Scout Notes

Goals for Salah and Jimenez as Aguero grabs two assists

The launch of Fantasy Premier League 2019/20 meant that our international round-ups took a back seat for a few days.

This extended Scout Notes article, therefore, recaps all the action involving Premier League players over the last week, as we bring you up to speed on the Copa America, Africa Cup of Nations, Gold Cup and the European Under-21 Championship.

Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt 2-0 DR Congo
Uganda 0-2 Egypt
Zimbabwe 0-4 DR Congo

The host nation have played twice since we last brought you an international round-up and went through to the round of 16 after back-to-back 2-0 wins.

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Aston Villa right-back Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.5m) got on the scoresheet in both matches, with both players lasting 90 minutes in each game (El Mohamady being substituted in stoppage time of the win over Uganda).

El Mohamady opened the scoring in the win over DR Congo, prodding home after Salah’s cross had caused panic in the opposition box.

The Liverpool winger then latched onto a pass from Trezeguet before finishing confidently to put the hosts 2-0 before the interval.

Salah had earlier saw an excellent chance deflected narrowly wide and had a free-kick saved.

Salah had better luck from a dead-ball situation in the win over Uganda, curling home a superb free-kick to put his country 1-0 up.

The advancing El Mohamady doubled the Pharaohs’ lead on the stroke of half-time with a drilled low shot after Salah had narrowly failed to connect with an Ayman Ashraf cross.

The Liverpool man was later thwarted by goalkeeper Denis Onyango when clean through on goal.

Mohamed Elneny (£4.5m) played 152 minutes across these two matches, while West Ham’s Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) was an unused substitute both in this fixture and in DR Congo’s 4-0 win over Zimbabwe on Sunday.

Egypt’s round of 16 match will take place this Saturday.

Senegal 0-1 Algeria

While Salah and Egypt are safely through to the last 16, Sadio Mane (£11.5m) and his Senegal side will have to get at least a draw against Kenya in their final group game on Monday night to ensure progression.

That’s because the Lions of Teranga fell to a 1-0 defeat to Algeria on Thursday, with Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) and co booking their place in the knockout rounds.

While not at his exhilarating best, Mane was still at the centre of most of what Senegal did.

The Liverpool winger provided the key passes for the only two shots that his nation had on target and headed over a corner with the last chance of the game.

Mane ought to have had a penalty in the second half, too, when he was sandwiched by two Algerian players.

Mahrez was quieter by comparison, narrowly missing the target with his one effort on goal in the 71st minute.

Cheikhou Kouyate (£5.0m) was deployed in defence by Senegal while Idrissa Gana Gueye (£5.0m) was an unused substitute.

Morocco 1-0 Ivory Coast

Having only made a cameo appearance off the bench in the win over South Africa, Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) was an unused substitute as Ivory Coast fell to a 1-0 defeat to Morocco.

The Crystal Palace winger – reclassified as an FPL midfielder next season – played just over 20 minutes of football in his side’s opening two Africa Cup of Nations matches.

Zaha made the starting XI in the Ivory Coast’s final group fixture on Monday evening, however – we’ll have a write-up of that match later in the week.

Romain Saiss (£4.5m) was on the winning side as Morocco’s stay in Egypt was extended.

The Wolves defender cleared a Jonathan Kodjia (£5.5m) header off the line in the first minute, the Villa forward playing the whole 90 minutes for Ivory Coast up front but unable to add to his goal he scored against South Africa.

Serge Aurier (£5.0m) had provided the cross for that Kodjia effort but the Spurs right-back was forced off with a hamstring injury after 69 minutes and, according to the player himself, his tournament could be over.

The Spurs right-back position is one we’ll be monitoring over the summer, then, particularly if Aurier’s issue proves to be a serious one.

Nigeria 1-0 Guinea
Madagascar 2-0 Nigeria
Burundi 0-2 Guinea

Naby Keita‘s (£6.0m) Africa Cup of Nations could potentially be at an end, with the Liverpool midfielder lasting just 71 minutes of his country’s 1-0 defeat to Nigeria before being withdrawn.

Keita, who was making his first start for club or country since the beginning of May, reportedly aggravated his recurring thigh injury which subsequently caused him to miss Guinea’s 2-0 win over Burundi.

Although Guinea have sneaked into the knockout stages in third place, Keita has reportedly flown to Liverpool for treatment – though may well return to Egypt should the prognosis at Melwood be positive.

