Scout Notes

Aguero proves worth to Argentina at Copa America

The weekend saw plenty of Fantasy Premier League assets continue their summer exploits on the international scene.

As the Copa America and Gold Cup close in on the end of the group stage, the opening round of matches got underway in the African Cup of Nations.

We’ve got all the latest news on who did and didn’t play as well as any injury updates.

Copa America

Ecuador 1-2 Chile

Alexis Sánchez has shown shades of his former self for Chile at the Copa America so far

Alexis Sánchez continues to hint at a return to form with another impressive game at Copa America.

After registering a goal and assist against Japan in the first round of matches, the Manchester United man found the net as Chile also beat Ecuador.

However, he will have to be careful for the remainder of the tournament in Brazil as he aggravated an ankle injury – although he still managed to play a full 90 minutes.

“I think I have a sprain, I hope it’s not too serious. At half-time they strapped it up, I played on with a bit of pain.” – Alexis Sánchez

Peru 0-5 Brazil

Roberto Firmino got his first goal of the tournament against Peru

Roberto Firmino finally delivered his first goal of Copa America 2019 as Brazil thrashed Peru 5-0.

After coming under criticism for their win over Bolivia and draw with Venezuela, the Selecao went up a gear for their final game of the group stage.

However, Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, making his first start of the tournament, was denied a first-ever Copa America goal in stoppage time.

He saw his penalty saved by Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

After starting both of the first two matches, in which Brazil failed to get into their stride, Richarlison was dropped to the bench against Peru.

He was replaced in the starting line-up by Everton, who contributed a goal and an assist to proceedings.

Willian came on for the final 15 minutes and added the fifth goal – his first involvement at the Copa America.

Meanwhile, Ederson remained an unused substitute with Alisson keeping another clean sheet and Fernandinho missed out through injury – but has reportedly trained ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final.

Colombia 1-0 Paraguay

Having already secured the Group B top spot before this match, Colombia rotated for their 1-0 win over Paraguay.

That saw centre-backs Davinson Sánchez and Yerry Mina drop to the bench to be unused substitutes.

Coming in was Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma, who played 90 minutes in the central midfield trio of a 4-3-3 formation.

In action for Paraguay was Miguel Almirón in a number 10 role, while West Ham’s Fabian Balbuena was benched for the second match in a row after he was involved in the disappointing 2-2 draw with Qatar.

Qatar 0-2 Argentina

Aguero was benched for Argentina’s draw with Paraguay but came back for the win over Qatar

Sergio Aguero proved what a mistake it had been to bench him for the draw with Paraguay by scoring in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Qatar.

The much-needed result ensured his nation, who are yet to impress at the tournament, progressed to the quarter-finals.

He was deployed on the left side of a 4-3-3 formation, so not in his natural habitat, as Lautaro Martinez was deployed through the centre and Lionel Messi on the right.

Meanwhile, a first clean sheet of the competition came as Juan Foyth was handed his first start.

The Tottenham man was paired with Nicolas Otamendi at centre-back.

Roberto Pereyra was an unused substitute.

African Cup of Nations

Egypt 1-0 Zimbabwe

Salah and his Egypt colleagues tasted victory in their AFCON 2019 opener

Egypt may have won the opening game of the African Cup of Nations 2019 but it was hardly a classic.

Trézéguet scored the only goal of the game in the 41st minute but Mohamed Salah had plenty of chances to get on the score sheet.

The Liverpool man was deployed on the right side of attacking midfield in a 4-2-3-1, sharing a flank with Aston Villa’s Ahmed El Mohamady.

He forced Zimbabwe’s goalkeeper Edmore Sibanda into a decent save in the second half after putting several efforts wide in the first.

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny played the full 90 minutes in holding midfield.

DR Congo 0-2 Uganda

Arthur Masuaku and Yannick Bolasie were on the end of some criticism as DR Congo got off to a rotten start at AFCON 2019.

