Scout Notes

Salah’s FPL appeal boosted by early AFCON exit for Egypt

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) made a much earlier-than-anticipated exit from the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday evening after Egypt were defeated 1-0 by South Africa.

The shock result means that Salah and his country have bowed out of the tournament over two weeks before it is due to finish.

Bafana Bafana’s victory could have repercussions in Fantasy Premier League, with Salah’s summer international obligations coming to an end before those of teammates Sadio Mane (£11.5m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.5m).

With the Africa Cup of Nations final taking place exactly three weeks before Gameweek 1 kicks off, we had previously expressed concern that Salah and/or Mane could be doubts for the 2019/20 curtain-raiser between Liverpool and Norwich City in August.

Last year, Dejan Lovren (£5.5m) and Jordan Henderson (£5.5m) were handed three weeks off after their exertions with Croatia and England at the World Cup.

Klopp is, indeed, expected to give Firmino and Alisson (£6.0m) the same amount of time to recover after their run to the final in the Copa America.

Salah’s premature departure from the Africa Cup of Nations, however, has effectively killed any concern that he won’t be ready for Gameweek 1 – barring any further injuries, of course.

Egypt 0-1 South Africa

Saturday’s result was an unanticipated outcome: Egypt were not only the host nation of the competition but also the pre-tournament favourites with the bookmakers and made it to the final in 2017.

Egypt went into the weekend with a 100% record in this year’s tournament, while South Africa had lost two of their three group matches and only qualified for the knockout stages as one of the best third-place teams.

Salah had been a doubt for this last-16 tie with a cold but recovered to line up, as he so often does, on the right flank.

The Liverpool winger looked below-par and didn’t have much influence on proceedings, however, with South Africa full-back Sifiso Hlanti proving more than a match for the premium FPL midfielder.

Salah started brightly and fizzed an early effort wide via a deflection but struggled to make an impression beyond that, save for one superb pass through to Mahmoud Trezeguet that the Egypt attacker should have converted.

Trezeguet had missed another chance that Salah had teed up earlier in the game, while the Liverpool man himself had two other blocked shots and drilled wide from a long-range free-kick.

Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.5m) and Mohamed Elneny (£4.5m) both started the game for Egypt, with the Aston Villa right-back completing the game and Elneny substituted with seven minutes to go.

Both of those two players will also now return to their respective Premier League clubs.

For what it’s worth, Percy Tau had an excellent match – the Brighton and Hove Albion attacker has not been able to get a work permit since his move to the Amex but a strong showing from South Africa this summer could change all that.

Uganda 0-1 Senegal

While Salah’s Africa Cup of Nations has come to an end, Mane and Senegal have progressed to the tournament quarter-finals after edging past Uganda on Friday.

It will be interesting to see just how far Mane goes with the Lions of Teranga, given the concerns we outlined above about Liverpool assets being handed three-week breaks following their international efforts this summer.

Senegal next face Benin on Wednesday, with their opponents being one of the lowest-ranked teams left in the competition.

Mane’s nation, meanwhile, are now as short as 8/5 with some bookmakers to win the tournament following Egypt’s exit.

The former Southampton winger was again in the thick of the action, scoring his side’s winner after 15 minutes before missing from the spot for the second time in this tournament.

Mane broke the deadlock when racing through to finish M’Baye Niang’s pass but, having missed from 12 yards against Kenya last week, then saw a second-half spot-kick saved after he himself was felled by opposition goalkeeper Denis Onyango.

Mane and Senegal can occasionally look dangerous going forward but this was a match low on goalscoring opportunities, with Senegal having just five shots in total.

The premium FPL midfielder was again deployed on the left wing and lasted the whole 90 minutes.

Budget midfield pair Cheikhou Kouyate and Idrissa Gana Gueye (both £5.0m) also played the full game.

Morocco 1-1 Benin (1-4 Penalties)
Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon

Wolves’ Romain Saiss (£4.5m) played the full 120 minutes as Morocco bowed out of the Africa Cup of Nations after a penalty shootout defeat on Friday.

