Pre-Season

Lampard looks to youth after Chelsea appointment

Frank Lampard’s appointment as Chelsea head coach may be to the advantage of the club’s academy products and perhaps Fantasy managers too.

With Chelsea currently hampered by a two-window transfer ban (subject to appeal), the Blues always looked as if they would have to turn to youth this season to flesh out their squad.

Eden Hazard has already departed for the Bernabeu, while peripheral squad players such as Gary Cahill have also exited the club.

The appointment of Lampard, who worked with Chelsea loanees Fikayo Tomori and Mason Mount at Derby County last season, would seem to further the chances of some of the Blues’ hitherto overlooked starlets having a breakthrough year at Stamford Bridge.

Players such as Mount, Tomori and Tammy Abraham are not yet priced up in FPL but given that not a single senior Chelsea player costs more than £7.5m at present, there could be potential Fantasy bargains to be had once Lampard gets his feet under the door.

Speaking at his first press conference after his unveiling, Lampard said of Mount and Tomori:

They were great for me last year, both of them. They come back now with a very clean slate, as does every player – young, old, been on loan, at the club, whatever. The same for Tammy Abraham.

We’ve got young players at a really good age that have the talent, in their own way, can be huge players for this club. Part of my job will be to develop the great young players we have here.

Given the size of Chelsea’s squad, however, Lampard did add that some of the club’s rookies would have to leave on a temporary basis again:

We have a big squad, not everyone will be able to stay. For the development of certain individuals, the path will be chosen – whether it’s with us or on loan. The loan system has worked very well. That’s the next month’s assessment.

The former Chelsea midfielder was quick to stress that he won’t be jettisoning all of his senior players in favour of youth:

On one hand, trying to develop young players, I think that’s really important, but at the same time, I want to work with the experienced players. I want players that, whether you’re 18 years of age or 32 years of age, you feel like Chelsea’s your club.

If we talk about losing Eden Hazard, yes we can understand that. But at the same time, we also have a very strong squad of players and I don’t want to talk down this squad because there is huge talent there. A team that managed to come third last year in the Premier League and managed to win the Europa League. We haven’t been decimated, we haven’t lost players from everywhere, we still have a very strong squad.

One household name that was mentioned was N’Golo Kante (£5.0m), who was repeatedly played to the right of Jorginho (£5.0m) in a central midfield three in 2018/19 – something that didn’t endear Maurizio Sarri to the Chelsea faithful.

Asked whether he knew where Kante’s best position was, Lampard said:

Yeah I do, thankfully [laughs]. I’m not going to sit here and talk about how we’re going to look next season because we start pre-season tomorrow.

I’ve said it before, Kante is one of the greatest midfield players in the world, in the last few years, his performances have been outstanding. My job will be to find the best position to get the best out of him.

I know the qualities, the attributes he has.

We’ll have a full Scout Report on Lampard and his year at Derby County in the days to come.

In the meantime, let us point you in direction of two Hot Topics from Rotation’s Alter Ego and AK for further discussion and analysis of the new Chelsea boss.

867 Comments Post a Comment
  1. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Will defenders actually go back to norm this season ? Not as good as last season ?

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably.

    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would still expect Liverpool defenders to average at least 5 PPG which makes them excellent value.

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The evolution of full-backs to proper wingers still has some way to go I think, so no, expect an improvement if anything.

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

    Why do we West Ham get such rubbish fees for players?
    You can barely get good championship players for what Arnie is leaving for.

    1. FPL Joker
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      My old School Master use to say ‘You only pay so much for rotten fruit. It’s a lot less than good fruit.’

      1. DeathoftheParty
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wordporn

  3. FPL Joker
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How much money do you like to have on your bench, chaps? I can’t really stomach having more than a 5.0 player on there. If I could it would be 3x4.5s who play every week. With the current 5-3-2 I’m on this is nigh on impossible though due to lack of options up front in this price range.

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      How many times before Christmas do you expect to use your third sub?

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      At the start I'm happy to have one 4.5 playing sub and fodder. When I wildcard I'll look to have at least two playing subs but preferably three.

