Scout Notes

More Man City injuries as World Cup stars return to training

Manchester City picked up some more injuries in their final match of pre-season but have been boosted by the return to training of some of their World Cup stars.

Elsewhere, Everton are struggling to live up to their attacking potential as they tasted defeat once again while Claude Puel complicated matters by making a large number of substitutions as Leicester lost to Udinese.

In another Scout Notes article we assess what the goals, assists and Fantasy talking points from the weekend mean for our Fantasy Premier League teams.

STADE RENNAIS 4-1 EVERTON

  • Goals: Richarlison (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.5m)

Another pre-season defeat for Everton may well discourage the Fantasy interest that been building around their squad for the last few weeks. While only Crystal Palace rank higher for attack potential over the first six Gameweeks, the Toffees have now found the net just twice in five pre-season fixtures since their 22-0 win over ATV Irdning – a fixture it is hard to take seriously.

Cenk Tosun (£7.0m) currently has 9.7 percent ownership but is yet to score outside of that freak result in Austria, and both Zaha and Arnautovic are showing stronger form at the same price point. The Turkish international did have the ball in the net in this recent friendly but was penalised for jumping on the defender. Richarlison (£6.5m) was the man who played the ball to him, and he proved the only positive in a disappointing match. It was him who scored the solitary Everton goal on his full debut for the club, where he was the most creative player.

The Everton midfield was never going to be at its best as Gylfi Sigurdsson (£7.5m) and Idrissa Gueye (£5.0m) were making their first starts of the summer, although this was perhaps the most disappointing pre-season defeat so far. The loss at Blackburn could, in part, be blamed on a swathe of substitutions in the second-half disrupting the flow. This home defeat to Stade Rennais featured a line-up close to first-choice for 75 minutes. According to local press, Everton were vulnerable to the counter-attack and were weak in midfield.

It does appear that Everton could be harder to trust with their early season fixtures than we initially thought. New signings at full-back and centre-back are now reportedly probable with Michael Keane (£5.0m) and Phil Jagielka (£4.5m) the current first-choice but struggling to perform well.

Jordan Pickford (£5.0m), Theo Walcott (£6.5m) and Ademola Lookman (£5.5m) will all eventually boost the squad with their presence, but it is still unknown when any of them will be able to make their first competitive appearance. It was revealed after Saturday’s match that Pickford will miss the final meeting of pre-season, Valencia’s visit to Goodison Park on Saturday August 4, as a result of his compulsory three-week break following the World Cup. However, the Liverpool Echo reports that he has “been on an individual fitness plan to ensure he is ready for the season opener on August 11 against Wolves.”

EVERTON XI (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Baines, Keane, Jagielka, Coleman; Gueye (Davies 75’), Schneiderlin; Richarlison, Sigurdsson, Sandro (Mirallas 75’); Tosun (Niasse 75’).

LEICESTER CITY 1-2 UDINESE

  • Goals: Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Ricardo Pereira (£5.0m)

It was difficult to learn much from this latest Leicester City fixture as manager Claude Puel rang the changes in a big way. Four players who came on as substitutes were replaced roughly shortly after and nine members of the match squad registered no more than 30 minutes.

FPL midfielder Demarai Gray (£5.5m), who has been used as a forward in recent matches was not involved this time around as Puel handed time to five players returning from World Cup leave. Adrien Silva (£5.0m) was the only one to start the match but Ahmed Musa, Wilfried Ndidi (£5.0m), Yohan Benalouane (£4.0m) and Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m) were all involved, the latter getting a late consolation goal. There was also a first appearance in Leicester colours for full-back Ricardo Pereira (£5.0m), who got the assist on Iheanacho’s goal. Of those now back in training the only one not to feature at all was Kasper Schmeichel (£5.0m).

After two matches alongside each other, Wes Morgan (£4.5m) and Jonny Evans (£5.0m) were split up in this one the latter coming on at half-time. By all accounts, neither one of them played particularly well and one of them is expected to drop out when Harry Maguire (£5.5m) returns to the squad, although he may not be able to start in Gameweek 1. He and Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) are expected back in training next week and it appears that their presence in the squad is sorely needed.

