Scout Notes

Scout Notes – Pre-Season

A James Milner penalty gets Liverpool’s pre-season up and running, Tom Ince bags a debut goal for Huddersfield, while Gylfi Sigurdsson seemingly edges closer to a move away from Swansea after opting out of the club’s US tour.

Here’s a round-up of yesterday’s action….

Tranmere Rovers 0 Liverpool 4

One of the upcoming Fantasy Premier League campaign’s more anticipated events – a James Milner penalty – helped kick-start Liverpool’s pre-season with some style.

The former England international netted seven times from the spot last year while playing as a left-back, only for his FPL designation as a midfielder to severely hamper his appeal.

His reclassification as a defender for 2017/18 has already prompted 10.5% of us early adopters to pay 6.5 for his services, with penalties a major factor in that purchase, and Milner duly delivered to set the Reds on the way to a convincing win at Prenton Park.

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was without four of his key attackers, with new signing Mohamed Salah missing out due to work-permit issues and Philippe Coutinho, Sadio Mane and Adam Lallana all unavailable as they work on their fitness levels.

The Reds’ boss welcomed back skipper Jordan Henderson, though, who made his first appearance since February after finally recovering from a heel problem.

Klopp used a 4-3-3 system throughout, starting the match with Daniel Sturridge up front, flanked by Sheyi Ojo and another reclassified man, Roberto Firmino, who has gone from midfielder to striker for this year’s game.

Ojo provided the assists for both of Liverpool’s first-half goals, the second a fine long-range effort from Marko Grujic.

Klopp made ten changes at the break, among them a first outing for new signing Dominic Solanke, who took over from Sturridge in the central striker role.

Further goals followed from Pedro Chirivella, who was set up by Solanke, and Ben Woodburn, who converted from the spot late on after being brought down.

Speaking post-match, Klopp praised ‘long-term project’ Solanke before hinting that more signings were in the pipeline.

“We cannot only buy players because other teams buy players—we do our business as well as we can do it and we are completely in it. We are convinced about the way we are going, so that’s all. I’m not nervous, maybe that’s the right message.”

Liverpool are in action again tomorrow, at Wigan Athletic.

Liverpool XI First half: Karius; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Lucas, Milner; Henderson, Grujic, Wijnaldum; Ojo, Firmino, Sturridge.

Liverpool XI Second half: Karius (Grabara 67); Clyne, Gomez, Klavan, Flanagan; Stewart, Chirivella, Woodburn; Markovic, Kent, Solanke.

Subs not used: Randall.

Young Boys Bern 2 Stoke City 2 (Stoke win 4-3 on penalties)

Veteran campaigner Charlie Adam sparked a second-half comeback from two goals down for Stoke City in their pre-season Uhrencup encounter with Bern.

The midfielder scored from the penalty spot and then set up Marc Muniesa’s equaliser, before Peter Crouch registered the decisive spot-kick in the shoot-out that followed the 2-2 draw.

Potters boss Mark Hughes again opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation in which Thibaud Verlinden and Julien Ngoy provided the width, with Bojan operating behind central striker Saido Berahino.

Hughes then handed new signings Josh Tymon and Darren Fletcher pitch-time after the break, with Jakob Haugaard, Crouch, Muniesa and Dom Telford also introduced.

Speaking after the match, Hughes confirmed that the club have made an offer to take Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma (priced at a lofty 5.5 in FPL) on loan for the season.

“There is genuine interest. We’d like to make it happen if we can. The boy himself has to make a decision. We are one of many interested parties but we’re very hopeful. We’re still doing a number of deals.”

Stoke City XI: Grant (Haugaard 46); Johnson (Edwards 67), Shawcross (Souttar 67), Wollscheid (Muniesa 46), Pieters (Shenton 70); Adam (Fletcher 67), Imbula (Sweeney 67); Ngoy (Telford 46), Bojan (Campbell 70), Verlinden (Tymon 46); Berahino (Crouch 46).

Sub not used: Jarvis.

Accrington Stanley 0 Huddersfield Town 1

New boy Tom Ince was the man for Huddersfield boss David Wagner at the Wham Stadium.

