Dugout Discussion

Rotation fears spark mass sale of England and Belgium’s Fantasy assets

The penultimate match of the 2018 World Cup takes place on Saturday at 3pm as England and Belgium meet for the second time in the tournament.

Much like in their Group G encounter at the end of June, managers Gareth Southgate and Roberto Martinez have given a number of their fringe squad players a run-out in this effectively meaningless fixture.

Harry Kane (£11.2m) is the leading points scorer in both the Fantasy iTeam and the McDonald’s FIFA World Cup games but is the most-sold player of this round in the latter.

Romelu Lukaku (£10.0m), who trails Kane by two goals in the race for the Golden Boot, is the next-most transferred out player at the time of writing.

Fears that their respective managers would choose to rest the premium forwards for this third-place play-off has no doubt contributed to the hundreds of thousands of sales, but there will also be a small proportion of Fantasy managers out there who, perhaps, don’t realise that Saturday afternoon’s match still counts towards their scores.

Jesse Lingard (£7.5m) and Kevin De Bruyne (£9.8m) are among the other players to have been widely ditched by those who are playing McDonald’s FIFA.

Hopes will be high for a high-scoring fixture, particularly as Belgium (18) and England (15) have had more big chances this summer than the other 30 nations taking part. Martinez’s side have also allowed more shots on goal (91) than any other side in Russia, which bodes well for an open game.

Only Brazil (81) have carved out more chances than Belgium (70) in this tournament, meanwhile.

England’s total number of attempts from set plays (37) is by far the highest figure of any nation at this World Cup, with nine of their 12 goals coming from dead-ball situations or penalty kicks.

Adnan Januzaj (£5.0m) scored the only goal of the game when the two sides last met in Kaliningrad.

World Cup Data

We’re delighted to offer World Cup data as an early addition to our regular season offering to help those playing Fantasy games over the summer.

We’ve secured Opta data, not only for the tournament itself, but also from the Qualifying Rounds for Europe and South America and for international friendlies involving the participating nations. This includes all the matches played right up to the tournament kick-off.

Just to stress, this World Cup offering comes packaged with the regular Fantasy Football Scout membership.

Check out this new trailer detailing the World Cup content below…

McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy

Join our McDonald’s FIFA World Cup Fantasy league ‘FantasyFootballScout’ using the code: HEWJPVYR

Fantasy iTeam

Fantasy Football Scout is supporting Fantasy iTeam, a free World Cup game available on a number of mobile devices, including iPhone, iPad, iPodTouch and Android. We have an official Fantasy Football Scout League open to UK users only, with a £1000 of Amazon vouchers to give out, split between the top three performers. There’s also the small matter of £10k worth of prizes available in the main competitions: Overall World Championship and Manager of the Gameround.

Click here for details and here to sign up.

Our League name is Fantasy Football Scout and the pin is 1887.

Please note, users must be over 18 and based in the UK to join our league.

1,112 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Nice goal nelson

    1. Richd
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Pub game.

      1. Bun Rab
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Still some damn fine finishes.

        1. Richd
          • 11 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Arsenal will be poor.

          1. Bun Rab
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            So a normal season then?

    2. TheDonald
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks

      Currently on Lacazette because he’s cheaper. I will definitely reconsider!

    3. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Essential.

    4. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      That first goal was impressive.

  2. Bada Bing
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    McDonald's says I have bench boost active, even though I pressed max cap for this round and already used BB in the previous round. A glitch...?

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yes

      Did this to me when I played 2 in the quarters it sorts itself out though don’t worry

      1. Bada Bing
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Great, thanks!

    2. Jack Burton
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      and me had me sweating until i read this

    3. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Of course it's a glitch fella. It can't not be a glitch if you've already used it.

  3. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Danny Rose is dreadful. Nice player going forward but such a defensive liability

  4. LanMi
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Walcott or Coleman?

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      For what?

      1. LanMi
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        FPL dude

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Need more details on the comparison because they are different positions. What other players are involved in the decision?

          1. LanMi
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Ederson-Guaita
            Douglas-?-Daniels-van Aanholt-Ward
            D-Silva-Eriksen-Gray-Deulofeu-?
            AUBA-Bobby Firmino-Zaha

    2. Daaf
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Coleman

    3. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Coleman.

  5. makaveli123
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Chadli 🙁

  6. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Arsenal 5-0
    *awaits for "stop, stop he's already dead" gif*

  7. Peace-o
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Auba assist, Laca goal wooop

  8. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Lacazette goal

  9. StoichkovFPL
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Auba and Arniee in every RMT now

    1. Fantastisk
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      What'd Arnie do?

      1. JamTart
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Scored.... against Wycombe

    2. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Arnie playing as a striker? Those early fixtures still scare me off to be honest

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Armies has played striker for ages.....

        1. JamTart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          There had been worries that he would be reverted back to a number 10 under new manager.

