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

    A if Zinchenko starts

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

      Reply fail to start the page!

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

      Hulk this please.

    3. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A - possibly

  2. 3 A
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    What is the current template? Just curious.

    1. gaurava1216
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      This pretty much makes it up....

      TAA Robbo Digne/Laporte
      Sterling Salah Zaha Siggy

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

        Zero keeper... Zero strikers... No bench. I like it...

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

      *Pick my team for me

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

    Hey All

    Almost have a team I'm happy to sit on for a while (until the next wave of transfers).

    Just one more piece of the puzzle: I like the idea of having Jota as first drop on the bench as a semi-super-sub to cover any outs. But do you think it's worth upgrading D.Silva to De Bruyne if it means I end up with a bench like this?

    Button, Dedoncker, Hayden, 4.5 Fwd

    I'm imagining it's a resounding yes, but I think playing someone like D.Silva isn't so much of a risk if you have a nice sub on standby. But De Bruyne...

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

      A nice sub on the bench is 1 - a benching headache and 2 - A waste of resources not being utilized on a weekly basis, imo.

      I would absolutely upgrade yes.

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

        Cheers for your thoughts!

  4. Sergeant Slaughter
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Ben Gibson. Burnley. Defender. 4.0
    He has a very good chance to claim a starting position. I think. But that doesn’t mean much.
    Any Burnley supporters who agree? Disagree?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Not a Burnley supporter, but Tarkowski and Mee should start at centre back. But Gibson is comfortably their backup should one of then move/get injured.

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

    Best 5.5m def?

    Not seeing Spurs defenders in many teams

    1. gaurava1216
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      \Away games terrible.... can't bench 5.5 for home games

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

      Spurs full backs tend to rotate. Whereas the likes of Digne and Coleman are more nailed on each gameweek. So Coleman wud be a decent 5.5

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

        Was thinking more their CBs

  6. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Djenepo drawing eight fouls. If he goes full Zaha, could make Ings a good option from the spot.

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

    Is Jorghino decent option as 4th mid alongside Salah KDB B Silva and Dendoncker? Or is there better 5 m option?

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

      * or is Kante better option?

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

        Kante will probably give you 2-3 pts, but both him and Jorginho maybe team value risks. Jorginho shooting a penalty in early and he will rise fast to 5.2. But if he doesn't start first games, he is 4.9 fast. Many casuals may start with Kante and ditch him when Jorginho or Norwood (or someone else like Jack Cork) scores. Atm Norwood is in my team, but Jorginho has to be monitored also.

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

      He might be and should be if he is a certain starter. Norwood is certain starter and has set piece threat. At least I read so here earlier. So he might be safer option.

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

        Thanks - very helpful

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

    If my memory is to be trusted, Richarlison has been a good bandwagon twice. He usually has a strong start and when the weather gets cold, his form is lost. I believe he might be one of the most likely bandwagons. Opinions?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Rich always does that, but I'm still more inclined towards Siggy over Rich. Pens and set pieces do it for me. As we saw at the tail-end of last season, The Swansea Siggy is back, but in a better team.

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

        With those fixtures I am considering trying to squeeze both into my team. One Everton defender should be enough.

  9. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Zinchenk getting a new number in the kit release video.
    Interestingly, Mendy the social media freak, does NOT feature.

    Hmmmm, overthinking?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Zinchenko gets the no. 11 btw . . . .

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

        A theory:

        VAR will reduce the number of clean sheets in the short term as:
        1) Defenders cut down on fouls that usually get missed
        2) Those that don’t, get penalised more
        3) Penalties increase in the first few weeks with the handballing and the unavoidable tripping getting pick up on.

        But their is a strong feeling that 4/5 at the back (with a large chunk of spare budget going on premium defenders) is the way to go.

        Any thoughts?

    2. gaurava1216
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      just have to wait and see now.....

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      For the noises from the Man City forums, and Pep's comments about Zinchencko last season.
      In my opinion I think Pep prefers Zinchenko.

  10. gaurava1216
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    RMT pls?

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Laporte Digne
    Sterling Salah Siggy Zaha
    King Deeney

    4.0 4.0 4.5 4.5

    If Mendy/Zinchenko clarity comes through or Maguire moves- Laporte downgrade and VVD to Robbo on the cards....

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

      Good team. I like it a lot and agree with your thinking on Mendy/Zinchenko clarity, but surely Jota/Deulofeu/King are all better options than Deeney for the same price?

      1. pokern1nja09
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Deeney has pens with VAR though

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

    Thoughts on this differential Salah + Kane team? The more I look at it the more I come to conclude that Kane with increased penalties is going to smash it at a cheaper price than Sterling. Seems Salah + Kane is the way to go with 2 premiums.