Nigeria also made it through to the round of 16 but only after a shock defeat to Madagascar.

Leon Balogun (£4.5m) played 180 minutes across these two matches but the Brighton centre-back was at fault for Madagascar’s first goal, allowing goalscorer Lalaïna Nomenjanahary to nip in when attempting to shield the ball on the edge of his box.

Substitute Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) played a big part in the island nation’s second, fouling an opponent for a free-kick that was subsequently deflected in off the Leicester City man.

Ndidi had played the full 90 minutes of the win over Guinea, a match that Alex Iwobi (£6.0m) also started.

The Arsenal winger came close to breaking the deadlock in that game but saw a curling effort superbly saved.

Iwobi was thrown on as a 60th-minute substitute with Nigeria trailing Madagascar but couldn’t salvage any consolation for his country, who had, it must be said, already qualified from the group stage.

Cameroon 2-0 Guinea-Bissau
Ghana 2-2 Benin
Cameroon 0-0 Ghana

Gaetan Bong (£4.5m) was an unused substitute as Cameroon beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations opener, with the Brighton full-back playing the first 74 minutes of his country’s 0-0 draw with Ghana four days later.

Christian Atsu (£5.5m) was substituted with a hamstring injury after only 15 minutes of that stalemate with Cameroon, having lasted the distance in Ghana’s 2-2 draw with Benin.

The Newcastle United midfielder faces a scan on the problem but looks set to miss Ghana’s final group stage match against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.

Tunisia 1-1 Mali

Southampton new boy Moussa Djenepo produced a positive display in the 1-1 draw with Tunisia, his pace causing Mali’s opponents problems at the back and leading to eight fouls on the Saints’ winger.

Djenepo was replaced after 75 minutes.

Mali take on Angola on Tuesday in their final group game, with qualification looking likely.

Kenya 3-2 Tanzania

Victor Wanyama (£5.0m) played the full 90 minutes and picked up a booking as Kenya edged a five-goal thriller to keep alive their hopes of qualification to the round of 16.

Kenya may have to pick up at least a point against Senegal in their final group match to progress but can still qualify as one of the best-place third-place teams.

Copa America

Brazil 0-0 Paraguay (4-3 penalties)

Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) and Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) had 120-minute run-outs as Brazil edged past ten-man Paraguay on penalties.

Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m) had been sent off for felling Firmino on 58 minutes – an incident that saw a penalty award downgraded to a free-kick after VAR intervention – but despite racking up 26 shots on goal, the Selecao were unable to breach the Paraguayan defence.

Jesus fired a glorious chance wide after a Firmino knock down before Willian (£7.0m), on as a 71st-minute substitute, struck the upright with a low shot.

Alisson (£6.0m) had a comfortable evening as Paraguay, spearheaded by Miguel Almiron (£6.0m) in attack, could only muster one shot on target.

Ederson (£6.0m) was an unused substitute, while Fernandinho (£5.5m) wasn’t fit to feature because of a knee injury and Richarlison (£8.0m) missed out due to mumps.

Firmino missed his spot-kick in the shootout but Almiron, Willian and Jesus were all successful, the Manchester City striker scoring the decisive penalty to see Brazil through to a semi-final against Argentina on Tuesday.

Venezuela 0-2 Argentina

Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) claimed two assists to set up that aforementioned meeting with Brazil.

The Manchester City striker’s off-target drive was backheeled in by Lautaro Martinez for Argentina’s opener, before Venezuelan goalkeeper Wuilker Farinez spilled Aguero’s low shot to allow Giovani Lo Celso a simple finish.

The premium FPL forward was withdrawn after 85 minutes, having only had one other attempt on goal.

Juan Foyth (£5.0m) – suspended for Gameweeks 1 and 2 – and Nicolas Otamendi (£5.5m) were part of an Argentinean backline that was scarcely troubled by a Venezuela side featuring Salomon Rondon.

Roberto Pereyra (£6.0m) was an unused substitute.

Colombia 0-0 Chile (4-5 Penalties)

Yerry Mina (£5.5m), Davinson Sanchez (£5.5m) and Alexis Sanchez (£7.0m) all played 120 minutes in a quarter-final that Chile dominated.

Clear-cut chances were thin on the ground but Chile edged through to the last four after success in a penalty shootout, with Alexis scoring the decisive spot-kick.

Jefferson Lerma (£5.0m) was an unused substitute.

