Scout Notes
26 July 2017 1953 comments
davidwardale davidwardale
Share:

A loss for Chelsea, mayhem for Spurs and wins for Brighton and Burnley as the pre-season warm-ups return.

Stoke City are dulled by the Blades, however, despite the best efforts of Xherdan Shaqiri.

Here are the notes from Tuesday’s action…

Chelsea 2 Bayern Munich 3

Goals from Marcos Alonso and Michy Batshuayi took some of the sting out of a first pre-season loss for Chelsea as new striker Alvaro Morata made his debut.

The Spaniard claimed the assist for Batshuayi’s goal, flicking on a Cesc Fabregas corner, as the Blues belatedly recovered from being three down just before the break.

In an otherwise poor defensive display from the champions, Alonso’s goal, set up by Victor Moses, would have at least been heartening for the 13.9% of Fantasy Premier League managers with a chunky 7.0 tied up in the defender.

If the Spaniard is to deliver on his premium price this season, he’ll need to come close to replicating last year’s stellar campaign that harvested six goals, provided five assists and kept 15 clean sheets.

His performance against Bayern hinted at exactly that, although there were some uncharacteristic frailties on display at the back, with Thibaut Courtois and Cesar Azpilicueta particularly unconvincing as the Germans took control of the match.

Chelsea will not face many teams as potent as Bayern, however.

Young attacker Jeremie Boga again stood in for Pedro as he recovers from his almighty collision with Arsenal’s David Ospina, while Andreas Christensen played for just over an hour at the heart of Chelsea’s frequently troubled defence.

After breezing past the Gunners, this was a major reality check for Chelsea, with the 11.1%-owned Morata’s assist one of the few positives to emerge.

Chelsea XI: Courtois (Eduardo 74); Azpilicueta, Christensen (Luiz 63), Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas (Pasalic 86), Alonso (Tomori 74); Willian, Batshuayi (Baker 86), Boga (Morata 63).
Subs not used: Caballero, Bulka, Kalas, Clarke-Salter, Scott, Remy.

Tottenham Hotspur 2 Roma 3

Another day, another high-scoring match for Spurs, but this time they were on the wrong end of a five-goal thriller won at the death by rivals Roma.

Late strikes from Harry Winks, from a Vincent Janssen rebound, and then Janssen himself, who swept home a Georges-Kevin Nkoudou cross, brought Spurs back from a two-goal deficit.

But the Italians had the last laugh in a match most notable for a wretched refereeing display from Hilario Grajeda.

The American official gave Roma a contentious penalty, denied Spurs what looked like a clear spot-kick of their own, watched a mini-brawl break out among the players and then tried, and completely failed, to send off Spurs coach Miguel D’Agostino.

Other than that, he had a great night.

Mauricio Pochettino mixed and matched, using three at the back in the first-half and a flat back four after the break, with key players such as Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld given the full 90 minutes. Youngster Josh Onomah was utilised in a central support role.

But the club’s lack of activity in the transfer market – chairman Daniel Levy going public with his belief that rivals’ spending is ‘unsustainable’ – and worries over the effect playing home matches at Wembley will have on the side have combined to dampen interest in Spurs stars.

Alli (38.0%) and Kane (34.1%) are highly popular FPL choices, but just four other team-mates make it into double figures for ownership.

By contrast, Chelsea have eight assets owned by at least 10% of FPL managers, with two injured players – Pedro and Eden Hazard – likely to join them once fit.

Spurs XI First half: Vorm; Carter-Vickers, Alderweireld, Vertonghen; Trippier, Dier, Dembele, Walker-Peters; Onomah, Alli; Kane.

Spurs XI Second half: Lloris; Trippier, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies; Winks, Dembele; Eriksen, Alli, Georgiou; Kane.

Southend 0 Brighton and Hove Albion 3

Solly March made it three goals in two matches for Brighton as Chris Hughton’s men again gave lower league opposition short shrift.

The midfielder scored twice, and veteran striker Glenn Murray added a third, while new Chelsea loan signing Izzy Brown was thrown straight into the side and earned post-match praise from his boss for his versatility.