    Kepa
    TAA - VVD - Laporte - Digne - Mendy
    Salah - Yarmolenko - Jorginho - 4.5 4.5
    Kane - Wilson - Giroud

    Giroud is the most uncertain. He could pretty much be anyone priced 7 in either midfield or up top or even 7.5 as I can downgrade Mendy to Trippier.

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

      Writing that out I should almost certainly switch Giroud and Mendy to Fraser and Trippier.

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

      Jorginho doesn't look to be worth more than a couple points a week.

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

        Hes the first bench player so Im not too concerned. Seems then best way to get something a bit more valuable than the 4.5 trash. Should be on penalties too.

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

          You can find a 4.5 player that will return the same amount of points and spend the .5 elsewhere

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

            No

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      There is a lot of o's in that team.
      I like it particulary the Giroud one as Chelsea cannot sign players and will only be recalling thier loan players.
      I think Zinchenko will start ahead of Mendy see above (just a hunch)

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

        Cheers for the input. Yes Giroud could be very good if he starts consistebtly. 7.0 for a likely top 6 striker is a bargain when compared to other strikers.

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

      Kun, Kane and Salah feels good.

      I haven't logged onto FPL yet, so don't know if it's feasible.

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

        You really think anyone believes this? 😀

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

          I promise you it's sincere WR! 🙂

  12. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    My choices at the moment is to choose one between Vardy and De Bruyne. Which one do you guys think scores more over the first four game weeks?

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

      Vardy

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

      KdB

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

      vary

  13. FPL_Gyarados
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I made a 10 team H2H league if anyone wants to join. Here is the code: equu37

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I joined it there. Does the winner get a sword or something?

      1. FPL_Gyarados
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Um.. honour and glory 🙂

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          That will do! 😀

    2. Skid Vicious
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I just joined the fun too

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

      Thanks. I am in. It is sometimes nice to chat here with someone in same league.

      1. FPL_Gyarados
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Welcome! It is.

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

      Ty. In

    5. Tony Moon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Cheers. Just joined too.

    6. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I'm in, cheers

    7. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      In

    8. The Special Wan
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Just joined

  14. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Who's the most nailed spurs defender?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Vertonghen and Lloris.

  15. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    I decided to take a bit of advice from previous RMT and leave less money on the bench.

    Going 4-3-3 this time still have treble liverpool defence
    Decided to go all out for the first few weeks and ignore the top three priced mids. (No Salah-Sterling-Mane)

    Captaincy options for the early part of the season will be Liverpool wingbacks - Kane and KDB
    Hopefully KDB will be this years Mane.

    Pickford (Button)

    VVD-TAA-Laporte-Robertson-(Kelly)

    Fraser-KDB-Sigurdsson (Tetley-Dendonker)

    Kane-Wilson-King

    Will move to Chelsea/Leicester/West Ham players from gw3, and ship out a few of the Bournemouth lads.

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

      Sounds like a plan.
      I suppose the Pool starting the season strong, but leaking the odd goal, would actually dent your head though.

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Yeah, a last minute consolation would wipe out 18 points or more.

        I am willing to risk the treble Liverpool defence v arsenal as well as the following two games after that look good.
        High risk high reward it is basically equivalent to a successful captaincy each week.
        Not sure I will survive very long in the last man standing this year!

    2. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Not sure about That triple Bournemouth attack

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        It is against two promoted sides won't get a better start.
        I will phase them out gradually.
        Bournmouth are just too good a value to ignore for those fixtures, especially considering how they attack.
        On the plus side you must like the fact I have no Salah! 😀

        1. No Salah
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          I have him as captain LOL
          This username from last season will surely haunt me a lot this time 🙂

          I have double Bournemouth just to spread the risk a bit.

          1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            Initially I had No Kane with Madison Sterling - Arnatovic, McGinn, on bench.
            But as others pointed out it was a lot to have on the bench (was planning rotation)
            Instead I decided to go all in on Bournemouth as well and throw Kane in for the Villa fixture, and take a punt on KDB.

            The Kane team is really all or nothing, needs a big score for Bournemouth and a clean sheet for liverpool.

            1. No Salah
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 9 months ago

              I think you make Wilson to Arnie and save a million and upgrade that bench a bit. Arnie should come good from gw 2-5.

              Maybe Wilson will haul but Fraser and king will hopefully cover. No point going all in first game of the season.

              1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 9 months ago

                You might have a point there. I was thinking of getting Arnautovic in gw3 maybe.
                But kind of torn between him or Giroud
                Hoping to save a transfer gw2 then be able to make an mini overall with two frees.
                A -4 or maybe even -8.

