Scout Notes

FPL assets in action as Copa America and Gold Cup climax

Our regular round-ups of the international fixtures involving Fantasy Premier League assets continue.

There was Premier League representation in the finals of both the Copa America and Gold Cup, while there were also some familiar faces in action in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.

You can read how Sadio Mane (£11.5m) and Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) got on in their respective round-of-16 ties here.

Copa America

Brazil 3-1 Peru

Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) took centre stage as Brazil won their first Copa America since 2007.

The Manchester City striker has sometimes struggled to make a mark on the international scene but he has impressed for Selecao this summer and was once more influential in the opening 45 minutes of Sunday’s final.

Jesus, again lining up on the right flank but interchanging positions in the front three, produced some fine trickery and a superb cross for Everton to volley Brazil in front after quarter of an hour before restoring his country’s lead with a goal of his own just before the interval.

Jesus teed up Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) for presentable opportunities after half-time but his evening took a turn for the worse when he was dismissed for a second bookable offence on 70 minutes.

The tearful City forward took his frustration out on a water bottle, a dugout and a VAR monitor but later apologised for his actions, saying:

I want to apologise, I could have avoided it and I also need to grow up a lot.

Firmino has also shone in the Copa America this summer but the Liverpool striker was unable to add to his tally of two goals and three assists, twice heading wide and missing that aforementioned chance created by Jesus.

Firmino started all six of Brazil’s competitive matches this summer.

It was Firmino’s replacement in this game, Richarlison (£8.0m), who put the game to bed from the penalty spot in the dying stages.

Introduced for the Liverpool man with 15 minutes to go, Richarlison stepped up to convert from 12 yards after Everton had been barged over in the Peru box.

The Toffees’ winger’s only two starts in the tournament came in the group stage.

After five successive clean sheets, Alisson (£6.0m) was finally beaten but it took a 44th-minute penalty from Paolo Guerrero for the Liverpool custodian to eventually be breached.

Fernandinho (£5.5m) and Ederson (£6.0m) were unused substitutes while Willian (£7.0m), who had been a doubt for the final with a thigh injury, was also not called upon from the hosts’ bench.

Argentina 2-1 Chile

Alexis Sanchez (£7.0m) lasted just 17 minutes of the Copa America third/fourth-place play-off on Saturday, limping from the field with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The Manchester United winger pulled up chasing a long ball and was replaced soon after.

The Chilean attacker, who has impressed this summer after a less-than-stellar season at United, will now return to his club for further assessment.

The Red Devils are currently in Australia, with a match against Perth Glory to come on Saturday.

Chile fell to a 2-1 defeat in their talisman’s absence, with Lionel Messi and Gary Medel both being dismissed in the first half of a fiercely contested game.

Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) registered his second goal of the tournament in giving Argentina a 12th-minute lead, with the Manchester City striker latching on to a quickly taken Lionel Messi free-kick to round Gabriel Arias and score.

Aguero had earlier fired narrowly wide from distance and wasted two decent chances to put the game to bed late on, seeing a weak dink over Arias blocked and then screwing wide from just inside the Chile box.

The premium FPL forward was eventually substituted on 81 minutes.

Juan Foyth (£5.0m) and Nicolas Otamendi (£5.5m) again played the full 90 minutes in defence, while Roberto Pereyra (£6.0m) was an unused substitute.

The Watford winger played only 45 minutes in the entire tournament.

Gold Cup

Mexico 1-0 USA

Mexico were crowned CONCACAF Gold Cup winners for the eighth time after defeating the United States in the early hours of Monday morning.

It was no surprise to see the two pre-tournament favourites meet each other in the final in Chicago, although Mexico had made heavy work of getting past Costa Rica and Haiti en route to their meeting against the co-hosts.

Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) finished as the competition’s second-highest scorer on five goals but turned provider in yesterday’s final, teeing up Jonathan dos Santos with a deft backheel for the match-winning strike on 73 minutes.

The Wolves striker had five of Mexico’s 20 attempts on goal against the US but was unable to add to his tally for the tournament, scuffing one effort from just outside the six-yard box after earlier air-kicking from a similar distance.

Jimenez won the Golden Ball as he was named the tournament’s best player, having been involved in seven of his country’s 16 goals.

The Wolves striker started all six of Mexico’s Gold Cup matches and was substituted in only two of them.

The former Benfica striker played all 330 minutes in his country’s three matches after the group stage, with El Tri taken to extra-time in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.

Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) was on the losing side and finished the tournament with three goals to his name.

The Chelsea winger, starting on the left flank in this match, was lively in the opening stages and his best chance came after just five minutes when he was denied by Guillermo Ochoa after a fine run and close-range shot.

Pulisic again produced flashes of Eden Hazard-esque brilliance in this final and has been one of the tournament’s stand-out players; the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder was indeed voted the Best Young Player at this summer’s Gold Cup after full-time.

Pulisic started five of the USA’s six matches in the competition, also coming on as a substitute in the dead rubber against Panama in the group stage.

Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria 3-0 Guinea

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) scored a superb goal – his second of the tournament – as Algeria breezed through to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Sunday.

Guinea were missing the injured Naby Keita (£6.0m) but the Liverpool midfielder is expected to be fit to begin his pre-season training programme with the club later this month after a post-tournament breather.

Keita played only two matches in the tournament – one as a substitute – and sustained a minor adductor strain during the group game against Nigeria.

Mahrez was peripheral in the first half of this round-of-16 tie but scored from his first shot of the game, deceiving his marker with a beautiful first touch to control an Ismael Bennacer cross before curling low past Ibrahim Kone in the Guinea goal.

Kone denied Mahrez a second soon after when blocking the Manchester City winger’s toe-poked effort.

The former Leicester City midfielder, playing in his usual right-wing role in this match, lasted the full 90 minutes.

Algeria face Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Mali 0-1 Ivory Coast

Wilfried Zaha‘s (£7.0m) stay in Egypt was extended by at least another three days as his Ivory Coast side edged past Mali in their round-of-16 encounter on Monday evening.

Having been a substitute for Les Elephants in their opening two group games, the Crystal Palace winger made his second successive start and scored the game’s only goal on 76 minutes.

Another FPL asset provided the assist for Zaha’s match-winning strike: Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia (£5.5m) getting the faintest flick onto a long punt out from the back and setting Zaha free to prod the ball past Dijgui Diarra.

Kodjia had wasted a similar opportunity shortly before the goal and the lofted through-ball was a tactic Ivory Coast overly relied on as they struggled to get a foothold in the game.

Zaha’s side indeed didn’t have a single shot on target in the first three-quarters of Tuesday’s game.

The Palace winger, playing on the left flank as Kodjia led the line, struggled to make much of an impression and only had a couple of blocked shots to show for his efforts before breaking the deadlock.

More involved on the opposite flank, however, was Moussa Djenepo (£5.5m).

The pacy Southampton winger was a menace down the Mali left and drew several fouls, also teeing up Moussa Marega shortly before half-time with a pullback from the byline.

The Saints’ summer signing was too quick for his own good just after the break though, with Djenepo leaving the ball behind him as he closed in on opposition goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohouo just after the interval.

With Mali eliminated, the former Standard Liege midfielder will now return to Southampton for the latter stage of pre-season and should be in contention for Gameweek 1.

Having previously been fearful that a hamstring injury had ended his tournament, Serge Aurier (£5.0m) was back among the substitutes for Ivory Coast but wasn’t called upon.

Madagascar 2-2 DR Congo (4-2 Penalties)

Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) was an unused substitute as DR Congo were dumped out of the Africa Cup of Nations by Madagascar.

The tournament’s surprise package won after a penalty shootout and will play Tunisia in the quarter-finals on Thursday.

Yannick Bolasie, still on the books at Everton but anticipated to leave this summer, was one of two players to miss a spot-kick for DR Congo.

Masuaku only played 90 minutes over the course of the tournament.

Ghana 1-1 Tunisia (4-5 penalties)

A Ghana side missing the injured Christian Atsu (£5.5m) were dumped out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday after a penalty shootout defeat to Tunisia.

The Newcastle United winger picked up a hamstring injury in the group stage match against Cameroon and has since returned to England for treatment.

1,651 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Krafty Werks
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which do you prefer? Thanks.

    A - Vardy, KDB, Zaha, van Dijk.
    B - Jota, Sterling, Tielemans, TAA.

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

      B

    2. Robson-Canoe
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, but I'd have Perez for Tielemans

      1. Krafty Werks
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Much depends on pre-season on which foxes mid i decide to go with there? One of Perez/Tielemans/Maddison for sure, if Madds then will have to drop one of TAA/Robbo > VVD for the 0.5.