The Premier League pair manned the left flank in the defence and midfield respectively of a 4-1-4-1 formation.

However, they both played poorly as their nation suffered a surprise defeat at the hands of lowly Uganda.

It was the Cranes first AFCON win in 41 years.

Nigeria 1-0 Burundi

Alex Iwobi provided plenty of threat for Nigeria in their AFCON opener but the Super Eagles still made hard work of seeing off Burundi.

Captained by Saido Berahino, they are the lowest ranked side at the tournament but they held out until former Watford striker Odion Ighalo was introduced and scored in the 77th minute.

Wilfried Ndidi played the whole game in central midfield while Leon Balogun was an unused substitute.

Guinea 2-2 Madagascar

Naby Keita made his return from injury as Guinea were held by AFCON debutants Madagascar.

He sustained an adductor injury against Barcelona on May 1 and was initially ruled out for two months.

However, it would appear the central midfielder has come back ahead of schedule, as he featured as a 62nd-minute substitute.

There had initially been disagreement between Jurgen Klopp and the Guinea’s Football Federation president Antonio Souare over the extent of the injury.

If Keita’s comeback does cause further issues, there could be more said on the matter between the two men.

“The adductors [injury] is two to three weeks of unavailability. The Liverpool coach has to pull himself together, let the doctors do their job. Naby Keita belongs to a state before belonging to Liverpool. I remind the Liverpool coach a little bit of the rules if he does not know it. So it’s hasty and pretentious to make statements like this. What we do know is that Naby Keita will play at the African Cup of Nations 2019.” – Antonio Souare

Senegal 2-0 Tanzania

Idrissa Gueye was the only Premier League player to participate in Senegal’s 2-0 win over Tanzania.

Sadio Mané missed the encounter through suspension after picking up two yellow cards in his country’s qualifying campaign.

“[Mané’s] absence should not in any way bother us. Certainly, the presence of Sadio is beneficial but without him, we remain strong.” – Aliou Cisse, Senegal coach

Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyaté was an unused substitute.

Algeria 2-0 Kenya

Mahrez scored for Algeria very close to the time that colleague Aguero found the net for Argentina

There were just two Premier League representatives as Algeria saw off Kenya.

Manchester City midfielder Riyad Mahrez scored one of the goals for the Desert Eagles as they won 2-0.

On the wrong end of the result was Spurs midfielder Victor Wanyama.

Morocco 1-0 Namibia

Wolves’ Romain Saïss played in defence as Morocco beat Namibia 1-0 on Sunday.

CONCACAF Gold Cup

USA 6-0 Trinidad and Tobago

Christian Pulisic in action for the USA against Trinidad and Tobago

Christian Pulisic played an important role in the USA’s 6-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago.

Deployed in as a central midfielder in Gregg Berhalter’s 4-1-4-1 formation, he was involved in three of the goals.

The Chelsea man first assisted centre-back Aaron Long with a cross in the 41st minute.

In the second half, Pulisic set up centre-forward Gyasi Zardes for his second of the game, before finding the net himself in the 73rd minute.

Martinique 2-3 Mexico

Jiménez has been in excellent form for Mexico at the Gold Cup

Raúl Jiménez cannot help but continue his hot form at the Gold Cup.

After playing key roles in Mexico’s first two wins of the tournament, he did so again as Martinique were defeated 3-2.

The Wolves forward scored in the 60th minute before assisting Fernando Navarro in the 72nd.

Mexico are now the confirmed winners of Group A and will play in the quarter-finals on Saturday.

UEFA U21 Championships

England U21 2-4 Romania U21

England’s Under 21 side have already been knocked out of the European Championship after losing to Romania on Friday night.

There were goals from Fantasy assets Demarai Gray and Tammy Abraham but Aidy Boothroyd’s side continued to lack sufficient organisation at the back.

Having played poorly against France, much-hyped right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was replaced by Jonjoe Kenny but the Everton man did not fare too much better.