The young gun, bought from Derby County, was given the chance to go for it after the break and duly delivered the only goal. Intriguingly, Ince was also handed a share of free-kicks upon his second-half introduction – priced at 6.0 in FPL, he’s clearly one to monitor in the mid-price bracket after serving up 14 goals and six assists for the Rams last time out.

Wagner used most of his new signings in the first half. Goalkeeper Jonas Lossl, defenders Mathias Jorgensen and Scott Malone, midfielder Danny Williams and striker Steve Mounie all started at Accrington.

Ince and former Montpellier striker Laurent Depoitre were introduced at half-time, while Tommy Smith (foot), Jon Stankovic (knee), Michael Hefele (achilles), Collin Quaner (ankle) and Australian international midfielder Aaron Mooy, who is still on holiday after playing in the Confederations Cup, all missed out.

Huddersfield Town XI First Half: Lossl; Malone, Schindler, Jorgensen, Scannell; Billing, Williams; Lolley, Payne, Kachunga; Mounie.

Huddersfield Town XI Second half: Coleman; Lowe, Hudson (Palmer 74),Whitehead, Cranie; Hogg, Bunn; van La Parra, Wells, Ince; Depoitre.

Barnet 1 Swansea City 0

Swansea City not only lost their opening friendly, they now face the possibility of losing their star midfielder, Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has opted against travelling on their US tour.

Earlier this morning, the club confirmed:

“Having played v Barnet last night, Gylfi did not feel in the right frame of mind to travel due to the current uncertainty over his future.

Coach Paul Clement handed the Icelander the captaincy upon his introduction after the break and also got his first look at new signings Erwin Mulder and Roque Mesa.

Oliver McBurnie started up front as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 set-up, though in the second-half, Swansea reverted to the midfield diamond system that saw them see out the previous season.

Winger Jefferson Montero returned to contention after recovering from a hamstring problem, while Clement issued an injury update ahead of the club’s US tour, with Fernando Llorente set to miss out due to a fractured arm:

“Nathan (Dyer) is still on the road to recovery. Normally the rehabilitation period for the type of injury he had is nine months. If that’s the case this time, he will not be fit until October. But Nathan is coming with us to America because unlike Fernando Llorente, he can run and is mobile. We have just got to be careful that we don’t push him too quickly because you can re-rupture those injuries and then you are starting from zero again. Apart from Nathan, everyone who is travelling will be able to train and play.”

One of Swansea’s key performers last season, defender Alfie Mawson, has now joined up with the squad having been given extra time off following his exertions for England at the European U21 championships.

Swansea City First half: Mulder; Rangel, van der Hoorn, Fernandez, Roberts; Fulton, Carroll; Montero, Routledge, Barrow; McBurnie.

Swansea City Second half: Mulder; Roberts (Olsson 70), Bartley, Keston Davies, Naughton; King (Mesa 70), Grimes, Sigurdsson, Fer; Ayew, Narsingh.

SK Slavia Prague 2 West Bromwich Albion 1

Summer signing Jay Rodriguez made his West Brom debut, playing in the number 10 role behind striker Salomon Rondon for the first 45 minutes of the defeat to Prague.

Chris Brunt – reclassified as a midfielder this season in FPL – started at left-back, with Craig Dawson stationed at centre-half as Gareth McAuley missed out through injury.

The Baggies led 1-0 at half-time thanks to a James McClean goal after 26 minutes, with the assist coming from Matt Phillips, but a totally new side took the field after the break and promptly succumbed to defeat.

Free agent Jason Lowe, on trial at right-back, was among the wholesale changes made by Tony Pulis, while McAuley – along with another injured player, James Morrison – rewarded the 30 or so Baggies fans who had travelled to the training camp in Austria by watching the match with them.

West Brom XI First half: Foster; Nyom, Evans, Dawson, Brunt; Yacob; McClean, Livermore, Rodriguez, Phillips; Rondon.

West Brom XI Second half: Myhill, Lowe, Wilson, O’Shea, Melbourne; McManaman, Harper, Field, Leko; Robson-Kanu; Roberts.

3,314 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Sleep Talk
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Can we avoid Milner now? 😕

    Hoping for that new LB

    1. Woeisme
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes we can

  2. nkhoughton
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Updated front 8 thoughts?

    Willian Eriksen Coutiniho KDB RLC
    Lacazette Lukaku Fodder

    Iffy on no Alexis or Kane though

    1. Woeisme
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fodder wont start.

    1. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      ...