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

    The more I look at this draft squad, the more I like it. I've never played a 433 before so I'm in unknown territory.

    What do you guys think of it..?

    Ryan
    TAA Laporte Digne Ake
    Salah Sterling Siggy
    Vardy King DCL

    4.0 4.5 4.5 4.0

    Thanks in advance.

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Spanner in the works if Ake goes to City.

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

        Yeah, would obviously reevaluate if this did happen. Cheers

    2. Modest Bob
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      2.5/10

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

        That's harsh lol

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

      Would you want to play Ryan and DCL every week?

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

        That's what I'm thinking. I may have to revert back to my preferred 343 formation.

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

      Decent. I dont like DCL as a starter With absolute trash on the bench though, but thats what you get when you play Salah, Sterling AND Vardy

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

    How Sky predict Leicester attack will look. Don't shoot the messenger if you don't agree 🙂

    Barnes Vardy Perez
    Maddison Tielemans

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

      Not too shabby is it? 🙂

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

        Not at all. Barnes could be interesting @6.0....

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah probably if they don’t sign a winger between now and the start of the season

    3. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Really like that. Feels like we're a bit spoiled for choice

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

      Murdoch-owned vermin scum

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

        Well said Jarv. Awful human being.

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

      Pretty much what I expect. Maybe Gray or Albrighton playing over Barnes a few games.

    6. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Barnes could be a good shout actually, being the cheapest.

      And no one is going for him

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

        He'll need to improve his finishing from last year! I'd find the extra .5m

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

          Weird as he scored shed-loads at West Brom in the first half of the season.

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

            Couldn't hit a Barnes door last year 😉

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

              Oh dear 😆

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

              Chortle chortle yet again, Wild Rover. That is gold

            3. The Ejiptian King
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              OMG no, damn you

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

                😎

          2. The Ejiptian King
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Couldn't hit a Barnes door whenever I watched him at Leicester.

        2. Pieterke30
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          That’s true but could happen

    1. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Good work!

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

      Hahahaha solid. Every transfer we'll be preying to the Old Ben Kenobi God's!

    3. Dr. Mantis Toboggan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Could you get us Jay Rodriguez at 6m now please?

  4. Otis Kay
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Are we all forgetting that Harry Kane ALWAYS blanks in August...? :/

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

      Well you are forgetting that he doesn't 🙄

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ban do not spread false info

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

        That wasn't his only goal either and got assists too

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

      Oh Lordy, there's always one.
      Nah scrub that, there's always loads....

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

    Thoughts on first draft:

    Foster
    TAA - ROBBO - LAPORTE - DIGNE
    STERLING - ZAHA - SIGG - MANE
    JOTA - KING

    Cheapest bench options possible.

    Wondering whether to swap downgrade Digne in order to field a 3-5-2?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not sure on Foster. I'd prefer Salah if you can squeeze him in, otherwise fairly template looks fine

    2. Brian Boitano
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      2015 called they want Foster.

      Otherwise pretty solid non- Salah team.

    3. SomeoneKnows
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you "downgrade" Robbo>VVD and Foster>Ryan you should be able to do Mane>Salah which happens to be my team which I'm very happy with 🙂

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

      Why doesnt Foster deserve upper case?

  6. SoccerBoi69
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Just a quick first draft. Back after a year away, bring on the blood pressure increase...

    Pickford
    TAA VVD Digne Laporte
    Salah KDB Tielemans Sigurdsson
    Deulofeu Wilson

    Button Dendoncker Targett Nketiah

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

      Seems strong!

      Personally I prefer going with Sterling instead of KDB.

      Some options you have to fund that move include some of:
      - Pickford to 4.5 (Ryan or Burnley, I would say)
      - Wilson to King
      - Digne to Coleman
      - Laporte to Walker

      Cheers mate

      1. SoccerBoi69
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I've switched between two 4.5s and Pickford countless times already, and the same applies to Wilson/King. There ain't no hella way I want to lose Digne though (judging from his stats last season).

        If it wasn't for AFCON troubles... Salah/KDB/Wilson/Tielemens/Laporte
        to
        Mane/Sterling/King/Maddison/Walker
        ...would, possibly, be what I went for. Thanks for the suggestions King.

    2. Modest Bob
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      1/10

      1. SoccerBoi69
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        0.1

  7. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi mates.

    Anyone considering going with Salah and Mane double up?