However, the real surprise was Manchester City youngster Phil Foden, one of the better performers in the opening match, left on the bench – coming on only in the 57th minute.

Despite the onslaught, goalkeeper Dean Henderson still produced some impressive saves.

However, he was at fault for the crucial third Romanian goal, allowing Florinel Coman’s shot through his hands.

James Maddison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin were also among the FPL players who played the full 90 minutes, while Harvey Barnes was replaced by Ryan Sessegnon at half time.

Meanwhile, Chelsea’s Abraham featured only in the last 15 minutes, grabbing England’s second goal.

It seems that he is edging closer towards staying at Stamford Bridge this season and could prove a budget route into the Chelsea attack.

“I have been there, done that and now I have full confidence in my ability to score for Chelsea. I do feel ready. I really do. There is no better time for a young player to be at Chelsea. I am going to give it my all.” – Tammy Abraham

England U21 XI (4-3-3): Henderson; Dasilva (Abraham 76′), Clarke-Salter, Tomori, Kenny; Maddison, Dowell, Mount; H Barnes (R Sessegnon 45′ | Foden 57′), Calvert-Lewin, D Gray.

393 Comments Post a Comment
  1. el polako
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Alexis Sanchez.... completely forgot about him.
    There is obvious few big "if's" there but should he return to his early Arsenal days form and be kindly priced after last years no show, then who knows ? Maybe an option again ?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure scoring v Ecuador constitutes a 'return to form'.

    2. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Alexis needs to be playing upfront to get the best out of him, not shoved out on the wing. That is just not going to happen at Utd. Even if he was somehow moved to his preferred position as he is over 30 now he simply will not have the same impact he did at Arsenal in 2016/17 when Wenger played him upfront.

    3. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      We’re Manchester frickin Utd bro. He should not get another chance. Sign Sancho

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Who's your favourite Gallagher brother?

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Ron

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            No_He's a McDonald!

            1. TorresMagic™
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I'm hungry 🍟 🍔

        2. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Kirsty

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I give up!

    4. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      He is done.

      I think his time at United has proved that.

    5. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      He'll never get a cheap price tag because of his Arsenal days. Not sure if he'll even be at Man U.

  2. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Rafa leaving Newcastle - what a joke. Newcastle relegation contenders for next season now

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Newcastle were always relegation contenders tbf. There are about 11 teams in the PL that are. It is basically the Top 6, the next 3 (Everton, Wolves, Leicester) and then everyone else is fighting to avoid relegation.

      But it is a blow to Newcastle as Benitez is a top PL manager.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Their squad is, and has been the last 2 years. That's the Rafa effect. I assume Rondon isn't going to re-sign and the decent half the squad will now look to bail. Longstaff to United now?

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

          Longstaff is at United?

          1. Andy_Social
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            United want a young English defensive midfielder. #1 option Declan Rice is priced out by West Ham, so #2 option Sean Longstaff might be viable if the boy now wants out and Cashley is looking to asset-strip.

            1. circusmonkey
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Typical Manc fan, reply to a post about Newcastle by talking about 'United'.

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I'm no ManYoo fan - won't have any of 'em in my FPL squad.

        2. Poseidon.
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Longstaff would have come to Utd either way. We’re Utd at the end of the day

    2. Markus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Absolutely. Peak Ashley. And gutted as a fan, awful timing too. Fantasy-wise kills any prospects except for Ritchie if classed as a defender and plays as rw (perez + gayle upfront?!), but if I was a fpl price I'd place him as midfielder now that rafa going.

    3. jtreble
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I wonder if Benítez was aware of the Almiron situation and felt he had to leave - the proverbial "last straw" ...

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

        What is the Almiron situation? The Madrid rumours?

        Maybe they refused to pay up for Rondon...

        1. jtreble
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          It seems as though Newcastle can flip Almirón for substantial profit ...

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

      Hmm, might take them down a notch in my team ratings then...