LEICESTER CITY XI (4-2-3-1): Ward (Jakupovic 45’); Fuchs (Pereira 60’), Morgan (Evans 45’ | Benalouane 60’), Johnson (Elder 83’), Amartey (Simpson 60’); Iborra (Musa 60’), Choudhury (Ndidi 60’); Albrighton (Chilwell 30’), Silva (King 30’ | Mendy 60’), Diabate (Maddison 60’); Ulloa (Slimani 30’ | Iheanacho 60’).

BAYERN MUNICH 2-3 MANCHESTER CITY

  • Goals: Bernardo Silva x2 (£7.5m), Lukas Nmecha
  • Assists: Phil Foden (£5.0m), Adrián Bernabé

Riyad Mahrez (£9.0m) is still expected to be available for Sunday’s Community Shield despite being withdrawn with an ankle injury in Manchester City’s 3-2 win over Bayern Munich on Saturday. He was pictured in a support boot and on crutches after the match but there was more positive news on Monday.

“Riyad Mahrez has been given the all-clear to return to training later this week after picking up an ankle knock. A scan today has revealed no significant damage, and he could be available for selection for this weekend’s Community Shield against Chelsea.”

Aymeric Laporte (£5.5m) and Phil Foden (£5.0m) were also forced off the pitch with the latter nursing “what appeared to be a tweaked hamstring”, according to the club’s website. There has been no update on either of them since then.

Bernardo Silva (£7.5m) was the standout star in the match as he looks to make his case to start in Gameweek 1. He secured a brace after coming on for Mahrez, making him the most involved player in goal-scoring during City’s pre-season campaign.

Leroy Sané (£9.5m) didn’t feature, meaning he is yet to start a pre-season match and has registered just 62 minutes so far this summer – surprising, considering the large number of first-team players absent because of the World Cup. Guardiola reiterated again that there is no injury in his case and that he is still working on his fitness ahead of the Community Shield.

However, the entire squad was handed a boost on Monday afternoon as a large number of World Cup players were pictured training again. That included Gabriel Jesus (£10.5m), Sergio Aguero (£11.0m), Nicolas Otamendi (£6.5m), David Silva (£8.5m), Fernandinho (£5.5m), Ilkay Gundogan (£5.5m), John Stones (£5.5m), Vincent Kompany (£5.5m), Ederson (£5.5m) and Fabian Delph (£5.5m). How match fit these players will be, considering they have missed all the pre-season friendlies, is not known. Their returns could mean appearances in the Community Shield and maybe even Gameweek 1, although it is too early to tell. If that is the case though, it could potentially change the way a lot of managers set up their teams – although we will have to track Pep Guardiola’s press conferences between now and the start of the season for more information.

MANCHESTER CITY XI (5-1-3-1): Bravo; Zinchenko, Laporte (Harrison 67′), Garcia, Humphreys, Bolton (Bernabé); Douglas Luiz; Diaz (Gomes 67′), Foden (Garre 85′), Mahrez (B Silva 28′); Nmecha.

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2,445 Comments Post a Comment
  1. The Red Devil
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Suggestions?
    DDG speroni
    Tomkins Robertson Ward Malone wan bissaka
    B Silva Sanchez Salah schurrle Stephens
    Aubameyang Arnie Wood

    0.0 ITB

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      not my cup of tea.

    2. BigBarn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry mate, you know what's coming ...

      Downgrade Sanchez and reinvest in your defence. Or DDG, I guess, but he's much closer to being worth the money than Alexis.

  2. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Could someone clarify the six most nailed on defenders (barring injury) for the top 6 for the entire season? Im not looking for top point scorers, just players avoiding rotation.

    1) Mendy
    2) VVD
    3) Azpili
    4) Smalling
    5) Bellerin
    6) vertonghen

    1. Jebiga
      • 11 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      2 and 3 i would say

    2. BT
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      2, 3 and 6.

    3. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      1)Walker
      2)VVD
      3)Azpi
      4)Valencia if fit
      5)Bellerin
      6)Vertonghen

      1. Jonny Sutt
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Walker more naiked on than Mendy? Thought Mendy was the only defender who had not competition. Walker has Danilo doesnt he?

