matic to Leicester confirmed.

                3. Lovren an elevator
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Who drops out when Zouma is fit though?

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

                4-2-4 just more fashionable than 4-4-2

              4. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                *4-4-2

              5. Netley Lucas
                • 10 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                It's really a 4-4-2 though. Depends of transfer activity but personally I'm edging towards defence for value.

                1. MrMaverick
                  • 9 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  agreed

                2. Lovren an elevator
                  • 10 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Who do you think will be the 2 up top, Costa and bat or will Haz be right up top?

                  1. Netley Lucas
                    • 10 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Bat maybe with Costa, with Haz on the left. Can't see em paying £75m for Luka? Sheesh...

            • JK - Cønt ⭐
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 14 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              assuming I get Ibra

              a) Fuchs/Baines every week and a mid for up to 9.0
              b) Morgan and rotate him and a mid for up to 9.5 (have Mahrez)

              1. Jazz!
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                B Mané

                1. Jazz!
                  • 11 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  A Mané I mean 🙂

                  1. JK - Cønt ⭐
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    the other option is get a 6.5 mid and swap Austin for Costa

            • twoplustwo
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Alli and Mkhi

              Or

              Fabegas and Martial

            • Bleach †
              • 9 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              Choosing between Alli/Eriksen and Ayew/Siggy gives me nightmares 🙁

              1. twoplustwo
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Ayew possibly up top is swaying me at the moment

                1. Mane Of Steel
                  • 12 Years
                  9 years, 6 months ago

                  Ayee up top???

                  1. Christina.
                    • 15 Years
                    9 years, 6 months ago

                    Missionary position.

              2. Dušan Citizen
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                9 years, 6 months ago

                Scandinavia all the way

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

                my dilemma too

            • pmletch
              • 10 Years
              9 years, 6 months ago

              **Update from earlier post**
              Be nice!

              Mandanda / Heaton

              Alderweireld / Koscielny / Shaw / Friend / Parades

              Mkhitaryan / Firmino / Eriksen / Fischer / Snodgrass

              Aguero / Long / Musa

              - Friend will replace Koscielny in starting lineup for GW 1&2
              - Snodgrass is the sub in midfield (I believe he might be taking set-pieces for Hull)

              any suggestions?