      Ritchie, Ayoze, & Almiron were players I wanted to look at in pre-season too...

  3. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    OUCH! Heartbreak 🙁

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I do feel for you - irreplaceable really.

    2. Eytexi
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It's going to be a long season

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        David Moyes is available 😉

  4. Naby K8a
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    RIP Newcastle. True Geordie rant video coming though oh yes

  5. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Where Rafa goes now?

    1. Majestic Chanka
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Chelsea would be funny!

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Russians have no sense of humour.
        Worse than the Jerries. (Am I allowed that terminology in this day and age?^ *)

    2. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Still has the house in Liverpool. Are Tranmere in need of a manager?

    3. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      China

    4. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      He's been offered the mega bucks in China apparently, wouldn't blame him if he took it after dealing with the Ashley, no matter where he goes he'll work really harr for the cloob.

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

    That's Matt Ritchie ruled out now then, even if he is listed as a defender 😉

    1. circusmonkey
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      You don't know, it depends who they get in, how the players react. Can they actually not down tools just because Rafa has gone?

  7. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Price predictions for Pulisic?

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Oh thank you! Had not seen this.

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

          All pre-season articles gathered here, along with completed transfers: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/the-complete-guide-to-fpl-pre-season-2019-20/

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      8.5 or 9m? Not on my radar though.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Just a wait and see option I suppose. See how he settles in and what manager comes in.

    2. thunder_mike
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      8m I think he will be kindly priced

    3. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It'll likely be too much.

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

    What do you think Moussa Djenepo's role at Saints will be next season? At only 21 years old, could he just be competition for Redmond?

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

        Thanks 🙂 This needs to be put in the pre-season tab.

  9. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    About early WC, I don't think this is a year to that. Things have changed. Transfer window will be closed before gameweek 1 and there will not be major players joining after 4-5 weeks like previous seasons
    And if you look at the fixtures, liverpool, city and everton have got beautiful long term fixtures and if you WC early it may have a reverse result.
    And considering most managers will use 2nd WC around gw34 there is a large gap between gw3-4 and gw 34 not to have a WC.
    My point is, I'm looking at both short term and long term fixtures this year to chose players.

    1. thunder_mike
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Yeah I think the fixtures are kind enough with those 3 teams to avoid an early wildcard. Well hopefully, but say Spurs, Chelsea and Wolves make a great start maybe Liverpool and Everton look dodgy. and it is WC GW4 again.

    2. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Most early WC's are generally to take advantage of the early price swings rather then to bring in late transfer window acquisitions. Theirs always that 1 or 2 players that start like a train that you can make a quick profit from.

  10. George Sillett
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I have every sympathy with Newcastle supporters. As a Coventry fan I know only too well what it is like to have dreadful owners who couldn't give a stuff about the football. I sincerely hope that somebody buys Newcastle from the parsitic owner to move the club forward as the fans are most loyal I have ever come across. Commercial gain Ashley's only motivation.

    1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      You tell 'em Slouchy!
      Sincere empathy for Coventry.

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        We used to be the side that others used to dislike quite a lot for finding a way to stay up every season. However when the financial bubble burst relegation was inevitable followed a series of terrible decisions regarding the sale of the club. There seems to be very little chance of this changing as our dross owners refuse to sell. Mark Robins is performing miracles with loan signings and kids each season but this can only continue for so long until the rot sets in again. Vicious circle.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Southampton are your friends.

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            With a lot more money.

            1. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Cashley might be a greedy chump, but even he doesn't compare to the malicious evil that is Sisu.

            2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              And owners of the same £££ Skin.

        2. Geoff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah, I think it's interesting how it works sometimes where public opinion turns against a team like that and dislikes them for being below average and staying up.

          Though I think lots of people feel the opposite of Newcastle, certainly I do. I just feel bad for their fans and I'd like to see them do well

          1. George Sillett
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            The supporters are very long suffering.