    3. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Suspect it will be almost impossible to have 3 guaranteed from start, but a few weeks in, more candidates will appear.

    4. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      4.0 Goalie, a 4.0 def, a 4.5 def and a 5.0 striker so... 17.5m

  4. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Will Mane almost outscore Slash this season ?

    1. One Man
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Salah***

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Seems more of a homer so maybe not. The mill difference arguably favours Mo.

    3. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      On guitar hero?
      I'd say no to both.
      Salah might be expected to score slightly higher than last, and Mane hit his height.

    4. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd be surprised but both are great picks. Salah having penalties is worth quite a few extra points on its own though

    5. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you said that last year I'd have said, "No chance".
      This year... I think it could happen!

  5. the axolotl
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Happy July everybody. Seriously, take a break, feed your kids/talk to your missus/have a wash/ring your mother, whatever

    1. Poseidon.
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m a Finance Director. And you?

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Having a wash is the only option here, you did mean wash? 😉

      1. the axolotl
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        mate, pretty sure u need a wash lol, after what you've been saying 😉

      2. the axolotl
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        but go on, have one on me.

        well not literally 🙂

        1. Netley Lucas
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I was just off to bed... that thought, straight to sleep.

  6. Snevitz
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Only four teams in my starting 11...
    Ederson
    Robertson, TAA, Van Dijk, Coleman
    Sterling, KDB, Siggy, Brooks
    Wilson, King

    £4m keeper, Cathcart, Dendoncker, £4.5m striker

    Pretty stuck on this now

    1. Queenofthestoneage
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I want you to livestream yourself watching liverpool play with that 3 def pool salahless team with a heart rate monitor app on the screen

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Had it at the end of last season and really enjoyed the triple up. It netted meloafs of points although Salah wasn't really firing.
        Sterling should score roughly the same points as Salah but no one in defence gets close to the Liverpool trio.

      2. FPL_Gyarados
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I can just imagine anytime the ball isn't in the middle third of the pitch it's scary time.

        1. Queenofthestoneage
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Will be great with 3 def as i can see 20 CS + goals/ass/bonus for all three but Salah is a 300p player. Perma cap his ass and you could be greatly rewarded come may.

          1. Snevitz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            But can't you get a similar return with Sterling captain?

            1. Queenofthestoneage
              • 4 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Sterling is 234, 229
              Salah is 259, 303

              I see Salah killing it for pool to secure the title. Thats means somewhere between 270-300p. Dont see Sterling anywhere near that. But thats just me.

              1. Snevitz
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                But Sterling had a better PPG than Salah last season so you need to add some VC points to your total for him.

                1. Queenofthestoneage
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Sure ill add 20 from VVD for those 4. missed games.

                  I think Salah will reach close to 300 again. Sterling I believe will finish around 230-240 with VC. Having Laporte at 170-180 + Salah trumps TAA Sterling for me. Also I have a nice perma cap, more nailed players

                  1. Queenofthestoneage
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Also I think TAA will rotate a bit with Gomez and my bench is not the best so rather have nailed players

                  2. Snevitz
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 14 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    I'm not saying you are incorrect, this game is all about trying to predict points, allocate budgets and jump on the write players at the right times. I'm just hoping the season starts with a similar trend to how the last one finished.

        2. Snevitz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Liverpool triple defence is one of the main reasons I hit top 5k last season. I think people underestimate the value that they offer. I'd be very happy to alternate captaincy between Sterling and TAA.

    2. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      6 here 🙂
      Any advance on 6?

    3. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      i've toyed with that lineup

      1. Snevitz
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Making the most of good teams with good fixtures. I've made the odd change but it's pretty much the team I've been set on since the end of last season. Surprised how many decent players you can get for your money this year.

        1. noahzark22
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          If a clean sheet occurs, you're likely looking at 20-40 points for the three players. can't complain with that return.

          1. Snevitz
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            40 is ambitious and probably sets you up for disappointment. Anything over 20 is excellent.

            1. noahzark22
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Right, three clean sheets starts you off at 18 points and likely some bonus points. attacking returns added in would max out around 40. I wouldn't anticipate 40, but it's in the realm of possibilities.