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

      Hiya bud

      Personally I wouldn’t even dream of it - not only does Mané look potentially a little pricey in relation to Salah... but you’d also be limiting to yourself to only one of TAA, Robbo, VVD

      If Mané was 10.5 I think there might be more of a case, but it still wouldn’t be a strong one imo

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

        Thank you for your answer.

        I understand that it maybe is a too pricey trio and better value can be found elsewhere, however a TAA Mane Salah trio really seems powerful.

        Anyways, for now I am settled with TAA Robertson Salah as Liverpool coverage, and feels strong too.

        Sterling / KDB duo, are you consering it?

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Can't have them all. Don't think KDB is an option if going Salah/Sterling

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

          KDB looks potentially awesome value, but I’ve been saying all through pre season I want to be a game or two late for him rather than early

          With his knee issues, and his manager’s rouletette issues and/or penchant for wrapping him in cotton wool until he’s got a few games under his belt - I just don’t want the hassle of waiting for an excellent FPL player to to be fit, whilst they are scoring me no points from the treatment table and/or the bench!

          I had enough of that last season with both Ings & Wilson 🙂

          Sterling - turbo locked into my team

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

            Thank you for your insights! I think I agree with all you mentionned.

            Cheers

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think we'd all be wanting that for Norwich at home if it was later in the season.

    3. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No

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

        Yes they are

    4. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      With TAA, VVD and Robbo offering the points, I think many won't. Especially trying to get a City attacker in. Could work well but the City games would make uncomfortable viewing

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

        It would have to be something like:

        Ryan
        Coleman, Smith, TAA
        Mane, Siggy, Salah, Sterling, Noble
        King

        I agree that better alternatives can be found, namely with the Pool duo in defence I guess

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

          Horrible

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

            Ahah, sometimes we need that kind of straightforward feedback.

            Cheers mate!

        2. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          That said mate. Teams find a way of working the successful teams out. The double up at the back for Liverpool won't work every week but if they're anywhere near 20 clean sheets with a few assists on top then you'd want to take that route

    5. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No not really too much value in their defence, more ppl going for the triple defence instead of Salah and Mane!

    6. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No, far too much Value in TAA/Robbo/VVD

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

        Yep, TAA Robbo namely seem a too promising to ignore duo!

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

      I have done

  8. bobwils
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I'm looking to fill my last midfield spot with Grealish or maybe Iwobi, any thoughts?

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

      Don't.

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

      I prefer the 6.5/7m mid bracket atm, lots more options there so would try to save some money elsewhere if possible.

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm not sure if he's attacking enough and for a team that's not likely to set the league alight. Quite like Yarmo at that price point or otherwise stretch to 6.5 where there is an abundance of options.

    4. bobwils
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      OK, thanks for your comments, helpful.

    5. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You could even punt on Wilson at 6m depending how preseason goes. I think Grealish is a class act and think he will step up this season. Yarmolenko as mentioned could also be a massive player at 6m if he gets a good pre under his belt. I also expect Andre Gomez at 5.5m to have a big season 2nd season now he's signed for Everton.

    6. Pieterke30
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer James Ward-Prowse than them.

      Or even a Lampard-managed Barkley if all indicated he will be nailed on for the first few games

    7. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Dan James at 6m.

      1. Pep Pig
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        WOW. Just really I put Wilson and I meant James 🙁

        I clearly blame James Wilson 😀 😀 I agree with Barkley. With regular first team football he'd be a snip

        1. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Lol I must admit I had no idea who you were talking about. I've been saying James since the prices came out and am fully prepared to risk taking all blame if he's awful.

          1. Pep Pig
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Haha I'm just glad no one went to town on me! I've said a few times Utd could be really explosive going forward but think you will be so much better without Pogba. Sanchez could still have a big say as well and I think Pogba leaving could have a positive effect on players like Sanchez. Rashford is certainly one of the strikers I'm looking at. With James on the right of a front free and Sanchez/Martial on the left. It isn't all doom and gloom at Utd from an FPL perspective and i'm sure pre-season will sway us

            1. Pep Pig
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              *three 😉

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

              Well disagree that United will be better without Pogba, he is still one of our best players but yes it could be good for FPL if Martial/Rashford or even Sanchez become the main man!