  11. pingissimus
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    You have to smile.

    According to Dom Fifield in the Grauniad who’s itk re Palace a possible add on in United’s AWB offer relates to United winning the Champions League.

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      That's what WoodyWoodWoodWood wants. Palace told him to do one and just pay da money.

  12. Rafa leaves - who should Newcastle go for?
    Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I feel for Newcastle fans with Rafa gone.. reports that RM are looking at Almiron after his recent play too.

    Without looking too much at the negatives and the potential for a bad season, what can Newcastle realistically do to improve this season?

    Who should they look at to manage? Which players could they look at buying?

    1. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      What can they do? Get bought out by a small Arab nation?

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        That would do it

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Until they release the free energy Nikola Tesla invented for the good of mankind and pigeons.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      No idea who the likely candidates could be - has anyone released any odds yet?

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        And the favourite to land the job is .......... Gary Monk at 11/2
        In other words the bookies don't have a clue how to price up this market. Eddie Howe second fav at 7/1.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Monk! Facepalm. 🙁

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I'm sad, they were rocking at the end of the season.
      I don't know.

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        If it's down to Ashley, Joe F****** Kinnear's not quite dead yet.

    4. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Moyes

    5. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Tony P

      1. Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Allardyce, Pardew - take your pick of Toon ex-managers!

        1. Andy_Social
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Add Pearson, Hughton and McLaren - every manager since the late great Robby Bobson is currently unemployed! Yikes!

    6. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It'll be a thankless task managing Newcastle after Rafa, best guess is either Chris Hughton or a former player would be the only way to appease the fans at all. Even under Rafa we were always a relegation threatened club so nothings changed on that front, the race for 17th starts here.

    7. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Bit weird how pretty much none of the classic Newcastle team from the mid-90s era have gone into management - the only one I can think of is Lee Clark (now at Blyth Spartans!), whereas 6 or 7 of the Man U team from that period have gone on to management.

      1. Pasqualinho
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        They had Keegan as a role model.

        1. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Love it 🙂

      2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        That's a good point.
        I've got it!_ It came to me like a flash from the Gods.
        Shelvey-Player Manager. Yes!

        1. Markus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Haha, can just imagine it - end every game with 9 men.

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            😆

          2. Majestic Chanka
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            That was Paul Ince actually!

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Voldemort Shelvey leading a team of super-villains and monsters - a bit like the team the good guys play in Space Jam.

    8. Markus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Takeover the key to unlock positivity and get right manager. Eddie Howe is among the odds who would be great but need a fair amount of surgery as a lot of mediocre players made to look better by astute tactics, and a fairly rigid defensive formation which looks difficult to break out of without change of personnel.

      A centre forward is clearly the biggest need, rondon the obvious choice. I'd love someone like batshuayi though as think could work a bit better in a less defensive tactic with pace of almiron etc.

      Lb/lwb too, no idea who.

      Then someone else with some quality in middle of the park to play alongside longstaff +1, maybe Brooks coming with howe?

      Others would disagree, but while he's been good this last season, I see perez as quite a limited player (not big and strong, nor super pacey nor amazing crosser, perennial 'potential') so would potentially cash in on him for someone who fits a more specific tactic (2nd striker/pacey rw).

      Keeping our best players and 3 smart additions, could still do reasonably (10th - 15th) and also score more than last season but would need some fresh hope and investment to achieve the above...

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Perez was a shining star toward the end of season tbf.
        Not many fantasy guru's gave him the time of day, but he was instrumental in their strong finish.

        1. Markus
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I agree, and among our best players. Just not sure exactly how he'd fit someone else's system, feels like a 'luxury player' if you know what I mean. Would love to keep them all like, but doesn't feel like that's the mood music unfortunately.

      2. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Dream on mate, what decent manager would take the job when Rafa could not get real support after what he achieved

    9. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Why on earth would RM be in for Almiron? I know he's good - but surely not that level?