Uruguay 0-0 Peru (4-5 Penalties)

Lucas Torreira (£5.0m) emerged as a 57th-minute substitute and scored from the spot in the shootout in Salvador but the Arsenal midfielder will now head back to his club after Uruguay were seen off 5-4 on penalties.

Gold Cup

Mexico 1-1 Costa Rica (5-4 on penalties)

Raul Jimenez‘s (£7.5m) stay in the CONCACAF Gold Cup was extended as Mexico edged past Costa Rica in the quarter-finals.

For those worrying about the Wolves forward’s minutes over the summer, there was further concern as he endured a 120-minute run-out in Houston.

Jimenez scored his fourth goal of the tournament when putting his country ahead on 44 minutes, turning and shooting in the Costa Rican box after seeing an initial effort blocked.

The Mexican striker saw a tame spot-kick saved in the subsequent shootout but his country prevailed 5-4 on penalties, setting up a semi-final against Haiti on Tuesday night.

USA 1-0 Curacao

The USA are also through to the semi-finals of the Gold Cup after a narrow win over Curacao.

Christian Pulisic, who had been rested to the bench and only introduced as a second-half substitute in the dead rubber against Panama last week, played the full 90 minutes against Cuco Martina‘s Curacao in Philadelphia.

The influential Chelsea winger produced a superb bit of trickery on the left flank to cross for Weston McKennie to nod in from close range.

As usual, much of the USA’s play came through the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder and he himself had two presentable chances early on in the game.

The USA face Jamaica in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

European Under-21 Championship

With England exiting at the group stage, there was limited interest from a Fantasy perspective in the semi-finals and final of the European Under-21 Championship.

Matteo Guendouzi (£4.5m), Leicester’s Alex Pascanu and Brighton’s Tudor Baluta all bowed out at the semi-final stage after starting for their respective countries, with Pascanu sent off for Romania in their 4-2 defeat to Germany.

The main draw was Pablo Fornals (£6.5m), who starred in Spain’s 4-1 semi-final win over France and claimed a superb assist (a cross with the outside of his boot) for his country’s fourth and final strike.

Having lasted the distance in an influential showing in the semis, Fornals was more peripheral in a 72-minute run-out in the final as his country secured a 2-1 win over Germany to lift the cup.

987 Comments Post a Comment
  1. TAT
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    If choosing between the two; Siggy or Bernardo – and why?

    1. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      One would expect Sigurdsson to play 90 mins every week and be involved in a large % (X) of goals scored by Everton (Y)

      Bilva you expect an average of, finger in the air, 60 minutes each game over the season and not involved in a smaller % (A) of goals scored by Man City (B).

      Peoples guts here seem to say that
      (either in the first six or so weeks or over the course of the season^) X*Y is more than A*B (despite expecting B>>Y)

      Of course, nail the purple patches they’ll each hit at some point and your laughing.

      ^With our outrageous early team selections ideas

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

        Good point. I'm likely to bring in one of them (or other options in about the same price bracket), and the knowledge of Sigurdsson playing 90 mins might swing it that way.

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Cause Bernardo always assists the assister

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

        I guess that's true, but I remember missing out on his points early last season…

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Siggy

      6-7 years under his belt as an FPL ever present in my teams much of the time.

      Talisman, fulcrum, set pieces, penalties.

      As per the comment above. Bilva is the new Dilva. Great player, but annoying from an FPL perspective. Assisting the assister a lot.

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

        Guess that's the risk with Bernardo, yes. Never had any luck with Siggy personally, so I guess that's a factor for me considering Bernardo too.

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

          instead*

        2. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Siggy was first name on my team sheet most years when at Swansea in the same role he is now (number 10, attacking fulcrum, talisman, penalties and set pieces).

          Was only 6.5-7m back then

          I think 8m for the same in a considerably better team is very nicely priced.

          I like Bilva, made a note at the end of last season to consider him. But KDB @ 9.5m blows him out of the water.

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

            Yeah, KDB is definitely a better option, IMO. The trouble is the 1.5 price difference between him and Bernardo. Could just go with Siggy and hope my luck owning him turns!

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

    Any league admins figured out how to suspend a player that was in your mini league last year but you want to remove?

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

      (I see the option but cant get it to work on chrome or safari)

    2. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Trying to ship last years winner?

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

        Haha

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

      The leagues are a bit of a mess.
      Might have to wait until closer to the start.
      Sent an email to them on the weekend and still waiting for a reply.