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

      permacap kane? nty

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        By no means is he perma captain.
        I always vary my captain choices depending on fixtures.
        TAA edges Kane gw1 for me for example.
        More likely Liverpool get a clean sheet than Kane scores - plus trent is in for bonus if he gets an assist.

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

    Torn on a 3/5/2 or 4/5/1

    Feel like the gems are at the back and in midfield this season..

    Thoughts?

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

      be flexible. allow yourself to move between the formations with only a transfer or two.

    2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      I saw a good 4-5-1 where the RMT just had Kane as the striker and managed to fit in Salah and Sterling too.

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

        My 4/5/1 (which I’m favouring) is:

        Ryan
        TAA / VVD / Laporte / Digne
        Salah / Brooks / Sterling / Bilva / 6mil
        Jiménez

        Pure fodder on the bench. Thinking Hudson-Odoi if fit in the 6 mil slot or failing that Trossard, Grealish or James?

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          McGinn 5.5

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

          Bilva seems really popular.

          He’s going to have to tear it up to tempt me. Very frustrating last season. I also don’t see him up top reliably enough. Sane could easily regain his wing spot and push him back. Mahrez too could become a threat there. He’ll play all the time but no telling where.

          I’d go Zaha and get a keeper who’ll keep at least done clean sheets. Ryan is hardly set and forget

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

            Always touted as Dilva's understudy and last season proved that was no forlorn hope.

            I like him.

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

              Yep

              I sort of expect - based on zilch - that it’s the Dilva role he’ll get most this time around at least until Sane blots his copybook again. My worry is that there he turns into assist the assister.

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

                He could be my key to a Sterlngless team which I'm toying with. Interesting stuff.

  17. Steevo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Which do you prefer?

    A) Kane, Jorginho
    B) Vardy, Zaha

    1. JoeJitzu +42
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Kane for captaincy option... depends whether or Jorginho is in first 11

      1. JoeJitzu +42
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        *not

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

      B for me easily. Jorginho doesn’t score FPL points and Kane is too inconsistent/rubbish. Particularly with no Son.

  18. JoeJitzu +42
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Which would you prefer (all starters in first 11)

    A. Ederson, Coleman & Maddison

    B. Ryan, Digne & Sigurdsson

    Thanks 🙂

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      A easily more variation week on week.

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

        I’d agree with this

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

      B

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

    Ryan
    Alexander-Arnold, Robertson, Digne, Coleman
    Sigurdsson, Salah, Brooks
    Ings, King, Vardy

    Button, Milivojevic, El Mohamady, Hayden

    1.5 ITB at the moment.

    I'm happy with it for now.

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

      I like this.
      Not convinced on Ings, but would probably play Mili ahead of him most weeks anyway for pens.
      Also, no city is a fairly glaring omission, but overall, I think that team will do well.
      Great to have 1.5itb

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

      Ryan to Ederson solves money issue 😉

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

        And lack of city. This is a good call.

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

        Nice shout. Will put that on my board

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

      ederson

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

    Hey peeps.

    How’s this looking? :

    Ryan
    TAA Digne Laporte
    Salah KdB Maddison Brooks Dendonker
    Kun King

    Button Chester Kelly Greenwood

    0.5 left.

    Question:
    1) Try and get Siggy instead of Maddison? 2) Or Zaha instead?
    2) King over Jota?

    Any help/feedback would be great.

    Trying to keep it balanced with a few penalty takers in the mix

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

      Dendoncker I see as more first on bench - Wolves will probably switch a fair bit while they have EL. Don’t see him nailed.

      Ryan set and forget would scare me. Brighton defence was horrid last season and Potter is apparently all about attack.

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

        Thanks mate. Appreciate the feedback
        Would you go Guiata over Ryan? Doesn't seem to be in many teams at all, so not sure why that is.

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

          He’s 5.0

          I had him shortlisted assuming he’d be 4.5. 5.0 seems a lot though he was a ppm beast last season. Think that was a touch lucky as he didn’t look that great to me.

          I’d have Fab at 5.0, Lloris at 5.5 or a Ederson at 6.0.

          I’m going Ederson right now for City but suspect that Lloris may turn out to be the better value pick.

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

            Good points, thanks mate. Appreciate the input.

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

      Siggy on Pens, so slight advantage for me.

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

        Thanks mate.
        Also 1m more expensive, so would require a downgrade elsewhere. Definitely considering though

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

          Also, Everton's schedule much preferred to Leicester through the first 8 GW

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

            Another positive for Siggy. Fair dos.
            Think I might downgrade King to afford it.

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

    Any good RMT's posted in the last 6 hours?