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        That's how I feel, largely, but he's looked very good. The price could be low.. but I doubt it happens

    10. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      There's only one man for the job - Arsene Wenger

      1. Geoff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I'd love that

      2. Markus
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        A good match tbh if he'd come. David ginola assistant manager. We can get back to the buying/selling young French players game

      3. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Spent so many years under similar owners. Would not wish that on him

    11. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Doomed, Ashley an absolute idiot Benitez was Gold for the club they should have ridden rhe wave. What Benitez did for a poor Newcastle side over the last 2 seasons was nothing short of miraculous. Yep goodbye Newcastle

    12. Olivier Bernards watch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      for the first time in my life, after decades of obsessively following the club's inevitable failure, I can finally say I don't care anymore. As long as Ashley is there it cannot be anything like a meaningful football club. such a tragedy.

    13. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It'll be a 'same old name' like Hughes or Pardew etc surely. Who will then be gone at Christmas.

      Rafa pulled off some miracles there, bet magpie fans are heartbroken.

    14. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      They can have Ole from us if they want lmao

    15. Jafalad
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Marcelo Bielsa. Too good for them though. Luckily he won't be leaving Leeds for the lesser lights of Newcastle and Celtic.

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

      Likely doomed whoever it is. Rafa is irreplaceable. But Flowers for Almiron to RM really?Sounds like utter transfer BS.

  13. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Brazilian forward Everton Soares who plays for Brazilian team Gremio would be a magnificent transfer for any team. I think his style is similar to Sterling. Just check him out on Copa America.

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Hopefully Everton sign him.

  14. Boomerang V
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Yeah that would be fun lol

    But apparently he has been linked to Man United, Man City, AC Milan and PSG so far

    https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-utd-everton-transfer-news-16436024

    1. Mysterion
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      More fun if Liverpool sign him...

      "Everton scores late derby winner"
      "Everton banned for 3 games"
      "Everton good at football"

    2. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Come to Utd Everton

      1. Mysterion
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        He'd do well there playing alongside Wazza, the boyhood Evertonian

        1. Poseidon.
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I dont think Wazza plays for us anymore

          1. Mysterion
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Didn't know he left... ah well good times https://i.imgur.com/h5JktUJ.gif

  15. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Spain vs USA in 30 minutes.
    Hopefully a good game with minimal refereeing controversy.

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Predictions ? 3-1 USA

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        2-0 USA

  16. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    When does the game go live for the new season?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Early July.

  17. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    AFG vs BAN

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Love the use of a silly mid-off by Bangladesh. Great way to put pressure on the batsmen on a spinning wicket.

    2. Nightcrawler
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Any idea how to chance the team name. Was given a random name and been trying to figure out since

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        The only way I could see was to go to the 'Daily Fantasy Game' (not the 'Classic Game'). Then there is a button at the bottom called 'Me'. If you click that and go to 'Personal Details' you will get your one and only chance to change the 'Team Name' at the top.

        1. Nightcrawler
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Ok will try thanks!

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Shakib(c) might pay off today.

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Huge score for him

        1. diesel001
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Showing why he is No.1 ODI all-rounder in the world.

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Big match for England tomorrow now. Bangladesh on England's tail.

      1. Nightcrawler
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Can't see bang beating india

        Next 2 days imp for England. If they don't win and pak surprise newz then they're in trouble

  18. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    1-0 USA

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      1-1

      1. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Terrible mistake.

  19. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    soft penalty that imo ... Zaha is gonna get about 20 assists this season

    1. Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Looked a clear foul to me.
      I agree about Zaha, he should get a lot more penalties for sure. I think the likes of Maddison and Rashford will be picking up assist from VAR awarded penalties too.

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

        What about the ones they don’t get and yellow cards for diving?

        1. Revival
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          If the ref makes a correct decision there will be no need for a VAR review or to stop play. I can't see this leading to a massive jump in cards for diving to be honest.