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

        Thanks

  3. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    In the hot topic about under priced players Yarmolenko is mentioned. I got him just before he was injured last season and remember him looking pretty good. Is he expected to slot straight back in the starting line up?

    £6m could be a good price for him.

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

      Yer he's 1 million too cheap. He's by far the best option at that price..if he is fit again I prefer him to Zaha

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        He’s back in training

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

          Yer but I mean, as in match sharpness. Players don't always come back from that type of injury for a while

          1. The Tinkerman
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            He has City in GW1, so no harm in waiting 😉

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

              True. High chance I'll be going with Arnie anyway so both may be overkill

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

      He seems an incredible pick if he slots into the team. My problem is Im struggling to find a good use of the 1m if I downgrade a 7.0 to him.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I'm looking for a £6.5m or less. Would you recommend Yarmolenko over the likes of Redmond, Brooks and Gros?

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

          I think its hard to pick between those. Most potential there to find an early bandwagon but also possible to get burned hard.

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

            What about fornals....looked a player at the u21s

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

      City first game week but as a watchlister, yes. Think he'll come good.

  4. The Tinkerman
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Any criticisms?

    Ederson
    Robertson, VVD, Digne, Diop/Dunk
    Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Zaha
    Deeney, King

    4.0; Diop/Dunk, Dendoncker, Nketiah

    Still have a nagging doubt about TAA rotation, probably being stupid.

    1. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Very good, apart from Deeney.

      I think I'd try to find 0.5m extra to upgrade to Arnie, or maybe a Tammy Abrahams depending on where he lands.

      Or go the other way. Get Shane Long for 5.0m and get another premium defender in place of Dunk (Mendy, Walker?)

      1. The Tinkerman
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Diop/Dunk is a reasonable rotation for a while, certainly enough to make it to my WC. Deeney in there for pens primarily. Whoever is first choice ST at Chelsea is likely to be decent value imo. Whether Giroud, Tammy or Bats. If Yarmolenko looks an option I’ll go for him and Kun over Deeney and Sterling. The extra .5 from that could get me TAA instead of VVD.

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

      I wouldn't start with Deeney. Usually a slow starter. Delafeou could be a better option this season

  5. Planet Head
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Lucas Moura's price is 0.5m higher than the highest Chelsea player. Got to be some bargains at the Bridge this season.

    1. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I'll stay away on the opening fixtures, we dont even know the manager

    2. sfsfsfe
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Reports about alonso not plåtning för the blues set to be announced after Frankie-boy's announcement. Emerson at 5.5 could be great if Lamps chooses to use wingbacks.

  6. Peter Ouch
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Who scores more, Redmond or king?

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

      King - on penalties too.

    2. sfsfsfe
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      King probably. Redmond could very well match it but that kinda depends on where one the pitch he'll be deployed

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

      King imo

    4. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      King

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

      About the same Id say.

    6. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks lads, king is the man

    7. Planet Head
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Yep surely King

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

    Current Week One team if you have any thoughts please?

    Ryan

    Laporte Wan-Bissaka TAA Digne

    Salah Sterling Sigurdsson Pereyra

    Vardy Murray

    Button Kelly Dendoncker Greenwood

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

      Would not bet on Awb. A fullback won't solve uniteds defensive issues. Also concerned about Pereyra who got me a lot of points early last season but was M.i.a. for the later half on it. Murray is just a big nono for me. Sorry if I'm sounding harsh

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

        No exactly what I'm looking for thanks

      2. RossoneriHammer
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Mark II

        Ryan

        Laporte TAA Coleman

        Salah Sterling Sigurdsson Maddison

        Arnautovic Jota King

        Button Kelly Dunk Dendoncker

        1. Planet Head
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I like

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      There's better 6.5m forwards out there than Old Man Murray...King, the Watford or Burnley boys

      Will Pereyra be any good? He was good early on last season, then went off a cliff for most of the rest of it.

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

        Yarmolenko is a hot topic. Could work out but would consider them after the pre-season and not lock myself to the hype that's created

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          The thing putting me off Yarmolenko is the fact West Ham are an unknown quantity full-stop. He's a watch and see I reckon.

      2. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Totally. I loved owning Deulofeu last season - pretty certain I'll go into GW1 with him this term too. He'll easily score between 10/15 this season.