Saiss impressed in defence as Morocco bossed the possession and chances but his country were unable to break down a stubborn Benin side who triumphed on penalties after playing the last 25 minutes of extra-time with only ten men.

Alex Iwobi (£6.0m) was on the scoresheet in the other round-of-16 tie to take place on Sunday as Nigeria edged past defending champions Cameroon in a five-goal thriller.

The lively Arsenal winger scored the game’s winner on 66 minutes, charging through to finish low past Andre Onana after being slipped through by Odion Ighalo.

Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) played the whole 90 minutes in midfield while Brighton’s Leon Balogun (£4.5m) replaced Iwobi in stoppage time.


We’ll bring you up to speed on the other Africa Cup of Nations games and the finals of the Copa America and Gold Cup in the coming days, as well as revealing the latest on Alexis Sanchez‘s (£7.0m) injury after the Manchester United winger was substituted in his country’s 2-1 defeat to Argentina on Saturday.

1,372 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Neal Maupay to Sheffield United, solid striker imo

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

      Henderson flew to Portugal yesterday as well apparently... Sheff Utd currently in Portugal for pre season

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

        Henderson would be my No. 1 if he stays with SHU.

    2. Little fekirs
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      5.5 would be great.

  2. Azathoth
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What do u think about her?
    Ederson (Button)
    VVD - Vert - PVA - Coleman -Ake
    Mo - Raz (3x4.5)
    King Deu Kane

    Thanx

    1. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Trent or robbo is a must

  3. tburgess12
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Triple Captain Salah gameweek 1??

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

      I’ll settle for the captaincy haul & save TC Mo for GW5, 14, 16 or 33 🙂

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

        Gw5 against newcastle? Doesn't look appealing.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Tempting for sure, they could put 5 or 6 past Norwich

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling 38 or Salah 1

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

    Is any the amount of points each player got in each game last season still available anywhere?

    e.g. how many points Sterling got in GW 25 etc.

    thanks

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

      Would be hugely useful if we could get FPL points (total and weekly, current and prior seasons) added to members area

      @Mods - is this possible?

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

      Sterling scored 10 pts in GW25 and 18 pts GW26 last season.

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

        thans Gunnerinho - did you just remember that or do you have a source?

        I'm after a few others:
        GW29 Salah
        GW32 Sterling
        GW34 Murray
        GW35 Son
        GW36 Salah
        GW37 Sterling
        GW38 Sterling
        it's to finish off a comparison between Captain's Poll and top of RMT each week. Interested to see if RMT beat the poll.

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

          Teddy, I keep my own spreadsheet.

          Last season points:
          GW29 Salah = 3,
          GW32 Sterling = 3
          GW34 Murray = 3
          GW35 Son = 3
          GW36 Salah = 19
          GW37 Sterling = 3
          GW38 Sterling = 5

          Cheers !

  5. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Looking like I wont get to defend my title as champ of the 'No Salah League' 🙁

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You could always go triple pool defence

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        was my plan all along but shying away from it a bit now

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          It’s a solid plan but once season is rarely the same

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

      Oh no has the Fear got to you? He’s still missing the bulk of preseason, the other two all of it, and played 60 odd games in the last eleven months or so.

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah I'm 50/50 atm but I can see him score double digits v Norwich and if my captain fails to deliver it would be a killer!

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

          The Fear

          I covered him as TC with a hattie and you’re scared of week 1? Oh dear

  6. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Predicted clean sheets for city for 1st 3 games?

    whu
    TOT
    bou

    1. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      1
      2
      1

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Read the question

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      1

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I’m thinking the same

        Really don’t see the appeal of Laporte

    3. Little fekirs
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      None. No city defenders for me to start.

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yep me neither unless a 5.5 option solidified

    4. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      2

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

      2
      City ×XG was unbelievable last season for last 12 gw's !!

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed but new season and all that

        Closing season teams are tired but particularly the small ones - easier to beat easier to keep clean sheets

        From the off there is new ambition new energy- anything can happen

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

          Can be the case.
          But we often neglect the fact that City Defend well from the attacking trio too.
          Going after two attacking assets never worked for me. They commit soft fouls + don't give ball to opposition
          I think i missed alot points last season by not having City Defense.
          Not committing same mistake !