      2. Jonny Sutt
        • 9 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Also didnt like Mourinho's comments about Valenica at thr weekend. Is he still the most fixture proof player in uniteds defence (bar Ddg)

  3. BT
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone considering going cheap for GW1 with some money in the bank to get more pricey players when they return to starting lineups?

    Only Liverpool from top6 seems in good form and without uncertainty for GW1. Arsenal and Chelsea manager changes, ManU out of form and WC players, Spurs missing most key players and new stadium, City with Pep's tinkering and lots of options...

    There are potentially good 6.5-7.5 players in mid and fw. Richarlison, Jota, Pedro, Zaha, Arnie, Wood to name a few.

    Pick Salah and mid price assets and switch some to big hitters during the first week once we know more?

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      No, there are plenty of desirable premium options not returning late. I'd rather placehold with someone like Mané.

      1. BT
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yes, I agree Mane is probably worth it from the start. Still some open premium spots after Salah and Mane..

    2. BigBarn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I've been thinking about this lots. It makes so much sense to take at least a million spare into GW1 because there are always immediate problems to solve and, this season more than most, upgrades will naturally be required because so many top players have delayed starts. I think this applies most to defence - I'd like a strong one but can't find many players I want who I know will start GW1, so may keep some cash behind to upgrade when it all becomes clearer.

      I think that there's so much fun in trying to 'solve the puzzle' of maximizing your 100m from the start we forget about the practicalities of the game. That said, I'll probably end up maxing-out my budget because I am weak and can never take my own advice.

      1. BT
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I have also considered this in the previous seasons and never had the nerve to leave money in the bank. This year it could make even more sense though.

    3. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Not a bad tactic but the likes of Aguero, Mane, Firmino, Sane and even Kane will probably start the first gameweek.

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

        I think the best tactic is to save the FT in gw2 and make 3 FT in GW3 for a hit to bring in 3 players.

        1. *Reformed-Character*
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          Planning for a hit in GW 3.....oh dear!

    4. Lazaretti
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Bit of both. Trying to save transfer for GW3 and also to save some cash to be able to adjust squad for GW3.

      Difficult to predict which premium defenders will be worth their price. Arsenal & Chelsea: not sure how well they defend under new manager and who will be playing. United: Who's fit/nailed? Spurs: Davies only starting 11 who did not play in WC. City too many options in each position + lots of players how were in WC.

    5. Johnny Leghorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I think leaving money in the bank is an error.
      Put it on the pitch in a few luxury players, 1 of which you can sell to release it but until you do he's more likely to have scored you points.
      I've got Salah, Sane, Aubameyang and Aguero. Anyone of those starts poorly I can downgrade and unlock that cash by turning them into Zaha, Siggy etc.

  4. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    PVA had 5g1a and 7 bonus points last season
    Tomkins had 3g and 9 bonus points
    Tomkins played 200 mins more but actually scored more FPL points..
    I know he is really attacking. It is PVA really worth the extra million?
    I don't think so.

    1. Legomané
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      PVA is a luxury pick with the spread of price points available at Palace.

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Tomkins for me, can do so much with that extra mil.

    3. ZeBestee
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      PVA is very attacking and one can benefit from the opening good fixtures. A defender always looking to attack and has a pedigree of scoring more than a goal in a single game is too much to ignore. Looking around, there arent many 5.5M nailed players who have that ability or nailedness, albeit playing for bigger teams.

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Tomkins offers goal threat, that 1 million is an awful lot

  5. Eden Wizard
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Buzzing to try and not waste my chips this year 😆

    1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Even though I always tell myself “new season, don’t do it this time” - Buzzing to waste my 1st Wildcard early, like I always do 😆 !

      1. Eden Wizard
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Oh yea the WC doesn't stand a chance of seeing GW5, more the FH & TC that i wasted last year 😆

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

    Chelsea in talks to sign Vecino from inter (CDM). Does this mean Barkley/RLC don't stand a chance of starting? Seems overly-defensive to have a midfield 3 of Jorginho sitting and then kante and Vecino?

    1. Hotdogs for Tea
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Check out Kante’s heat map - he does a lot more than sit and is quite attacking

      1. FantasyFootballFanatic
        • 7 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        I know, but he isn't creative enough. Sarri always goes for a LCM who is creative, such as a Hamsik, a Barkley etc.