              1. Pep Pig
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I can't help but think his ego got in the way massively last season. Just like Mendy at Man City. Player who constantly test their managers who believe they're indispensable. On his day, Pogba is class I don't doubt that

  9. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Last tinker until much closer to season start:

    Ederson
    Robbo TAA Digne Coleman
    Salah Sterling Sig Yarmo
    Jota King

    Button Dendoncker Kelly Greenwood

    A) Ederson, Coleman, Yarmo (as above)
    B) Heaton, Laporte, Perez

    Best striker options at 6.5? Is Deu or Ward better option than Jota?

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

      I prefer B mate, I think it has more upside. If Yarmo starts the season well, it is an easy swap for Perez. Personally I consider that Digne Coleman double-up can be too much.

      Between Jota and Deulofeu, it seems for now a coin toss. I am leaning towards the latter.

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

    Mates, I am currently still on this. Any transfer suggestion? It would be great to have some of your feedback.

    It is template it seems, but I am OK with that, as I like the rationale behind any of those choices:

    Ryan
    Coleman, TAA, Robertson, Walker
    Siggy, Fraser, Salah, Sterling
    King, Deulofeu

    Thank you all!

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Fairly template, similar to what I have, so I like it! I'm not sure on Walker, he doesn't have much attacking potential nowadays and may be rotated. Wait and see on Fraser, may well go to Arsenal and not sure if he will be a permanent starter there or not.

  11. Dangerous Rhubarb
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Guys....I'm putting together my first draft and I'm not seeing much love for Pulisic?

    I think at 7.5M he is a bargain and I think even though Chelsea have a transfer ban etc he is straight into my squad. I think he will have quite impact!

    Anyone agree?

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

      Chelsea are certainly being ignored by almost everybody on here - think there may be a few options that emerge during pre-season when we get an idea of how the team is going to set up.

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

      He might, but with Willian, Pedro, Giroud and probably Tammy and Bats cheaper it's wait and see

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

      He's a completely unknown commodity as far as the PL goes. Assess pre-season.

    4. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I haven't seen much of him but am I right in thinking he was never particularly prolific with goals or assists for Dortmund?

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yes he turned poo end of last season

    5. Skalla
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Think most are just waiting to see him in pre-season but unless he is confirmed on pens I can't see him being worth 0.5m more than Willian or their starting striker!

    6. Modest Bob
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      1/10

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

    Ryan, Button
    Zinchenko, TAA, Digne, Zappacosta (pending 3-5-2 confirmation), Kelly
    Sterling, Salah, KDB, Zaha, Dendoncker
    King, Deulofeu, DCL

    Any good?

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

      Defence will score well - at scrabble.

    2. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why Zappacosta?

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

        If he’s playing WB for Chelsea he’s a steal at £4.5

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          But he isn’t

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

            How do you know?

            1. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Chelsea have 4 top quality wingers, including one they just signed for a lot of money in pulisic and one they are desperate to tie down to a long term contract in CHO. Why on earth would they play a formation that does not accommodate any of these players

              1. The Ejiptian King
                • 5 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Also this.

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

                Yes I don’t expect him to be picked ahead of some of those options, but even a flat back 4 should include him I think. I’m very interested in Chelsea options and am keeping a close eye on pre-season. Needless to say, he is my most tenuous inclusion but think it could be a real coup if he nails down a starting place

                1. Ask Yourself
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Azpi losing a leg is the only way Zappa would start in a back 4

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

                  Why would a flat back 4 include him? Azpilicueta is the club captain and one of the best right backs in the league.

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

                  But he won't, that's the point.

        2. The Ejiptian King
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I think he's more likely to be sold than to start, linked with a move back to Italy and has been a non-entity since signing.

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

            Yeah he’s a punt. Watching preseason and will see

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

              Will see him on the bench.

  13. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What’s a solid score for the RMT tool with 11 players?

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

      65+

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

    Hows this for triple Liverpool and City?

    Ryan (4.0)
    TAA - Robertson - Coleman - Walker (4.0)
    Salah - Sterling - KdB - Gray/McArthur/5.5 (4.5)
    King - Jota (5.0)

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

    Whose taking that last Lpool defense spot? Matip or Gomez? Don't think Klopp is a big fan of rotating centre halves... Likes to have um settled in.

    Matip, strong end to last season. Gomez didn't put a foot wrong until injury? Any Lpool fans wanna help a bro out?

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

      Could go either way. Gut says Matip, but not sure..

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

        Mine sayin G... Lord, bring me some preseason already.