          1. Eat my goal!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Lol, yeah I always seemed to have the wrong one

            Mandy when he came back from injury to get injured again

            Danilo when he started two games then none again

            Yet I’m still holding out for the 5.5 city defender

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

              Could be gold if Zenchinko nails his spot

    6. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think they keep 1 clean sheet from their first 3.

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

      Not going to overthink it and stay on the safe side. I'm going for no city CS until at least GW 4 - west ham & bou at their own place are tough games - west ham played well against the big sides at home last year, bournemouth were also exceptional at home. Spurs game will include goals imo.

      Going without city defence to start with.

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This is my thinking

        If I had the cash for set and forget I’d start with ederson but too much possibility elsewhere

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

        Bournemouth a tough game?

        They didn’t break out if their own box in the same fixture last season - 10 behind the ball gor 90 minutes.

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

          And in other games they've blasted away top six sides at home so I'm not going to say it's that likely that City keep a CS.

          City were in a purple patch of form then knowing they had to win every game to win the league. This is start of the season - totally different kettle of fish.

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

            Bournemouth finished 14th for a reason - they’re not a particularly good side. Palace I suspect had an equslky good if not better top 6 record last season - you make that s tough fixture?

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

              Also worth considering that for all their attacking reputation they scored only very slightly above average for a midtable team.

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

              I know they're an ordinary side at best, I just think that their home form far exceedes their away form.

              Last season they beat Spurs, Chelsea, West Ham, Palace and Leicester at home.

              They also scored in 15 out of 19 home games last season - in most of them they scored at least 2+ at home.

              City don't tend to start explosively either - in their first four games last year they conceded against Huddersfield, Wolves and Newcastle - Hudd & New are worse teams than Bournemouth so I'll use that as a barometer that City are more susceptible to conceding at the start of the season.

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

                Fair dos

                I hadn’t considered City as slow starters - I’ll look into it. I still wouldn’t have Bournemouth away as tricky - it’s simply a fixture that can go any which way and I think you can say much the same for home fixtures with any mid ranked team from Everton on down.

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

      2 or 3

  7. Lovefootball
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Was planning to go Mane over Salah in my team, but with last nights elimination of Egypt AFCON I am starting to plan my team with Salah in it in case Mane goes further with Senegal. Which of the following transfers looks better?

    A)
    Mane --> Salah
    Sterling --> Bernardo
    Dendoncker --> Moura (for now only GW1 then the best looking Chelsea mid)

    B)
    Mane --> Salah
    Sterling --> De Bruyne
    Robertson --> VVD
    Dendoncker --> Perez (already have Vardy as well)

    Thanks!

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

      B by a long way

    2. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, could drop vardy and then keep sterling

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

      Prefer B

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

      B

  8. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Would you change anything??

    Ryan
    Robbo / TAA / Laporte / Digne / Trippier or Maguire
    Salah / KDB / Siggy / Zaha
    Vardy

    Button / Nketiah / Dendonker / Greenwood

    1. Macam Dave
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Hi. I have two teams in mind one like above almost identical one with sterling instead of Kdb. Feels scary not having sterling that's all!

      Otherwise have you considered Fraser Wilson over Vardy zaha? Fixtures much better

      1. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        KDB could be gold this season if he stays fit. Don’t trust Bournemouth but could be wrong....cheers.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't bother with Trippier.
      I'd replace Siggy or Zaha with a 6.5 striker

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Or Wilson, actually

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

      If Vardy gets injured you're stuffed

      1. Macam Dave
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Why's that? Interested in your logic

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

          Doubt about him starting, injury not known until after the deadline, maybe even rested with no warning.

          All leaves you down to 10 players

      2. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Stuffed by having to do a single transfer to Wilson or Jimenez?

      3. Roy Rovers
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        .....and that’s why we have transfers....

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

          Only if you know before the game. If he's a doubt but not certain, what are you going to do. Transfer him out in case he's injured or risk having no fwd?

      4. Klein
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        You mean he has something right now or if something happens in preseason?