      Thought I was posting this in the other thread..

    2. FrankieTheGent
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      infinite loop

  3. The Magnificent 7m Mids
    J0E
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Fantasy Football Scout daily hot topic

    The magnificent 7

    The pricing this year suggests that in terms of the midfield we are set for a very different season.

    Last year 3-5-2 looked key with so many strong options in the 8-8.5 bracket with Firmino, Coutinho, Alli and Eriksen all among the top scoring midfielders to present us with sensational value.

    This season though they have suffered price hikes to premium status or a reclassification.

    This year’s crop of 8-8.5 options in contrast looks thin.

    Pogba could be a sensation – but probably only if Man Utd sign a defensive midfielder to allow him to bomb forward. Mkhitaryan one to watch too.

    Mahrez could be on the move.

    The city mids will be prone to rotation, as will United’s Martial.

    Sigurdsson – uncertain future. Is 8.5 actually overpriced?

    Pedro – great for August, but watch that price and ownership drop when Hazard is back and he’s rotated.

    I think that this year this year the value will be found a little lower down in a group of Magnificant 7m priced players.

    Let’s have a look at the potential with this lot and the value they could offer.

    Ramsey – strong end of season form in Arsenal’s new formation, which clearly suits him. Members should take note of this table from Giggs Boson too re the Welshman - http://members.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/public-stats-tables/view/19129/

    Fabregas/Willian – with Hazard out in August and part of September, why spend 8.0 on Pedro when you can get either of these too likely starters for 7.0?

    Zaha - Palace’s best asset last season. The Eagles have a strong start and so could he.

    Arnautovic – angling for a move to West Ham – with the Hammers strong early fixtures and his track record for hauls he could be FPL gold.

    Lanzini – stepped into Payet’s shoes admirably. A strong option.

    Worth also mentioning that at 6.5-6 Redmond and Stanislas could be strong options.

    In conclusion I think for those eying up a five man midfield there are some far cheaper excellent options for you to consider. And for those who expect 17/18 to be the same as 16/17 think again – the way the prices have fallen would indicate that the days of the 8-8.5 midfield stars are over, it could be all about the Magnificent 7 this season.

    1. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm really hoping a decent 6.5 forward emerges during pre-season.

      I'm currently on Defoe as my third attacker, but downgrading him would allow me to sit with a budget 4.5 mid, two premium mids and two 7.0 mids. I think we should allow some wiggle room in our teams so that we can be able to jump on the right 7.0 mids once they start firing. I see a lot of great potential in that bracket, Ramsey, Zaha and Lanzini in particular.

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Completely agree with you. These magnificent 7 people allow us to build a great overall team. We can try various formations with the flexibility they provide us with.

    3. Ephurion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      At the moment i have my eyes on a midfield of Lanzini (7), Stanislas (pending injury - 6), Alli (9.5), Redmond (6.5) and a Chelsea guy (7 or 8 depending on who).
      Then it's all about where the value lies. Is it upgrading to another premium midfielder? Is it downgrading one to RLC and go with a strong frontline? Invest in wingbacks?

    4. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Magnificent* !

    5. QPRUTD
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Willian and Pogba/Mkhi in my team already

    6. Individual
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Willian I really like, Jonty, he's a shoo-in in my team, I think he'll take the creative burden over from Hazard and he's got a superior creativity (in terms of ICT) stat than Pedro, in less than half the games. Really like him, and in my first xv (he'll be outta there pretty sharpish once Haz is back) he seems pretty nailed on.

      Here's my current setup:

      Foster / Myhill
      Bertrand Dawson Hefele / Dunk 4.0 fodder
      Kdb Mane Willian Tadic Ritchie
      Kane Kaku / Hemed

    7. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nice piece! Hammers strong early fixtures?

      Man Utd (A)
      Southampton (A)
      Newcastle (A)
      Huddersfield (H)
      West Brom (A)
      Spurs (H)

      4 away games in the first 6 and the second home game is against Spurs..

      1. J0E
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Forget home and away

        West Ham scored 28 on the road, just 19 at home last season.

        Away matches against Southampton, Newcastle and West Brom with a home tie v Huddersfield in their first six look sensational.