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

      He will prob rotate them in pre-season and pick one based on that , but guessing Gomez is just ahead atm

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

        Ta

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

      Almost definitely will be Gomez, him and Van Dijk were immense together for first 10 games or so last year, think the back four will be very settled. However I’m thinking the attacking returns of the full backs might still be worth 1.5 million, still undecided though

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

        Yeah, yet to do the maths on it... Have 5.5m for that last defender slot and either of these two look the best bet if they're nailed on...

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

      I'd lean with Matip to begin with but think Gomez will overthrow him at some point.

  16. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Two keepers that rotate well?

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

      With no budget I would rotate Allison and Ederson!

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

      Probably Pope and whoever the villa keeper will be, not a fan of rotating keepers though

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

        Probably Heaton!

    3. Doctor Zhivago
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe Fab & Ryan

    4. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ryan and button

  17. SomeoneKnows
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Would appreciate your thoughts on the following 4-4-2 team. My only dilemma is which two should I choose out of King / Jota / Deulofeu / Murray / Barnes...

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA, Laporte, Digne, VVD, (Kelly)
    Salah, Sterling, Sigurdsson, Zaha, (Hayden)
    Deulofeu, King (Wickham)

    Cheers

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

      Think you’ve got it right, maybe Deulofeu ahead of Jota due to europa league but decide nearer the time I guess based on pre season etc

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

    A) Robertson + Tielemans
    B) van Dijk + Zaha

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

      Or C) van Dijk + Tielemans + 0.5 ITB.

  19. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 6.0 midfielder? Currently taken a punt on Grealish

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

      Maybe yarmolenko at West Ham, kind of need to wait for pre season though as there aren’t many options that stick out

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

        Townsend

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      James, Barnes, Trossard, jahanbaksh

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

      JWP - will get 150+ if he stays fit this season

    4. Otis Kay
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pereyra / Townsend

  20. Gringo Kid
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Need your advice guys

    A) Laporte & Siggy
    B) Zinchenko & KDB

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

      Right now A, especially with an extra 0.5, but if zinchenko seems nailed then could be great value

    2. Otis Kay
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A by a country mile

  21. FortunesAlwaysHiding
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Appreciate thoughts on this team guys...

    Ryan/Button
    VvD/Zinchenko/Digne/Balbuena/Kelly
    Mane/Sterling/Sigg/Townsend/Hayden
    Origi/Kane/Deulofeu

    Thank you

    1. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Unfortunately you're stuck with a 4-4-2 there and will only possibly have Hayden as backup.
      I like how you have moved a bit away from the template. You may as well make Origi > Greenwood then use the 1m to make an improvement to the squad?

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

        Greenwood likely to feature much?

        1. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          No mate but I don't think Origi will neither. I assumed he was a perma-bench player for you. I like Balbuena and enjoyed owning him when fit last season

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

            Yeah, I think he's being very underlooked as a cheap option. After City, WHU's fixtures are reasonable.

            1. Pep Pig
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I know the West Ham fans think highly of him. Hopefully Diop hasn't had his head turned as they formed a solid partnership in the first half of the season

            2. Ask Yourself
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Our defence is cack there is no player that can perform well enough to consistently get us clean sheets. Even if we had 2 VVDs there we would still concede every game, just the way we play now

              1. Pep Pig
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                VVD disagrees mate 😀

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

          No but neither is Origi! Would do suggested move then get Dendoncker instead of Hayden, could then do Mane>Salah upgrade

  22. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Think iv finally settled on a 4-3-3 with Laporte. (Rather than 6.5 midfielder in a 3-4-3) Good to go?

    Fabianski

    VVD - TAA - Digne - Laporte

    Salah - Siggy - KDB

    Vardy - King - Deulofeu

    Subs: Button - Kelly - Hayden - Dendoncker

    1. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it mate. You'll keep switching though 😀

      31 days to go

  23. Zimo
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    Robertson/TAA/Digne/Azpilicueta/Coleman
    Salah/Sterling/Tielemans
    Vardy/King

    5-3-2
    How's it looking?

  24. ChelseaKTBFF
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Deolofeu/ King/ Deeney vs Giroud. Thoughts?

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

      Giroud if he is going to be first choice easily. If not, Deeney.

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

        Im thinking along those lines myself, but I might be biased a bit..

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

      I am quite sure that those 3 together will outscore Giroud and can prob beat him in a fight too!