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

      Going after same Defense 6.
      Like your team. I'm going for Raz though

    5. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Drop trippier to a 4.0. Then upgrade nketiah to 6.0 st e.g. Wesley or find funds to upgrade further

  9. Macam Dave
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is 3 pool 3 city 3 Everton 2 Bournemouth so spread team over only four teams too all in? Team looks good on paper (it's 532) but feels like weekly score could swing wildly? Is there any unwritten rules from the experienced "successful" players (only my third season) people could share. Thanks

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

      My fourth season but never gone four at the back as a starting line up has pros and cons to it ,same as only having players from 4 teams as you would guess , me I am at the moment going 4-4-2

      1. Macam Dave
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. What's your team spread re players?

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

          3 pool, 1 city, 1 West Ham, 2 spurs, 2 Everton, 1 Bournemouth, 1 Leicester

  10. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Salah's appeal is boosted by being sh1te?

    1. Roy Rovers
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Salah ...shite?

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

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Spot on Gink. Any manager worth his salt should stay away from Salah after that turgid display.

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        There goes my triple captain plans for gw1.

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

        Stay away from him so..

  11. Spacemonkey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Do Alisson's international duties affect your Liverpool defence double-up plans?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Nope. Because hes not an outfield player.

  12. Another Hoops
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Morning all.

    This morning I woke up and another fpl dilemma came to mind;

    Fabianski
    Digne - Trent - van Dijk
    Fraser - ***** - Salah - Siggy
    Delefeou - ***** - King

    Button - Taylor - Dunk - Stephens

    A) Doucoure & Kane
    B) Richarlison & Vardy

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, but bump a mid up to KDB and another down?

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the comment. Not a fan of city until gw3 when I look at sterling/ debruyne.

        Just worry about having too much Everton.

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

      B
      Lots of places you can go from Richarlison if he has one of his barren spells

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yh it's all about his fixtures.

        Plus as silly as it sounds I like to pick battles and Vardy & Richarlison combined got more points than Kane & Doucoure last year.

        I just love kane & Doucoure's opening fixture but I think I've answered my own question.

  13. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pickford 4.0
    Trent VVD Digne Dunk Cathcart
    Salah KDB Brooks 4.5 4.5
    Vardy Wilson King

    1.0m ITB - not really sure where to use it. I can squeeze in Kane for Vardy by trimming Pickford and/or Digne. Ideally I want Tielemans in somehow if he signs

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

      Brooks to Fraser

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, think this seems like the most logical route to take at the moment, cheers

    2. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Obvious thing to say but make sure Stekkers is your 4mil keeper pal. Gtd keeper then.

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not sure I would do this actually. Everton are a side I may want 3 players from. Having only 1 keeper has never been an issue for me really

        1. Another Hoops
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Fair. I just got burnt by Joe Hart years ago at City and seen you only have 2 Everton players in your team atm so made sense.

          1. Respect My Authoritah
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Ah. The only concern here is injury - nailed as they come

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

    Fabianski masterclass gw 1, you heard it here first.

    1. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'll take 3 points

    2. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you say so.

  15. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone brave enough to go:-
    3 x City (double defence)
    3 x Liverpool (double defence)
    3 x Everton (double defence)
    Zaha & King

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

      No. Unbalanced team.

    2. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Tons. Zaha is a bad pick though

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wouldn't say he's a bad pick at all. In fact, likely he'll turn out to be one of the best value picks season long. Just not sure he's the absolute best pick to begin with, that's all

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Agreed - if he goes to arsenal who knows who will start but no doubt he’ll do really well when the dust settles

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

      I'm brave enough to go without City players, double LIV defense 😉

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        and that's why you are a specialist in failure mate 😉

      2. Little fekirs
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        No city could be masterstroke or disaster.

        Not the easiest first 3 GW’s but it’s city.