“Izzy can play on either flank, but we know he can play off the front as well. Eventually, he could play as a number nine, but I don’t see him as a nine, I see him as one that is going to play off a front man or in a wide area.”

Assists came from Liam Rosenior, Markus Suttner and Murray.

Hughton chose to rest a number of first-teamers ahead of another pre-season run-out, on Saturday, against Norwich City.

It’s also worth noting that centre-back Uwe Huenemeier – priced at 4.0 in FPL and owned by 8.4% – played the full 90 minutes alongside Lewis Dunk in the heart of defence.

Brighton XI: Maenpaa; Rosenior (Cox 63), Huenemeier, Dunk (Tilley 82), Suttner (White 63); March (Molumby 82), Sidwell (LuaLua 63), Stephens (Dallison 82), Brown (Ince 63); Gross (Towell 82); Murray (Connelly 71).

Preston North End 1 Burnley 2

Robbie Brady was at the heart of Burnley’s win over Lancashire rivals Preston, with the goals coming from Jonathan Walters and Sam Vokes.

The Irish midfielder’s set-piece skills were a threat throughout.

His free-kick found Tom Anderson, who headed across goal for Walters to score, before the fit-again Vokes hit the winner, applying the slightest of touches to a Kevin Long header, again from a Brady dead-ball delivery.

Manager Sean Dyche’s latest buy, the experienced full-back Phil Bardsley, took no part in the match, but most of the Clarets’ first-team squad gained more valuable pitch-time.

Walters now has two goals and an assist since joining the club, while the productive Brady has returned a goal and assist.

But FPL interest in Burnley players remains low in light of the club’s tough start to the season – they travel to Chelsea, Spurs, Liverpool and Everton over the first seven Gameweeks – and only Tom Heaton and Ben Mee enjoy notable ownership.

Burnley XI: Heaton (Pope, 46); Lowton (C Long 81), Taylor (Ward 71), Anderson, K Long (Mee 64); Brady (Barnes 71), Gudmundsson (Ulvestad 75), Westwood (Defour 64), Cork (Hendrick 64); Walters (Agyei 81), Vokes (Gray 81).

Sheffield United 2 Stoke City 1

Xherdan Shaqiri was on the scoresheet for Stoke City as Kurt Zouma’s debut for the club ended in defeat.

The Swiss international combined with Ramadan Sobhi to level for the Potters before a late goal gave the hosts the win.

Chelsea loanee Zouma played the first half alongside Ryan Shawcross at the centre of the Stoke defence, but it was Shaqiri who caught the eye as he looks to take on more attacking responsibility following the sale of Marko Arnautovic to West Ham.

Elsewhere, defender Geoff Cameron was used in midfield for the first half, allowing Joe Allen to play in a more attacking role, before Hughes shuffled his pack after the break.

It should also be noted that Bardsley’s departure to Burnley seemingly cements Glen Johnson’s start at right-back or right wing-back; like Cameron, he is available as a 4.5 Stoke defender in FPL.

Stoke City XI: Grant; Johnson (Edwards 69), Pieters (Tymon 69) Shawcross (Muniesa 80), Zouma (Crouch 46); Fletcher (Adam 80) Cameron (Wollscheid 80); Shaqiri (Diouf 73), Allen (Imbula 80), Ramadan; Berahino (Bojan 73).

Keep up to date with all the summer action with our Pre-Season Guide available here.

  1. BobB
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 16 Years
    8 years, 4 months ago

    Who is more likely to leave - Coutinho or Sanchez?

    1. Boris Bodega
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      8 years, 4 months ago

      Coss a toin

      1. AA33
          8 years, 4 months ago

          😆

        • AA33
            8 years, 4 months ago

            It's toss a coin 😀

            1. jay01
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              A coin toss?

              1. AA33
                  8 years, 4 months ago

                  Yes

          • Fat Frank
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Neither

        • Boom Xhaka-Laca
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Real 6 team draft league for players who will play the whole season only:

          145099-38886

          1. Yes Don
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            joined!

          2. jay01
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            When is your draft?