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

      NO

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

      yes

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      scotty b on the ball this year 🙂

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

      Waiting for your 😛
      Keen to see what all the experienced players do at the start of the season to get a flying start

  22. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    RMT please:

    Ederson
    TAA Robertson Digne Mendy
    Salah(C) siggy KDB Brooks
    King Long

    Button Arnie Dedonker Kill-man

    0.5 ITB to do mendy > Laporte if necessary and Arnie is on bench to come on from GW2 onwards

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

      Southampton have just spent 35 mill on two different forwards - makes Long a really tough pick

      1. No Salah
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        Did not know that!
        Thanks man!
        Back to the drawing board 🙂

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

    Trying to wean myself off 5 at the back.

    Ederson
    TAA Digne Azpi
    Sterling Fraser KdB Zaha Siggy
    Wilson Jota

    Once Mo is over Afcon (gw3-4 or so) switch Sterling and Fraser to Mo Maddison

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

      lots of question marks at Chelsea, so maybe hold of on Azpi.

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

        Yep. Anything Chelsea is very notional of course right now. But defensively they should hold up nicely - except for that spell under Mou they always have. Azpi seems more likely to be nailed but prefer the idea of Luiz.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          The chelsea players are on the top of my watch-list after I see them play in the first two weeks.
          It is Chelsea where the bargains are this year for sure.
          Kinda of like Leicester last year.

    2. No Salah
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Afcon is over 3 weeks before the game starts - right?

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

        Yep

        3 weeks break more or less mandatory. That gives him zero preseason and no rest at all given CL too. I’m wary. It’s the same as WC last year but with knobs on.

  24. Stadium of Dark
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Heaton
    TAA VVD Laporte Digne
    Sterling Siggy Willian Zaha
    Auba Arnie

    Button Andone Dendonker Kelly

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

      Solid start.

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

      Like it a lot

      What do you do for captains though in odd weeks? Both Sterling and Auba are away - not optimal. I have a similar draft but with Ksne over Auba - it’s a better fit

      1. Stadium of Dark
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 9 months ago

        I was tossing up between Auba and Kane, but seeing as though Kane typically starts slow, opted for Auba. Thinking I will probably hop on the Kane Train around GW4

  25. 007 [RoboKlopp]
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A or B?
    A. TAA, Coleman
    B. VVD, Digne
    Already have Robbo.

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

      a

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

      A

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

    So many getting both Zaha and Digne
    Head to head first gw

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      cant avoid good assets just because they play against each other once in a while

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

      Good spot. I have them both in most of my drafts but feel they may be chimeras anyway.

      Zaha’s popularity is a touch odd. I suspect it’s simply a function of the hole at 7.0 in midfield. You have 2 x Chelsea (hard to pick right now) 2x WH (a squad where nailedness is really hard to pick) Micky and Maddison. I suspect people are going Zaha by default - his record is middling for that price - especially if there is no Bats about.

      Digne has amazing stats for chance creation but having got him cheap (4.8?) last season and benching him as often as not I’m not exactly convinced by the 6.0 schtick. He needs consistent cs to justify that.

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

        Oh forgot Sanchez

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

          I really hope United try him on RW for 2/3 games in Preseason to salvage something out of him.
          Can be massive player both for United & FPL managers@ 7m.

          1. The Suspended One
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 9 months ago

            He’s washed

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

              Hmmm
              That's true

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

        I rate zaha a lot. But I don't like palace fixtures. A little tough for ny liking

        1. The Suspended One
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 9 months ago

          Zaha never delivers pts either, way better irl than fpl

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

          That too.

          They’re probably worse than they appear if you factor in that they’re historically not prolific at home.

          35% currently on Zaha - feels all wrong - that’s Mo territory. Feels like a case of how to lose 0.2 value in 2 weeks

  27. Zenith UK
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Looking at the prizes again for this season, not to sound ungrateful but, who wants FIFA 20 in May once the season is over and around 8 months after the game has already come out (and most people probably already have it)... Surely FPL would be better to do a deal where the prize could be NEXT season's FIFA title?

    Sorry, 5am, ranting

  28. Amey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Everton signing one of Rondon/Mitrovic would be awesome. DCL is just waste of an attacking spot 😕

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

      Either would be really interesting there. True.

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

        6.5m would be nice price too 😉

  29. The Suspended One
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    Sup with Manuel Lanzini... no love?

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

      Too many attacking Midfielders there for my liking. Minefield (?)
      I'd wait to see who is in the 11 for WH

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

      Snodgrass Antonio Anderson Fornals Yarma Wilshere (?) Noble Rice

      I’m doubting the 1-9-1 formation will hold up

    3. The Suspended One
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 9 months ago

      Desperate for a budget mf...

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

        Everyone is tbh.

  30. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 9 months ago

    A. Alisson, Trippier, Salah
    B. Ederson, VVD, Mane

    Would you prefer A or B?