    4. OldBenKenobi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t know about this set up by my very first draft consisted of:

      Ryan
      TAA Robbo Digne Coleman Zinchencko
      Salah Siggy B.Silva
      Aguero King

      It did worry me a little being all on in basically 3 teams (even with their fixtures)

    5. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m 3 pool (dd) 2 city (0d) 1 Everton (1d)

  16. ROLLING THE DICE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Currently fairly template-ish:

    Heaton (Pope)
    Robbo VVD Laporte Digne (Kelly)
    Salah Sterling Perez (4.5, 4.5)
    Wilson Jota Wood

    Thinking of ripping it up to get Kane in. Stick or twist?

    1. Little fekirs
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Feel wrong whenever I don’t have one of Kane, Salah, Sterling and Vardy.

      Basically impossible to include them all.

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

        Ignore Kane
        Simple

        1. Little fekirs
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          That 1.5m makes a big difference.

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah mine always comes down to Salah, sterling and vardy or salah, KDB and Kane

      3. ROLLING THE DICE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yep. Feel like aguero is being overlooked too. Doubting Perez will “cover” Vardy too...

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

          There's a few factors to consider. Firstly, Aguero is 31 yrs of age so he won't be able to keep playing week in, week out. Secondly, Jesus is 22 yrs old and should be playing more regularly. He has also been given the No.9 jersey which signals an intention that he will have a bigger role this season at Man City. Thirdly, we must consider Jesus' performances in Brazil. He's good enough to lead the line for Brazil so he ought to be good enough to compete with Aguero for a starting position. These factors put together means that Aguero and Jesus are rotation risks.

          1. ROLLING THE DICE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Good point. KDB could offer good value if fit, otherwise Sterling is the safest option for City attacking cover...

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

              Yes, Sterling is the safest option as he's proved to be extremely fit, Do not rule out Bernardo Silva. His work rate has been exceptional too. Now that he's in the peak of his career, I expect better output from him in the upcoming season, certainly more assists at least. His role will be even more crucial as David Silva won't play much and KDB has injury woes.

              1. ROLLING THE DICE
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Bilva whilst KDB is out. KDB when fit...

    2. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ignore Kane

  17. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Spurs looked a better side without Kane last season. His presence disrupted the style they seemed to fall into when Son and Moura were up top together.

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Whether you think that or not, its irrelevant to FF. Kane will score 20+ goals as long as he stays fit.

    2. FPL Mountaineer
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think injuries had a big part to play in Kane's performances last season. He'll be back to his best soon. He's a fighter. Just needs to know his limits.

  18. You've got red on you.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Rate my starting 11. Have I broken it by trying to get Kane in?

    Heaton/Ryan
    Robertson - Digne - Mendy - Ake
    Sterling - Salah - Zaha - McGinn
    King - Kane

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

      Yes, plus why Heaton?

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wasn't sure about Ryan

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Burnley improved a lot as the season wore on. If we were sure Heaton was first choice, he'd be one of my frontrunners for the keeper slot

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

      Heaton AND Ryan?

      1. You've got red on you.
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        One or t'other

    3. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks fine with Kane in

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

    Which one

    A. Brooks(have King already)
    B. Perez(have Maddison already)

    1. You've got red on you.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Brooks

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

        Thanks

    2. FPL Mountaineer
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd go Perez coz he's more experienced and is now in the peak of his career but Brooks is also a very exciting young talent and a manager like Howe could get the very best out of him.

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

        Yep, good point, thats a tough one

  20. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    We learned from last season that going without City defence is high risk and a rank buster when they keep CSs. This season is not going to be much different imo as they'll be on the front foot again most of the time with Rodri an excellent holding mid to add to their armour!
    Ederson seems such an obvious pick to me as set and forget.

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldn’t it be brilliant if zinchenko nails his spot and this is clear from pre season

      A Mendy injury wouldn’t go amiss

      1. Loftus cheeky nandos
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        But Angelino could take some of zinchenkos minutes as he’s not great

        1. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Pre season is key to understanding what’s going on in this position

      2. FPL Mountaineer
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Man CIty have re-signed Angelino who could very well be the 2nd choice left back I'm afraid.

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          there is that too, rotation a big concern in that position!

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

            If you want Man City defensive cover, then surely Ederson is the best option. Can't take any of the defenders for granted because Pep likes to rotate a lot.