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

    Best options
    A or B? With
    1 or 2?

    A KDB Vardy or

    B Sterling Deulofeu

    1 Ayoze Pérez Diop or

    2 Zaha Kelly

    1. Queenofthestoneage
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Swim back

    2. Heskey Time
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A and 2 if Kelly is just fodder

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

    What is your current forward line?

    1. Queenofthestoneage
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wesley Murray Giroud u?

    2. Heskey Time
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kane, king, Jota

    3. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Was Kane vardy king now on Kane Wesley King

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

        Wesley?

        1. Poseidon.
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          How are you asking us to pick your team all day every day without knowing who Wesley is

        2. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Just signed for Villa . Bit of a target man.

    4. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      King, Vardy

    5. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      In a state of flux, frankly.

      But, probably:

      Firmino, King, Deulofeu

      1. FPL_Gyarados
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I had Firmino, King twice in my tinkering so far.

    6. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson, King

    7. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      King, Deulofeu, 4.5

    8. Ole's at the wheel
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Was Kane Arnie and King
      Now its Vardy and king + Fodder

    9. The Overthinker
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      King Kane Greenwood

  9. One Man
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4.5m striker ?

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It makes no difference when they aren't on the pitch.

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ugh, Wickham here until WC or something better happens.

    3. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      *does not compute*

    4. Ole's at the wheel
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Doesnt matter is the best answer.

  10. Heskey Time
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Kane and b.silva
    B) sterling and Zaha

    Would already have Salah and siggy for some context on players I have around a similar price

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

      B

    2. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    3. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, just about

  11. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If you were unfortunately forced to choose between Salah and Kane, say for the first 8 weeks, what would your answer be?

    LIV : NOR 583 sou 463 ARS 530 bur 486 NEW 659 che -26 shu 391 LEI 566

    TOT : AVL 388 mci -409 NEW 351 ars -137 CRY 280 lei 138 SOU 483 bha 359

    1. Snevitz
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Salah, he's the best player in the game.

    2. Ricky - it doesn\'t ta…
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kane. You will need a premium forward spot incase one of them blows up

      1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I have Firmino. But I do take your point.

    3. Jay Jay Okocha
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Have you ever explained your fixture ratings? Scale? Method?

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

        I'd like to see a breakdown of its effectiveness.

        He'd probably be a millionaire professional gambler if it worked extremely well though...

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Why?

      2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yes. Too many times.

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          More info from one of the moderators, G-Whizz.

    4. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      My answer wouldn't be The Matrix

    5. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      salah lol

  12. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Lampard may end up being a good manager, but for Yanks like me it is difficult to forget his behavior on 9/11

    1. Queenofthestoneage
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What did he say about 9/11?

    2. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Remind us, I forgot bud.

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Just google it- he and John Terry were laughing and mocking Americans who were devastated. Got a lot of coverage at the time.

      1. Queenofthestoneage
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not cool

      2. EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        so many reasons to laugh at americans not sure why he felt the need to choose this

        1. cravencottage
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Surprised they let you on here - many people died that day, including some close to me. I’m sorry that people like you exist

    4. FPL Joker
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      People make mistakes. We all have. Sometimes it’s best to let go and move on.

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agree- I lost some good friends on that day. But I agree; this is a FPL site, and lets get back at it.

  13. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    It’s looking like this. Thoughts appreciated.

    Ederson Button
    VVD TAA Robertson Digne El Mohamady
    Perez Milvojevic Sterling Redmond Kanye
    Jimenez Vardy Kedjia

    1. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      4-4-2?
      Looks good.
      Don't know your spare mid and striker .

      1. Zenith UK
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Kante* I'd assume and (unless you mean Ayoze Perez - just moved to LEI) and Kedjia off top of my head is a Villa forward (although they just signed someone new I believe)

        1. FPL_Gyarados
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Ah Kante. That makes more sense. Yeah don't know that striker.

          I have Perez myself 🙂

        2. Tony Moon
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          You mean Kodjia. Unlikely to play.

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

    Welcome back everyone! Any of the normal leagues set up yet?

  15. noahzark22
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling and Dedoncker or pick two from Fraser/Brooks/Zaha/Mili?