        1. Whazza
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Interesting. Still think Soton and WBA can be pretty great defensively at home.
          "Sensational" is too much for me though, their opening fixtures look mediocre.

          The ticker seems to agree. Sort by attacking for first 6 and you'll find West Ham at 15th.

          1. J0E
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            West Brom kept 4 clean sheets at home - strong defensively at home was not a hallmark of their season.

            Southampton at best average at home. So for a side that scores alot on the road both look good.

            Away match against a newly promoted side too then a home tie with Huddersfield.

            I call that a pretty nice set of games.

    8. Nice to Finally Michu
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm a big fan of the 7.0 price point and I think I'll end up with two in my side.
      Lanzini is penciled in for me, the choice I have to make is between Ramsey and Zaha for the other but I'm currently on the former

    9. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I honestly think Abraham will be a revelation this season. Keeping an eye on pre-season.

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I like him but playing time could be an issue with Llorente and Ayew around

      2. Clump
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Siggy is off. Reduces appeal.

    10. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lanzini could be the real gem out of that lot.

      I like Zaha but at the moment I have Tekkers so not doubling up there.

      Also starting Fabs while Haz is out.

      Having Kane and Sanchez absolutely kills my budget, though.

    11. Cesc's old mullet
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      None of the 7M mids that are mentioned here scored better than the premium defenders from last season.

      Isn't there better value in the premium defenders/WB though? Shouldn't we consider the likes of Alonso, Milner, Moses ahead of the Magnificent 7?

    12. Feyzi
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      There are 14 players with 9+ prices and the average price is 10.5 which means that we are unlikely to have 4 stars in our long term teams. I entirely agree and find it inconceivable to allo 8.5, 8 or 7.5 priced players in my team. However, I would extend this post to include 6.5 players as well. A better Tadic or Redmond, or Chadli, would be interesting options. The problem with Zaha would possibly be the existence of Townsend and Puncheon to steal some role.

    13. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I have gone for tadic-redmond-ince in my midfield they are all below the 7m mark.
      Obviously could change if the saints make more signing's
      Redomnd did well for me at the start of last season and tadic used to be more of a goal threat, hope he stays on pens.

      Plus Ince is always good in the football manager games!

    14. Drumlicious
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ayew is another one to consider at 7 also. The last 12 gameweeks he seemed to be doing as well as Lanzini, certainly bagged a few goals. Was a glorious fantasy asset in his Swansea days. No set pieces versus Lanzini but small chance he might play up top, and seems to score plenty when he's playing regularly. Lanzini subjectively feels a little more flakey than Ayew.

    15. FFPro
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      For me, Zaha > Ramsey > Lanzini > Chelsea mids

      Ayew 7.0 and Tadic 6.5 may be decent options.

    16. abreu
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      It could also be that we think they are magnificent because we want them to be magnificent, in order to accomodate that expensive forward line =)

    17. Awesom-o
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Georginio Wijnaldum, 7.0 with 6 goals and 9 assists last season

    18. Baines on Toast...
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I prefer the options at 6 but cesc is tempting.

    19. Valencia's Left Foot
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Are we overlooking Andrè Ayew? Knows where the net is, starting finding form after injury, might be playing centrally or up top. Any thoughts?

      1. Valencia's Left Foot
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Just saw Drum's post. Still.. any thoughts?

        1. tm370
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I think early on the Chelsea options look tempting - and then a change when everything settles.

          It's also worth nothing that a starting Wayne Rooney might be even more tempting, when Everton's fixtures change. He is only 7.5 and could well take over pen duties.

      2. Awesom-o
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Ayew's form in the final 13 games was 5 goals and 3 assists mostly as a shadow striker.

        He could be a real bargain

    20. harvard
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Fab is high on my list. His end of season could propel him.

      Stanislas at 6.0 is another. While Arnie, ayew and lanzini complete my trio

    21. harvard
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Also I think I'll rather take Townsend over zaha.

      I'm waiting on when bolasie is finally fit. Hope Everton fixtures are mint then

    22. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure we should be considering Arnautovic just yet... 😉

    23. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lanzini and Zaha I agree with. Arnie is a poor player IMO who turns up 1 in every 5 games. Ramsay is slightly better than Arnie, but he isn't on his hot streak from years ago anymore. Fabregas / Willian will be rotated.