      3. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He's def on my radar and might well change my thinking, saving that valuable 0.5 and go with a cheap keeper, but cant see past Ederson atm.

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

      Harry should be a good pick if he joins them.

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I don't think they were ever interested in him tbh

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

          I have up to 6 mil to spend on a City defender. Could go for Walker.

          1. Respect My Authoritah
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Wouldn't bother. Digne and/or Coleman look like better picks to start with imo

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

              Got Digne and Siggy already, not sure if I wish to triple up.

              1. Respect My Authoritah
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Wouldn't really worry about this. Unless you want to potentially keep the slot for Richarlison

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

                  No, won't be able to fit him in.

          2. Eat my goal!
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Walker didn’t really achieve any more than plenty of other options

            Only Laporte and ederson really have the value and Laporte gained most points in the dgws with the goals

            Chelsea defenders at 6.0 offer better value than Laporte and definitely Walker imo

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

              All valid points, thanks. Can you see them keeping many CS this season though (Chelsea)?

              1. Eat my goal!
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Depends really, I don’t see they instantly being much different- so from the off they should be relatively solid - who knows what lamps effect may do

                I remember why Martinez took over at Everton - they were solid from moyes and then had this free flowing attacking play but bit by bit the solidness slipped away - took time tho

        2. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Classic let’s make Utd pay a fortune game

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The keeper slot has a few interesting options - definitely don't need a 'set and forget' option to kick the season off imo. I'm backing Pickford to begin with, fixture run is ridiculous

      1. Loftus cheeky nandos
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        True but last season Pickford had a run of 10 games of no top 6 clubs and got no clean sheets, so it’s not guaranteed

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Indeed. Everton seemed to finally settle as a defensive unit in the run-in - banking on that a little

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Don't like Pickford as a pick much tbh, prefer to keep that slot open, if Everton really kick on (and they might) and with those fixture I could possibly want three of Digne, Coleman, Siggy, Richarlison, DCL

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, good point those 2 in midfield could very well prove to be great options. I want to go for Heaton if we know he's the first choice keeper

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            spending 9m on Heaton + Pope might not be a horrible idea actually...hmmm

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

              Taylor at 4,5.

              1. Respect My Authoritah
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Both keepers are at 4.5. and they get more points than the defenders

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

                  Taylor at 4,5 a winner (v 9 mil. where only one guaranteed to play).

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

      Agreed

    5. Little fekirs
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ederson and Laporte don’t represent value. They are currently the only two nailed.

      A 5.5 nailed city defender is a different story.

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

        Currently doesn't exist (nailed).

        1. Little fekirs
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah I know hence my hesitation on city defenders.

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

        This is just a fantasy though as they dont have a nailed 5.5m def

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

      How long was their longest conceding streak last season? Any possibility that they went on their long cs streak on the run in because they tightened up theirs game because of the run in?

  21. twoplustwo
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Struggling to Zaha + Maddison or Richarlison + Other

    Currently on the former with DCL up front, but Zaha never ever seems to go well for me

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

      None of them for me.

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

        Ha, yeah this is the other option... quite keen on Maddy though

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

          perez

  22. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sticking with this team until there’s some fresh meat. What you guys think?

    Ryan

    VVD Robbo Laporte Digne WanB

    Salah Siggy BSilva Zaha

    Kane

    1. Scotty B
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very good

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not sold on Bilva or WanB. Can see the reason for the other picks

  23. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Maddison is 1/3 to join Man Utd. He would become a great option at 7m if that happens

    1. Little fekirs
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer him at Leicester.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The reported lack of any real competition for Bruno Fernandes probably kills this one

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

        We are man utd at the end of the day though

    3. Loftus cheeky nandos
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not necessarily he won’t play every game

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

      Bettings odds are not the way to predict transfers pal

      1. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I mean, they probably should be, but I feel like they sometimes fall for blindingly obvious paper nonsense

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

          There’s not a reliable source out there that has said anything on this move

    5. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Better FPL option if he stays under Rodgers imo

  24. windowview
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    Button
    Adam Smith
    Gibson
    Robertson
    van Dijk
    Laporte
    Zaha
    Sigurdsson
    Salah
    Sterling
    Dendoncker
    Nketiah
    Wilson

    Long
    5.0

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

      Sorry, mobile posting and accidentally hit send 🙂

      Any good?