        1. cravencottage
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I also loved owning Deulofeu last year. Fun to watch as well. Good value at 6.5 despite being reclassified

    3. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Like the Pereyra pick I was going to pick him over Andre Gomes still got money to make the transfer

  8. Kante FC
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A: Kane, Aubameyang, VVD, Stephens, Romeu

    OR

    B: Salah, De Bruyne, Laporte, Greenwood, Nketiah

    Rest of team is:

    Ederson

    Robbo, TAA, Digne, Coleman

    Siggi, Maddison

    King

    Bench: Krul, Norwood

    A offers more balance, playing subs and 2 rotating captaincy picks.
    B offer Salah captain every week and 3x Man City players in my squad. Thoughts?

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

      Would not feel comfortable with only Ederson as a city asset

    2. Peter Ouch
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I'll go with b which looks very similar to mine

  9. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Can someone (ideally a West Ham fan) talk to me about Yarmolenko? If he's fit, which I believe he is as he's back in training - will he be nailed on? West Ham are a bit of an unknown this season because they are littered with a lot of good midfielders and it would be folly to ignore their good start fixture-wise.

    I'm hearing rumbles so could Yarmo be a decent 4th mid for the asking price of £6.0m?

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

      Could be. Probably going on as much of a hunch as you are from what we saw pre-injury but could be great if he shows that he's in full game fitness during the pre-season. Could also be worth watching Lanzini. Always a sexy pick if he's healthy

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

      He is part of our best midfield.

      He was a class act before he got injured for us.

      I fully expect him to be nailed on in Pellegrinis plans and at 6M he will be a steal.

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Where was Pellegrini playing him out of interest?

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

          Seemed to be right wing with license to drift into the middle.

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Spent earlier today raving about him. Was saved at the end of last season to make sure he was fit for this one. Will be instrumental to our success. With fornals signing I expect noble to miss out leaving penalties up for grabs. Yarmolenko I fancy will take them.

      This is what he was up to just before he got injured:
      https://youtu.be/XVqoPcA3OVo

      1. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Where do you see him being played positionally? Which leads me to my next question really... If I go for him as my 4th mid I will be able to treat myself to a £4.5m 5th DEF. Would you go with Targett or Diop/Fredericks?

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          He’s our first choice RW. Our defence is shocking defensively, Fredericks and Masuaku can do damage going forwards tho. Targett would be my preference atm

      2. The Royal Robin
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        The only thing putting me off Yarmo is the fact you are absolutely littered with midfielders, particularly attack minded ones. You will obviously have a better insight into WHU, but are you absolutely certain come August he'll be playing?

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Our first choice midfield is:

          Anderson Lanzini Fornals Yarmo
          Rice

          1. The Royal Robin
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Interesting. I guess the question is, do you see yourself going for him yourself?

            1. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I am 50/50 on KDB + Siggy or Sterling + Yarmo. I will monitor our pre season but atm KDB and Siggy make a prettier pattern on my screen

          2. The Royal Robin
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Also, surely Antonio has something to say about that?

            1. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Great player but will have to say it from the bench

              1. The Royal Robin
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I'm just looking for a 4th mid to accompany Sterling - Salah - Siggy.

                It's out of Yarmo, Redmond or Brooks.

                1. Ask Yourself
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  Atm work with brooks but if Yarmo performs as I expect him to in pre season then it’s an easy call. Essential if he gets penalty duties

          3. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Wrong. 😐

            1. The Royal Robin
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Who, what, when?

            2. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              Excuse me

              1. The Royal Robin
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                I guess we'll never know ... 😐

                1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 9 months ago

                  Noble will play. At least until Xmas.

                  1. Ask Yourself
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 9 months ago

                    Maybe in the games we need more defensive support Lanzini misses out but come on noble is not a first 11 West Ham player anymore

                    1. The Royal Robin
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 9 months ago

                      He did play 31 games last season tbf. Also Antonio is a regular is he not?

  10. SaveusY2J
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A) Kane and Bilva
    or
    B) Sterling and Arnie

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

      B for me. Going to wait and see if the Kane train picks up any momentum before I take him in

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      B edges it for me

    3. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Sterling over Kane any day.

      Kane has done both his ankles now, I see him getting less and less game time as the years tick on. A shame but injuries result in more injuries

  11. PC ALLSTARS
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Hey guys might go with this team?!!

    Ryan

    Robbo, El Moh, Kelly, Aarons,

    Mo, Mane, Pedro, Hayden,

    Kane, Kun,

    Subs (cheap)
    Button, Gibson, Dendoncker, Costa Silva (West Ham)

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

      To much premiums/budget pick. If you are gonna have a premium striker pick one of kun and Kane. Use the cash to upgrade your defence. Salah and mane is a lot of money in the Liverpool attack when their defence should be a priority imo

      1. PC ALLSTARS
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Cheers, yeah true Kun or Kane & upgrade my defence.

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      That's a defence from hell!