    24. Top Dog
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I like some of the 7.0m midfielders, and think you make a strong argument but I'm still eyeing up 4 at the back. It comes down to do I think a 6.5/6.0 or maybe even 5.5 (trippier & lindelof) defender will out score the players mentioned above - and I do. I will be looking at 3 defenders in this bracket with a couple of 4.5's, then go 3 slightly more expensive midfielders (Pogba, Pedro, Sane, Alli/Eriksen or Coutinho) with a couple of budget midfielders.

    25. Swanmoretime
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Anyone else having problems with the rate my team option in the members section? I can build the team but although it shows the player projections for the individual players none of the totals are working - for the game weeks , the cumulative 6 week total or the team value total.

      Sorry if it's the wrong thread but I couldn't see an obvious thread to post it in.

      Thanks

    26. Zikry
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Who would start in place of Hazard to start the season between Cesc and Willian though? Whoever it is looks like a steal at 7.0 to start the season.

    27. Davidwrigley
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Kachunga, Ritchie, Chadli, Phillips or Knockhaert? I think all of them seem excellent value at £6m! I will probably pick 2 of them to combine with RLC, Pogba and Ali. Or do you think Willian is a must with Hazard out?

    28. christoff
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nice analysis, thanks.

      I still believe premium mids have something to offer especially considering if they have an explosive start (e.g Alli, KDB, Sanchez), it might be harder to shoehorn them into your side if youve spread your funds amongst 7-8m priced mids.

      While all of the above mids you mentioned certainly have good potential, Jonty would you honestly say you'd instantly choose one?

      Premium mids still don't offer guaranteed rewards, like all choices in this game ,but their pedigree means I'd be happy sticking with one or two out of KDB / Alli / Sanchez / Hazard (in a few gameweeks) and then playing 4.5 priced mids.

      I'd bet dollars to donuts you'll end up doing the same 🙂

  4. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What would you say about this playing front 7:
    Wilian Dele Coutinho Sane
    Lacazette Lukaku Benteke
    ?

    1. Helia
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good

    2. The Legend Squad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Good, but concerns over Sane & Willian game time

      1. Maddamotha
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Willian sure to start now that Haz is injured? I have him in my team as well. Great value as I see it.

    3. Make Arrows Green Again
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks really good. I don't have any real worries on Sané time.

    4. Swanmoretime
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good. What's left for the rest of the squad though ?

  5. Ephurion
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Any news on refereeing this season? Will they donate even more penos than last year?

    1. Sleep Talk
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'll keep an eye on what games Mike Dean is set up on.

      There were a couple of times last season where we actually managed to predict penalties based on the refereeing stats. Does anyone have a season overview of all the referees and the amount of cards and penalties they gave out?

  6. Bellerinmondo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    just renewed my membership but getting this
    Your username or password is invalid or your members account has expired
    Does it take a while to kick in?

    1. Mark
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 17 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Might be a cache issue. Drop me an email at support@fantasyfootballscout.co.uk

      1. Bellerinmondo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        ok

        1. Mark
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 17 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Should be sorted now for you. Mail me if any further issues.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Nope, it's instant. Your username or password is incorrect

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Orrrr not 🙂

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Just reset your password

    4. Teh Rmy
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I also got mine instantly

  7. Helia
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    any good?

    Foster
    Lindeloff Cedric Betrand Daniels
    Coutinho KDB knockaert Stanislas
    Lukaku Kane

    Elliot Loftus Gayle Mee

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Doubling up on defense is not a great strategy IMO.

      1. Helia
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        great fixtures. won't play both every week but i get what you mean.. its a risk i think id take

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Knockaert as a 3rd mid is also risky.

          1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah, prefer Ritchie over Knockaert definitely

        2. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          If you won't play both of them together, what's the point in having a 5m defender on your bench?

          1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I have Mawson and won't be playing him every week, but 4 goals from a CB in half a a season is exciting stuff. Especially if they lose Siggy, more of the goalscoring burden will be on him.

            1. Dreams
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Who'll provide him with such great crosses is the question here?

              1. Dreams
                • 7 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                And if you are doubling up on a single team in defence and not playing one of them, why double up?