  7. child of God
    • 5 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Salah + mane or salah + mahrez? Tempeted to go with the former but it'd give me captaincy head ache and would also mean no city cover in attack. Is it worth it?

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I don't think there is a captaincy headache at all in the first option, Salah every day.

      1. child of God
        • 5 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Bt mane will also be worth captaining this season as I expect him to get more minites this season and could also take pens

        1. LosBlancos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          5 years, 8 months ago

          If youre going to captain Mane in the pool games there is no point in owning a 13m Salah..

  8. La Roja
    • 12 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Just got back from holiday.

    Any template team around?

    1. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Almost every RMT

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

      Template is the word going around here, many teams are identical in a way.

    3. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      Salah Salah and Salah...
      Plus Tomkins, Robertson, Mane, Auba...

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

    Defenders are a bit of a minefield this year. It feels like the top 4-6 teams are not settled, due to injuries and players returning from World Cup duties. And forwards don't tend to be value for money (as this article rightly points out: http://whogottheassist.com/the-death-of-the-third-striker/).

    Anyone else opting for a 3-5-2, with a power midfield?

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I am 451 gw1 352 gw2 and 451 gw3 onwards most likely 😀
      two 6.5 mids plus Salah plus two premiums is the way to go (or one premium and one midprice)

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

      Yep

    3. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I think everything’s a minefield this year. Can’t remember ever having this much choice, my shortlist is about 60-70 players altogether across all positions. Ridiculous.

  10. Jonny Sutt
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Most rotation proof player for these 2 clubs this season?

    A) walker
    B) mendy
    .......................

    1) Smalling
    2) valencia

    1. LosBlancos
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A2 barring injury

    2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      A2 I guess

  11. Pancake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Gea
    Bavies Robbo ward
    Salah jota Moira Richarlison b.silva
    Zaha firms

    Done

  12. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Hi, who is better?
    A. Arni, Cairney, Bennet (bench)
    B. Pedro, Burnley def, Kamara (bench)
    Cheers

  13. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
    • 14 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Are there more strikers who can score hattricks, or midfielders who can score braces?

    They both get pretty much the same points, 17 points for a striker hattrick vs. 15 for a midfielder brace (16 if cleansheet)

    1. Pancake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say latter... good point

      1. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
        • 14 Years
        5 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I think there are a lot of mids who could realistically score a brace in any game... whereas beyond Aguero, Auba, Kane I’m not sure the same can be said of strikers.

        In saying that, Laca looks like he could be a very hattrickable striker if things go right for him at 9.5.

        Kaku for example, not sure I could ever see him scoring a hattrick under Mourinho (by for inevitable hattrick)

    2. Maximus Bonimus Pointimus
      • 14 Years
      5 years, 8 months ago

      And also a defender who can score and keep a clean sheet gets pretty much the same points as a striker hattrick, or a midfielder brace!

      6+6+3 = 15 points for goal + cleansheet.

      So PVA & VVD, any other goalscoring defenders playing for decent defences?

  14. New article
  15. Live Lad
    • 9 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    Defense light? Any advice?
    Foster
    Robertson, Stephen Ward, Tomkins
    Eriksen, Salah, Mane, Jota
    Aguero, Arnie, King

    Subs: Skel, Cedric, Ward, WB
    Please help. Thanks.

  16. heyjudefrance
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    I thought Mendy would be a good bet but is he even going to play? Alternatives please folks ! Ta

  17. las90855
    • 6 Years
    5 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Pickford,
    Mendy, TAA, Daniels,
    Salah, Mahrez, Mkhitaryan, Sessegnon,
    Aubameyang, Zaha, Tosun

    (Ryan, Gunnarsson, Cedric, Peltier)
    itb - 1.5

    A) Don't really like Tosun except for the fixture and Arnautovic has terrible fixture. Which one is better?
    B) Sessegnon or Jota?
    C) Keeping the 1.5 for Auba>Kane once Kane confirms to be playing. Or should I just ditch Kane plan and upgrade Tosun to any other striker?
    D) How about defence? Is it too light?