      Drop a premium (one of Salah or Mane), get another premium Liverpool defender and a City defender in there

      1. PC ALLSTARS
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Ha yeah true poor defenders!

        1. Business Cat
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Elmo's alright, he can stay 🙂

          You can't have Gibson and Kelly as 4m defenders given neither will play in all likelihood unless they move

    3. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Awful. Too many big hitters.

      Pick two 11m+ players, spread the rest of the cash.

  12. Kante FC
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A but siggi instead of bilva

    1. Kante FC
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Meant to be replying to Jimbob

  13. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Evening guys, classic A or B scenario here. It's a big picture thing rather than an individual contest. A probably allows me a stronger XI on paper but B gives me better options from the bench.

    A) Gibson ... Laporte ... Brooks
    B) 4.5 (Diop, Fredericks, Targett) ... Zinchenko ... Maddison

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

      A

  14. FF Dirtbag
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Hmm probably template but might risk yarmo... I mean who else is good at 6m?

    Ryan Button
    TAA VVD Digne targett Fredericks
    Salah sterling siggy yarmo Dendon
    Vardy King Greenwood

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      He is great as is that team. Well done

    2. sfsfsfe
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Personally I would prefer coleman+Robbo instead of Digne+VVD. Not the team part your concerned about I suspect but beyond that it looks decent

  15. okan58
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I think Dele is really a bargain for 8.5. If Eriksen leaves, he will play at his favorite position.

    My current team.

    Alisson
    Wan-Bissaka - Van Dijk - Ake
    Zaha - Bernardo - Dele - Sigurdsson
    Rashford - Kane - Jimenez
    Subs: Button, Kelly, Lascelles and Grealish.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Good shout on dele tbf. Your forwards look a bit of a waste of cash tho

      1. okan58
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Hm, how would you do it??

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

          I would loose Kane and get either Taa or Robbo. Rash+Jimi is enogh. Would try and get a 442 going

    2. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It's good but I feel Salah and Sterling are better options than Kane due to the fixtures and how the teams are in a league of their own

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

      If Eriksen leaves I'm avoiding spurs and I support them.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        West Ham fan but I think erisken going will be good for them. Alli can finally flourish as this gent rightfully points out. Means you can line up like this and it won’t look so awkward on the pitch:

        Kane
        Son Alli Lucas
        Winks/Wanyama Ndombele
        Rose Vert Sánchez Aurier
        Lloris

        Looks like a top team to me

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

          The team is built round Eriksen though. Losing players like that who acts as the creative hub of the team it isn't always easy to just resort to a different set up . He's one player I really don't want to lose. Alli is brilliant when he isn't losing his head but if we lose Eriksen we really need to replace him with a similar type of player. Hard to find, especially with Levy more obsessed with saving a few quid than paying the going rate

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            lol Celso fits the bill I think

    4. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Grealish to a 4.5 and Ake to Digne too

    5. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      That's what I'd call a meh-dfield

      You can only play 7 attackers, so you'll be benching a 7/8m player EVERY week. You need a 4.5m bench fodder mid

      There's an extreme lack of premium in there. Going without any Liverpool or proper City attack is madness!

    6. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      That defence is going to kill your rank when literally everyone is putting millions into theirs.

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

      Would much rather own POgba at that price point.

  16. okan58
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Hm, how would you do it?

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

      Depends on what "it" is lol

  17. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I don't know about you guys but I just feel Sterling and Salah is not worth it.

    For me I am going to pick one who I will captain every week for the first 5-6 GWs.

    On Salah right now but kind of tempted by Sterling, KDB and Ederson with triple Liverpool defence of TAA, Robertson and VVD

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      KDB hasn't done anything of note to warrant a spot, let alone a captaincy.

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

        Not if you go purely on last season, but if he stays fit easily guaranteed 200+ points...

  18. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Please can I get thoughts on my team. Thanks!

    Ryan
    Robbo - Van-D - Ake
    Salah - Zaha- BSilva - Andre Gomes - Fraser
    Wilson - Kane

    Button. El-Mo. Kelly. Wickham.