                1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
                  • 9 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  I agree that if both score roughly equally it can create headaches, but I fancy Bertrand to outscore Cedric comfortably. Not something I'd go for myself, but it's feasable.

                  1. Dreams
                    • 7 Years
                    6 years, 8 months ago

                    If it was a goalkeeper and a defender from the same team, I would understand it if one of them was benched if the other goalkeeper is a good one. Any defender who is 5 or more should play every week IMO. If not, get a cheaper one and upgrade the midfield or forward line.

                2. Helia
                  • 8 Years
                  6 years, 8 months ago

                  It's about how many points you get... who'd u prefer last season? Having Cahill and alonso or Cahill and koscielny? The double up wins. I don't get why having two players from the same team is bad at all, I only care about how they will score lol

    2. Ephurion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Expecting Bertrand to stay or to go to somewhere else (like City)?

      1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Haven't seen Bertrand being linked with anywhere else.

  8. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Not much love for Mane?

    1. Helia
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If he was the same price as coutinho id probably pick him but that .5 makes a difference

    2. A Team Of James McCleans
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Injured

  9. Sickboy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Have Arsenal started with wing backs in today's friendly then? Thanks

    1. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      3421 according to flashscore

    2. Ephurion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      The end of last season, and the Kolasinac addition, strongly suggest wingbacking this season

    3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, they posted their lineup on Twitter. Kolasinic on the left of the back three, but it's far from their full strength squad.

      1. Sickboy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks everyone

    4. harvard
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yup. Strangely kolasinac is playing as a LCB not LWB

  10. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How good was the template for GW1 last year? Wasn't Negredo in most people's templates and look what happened to him.

    1. Ephurion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Wasn't necessarily a template, but picking the right "x vs y" from the guys being watched guided me to a top 30k start (with Capue on the bench for the first 5 weeks).

      I'd watch the suggestions and argue back and forth until you're happy with your choices.

    2. harvard
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      A template isn't a season long thing. Negredo, gray and diomande made up the first templates depending on how cheap you wanted to go.

      They did their bit at the start. It was left for you to drift towards Barnes/crouch or llorente when the time came

  11. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Redmond could be a decent punt for the start of the season.

    Great fixtures, priced at only 6.5 and took as many shots in the box last season as Hazard and Alli. He also created as many chances as Alli.

    1. Ephurion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He had a great 10 point start last season too (before he fell off) 😀
      Definitely eyeing him this time around too

    2. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not a great finisher though. Think I'll hold off SOU attackers until GW2/3, until it becomes clear who Pellegrino favours.

      1. slamdunk
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah i remember everyone having redmond and tadic at the begining of last season and it failed,i will hold off to.

    3. harvard
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'll rather go tadic at same price or Austin if he starts

  12. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    To conclude, the RLC/Carroll double up seems a bit risky in a 3-4-3?

    1. Jazz!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yes.

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      If RLC is nailed as CAM I can see myself having him as a 4th mid to enable big hitters elsewhere

    3. Jonesfromthere
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Depends how you use the free funds. Getting three big hitting strikers makes it worthwhile.

    4. Page 302
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm planning a three-way rotation between RLC, Carroll and a playable 4.5 defender.

  13. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Foster Elliot
    Bertrand Cedric Dawson Ake Rangel
    Alli Sane Coutinho RLC T.Carrol
    Lukaku Aguero Defoe
    Risky double Sout, but those fixtures and I will probably wc gw3-5 anyway.
    RLC ok as 4th mid? What do you think?

  14. H-SF
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    My dilemma is whether I go Pedro at 8m or Willian or Fab at 7m

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      That 1m will be handy

      1. Nice to Finally Michu
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        So will Pedro's points

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Dont think he'll score more pts than Willian/Cesc, not enough to justify 1m extra imo

    2. Ephurion
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Pedro is my #1 choice, but it might end up with me WCing around the time Hazard is healthy again. Not really an issue, though, imo

    3. Nomar
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ive gone for Fabs.

  15. Tranny Fan
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Struggling on the following; I have Alli and Kane but no City or Arsenal cover so i'm considering dropping A for B or C:

    a) Kane + Alli + Ritchie
    b) Kane + Sane + Ramsey
    c) Aguero + Alli + Ramsey