            1. jay01
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Joined now anyway under the pharmcelona name

        • Positive vibes
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Hi, please help me choose for 11,5m defender and 4th mid:

          A. Alonso, T Caroll (4th mid)
          B. Monreal, Ritchie
          C. Kolasinac, Milivojevic (11m)
          D. Others, please mention, thx.

        • C_G
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          thoughts on my draft? RMT appreciated

          Foster Myhill

          Mustafi Trippier Cedric Mee Rangel

          Alli Mane Willian Philips RLC

          Kane Lukaku Austin

        • Stats Don\'t Lie
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          A) Benteke + Cout
          B) Chicharito + KDB
          C) Chicharito + Cout + 1.0 for a rainy day

          1. Alexis Nonsense
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I have B, but wouldn't trust my instincts

        • Pariße
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          The transfer market went even crazier.

        • How I met your Mata
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          On going debate do we think Aguero and Jesus will both start?

          1. BobB
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 16 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Not sure they will both start. City have so many mids now they may play 4-5-1 or 4-5-1-1.

          2. The Pangengers
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Pep really loves Jesus....if he starts than he will def have a first good week (counting on it)

        • eamonhegg
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Willian (£7.0m) - The Brazilian winger is in 13.5% of all teams, and it is again something I cannot fathom why. He is a popular choice for the first 3 weeks in the absence of Hazard, after which his starting prospects will be sporadic at best. Chelsea's fixtures in that period are Burnley (H), Spurs (A) and Everton (H), of which only one fixture really appeals.

          He is another example of players who offer little threat from open play. Only 19 goals and 17 assists as a winger for a top side in 130 Premier League appearances are a testament to that. He relies too much on scoring from direct free-kicks, duties he which he will share with David Luiz and Marcos Alonso. If you're really keen on a Chelsea midfielder, spend the extra £1.0m on Pedro if he's fit from the suspected concussion. Though, a Chelsea midfielder is definitely not a must-have until the time Hazard comes back and their fixtures clear up.

          Thoughts?

          1. Alexis Nonsense
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Only reason i have Willian in pre-season form and Haz out

            Reassess after first weeks

            the 1m can be spent better elsewhere imo

          2. Jamie_GAWA
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            A lot of the time he was a sub, look at PPM instead maybe?

          3. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            That's why we have free transfers

          4. D-Burls
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            The season before last he was great, and the only Chelsea player to score any significant points. He was out-of-sorts last year as he lost a lot of weight following a family death and struggled to concentrate on playing. He talked openly about this, stating that he was recovering towards the end of last season - the time at which he started scoring goals and assists again. I think that he is a great option this year.

            1. Alexis Nonsense
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              He is looking sharp in pre season, a lot of runs towards the box, often being the most advanced player on the pitch

          5. Guba
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            In previous season's such as last season, a large share of his appearances were late substitutions. The season prior Chelsea were dreaful in general.

            Personally I believe Willian represents great value, he has a good instinct for goal and has had a promising pre-season so far.

            It's important to remember also that he's 7m, and so should be compared to other 7m and less midfielders. With the exception potentially of Zaha I can't see any that I would want more than Willian.

            Burnley (H) is also a great first fixture, expect Chelsea to score a few and he'll very likely be involved in at least one.

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

            I plan on using him for just the first game week and then transferring him up for another midfielder who has better home fixtures. But he does fit a starting role for game week1

        • The Pangengers
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          RMT please, bit doubtfull on the defense....

          Foster/ (Elliot)

          Baines/Holgate/Alonso/ (Ake/Rangel)

          Salah/Mkhit/Cout/Loftus-Cheek/ (McArthur)

          Defoe/Jesus/Lakaku

          1. 6thGoal
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Re-evaluate the two Everton the fenders for the first five or six game weeks

          2. Ronaldo7
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            have you seen Everton's first 5 fixtures?! i would also be doubtful on the defence. Not sure Holgate starts over Cuco Martina.

        • RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Which is best?

          1. KDB with this backline:
          Daniels • Cedric • Trippier • Dunk • 4m

          or

          2. SANE with this backline:
          Mustafi • Daniels • Cedric • Trippier • Dunk

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Depends on formation. Think I prefer 1

          2. The Pangengers
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            1, KDB will play for sure, Sane is rotating

          3. Spencer
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            So KDB and 4m or Sane and Mustafi?

            Think I prefer the second.

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Yeah mate. Thought I'd put the whole backline out to help 🙂

              1. Spencer
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 14 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                Yeah, makes sense so we can see if you have any other rotation risks/fodder.

                1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                  • 9 Years
                  8 years, 4 months ago

                  Still 2 then? Or I may go KDB with the following:

                  Mustafi • Trippier • Tomkins (Mee • 4m)?

                  1. Spencer
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 14 Years
                    8 years, 4 months ago

                    I prefer the one with Sane in it as I don't like having a 4.0 in there.

                    1. RAFA THE GAFFA
                      • 9 Years
                      8 years, 4 months ago

                      Or I go with Eriksen and leave Man City out

        • Saka White Rice
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          PLEASE HELP! Thoughts on this team? Not sure about Austin, and if to fit Alonso/Coutinho.

          De Gea
          Baily, Cedric, Yoshida, Dawson
          Eriksen, Ali, Willian,
          Austin, Kane, Lukaku (C)

          1. 6thGoal
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            High-risk high reward with three Spurs players, but it is something I have looked at as well. The only? How they will play at Wembley this year.

            1. Saka White Rice
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Exactly...I think I might have to swap Coutinho (0.5 cheaper) for Ali/Eriksen and then upgrade to Trippier instead of Dawson

        • RAFA THE GAFFA
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Any polls to help settle the Eriksen or Alli argument?

          1. Stats Don\'t Lie
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Alli cos of ownership

          2. C-Dawgg
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Honestly it's winding me up so much sometimes I'm tempted to put both in.

            1. RAFA THE GAFFA
              • 9 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Aye 🙂

          3. 6thGoal
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Erickson Has a lower ownership better differential plus I favor him to see 20+ assists this season. And improve his goal scoring

          4. Cruz88
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I'm on Eriksen at the moment mainly because he started last season stronger than Alli who was quite slow to get going in comparison. Obviously it's not a definite to happen again, but I needed a straw to clutch at

        • eamonhegg
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          RMT out of 10 please!

          Foster
          Daniels-Tripper-Bertand
          Sane-Coutinho-Pedro-Ritchie
          Kane-Lukaku-Austin

          Elliot-Mee-tomkins-carroll

          1. The Pangengers
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            isn't Coutinho moving to Barca?

            1. jay01
              • 11 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Nope

            2. eamonhegg
              • 8 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              yeah possiblty! But will switch to mane if thats the case

        • Siggy in the Middle
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          RMT please
          Foster Gomes

          Bailly Daniels Trippier Rosenior Naughton

          Zaha Sane Carroll Salah Willian

          Lukaku Kane Chicarito

          Might downgrade Chico to J. Rod and upgrade Sane to Alli.

          1. 6thGoal
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            JRod not worth a starting spot

        • UptheBlues
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Thoughts on this team guys?

          Begovic Elliot

          Trippier Yoshida Hegazi Dunk Mee

          De Bruyne Coutinho Willian Stanislas Carroll

          Kane Lukaku Chicarito

          Not entirely happy with my defence. Not sure whether i'd be better off leaving as is or maybe downgrading de bruyne to say sane and use the 1.5 to upgrade defence?

          P.S. Yoshida is in place of cedric as he will not start the season apparently

        • shearer9
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Chicharito only scored 11 goals last season, still worth it?

          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            He was in a much tougher league.

        • EDEN THE MAN
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Anyone got a league drafting at around 9pm?

          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Make one.