  16. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Think S and D best. But if I had to pick 2, Fraser and Zaha

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Reply fail

  17. Wild Rover
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Would anyone go with five defs and five mids if it was allowed?

    1. noahzark22
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      possibly. Leaning toward 4-5-1 at the moment

    2. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

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

      100%

  18. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    VVD or Robbo with TAA?

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

      VVD

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I've gone with VvD but if they were the same price it would've been a harder call

      1. cravencottage
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agree with this

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm on VVD but would get Robbo if I had the extra money.

  19. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is this good, or too template?

    Ryan,
    TAA, Mendy, Digne
    Salah, Mané, KDB, Zaha
    Deulofeu, King, DCL

    Button, Diop, Kelly, Dendoncker

    1. Ole's at the wheel
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Was there too. Left a hole in my soul. Dont be a fiend

  20. Beinahruga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT 541

    Heaton
    Dunk robbo vvd laporte coleman
    Salah sterling gylfi oriol/dondecker
    Kane

    Rest fodder or sterling -> kdb and king ?

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

      Playing one of Oriol or Dendo every week is unacceptable.

  21. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Imagine being on here if Norwich score.

    No one worried about putting all their eggs in the Liverpool defence basket?

    1. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Imagine if it was an OG too by a defender.

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

        Yeah, would be incredible. Just seems like the common wisdom of previous seasons has gone right out the window.

  22. falafel
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone fancying Jordon Ibe?

    1. Pigeon
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably his girlfriend

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      His girlfriend

      1. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Darn - beating by a pigeon. Bloody rats with wings 😉

        1. falafel
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hahaha seriously guys I think i could be great value

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Didn't realise you posted on here Jordon. Respect.

          2. FPL_Gyarados
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Wait... you're just messing with us right? You're not really Jordan Ibe. That would be too cool.

      2. Pigeon
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Haha great minds

  23. falafel
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4th midfielder for 5.5m or less?

    1. Ole's at the wheel
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looking at all 5.5ers I'd still pick a 4.5 not much worth picking until u hit the 6m crop

    2. FPL_Gyarados
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I had Neves briefly and he was on penalties but not sure if he still is as Jiminez took some.

  24. thorvaldsson
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Kepa, DDG or Lloris? Who and why!

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

      Do you think any of them will keep clean sheets for the first 6 gameweeks? Which one will get the most?

    2. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      neither I am going with either ryan or fab and spend the morning elsewhere within the team to get it a better balance

  25. noquarternt
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Not seeing Murray in many teams even with the weak front lines. He's not a sexy pick but ticks through and has good fixtures. They buying another striker or something?

    1. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      just getting on a bit now better choices around the same value

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

        For 6.0? I see King and understand that, but DCL?!

        1. Men in green tights
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          agree about DCL think that might be a case of a hopeful punt (depending on preseason) but for an extra 0.5 you have the following jota, king, deulof and barnes.
          Most people looking at drafted teams are going 2 up front with a bench fodder striker and relying on the other 2 subs (if lucky to get 2 playing ones) to cover for injuries or rotation , a bit risky in my opinion you need def 2 starters on the bench which brings us back to keeping a close eye on the preseason games to find some budget almost nailed players.

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

            Yeah it is early of course. I'm sure Rashford will score a hattrick pre season and everyone will have him.

            Or one of the Chelsea mids etc.

            Thanks for the thought out reply.

            1. Men in green tights
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              no probs makes a change just looking at drafted teams almost all the same.
              Like you just said suspect after GW1 there will be a couple of Chelsea players in the teams maybe a defender and mid

    2. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      i think the concern with Murray is that he may be tired after Wimbledon and no one is really sure if that dodgy hip will hold up

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

        Yeah true hasn't considered that.

    3. SAY MY NAME
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      in all seriousness though, yeah a bit old now and will likely be limited in minutes - for me I'm just going with another defender, much more points from a 6-6.5m def imo, and i'll just risk only having 1 striker, if in the event of an injury i'll likely only be missing out on a 1 or 2 point replacement (will change later in season if I see a pukki type player tearing it up)

      1. Men in green tights
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        At the moment I am looking at 4-4-2 formation , only because not to sure about certain teams defence staring line ups and could be caught out short of players

      2. noquarternt
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I think I'm gonna start with him if it looks like he's still the main man. Still got plenty of budget for 6.0 defenders.