          1. SADIO SANÉ
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            agree, and I can't think of many times those players actually 'dived' with no contact at all - basically all I was saying is that soft penalties can much more easily be given now, because the replay will almost always show contact, even if it was minimal

  20. Geoff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    New Community Article looking at fixture difficulty: https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/06/24/how-much-does-fixture-difficulty-affect-returns/

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Damn. Mark has some competition.

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

      800.000£ for 1st price in German Fantasy Football????? Sign me up

      1. diesel001
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I think that is a typo - meant to be £80,000 (presumably it was €100,000 given exchange rates at the time).

  21. SADIO SANÉ
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    another bs penalty

    1. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      *us

    2. Eau De Fowls
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      second was a complete shocker.

  22. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    USA win 2-1

  23. diesel001
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Pretty much all of the England U21 side would be better off leaving the club they are owned by and joining one who will offer them proper first team football.

    Henderson (GK) - Man Utd - hasn't played a game for them
    Clarke-Salter (CB) - Chelsea - has made one sub appearance
    Tomori (CB) - Chelsea - has made one sub appearance
    Kenny (RB) - Everton - only 38 appearances in the last two seasons
    Dowell (CM) - Everton - has made two sub appearances
    Foden (CM) - Man City - only 36 appearances in the last two seasons
    Abraham (FW) - Chelsea - has made three sub appearances
    Nelson (LM) - Arsenal - only 16 appearances in the last two seasons

    So only Lloyd Kelly (Bristol City), James Maddison (Leicester) and Demarai Gray (Leicester) are getting decent first team football. Of the rest of the squad only DCL (Everton) and AWB (Palace) get regular first team football for the club that owns them.

    1. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Kenny already loaned out-the everton FB pensioner back up syndrome

  24. tucaoneo
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    In Wan-Bissaka news
    "Palace considered those performance-related clauses – some are believed to relate to United, who finished sixth last term, winning the Champions League – to be wildly unrealistic." 😀

  25. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    With Rafa gone....

    Auba (c) gameweek 1

    🙂

    1. Bragazeti
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Highly likely that he'll be the most captained

    2. Eau De Fowls
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

    3. Eau De Fowls
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Hat-Trick Potential for Aubs

    4. Fantasy Gold
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Did you see what Arsenal’s away form was like last season?

      1. Eau De Fowls
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Sure. They were shocking especially on the run in. I like Emery, although from FPL viewpoint he has hurt me on rotation. I think he will be out to correct it and they’ll have a better pre-season than Newcastle.

  26. VanDijksToWatchOutFor
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Late to the party but I wonder which other two teams will get relegated then.

  27. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What do you think the % chances are that the following players actually stay at their current clubs?

    a) Zaha

    b) Arnie

    c) Eriksen

    1. Bragazeti
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Palace and Spurs play hardball with their dealings. I'd say Arnie would be the more likely to leave

    2. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I wouldnt mind us signing any/all of those tbh

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Don’t see Wilf moving this time assuming AWB goes - though you could argue that it’s possible if Palace renegotiate the sell-on clause. Don’t see anyone stumping up 60 mill plus really.

      Arnie? Again I suspect he’ll be priced out of a move and WH have a huge squad but little cover up front. Who’s going to pay 30 mill?

      Eriksen. I see that one happening so that Spurs have transfer funds and he’s close to end of contract. But you just know it’ll run to deadline day

    4. Eau De Fowls
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I think Zaha deserves a move most. Eriksen most likely imo. Levy likes to get cash in before spending and Poch appeasement acquisitions required.

  28. Gnu
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What's all this doom and gloom about Newcastle.

    At least they might not send you to sleep watching them now, complete drudgery under the great imposter,, the Spanish waiter.

    1. 32chickens
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      You jest Shirley?

      1. Gnu
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Ha 🙂
        No I'm serious. I've always said he's an imposter. He's the master deflector of blame.