          2. dark91
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I would join if you make one

        • Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Chicharito at 7 million is very kind of FPL towers

          1. KingOllie
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Straight in for me.
            Miles better than gayle for .5 more

          2. bitm2007
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Can't believe it, bargain of the century. His ownship is going to be huge.

        • Del Monte
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Thoughts?

          Foster Myhill

          Alderweireld Lindelof Lascelles 4.5? 4.0?

          De Bruyne Mane Willian Mooy Carroll

          Kane Lukaku Austin

        • Postbox12
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Which combo will get more points?

          a) Trippier and Firmino
          b) Tadic and Chichartio/Austin/Gabbiadini

          1. Alexis Nonsense
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            I guess a

            Tadic have fooled us so many times, but Chicharito with that new West Ham midfield is tempting

        • Bambi
          • 13 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          People say that including alonso mak s jt hard to balance your team and reduces captaincy options.

          I strongly disagree. It is more than possible to create a balanced squad

          Keep flickering between 352 and 442, but alonso form has swayed me back to defensive heavy 442.

          Begovic Elliot
          Alonso Bailly Trippier Cedric Long
          KDB Coutinho Willian Phillips Carroll
          Kane Jesus 4.5

          1. Daniel Exeter
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            He also basically plays in midfield, so i'm looking at it as an extra cheapish mid.

          2. Uppercut Panda - A legend i…
            • 11 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            4.5 forward.

            1. Bambi
              • 13 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              442, Carroll reserve allows for flexibility of 442 or 352

        • KingOllie
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          My front 3 of Kun, Laca, Hernandez gonna do the business. Lukakwho?

          1. Epic Fail
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            RIP

          2. bojack
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Loco.

        • Dacra
          • 11 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Cant resist some Chicharito at 7..

          Foster (Elliot)
          Alonso - Trippier - Cedric (4.5, 4.0)
          Alli - Salah - Willian - Tadic (4.5)
          Lukaku - Lacazette - Chich

          Looks ok I reckon?

          1. Evasivo
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Confirmed at 7mil???

            1. Siggy in the Middle
              • 10 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Yup

        • Jake.l_8
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          What is peoples opinions on Medny? Worth getting?

          1. Jake.l_8
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            *are

          2. Jonesfromthere
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Little clean sheet potential in my opinion.

        • MarkoSD
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          smith and fabregas
          or
          valencia and mooy
          or
          baily and ince
          or
          baily and stanislas
          or
          baily and ox
          ?

          1. Jake.l_8
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Not keen on any of the mids

          2. Siggy in the Middle
            • 10 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Bailly and Stanislas

          3. Bambi
            • 13 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            Bailly Stan

        • Siggy in the Middle
          • 10 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Chica Sane Zaha or J. Rod Alli Lanzini?

          1. Jake.l_8
            • 8 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            1st one by a mile

          2. MarkoSD
            • 9 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            1

        • Positive vibes
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          Hi, please choose the better options:

          A. De Gea, Alonso, RLC (with T Caroll as 4 mid)
          B. Foster, Bailly, Redmond/Tadic

          Thx you.

        • afcbbbb
          • 9 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          RMT lads!
          Elliot 4.0
          Kompany Bertrand Trippier Mee(Simpson)
          Cout KDB William 4.5 4.5
          Chicha Kaku Kane

          Advice would be much appreciated!

        • Totalfootball
          • 8 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          MOCK LIGUE IN 7 mins

          max 8 players

          WILL be deleted afterwardss...u r welcomed !

          Code : 145901-39099

        • Sam (Team Sam)
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 16 Years
          8 years, 4 months ago

          A) Mkhi + Lacazette
          B) Phillips + Kane

          (already have Lukaku, Ramsey, Alli from those teams)

          1. Arn De Gothia
            • 15 Years
            8 years, 4 months ago

            a

            1. Sam (Team Sam)
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 16 Years
              8 years, 4 months ago

              Leaning towards this. Just means going without Kane which is always scary

              1. Arn De Gothia
                • 15 Years
                8 years, 4 months ago

                Meh, Me and over 50% wont have him 🙂