    1. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Gomes to 4.5 and El Mo to Coleman

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        El Mo doing well and Gomes will be rotation risk. Last year I fell in the Everton track off owning one there defenders at the start it hurt my rank. I feel you cannot trust the Everton defence and just hope for attacking returns from Digne or Coleman

        1. CFC1990
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Yeah but Coleman probably still more likely to score than Gomes regardless of clean sheets.

          Fancy Sheffield United first few weeks don't know why

          1. Ange Ball
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            They could put a spanner in the works and shock do Wolves

    2. sfsfsfe
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Would downgrade Kane and upgrade Gomes. Bournemouth defence is never an option for me so Aké is not a favourite pick of mine

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Bournemouth defence for the first two games. Ake could be on attacking returns and BP first GW

      2. Business Cat
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Playing Sheffield United and Villa for the opening matches though.

        Worth an early punt, ship to an emerging 4.0m playing defender ahead of City perhaps once it's known who that is

        1. Ange Ball
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I was thinking that to ship him out after the first two bank the money can then upgrade to Aguero from Kane for GW3

    3. D_wins_chips
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      As a LFC fan I think TAA has more upside than both Robertson and Vvd. Id also go for Augero over Kane. Solid team tho!

      1. Ange Ball
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        `Cheers I just think Kane will break his August drought. Aguero not starting first couple matches maybe be rested. As for TAA he is my only concern as last year did not own him and he made me lose one of my leagues. Being a LFC fan don't you see TAA rested and someone like Gomes playing RB for the first one at least.

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

    Bookies predicting a 32% rise in penalties this year. 84 pens scored in the PL last season - money line for this season is 111 at the moment.

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Don’t tell the summer “DZ” bunch they’ll destroy you with facts and logic

    2. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      And Zaha will only win half of those!

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

      Been so busy with the crazy prices haven’t even had the luxury of picking penalty takers 😀

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Made a team of 9 pen takers at one point but it was pretty poo x

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

      I think this is important information and am going to take it on board when formatting all my fantasy teams.

      I know the oddsmakers are usually pretty shrewd, as I'm forever trying to probe any weakness, but it's a tough battle on the most part.

    5. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Interesting as that would be largely at odds with what happened in other leagues.

      https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/06/25/var-increases-refereeing-accuracy-but-not-the-total-penalty-count

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

        Those leagues didnt have to deal with the new handball rule on top. The handball rule alone will lead to a massive increase.

        1. onceuponatyne
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I'm absolutely all over the penalty takers. I think it's going to be absolutely critical.

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

            Where are you going to find out who takes penalties for each team?

  20. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I think I like my team. Go ahead and show me why I shouldn't, for I'm sure something must not be right:

    Ryan
    TAA / VVD / Laporte / Coleman
    Salah / Siggy / Zaha / Maddie
    Kun / King

    Pros: Strong defence, good midfield, Kun
    Cons: Ryan, no bench at all aside from a 4.5 playing mid for 2 points

    Good enough?

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

      Love your team! TAA over both Robbo and Vvd for me personally. More upside imo.

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

        Thank you so much mate!

    2. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I'd be afraid of not having Sterling but that's a solid team mate.

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

        That is indeed a concern of mine, but I think there comes a point when you just have to choose. I went with Kun and Salah.

        Thank you very much for taking your time, I do appreciate it!

        1. The Royal Robin
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I'd be happy to start the season with it if I were you. Solid 9/10, and versatility to spread funds.

  21. D_wins_chips
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Would love to hear your thoughts!

    Heaton / 4.0

    TAA/ Robbo/Digne/Stones/Cathcart

    Salah/Siggy/Milivojević/Felipe.A /4.5

    Augero/Murray / 4.5

    0 itb

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

      Murray will probably have his minutes managed even more than last season. Mili could work out if Zaha stays. If he leaves 90% of palace penaltys leave with him.

    2. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Felipe to Fraser or Perarya

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

      I too like your team! Personally would go for Maddie over Anderson, Coleman over Digne and do Murray-King.

      But I do like it!

  22. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Got a nagging feeling Sheffield United may do the business against Bournemouth.

    Who are their best attacking players? Norwood? Sharp?

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      And Stevens from defence. Austin joining may be interesting.

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

    Kane is £11m and has Villa(H) and Newcastle(H) in two of his opening three fixtures.

    Tell me why he's not in your team.

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      It's August.