        1. 32chickens
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          well i think you're wrong
          i'm no newcastle fan but given the penury and ridicule his boss has left him open to rafa has acted with grace and decisiveness to make a faux silk purse out of a sows ear....
          -standing up and making big decisions on players-gayle for rondon being most recent.
          -relegation and return in one season
          -bringing youngsters through-longstaff most prominent.

          He asks reasonably -I dont want 17th each year give me the money and ambition or I am gone

          Pray,my court jester -show me the deflection?(even with VAR)

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I have to agree with this.

            Rafa is a brilliant manager and deserves better than Fat Mike.

            Newcastle are in big trouble now.

          2. Gnu
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I'm being out-gunned on this one.
            Ashley is making him look like a good guy but Ashley is good at that. 😉

            1. 32chickens
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Dont get me wrong -Ashley very good at what he does
              =asset strippping
              Just a shite boss all roundways up and down

              1. Gnu
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I'm not defending Ashley, hell no, but he's not an asset-stripper.
                The retail High street is on it's knees but his business's are flourishing and making big headway through the mistakes of others, it might not be pretty but it's sound and it works.
                This is no doubt the issue with how he runs NUFC, he's running it like a business or at least on a business model that he knows works.
                Couple of snippets I picked up from a Toon fan was his transfer policy. Seemingly he'll only buy a player if he can buy him outright, as in not the standard staggered payments, this suits the 'capital asset' of the club (i believe!!) however he does accept the staggered payments for players sold - not great cash-flow in my book but for whatever his reason - and I'll bet it's a sound business reason- it does limit their purchasing power.
                As for Rafa and the comment below about it being a shite squad - it's Rafa's squad.
                Rafa in my book has a terrible record in the transfer market, his signings at Liverpool were much derided by all and sundry at the time.
                Of course NUFC fans will love Rafa, it'sbasic pantomime stuff - good guy bad guy.
                As I said, I've never rated him.

                1. 32chickens
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  https://www.ft.com/content/bfcf7bc4-2633-11e9-b329-c7e6ceb5ffdf
                  Has the financial times appeared in FFS before?
                  Inventory-I call it asset stripping.
                  However GNU your insight on staggered payments is an interesting insight I did not know.
                  As the article(as others ) suggests-he probably doesn't have a plan
                  ....and he is compared to Phil Green

                  1. Gnu
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    4 years, 9 months ago

                    Haha, I reckon you're the only one on here with a FT subsription, it's mostly Sun, Smash Hits & Barearrsemonthly. 🙂

                    I can't defend MA but I can't be having any sympathy for the fat waiter either.

              2. Gnu
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                The other snippet was that he's seemingly taken prospective buyers to St James only to spend the match being abused, that must seem like a great advert for the buyer...not.

            2. Andy_Social
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I'm no Magpie, but I think you'd be hard-pressed to find a single Toon fan who have a bad word to say about Rafa. They'd say the quality of football is as good as it could be with a shite squad - had Rafa tried to play more open they'd have got relegated for sure. Plus, it's not all about style - they know he bloody loves the fans more than they have any right to expect of a manager. That makes him a 'good guy' in their eyes more than a trophy-count.

        2. Spencer
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          You can’t deny what a good job he’s done at Newcastle, with the squad he’s had.

          We saw a bit more exciting football with the introduction of Almiron, so more could have been imminent.

          1. Fantasy Gold
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            I was very impressed with his decision making.

            Getting rid of Mitrovic/Gayle in favour of Rondon didn’t look like the best move on paper but Rondon has been absolutely fantastic for them. A perfect fit.

            1. 32chickens
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              until the baggies wanted him back.....

              1. Andy_Social
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                Newcastle's next manager - the perfect candidate has just made himself available.
                Yes, for the pure sh*ts & giggles, I give you ...... Roy Keane.

  29. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Premier League new-boys Norwich City have signed striker Josip Drmic from Borussia Monchengladbach on a three-year deal