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

        Can also denote it as Deolofeu * Deeny / King

  25. Doctor Zhivago
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Good afternoon everybody. Really think a part from 4-5 essential assets, other players range from being absolute gambles (Ward-Prowse, Brooks) to semi-essential/very useful picks (Sigurdsson, Maddison). Every year defenders get more and points from attacking return: this is the way modern football works, playing on the wings, faster and faster. On the other hand, "old-style" central forwards can be counted on a hand's fingers: Kane, Vardy, Aguero. Modern forwards come back on the pitch, move on the sidelines, cross the ball in the middle, can invent for the offensive midfielders (see the number of assists from people like Wilson, Jimenez). From all this, it comes that we won't expect from them the points potential they had not too many years ago, and thus I'd prefer going 4-5-1 or better 3-5-2, without the fear of losing points, but with the hope of gaining. What do you think?

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

      Literally your whole post could be: "Template changing. Spend in defense."

      1. Doctor Zhivago
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ahaha that's the point mate!

  26. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If in fact Sane joins Bayern (or other club), which front three are you expecting to be Pep's priority?

    Sterling Kun Bernardo?

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes Bernardo, Aguero, Sterling... but I also see Jesus and Mahrez getting more minutes this season so expect a bit of rotation.

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Because you see that happening we should expect more rotation from someone who isn’t you?

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

          Are you looking for an argument for the sake of it? His comment is valid

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            It’s not and no i’m not

        2. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Sorry, I don't understand that question?

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Just saying we don’t have any evidence to suggest this should ever be the case. I am wary of people here spreading false info and making people change their opinions based on guesses

            1. avfc82
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Mahrez started the last 2 games of the season in a title decider and FA Cup final, so he's clearly in Pep's plans. Don't think it's spreading false information suggesting he'll probably see more game time, but whatever.

              1. Ask Yourself
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Only because de Bruyne wasn’t fully fit

                1. avfc82
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • Has Moderation Rights
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Lets revisit this in a few months...

                  1. Ask Yourself
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Okay mate and I do like your posts i’m Sorry if I came across hostile x

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

          The absolute king of Duff info giving a really good analytical poster a hard time about opinions.
          You have to laugh.

          1. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            When do I give duff info?

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

              When do you not?

              You seem to be the only guy who knows what Lampard is going to do as Chelsea boss (for a while now) and ridicule anyone who's suggestions differ.

              1. Ask Yourself
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I destroy people with facts and logic I can’t help it

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

        True. Namely increased gametime from Jesus, I would say.

        From the three we mentionned, who do you consider a safer option? I am currently on Sterling.

    2. Doctor Zhivago
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe it's the time to give Jesus some responsibilities. 4-4-2 or 4-3-3 with Jesus on the wing, as he did in the Copa America

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah the same he played for the majority of last season

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

      Mahrez?

      1. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Bench fodder

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

          Because you see that happening we should expect the same team selection from someone who isn’t you?

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

            Hahaha

          2. Ask Yourself
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I am going by what we know pep guardiola the Manchester City manager did for the whole of last season

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

              When Sane was there. Read the original comment again

              1. Ask Yourself
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Sane barely played a role this year so why would it change is all i’m Saying why does everyone get triggered

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

        Tbh I do not see Pep frequently favouring Mahrez over any of Sterling or Bernardo.

        But definitely a thing to consider.

        I am currently on Sterling. Do you think it is the "safest" oprion there?

    5. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Do you want me to let you in on a little secret? 😉

  27. mikess
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Out of the Leicester 6.5 mids who do you prefer?

    A) Perez
    B) Tielemans

    1. pokern1nja09
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      perez

    2. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No 'real' preference at the moment tbh, pre-season will make this decision for me.

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

      #APS

  28. MarcusAurelius
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) KDB - Laporte - Fabianski
    B) Sterling - Cathcart - Ryan

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

    How’s this team looking now? Plan would be to move Moura on once Son back.

    Ederson
    Azpilicueta TAA Van Dijk Digne
    Salah Sterling Tielemans Moura
    King DCL

    Woodman Dendoncker Fredericks Wickham

    1. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like that we should have a good 6m settled mid by then. Great team except maybe DCL but that can slide

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

        Thanks yes perhaps should take .5 out of defence and Getz Deulofeu or Jota? Will see who is on form preseason

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          It’s annoying because I really like your defence. Maybe Ederson > Lloris? But that’s also slightly annoying

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

            Thanks - forgetting about Moura and getting Zaha/7 m with Deulofeu/Jota might be the better option