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

        😆 Is the correct mystical answer.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          😆

      2. Parm
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Reported

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Salah and a premium defence is a better use of my money. Kane hasn’t been an explosive and reliable option for a while now

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

        You can have Salah as well you know. And Kane has hat-trick potential in both of those games, very easily.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          You mean Lucas*** Kane hat tricks have been and gone he swore on his daughter’s life he scored a goal he didn’t touch but karma wouldn’t be so harsh. It’s turned him back into the guy who got sent on loan to Leicester.

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

            Kane's mentality is unrivaled by any player in the league, he wants to do anything possible to break Shearer's record. Fully fit, full pre-season, he's banging 30 league goals this year easily.

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

      Son cant play. But Moura is there. If Moura play, he always take 'Kane's point'.

  24. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Hi. Given their excellent opening fixtures, is digne siggy and DCL to much Everton??

    Dcl at 6m looks good if they don't sign another striker

    Thanks

    1. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Does he actually? Will he outscore Coleman? What is your formation?

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

        442. Something like this

        Ryan 4m
        Robbo TAA mendy digne 4.5
        Sterling salah siggy zaha 4.5
        King dcl 4.5

    2. sfsfsfe
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Could work out but 3 is a bit to much for me personally. Would settle for Digne and siggy

    3. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Is DCL nailed on.?

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

      I think DCL is a poor player regardless of choice. I believe they must sign another striker... Siggy and Digne are excellent choices.

    5. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I learn that average player still can disappoint u even when there is clear purple path fixture. Siggy, Coleman and Digne ia good pick, but DCL is not my choice even in this kind of fixture except he is 4.5.

  25. sfsfsfe
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Ryan
    Taa - Robbo - Mendy - coleman
    Zaha - Salah - Sterling - Maddison
    King - Arnie

    Bench: 4.5 keeper - Kelly - Long - dendoncker

    Arnie is a punt and is the least nailed on in my team. Will wait until the pre-season ends to make up my mind about him.

    Thoughts?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I like it. Go 4.0 for keeper imo

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

        4.0 keeper + long->non playing 4.5 would give me enough to upgrade Zaha or Maddie to siggy

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

      Not for me, Lei fixtures for example could be better imo.

  26. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Hi lads,

    Please RMT

    Ryan Button
    TAA Robbo VVD Digne Kelly
    Zaha Sterling (perma C) KDB Fraser
    Giroud
    1m itb
    Bench Kelly fodder fodder

    Thanks

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

      Would not be comfortable with only one good captaincy option. Giroud is way to early to predict.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Giroud is best atm he can be replaced later on. Sterling always and play the
        Vc as an interesting decision every week imo...

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I like this team.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Thanks mate. Giroud is temporarily there however he might stay

    3. Parm
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      FPL has ruined itself. Look at these teams, absolutely vile template.

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Yes, buy with preseason and new players added, I expect more diversity of line ups

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

          I am seeing a side with Giroud as the lone striker, this is not fun.

  27. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A) Digne, VVD, King
    B) 4.0 Defender, Robertson, Wilson

    Which is the best combination?

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        A will surely outscore B especially if you have to play the 4.0 guy

    2. sully29
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A

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

        A

    3. The Polymath
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Thanks guys

  28. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Three 4.0 defs is too many right?

    Ryan
    Robbo | VVD | Kelly
    Salah | Sterling | Siggy | Zaha | Dendoncker
    Kane | King

    Button | Rico | Gibson | Greenwood

    1. The Royal Robin
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Kelly as a starter 😀 I think you've got to let go of Kane mate.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I can't! It hurts lol

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Or Sterling>KDB and upgrade a 4.0

    3. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      very too much

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

      Been trying this myself and concluded best to get KDB. Gets me team think I’m quite liking ( subject to preseason form)

      Heaton
      TAA Mendy VVD Digne
      Salah KDB Maddison Pereyra
      Kane King

      Button Dunk Dendoncker Xande Silva

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

        * Maddison may be Zaha

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        That's very good!

  29. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What do you prefer:

    A) Zinchenko & Fraser
    B) Laporte & Brooks
    C) Laporte & Redmond

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      B

  30. Blunder fc
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A bit of a risk considering his inability to hold down a regular starting place but in the last two seasons martial has scored 120+ points in just over 1500 minutes (about 7 points per 90 minutes)
    At this salah esque rate of scoring, if he can make the left wing spot his own then 7.5 million is an absolute bargain

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

      I've given him every opportunity and he's invariably disappointed, I think there's something amiss in his head space.

      He's on my "don't go there" Mendy list, even if he does flatter to deceive on occasion.