          1. *Reformed-Character*
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Fair enough, would be daft to switch positions when he’s performed so well

      2. StoichkovFPL
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        yes, he is up top

        1. JamTart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Cheers mate. Food for thought I guess. Next few weeks are going to see a lot more tinkering with pre season results coming in!

          1. StoichkovFPL
            • 8 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            he might be beytter than Zaha who plays wide. even with those fixtures

            1. JamTart
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              5 years, 9 months ago

              I've go neither in my team at the minute. On Kun/Auba and Firmino for now. I'd consider it though since Zaha looks to be out wide.

  10. *Reformed-Character*
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Southgate bottled it when he brought on Eric dier on 110 minutes against an old tired Croatian side, bringing on a defensive player instead of loftus cheek showed he wanted penalties....

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Hindsight

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Not hindsight it’s fact, bring on a defensive player against a tired old side is bottling it big time

        1. Daaf
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          RLC is awful though

          1. *Reformed-Character*
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I take it you don’t watch much football mate, loftus cheek has looked real dangerous when given the chance

        2. makaveli123
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          What if he brought RLC on and they still lost? England were struggling and I don't think it was a bad decision to bring him on.

    2. LSK
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Should never have reached extra time. Should have gone for the second goal in the second half instead of giving them the initiative.

    3. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He bottled it when he let Kane play for 75 minutes despite being knackered just because hes good at penalties. Sure, playing with 10 men for 75 minutes < 90% chance to score one penalty. Vardy was fresh on the bench.

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        You’re not wrong buddy

  11. Bun Rab
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    5-0

  12. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I still prefer lacazette. You can get auba

    1. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Same

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Don't tell anyone else. Just for me and you lol

    2. JamTart
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      This sounds similar to the year I said "I'll just keep Sturridge because he'll score about the same as Suarez and better value".... that ended in tears and heart break when he became too pricey to shoe horn in.

      Easier to downgrade than upgrade.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Ok just buy auba. It's lacazette for me

        1. JamTart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Just trying to pass on an alternative view from experience. No telling you to change your mind, it's your team after all. Just some friendly advice

      2. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        That extra wedge improves other areas you are forgetting that

        1. JamTart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          It definitely does. Just sharing a cautionary tale. Doesn't matter what value you have in other positions if someone is banging in a brace every other week as a captain option for the masses

          1. *Reformed-Character*
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Valid point Jam

      3. Costa Nostra
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        This x1000

        1. JamTart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Was like PTSD there when I saw that comment. Ruined the season for me

          1. Costa Nostra
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            I fortunately didn’t make that mistake. Perma captained Suarez that year and it is still my highest point total. I bet there’s plenty that can tell the same story of refusing to get Mahrez in a couple seasons ago as well as Salah last season!

      4. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Thats not what happened. Everyone had both Suarez and Sturridge that season.

        1. JamTart
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Never said everyone did, said I did. Was my mistake and was just pointing out the similarity since the discussion was choosen one not both. Easier to start with the higher priced one and downgrade or find the funds for the cheaper one to double up.

  13. Peace-o
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Arnautovic Zaha Premium could be viable way to save some dollar

    1. Eden Wizard
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Lol awful advice

    2. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Zahaha

      Good luck with your soon to be reverse OOP striker 😉

  14. TheDonald
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts on Maitland Niles at 4.5?

    Wasn’t he a defender last year?

    1. Sadio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He won't play

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      A non nailed defender who doesn’t get clean sheets

      1. TheDonald
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Midfielder now

    3. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Woeful option

  15. Mo Mané Mo Problems
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A dull win for France tomorrow and the later stages of this World Cup will have finished in a truly unremarkable way.

  16. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Slabhead has been terrific once again.

    But our attack has been dire, RLC aside.

    1. Sadio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Kane has been in terrible form since February

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Not had a shot on target since Colombia but will still win golden boot 😀

      2. Ógie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Hard to blame Kane or any striker if they are not getting the service.

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          He gets excellent service at Spurs doesn't get any better than Eriksen and Sterling set him up perfectly today

    2. TheDonald
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Would love him in my team if he gets a move to a big club. Will probably become more owned than Salah if that happens though

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Who is Slabhead?

      1. Dr Van Nostrand
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        The one that looks like a slab with a body attached to it.

      2. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Harry Maguire

      3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Harry Tefal head

        https://goo.gl/images/6LJbJT

    4. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Not really, partly at fault when Belgium scored.

      CB´s Should be close to in line with the ball. Both CB´s were slacking several meters behind allowing Chadli´s cross to cut through the pen box. Of course more faults could be found, Rose for example, Trippier´s actions the same. But bot Maguire and Stones should have been able to intercept that cross had they not been slackers

  17. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Which option is better?
    A Daniels, Mahrez & Aguero
    B Baines, Sane & Firmino

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Ugh. Gun to head A.

      1. Epic Fail
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Ironically gun to head is how Scotty's never ending questions make me feel.