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        As a list ... impossible to say

  25. Scotty B
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What's people's thoughts on AWB as an option now at United?

    He was an absolute bonus magnet last season

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I will likely go with a 5.5 fourth defender and he is one that I'm looking at for sure!

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Until United sign a solid CDM and CB, he's a no-go

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

        Exactly this. He's good, but he can't save that United defence on his own. The addition of Maguire and a decent DM would make him viable, but then most people would go for Maguire at the same price.

    3. pingissimus
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He won’t attract bonuses at United in the same way. He got all those tackles and intercepts because Palace sat back and pushed sides out wide. United will play front foot football.

      Shaw is a better pick by far imo

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

      Just awful. Unless Ole becomes a good manager who attacks with wingbacks.

  26. Lucky Z
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    Digne Robertson TAA Azpi
    Salah Zaha Grealish Siggy
    Kun King

    Button Jorginho Kelly 4.5

    Thoughts on Grealish? Fine 7 fixtures in first 9 GWs

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’ve gone for grealish for that reason but it makes me feel uncomfortable- bit of a punt

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I posted this last month when the site was dead when they had an article on Villa.

        His passing and vision for the game is great and admittedly I only watched the playoffs so take from it what you will but it looked like he liked to come deep for the ball and dictate the play.

        I believe he'll end up being the assister of the assister.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd rather start Jorginho tbh

  27. @FPL_Chess
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What is going on? Why have 33% of you climbed aboard the Wan-Bissaka band-wagon? He had 3 assists, from over 3000 minutes play. His 18 bonus points dragged him to 120; however, his Man Utd defenders last season got a best score of 91 points (Shaw).

      Yes, we loved him last season. He lit up the league for us - fantastic stuff - but he cost £4m. This season he’s £5.5m so all the value appears removed.
      ~~~~~
      FPL Chess ~ Grandmaster Edition. Mini-league code cmoq01 ~ All welcome ~
      780+ players for previous two seasons.

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

        Preaching to the wrong people dude. No one here owns him.

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        we are a sentimental bunch 😉

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

          James @ 6m ehh ??

          1. jia you
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            would love to see him having a great pre-season and nailing down a place, could be a very nice 6m option 🙂

      3. Amey
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Feels like getting scolded in school for mistake done by other students 😀

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

        Seen him in 2 RMTs in the last week.

    • MysticMac17
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Who is the best 6.5 midfielder?

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Perez? Brooks?

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Brooks and Perez look the standout options atm I guess

      3. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Hopefully the Telly Man for Leicester but for now Brooks and Perez are popular picks. Doucoure at 6 is my shout.

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

        Save 0.5 and get Townsend is a good call imo. Perez may need time to bed in and Brooks is overpriced in comparison. Townsend matched Zaha for long stretches last season

        1. @FPL_Chess
            4 years, 8 months ago

            That's a good call. I like Townsend as well. I think he may have dipped under the radar.

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

        Now that Sanchez is out injured, who do we all get as our 7.0 midfielder?

        1. Another Hoops
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Is this a trick question 😉

        2. Scotty B
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Probably Zaha but it's a tough choice at the moment

        3. Eat my goal!
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          What a pickle!

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

          Save up for Pogba I guess

      6. Scotty B
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Zaha a better option do we think at Palace or Arsenal?

        Not sure what Arsenal are playing at offering silly amounts they always do this, just bid £60m and you'll probably get him

        1. The 5% Team
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          he will be rotated at Arsenal from time to time, just something Emery likes to do apparently. So will probably doesn't impact his total amount of points much

        2. Another Hoops
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Palace for me. No rotation nightmare and you know milly cant miss from the spot.

          1. Scotty B
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Mili better option then?

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

          Arsenal don't have as much money as other teams with a stingy owner.

          Think an Arsenal mid could be gold, but until one looks nailed I'm steering clear.

          Lacazette would be quality if Auba leaves (unlikely).