        Most end up wildcarding before GW5 anyway as we all jump on the bandwagons.

  26. Men in green tights
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    nice backhand return

  27. Andy Mac
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Was set on this 5-3-2, but now considering a 4-4-2. Which do you prefer (A) or (B)

    A) Heaton
    TAA - Robbo - Digne - Zinchenko - *Trippier*
    Salah - *Sterling* - Zaha
    *Vardy* - King

    B) Heaton
    TAA - Robbo - Digne - Zinchenko - (*Aarons*)
    Salah - *Siggy* - Zaha - *Perez*
    *Aguero* - King

    1. KUN_DE_BRU_YNE
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sure on zinchenko ??
      Mendy even Angelino won't threat his place?

    2. noquarternt
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Still baffled by Zinchenko.

  28. MINUS FOUR
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What's your plan if at any point it seems like Salah, Mane or both won't start vs Norwich?

    1. Pick Salah to avoid early disruption/transfers, hope he plays despite indications otherwise, and have him ready to go for GW2
    2. Avoid Salah but pick Mane if the latter seems like he might get the nod for GW1 (an earlier return from Afcon, for example)
    3. Avoid Salah and Mane, but leave a spot open for one of them to be immediately transferred in GW2 (e.g. you hold onto 0.5m and do Sterling > Salah)
    4. Avoid Salah and Mane, and don't give yourself any immediate route to either (because you've gone triple Liverpool defence or double defence plus Origi if he appears nailed for GW1)

    Even this far out, this seems like the biggest issue we will all be facing. For obvious reasons, any team with Salah is completely different to any team without. It's not necessarily a case of plugging the gap with a like for like.

    For me, a likely early rest for Salah would probably force my hand into getting Kane (C) for GW1 as well as Sterling. I would probably give myself the opportunity to shift Sterling to Salah straight away (so no Origi despite how temping it would be at 5.5m). Of course if you want both Sterling and Salah for GW3 onwards, things really start to get tricky. Without some sort of plan here, an early Wildcard could be on the cards (not always a bad thing of course).

    1. MINUS FOUR
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Also, for anyone definitely set on #1, take a look at just how strong your GW1 team could be without Salah. Essentially you don't have to compromise anywhere else, and you can massively target any fixtures you like (Kane and Moura vs Aston Villa, double Man City attack, double Bournemouth attack etc, the options are fantastic).

      1. Men in green tights
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        depends on you have already got penciled in at the moment from city I have KDB so would just plug salah replacement with sterling , as for the rest have Moura as expect some returns from him and then replace with Zaha/Mili/? also have King for Bournemouth . But just waiting for eye test on preseason games and maybe some decent transfers coming in.

        1. MillsAU
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'm with you. Will just plug Salah with Sterling and keep 0.5 if Salah isn't here to start the season.

          1. MINUS FOUR
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Seems like a good option. The challenge comes if you really want to keep Sterling (which let's be honest, if he scores a brace in GW1 you're not going to sell him).

            1. MillsAU
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Hardly a bad decision to have to make then!

              1. MINUS FOUR
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                True

    2. Flaming Flamingo
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      For me, I have Salah as my only premium atm, so I'd probably just replace him with Sterling and go with triple Liverpool defence. Can't see the merit in having Salah if he won't play against Norwich, given his price.

  29. Nigawan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys, a little help here... pairing with VVD. Really needed the 0.5mil, cant have both TAA and Robertson.

    a) TAA
    b) Robertson.

    1. RichRover
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      suspect better returns from TAA this season as Gomez should move to CB with VVD also Robbo is recovering from a hamstring which I have not heard much about. So I would go A

  30. RichRover
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Cant decide between Wilson or King. Madness to go with both week 1?
    Other Forward is Vardy.

    1. Men in green tights
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      IN same boat at the moment , at King and Vardy and walked away looking at my team until some preseason matches have been played.