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          I've got an apt grav then

  18. Areid13
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Anyone considering Bolasie? 6.0 attacking player playing under Marco Silva could be worth a shout

    1. Dr Van Nostrand
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Yep want an Everton mid will see who looks most promising in Aug

      1. Areid13
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I don't want to buy into the Deu hype bc there's always a player like him that everyone talks about on here who ends up doing nothing

        1. Dr Van Nostrand
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Have never once considered him and surely will keep that streak. Thinking Siggy, Wally or Bolly

          1. Areid13
            • 10 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Yeah me too Deu is a decent player but doesn't deliver for fantasy football

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      On Siggy atm. Set pieces and history sells it for me. Walcott/Bolasie to downgrade to if necessary.

      1. Areid13
        • 10 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        yeah its easier to downgrade obviously but I don't have the money for siggy

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      On the preseason watchlist

  19. Drip Doctor
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Sokratis is terrible.

  20. Clive The Ram
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    I got persuaded away from my usual pre-season tactic last year, but I'm returning to it this season. I'll pick a side for around £92m that will give me the flexibility to quickly switch a couple of big guns in once we get a look at the sides over the first few weeks.

    I'm picking good players, including a few decent punts from the promotes sides, but will stand back of watch the likes of Salah, Kane, Aguero, Lukaku, Aubameyang, Hazard etc until the front runners come to fruition, particularly given the number of players involved in the latter stages of the world cup.

    1. TheDonald
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      How did that work out for you?

      Surely you’re supposed to pick up the good players before they haul. There’s every chance one of those players you named will score 2 goals in their first game and then not score again for weeks after you bring them in.

    2. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Couldn't you think of it the other way around? You could spend all your money and then go for the cheaper options when they "emerge"? That way you have a GW1 and 2 team with more potential.

    3. DantheManinaPan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      This is utterly ridiculous.

      Might as well use the spare £8 upgrading two players - much greater chance of points and if you get the wrong ones you can swap them anyway!

    4. MyBall MyRules
      • 5 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      £92m is a bit stingy, but I agree with the premise. Some absolute bargains at the minute due to WC absentees.
      You can live without kun, auba, Kane and kaku for opening gameweek which frees up a lot of funds. Means you can react quickly without any real surgery.

    5. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Oh dear

  21. WVA
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Worth it for three big hitters?

    Ederson
    Azpi Smalling Bellerin Taa
    Salah Eriksen Cairney Neves
    Auba Aguero
    4 4.5 4.5 4

    1. *Reformed-Character*
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Downgrade defense, upgrade midfield bud

      1. WVA
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I think a Chelsea and United defender are essential, though i am hoping Jones nails down a spot so i can downgrade Smalling

    2. The Mighty Hippo
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Change the front line to either Aguero + Laca or Auba + Firmino and use the extras funds to upgrade your midfield

  22. WE ARE RANGERS
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Wolves seem to be doing very well pre season.
    Who are the best Wolves to get?

    1. Reuser
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Douglas.

      Possibly Jota.

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Literally the most expensive ones in each position and Costa

      1. Parm
        • 12 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Costa plays for Atletí now you fool.

        1. Epic Fail
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          He looks like a wolf so still counts.

    3. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      If there hasn’t already been an article ‘The Best Wolves players to get’ there soon will be 😉

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Jota all day long

  23. Parm
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Nice to see Mustafi playing alongside the Greek Mustafi this afternoon.

  24. G-Whizz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A) Walcott and Eriksen or
    B) Deulofeu and Sanchez

    1) Aguero or
    2) Auba

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

      I’m on B1 currently

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        You don't fancy Auba?

    2. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      A1.

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        I'm on that atm, seriously thinking of trying B2

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      I'd start with B1

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Not B2?

        1. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
          • 14 Years
          5 years, 9 months ago

          Think I'd start with Kun due to fixtures. One to asses over the friendlies. I'm certain Auba will be in every team at some point

          1. G-Whizz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 6 Years
            5 years, 9 months ago

            Thanks PH 🙂

    4. LanMi
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B2

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Very tempting, very...
        Decisions decisions...

    5. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Don't wanna be "that guy", but Deulofeu + Eriksen or Deulofeu + Walcott.

    6. Deulofail
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Don't wanna be "that guy", but "both"!

      Of the two, I'd say you just have to wait for more of preseason and make the decision nearer to GW1

      1. G-Whizz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Which would you go for right now?

  25. Deulofail
    • 8 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    #wengerout

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Tempted to put £5 on arsenal to win the League. PL can be cruel sometimes.

      1. Deulofail
        • 8 Years
        5 years, 9 months ago

        Put it on second place?

  26. chilli con kone
    • 10 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    A. Mahrez and Fab
    B. Dsilva and Pickford

    1. Bun Rab
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      B for me.

  27. LanMi
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Could Gross repeat his previous season?

    1. makaveli123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He could

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      He’ll need to do better as he’s £1.5m more expensive

  28. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Rose off
    Lingard on

    1. Mo Mané Mo Problems
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Sterling off
      Rash on

    2. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      2 subs

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      5 years, 9 months ago

      Sterling off, Rashford on.

  29. palace ash
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 9 months ago

    Sterling off
    Rashford on