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      B looks good

  16. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Welbeck missed penalty

    1. Budweiser
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Welbeck being Welbeck..

  17. Stimps
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this new draught?

    Foster
    Cedric Lindelof Francis
    Alli Coutinho Tadic Ritchie
    Lukaku Lacazette Jesus

    Myhill, Carroll, Yedlin, K Long

    1. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Same attack as mine, except Pogba and Firmino instead of Coutinho and Jesus

  18. Ha.
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Would Siggy at Everton be good or bad news? Likely he'd be off penalties and would have game time reduced, but surely would create an abundance of chances that would get converted?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bad. Think Snodgrass to West Ham. Similar impact

      1. Ha.
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Valid point. I'd like to think that Siggy is a class above Snoddy, though.

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Agreed. And Everton a class above West Ham. Still, I'd expect a similar 20-25% drop-off

    2. Whazza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Bad news imo

    3. NIGHTHIKER - I Kane, I Shaw…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not worth 8.5, Klaasen should outscore him for 1m cheaper

      1. pompeyfan
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'd be surprised if he did. Siggy will likely play further forward than Klaassen.

  19. Parm
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Why isn't there a picture of Mark doing suicide runs?

    https://twitter.com/OfficialFPL/status/885458326401765378

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      😆

  20. MarkoSD
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    how much lindelof is nailed? he has better fixtures than mustafi, but mustafi is nailed. maybe if we could know that holding will be nailed in cosc absence.

    and, guys, can you resist the lure of philips and tadic early fixtures?

    1. Budweiser
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Lindelof is nailed and takes free kicks

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        He isn't nailed yet. We expect him to be, but he might not be

      2. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        We don't know if he will take fks... I don't think so.

      3. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        ?

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Is Mustafi nailed?

      Holding Kosc Monreal is possible

      1. Whazza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Kolasinac playing CB atm too

    3. Tornado
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I have both tadic and phillips over knockeart/ritchie due to fixtures

    4. Mingo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Well he hasn't played for the club yet so it's hard to say. You would have thought that Mou would start him straight away but time and pre-season games will tell. Logic suggests we will start with:

      Valencia Baily Lindeloff LB (Rojo, Shaw or Darmian)

  21. dfroes
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Hey everyone,

    One suggestion: below the line-ups, you should post the scorers and the assisters.

  22. Revival
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    How about this for a Sanchez/Kane/Lukaku team. Managed to spend more money on defence and get a 6m third striker too...could easily set up 3-4-3 or 4-4-2. Thoughts?

    Foster - 4.0
    Azpil - Lindelof - Cedric - Francis - 4.0
    Sanchez - Sane - Stanislas - Can - RLC
    Kane - Lukaku - Murray

    1. Ha.
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      The left side of the team is nice, but the other half...

  23. GoonerByron
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    4-3-3?

    Forster - (4.0)
    Milner - Kolasinac - Cedric - Dawson - (Mee)
    Alli - Sane - Ramsey - (Loftus Cheek) - (Carroll)
    Lukaku - Lacazette - Benteke

  24. Ligdon
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Will Holding sart for Arsenal?

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not very likely, will get games but not regularly imo

      1. Ligdon
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks

    2. Bird Raymond
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      He should start the first couple of games with Kosc suspended. I'm taking a punt as an early wildcarder.

  25. Reckoner.
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Just starting to look at my team for this year, any templates arising? Any little known Gems about a la Michu.

    Would be good to get a starting point.

    1. GoonerByron
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Knockaert 6.0 maybe..

  26. The Legend Squad
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    I think I've cracked it (for the next hour or so before I tinker again):

    Foster Elliot
    Milner Monreal Lindelof Cedric (Mee)
    KDB Pogba Ramsey Redmond (RLC)
    Kane Lukaku (Fletcher)

    Don't like not having Coutinho, with his huge ownership, but I like the Kane Kaku KDB combination - likely to be most consistent points scorers in their respective clubs (KDB being the only certain in Pep's plans)

    What do you think?

  27. PvA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Cabaye to play #10 as RLC plays deep?

  28. The Mighty Whites
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Triple Man Utd - Lindelof, Pogba, Lukaku a good shout or not?

    1. The Legend Squad
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Not looking too bad with those starting fixtures... see a few comments above for my team