Scout Notes

Coverage of pre-season matches commences

The Fantasy Premier League pre-season programme is about to kick into overdrive as we edge closer to Gameweek 1 of the new campaign.

Everton and Crystal Palace have already played their first matches (detailed below) and there are more to come in the next few days.

Fantasy managers are reminded to stay tuned into our pre-season page to get all the latest updates and talking points from the summer’s friendlies.

We will be producing Scout Notes articles regularly between now and Gameweek 1 on the matches played by the top-flight sides.

Not only will we be on the lookout for the next Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m), the Scout editorial team will be tracking pre-season minutes of every FPL asset.

That way, when we publish our predicted line-ups for Gameweek 1, they will be based on as much information given to us by the respective Premier League managers as possible.

We have already made a start on our spreadsheets which, this season, will be publicly available to you throughout the summer as we update them on a special page of its own.

For now, we have embedded the sheets below for all teams with a fixture between now and Sunday to give you a taster.

In order for desktop users to navigate these sheets, select the embedded window and use the arrow keys to scroll across.

Mobile users can simply drag the sheet across to navigate fully although we should point out that they are best viewed on a desktop device.

As already mentioned, Everton started us off on Saturday as they flew to Kenya for their first pre-season game.

Kariobangi Sharks 1-1 Everton (4-3 on penalties)

Everton began their pre-season campaign in Kenya

Goals: Joe Williams

As it was their first pre-season friendly it is hard to read too much into Everton’s 1-1 draw with Kariobangi Sharks over the weekend.

Only a handful of first-team players were involved for the Toffees as Marco Silva simply gave his players a run-out.

Lucas Digne (£6.0m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8.0m) and Jordan Pickford (£5.5m) were among the big names absent for Everton, while Richarlison (£8.0m) was busy winning the Copa America with Brazil.

Of those priced up by FPL for the new season, only Leighton Baines (£5.0m), Maarten Stekelenburg (£4.0m), Theo Walcott (£6.5m), André Gomes (£6.5m), Tom Davies (£5.5m), Morgan Schneiderlin (£4.5m) and Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) were involved against the Sharks.

All of them played no more than 45 minutes, with the latter featuring for just 15 as he went off with an injury.

Lookman left Kenya with the help of crutches after twisting his ankle against the Sharks and Everton confirmed afterwards that his knock would require a scan.

“Ademola Lookman will undergo a scan this afternoon after sustaining an ankle injury against Kariobangi Sharks.” – Everton press release

The performance against Kariobangi was by no means impressive, but that shouldn’t bother Fantasy managers at this point.

With Digne not back in pre-season training at the time, Baines started at left-back

As already mentioned, most of the key personnel were absent from the match-day squad while those who did play were still building up their fitness.

Nairobi, where the fixture took place, is also a high-altitude location, which would have made it harder for Everton’s players, just six days into pre-season training, to look as sharp as they will probably be when Gameweek 1 comes around.

Mason Holgate, not currently priced up by FPL, but with history on the game, had a particularly poor afternoon, looking especially off the pace and at fault for the Sharks’ opening goal.

Stekelenburg did not look in the kind of form to stand a chance of ousting Pickford from his number one spot as he was less than impressive.

Meanwhile, Jonas Lössl (still not priced by FPL) made his first appearance in an Everton shirt.

The Toffees were much better in the second half as youngster Joe Williams equalised from a free-kick but they still went on to lose on penalties.

12 months ago, Everton began pre-season with a 22-0 win against an unheard of European minnow – and the advice was not to read too much into it. The same should be said about this performance as there is still a long way to go.

Up next for Silva’s men is a trip to FC Sion on Sunday afternoon and with Digne, Pickford and Michael Keane (£5.5m) now back in training as of Tuesday, we could see more of a meaningful encounter in that one.

“It was good, a good experience. We’ve come out here and do what we were supposed to do which was more about fulfilling our obligations. The game at the end of a long week was a nice way to round it off. I enjoyed the short time we had out here. It was a good experience for the younger players to come out and good for the Kenyan lads as well. I’m sure that will be something that will stay with them. The game was a fun type of game and that’s what it was supposed to be.” – Leighton Baines

Everton XI: Stekelenburg (Lössl 45′); Baines (Robinson 45′), Connolly (Astley 45′), Gibson (Markelo 88′), Holgate (Feeney 72′); Davies (J Williams 45′), Schneiderlin (Baningme 45′), A Gomes (Adnerian 45′); Lookman (Broadhead 15′), Niasse (Hornby 45′), Walcott (Bowler 45′).

FC Luzern 1-1 Crystal Palace (5-6 on pens)

Roy Hodgson returned to the country where he made a name for himself in the 1990s

Goals: Christian Benteke (£6.0m)

Assists: Max Meyer (£5.5m)

In contrast to Silva, Roy Hodgson used the majority of his senior first-team players in Crystal Palace’s trip to FC Luzern in Switzerland.

Only five FPL assets were absent for the Eagles and most of them were not involved due either to injury or international duty.

Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m) and James Tomkins (£5.0m) are still sidelined with knocks sustained last season, while Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) and Cheikhou Kouyaté (£5.0m) are competing for Ivory Coast and Senegal respectively at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) was not in the match-day squad and, as yet, there has been no official explanation for his absence, but there’s still plenty of pre-season matches to play.

The match got off to a quick start as Christian Benteke (£6.0m), leading a 4-4-2 formation alongside Connor Wickham (£4.5m), opened the scoring in the second minute.

He rose highest in the air to meet a Max Meyer (£5.5m) cross with his head and find the back of the net.

Max Meyer was one of Palace’s most creative players against Luzern

In the aftermath of Wan-Bissaka’s departure from Selhurst Park, there has been keen interest in who will replace him at right-back.

Youngster Sam Woods, traditionally a centre-back, played the entire 90 minutes in this position while Joel Ward (£4.5m) was used at centre-back and Martin Kelly (£4.0m) joined him at the heart of defence at half-time, to allow Jairo Riedewald another chance to push forward into central midfield.

Obviously, there is only so much we can read into Hodgson’s decision to start Woods at right-back at this early stage, but it’s worth keeping an eye on that position throughout the summer.

As has been mentioned before, we certainly shouldn’t rule out recruitment in that area of the team.

Also getting a 90-minute run-out was Wayne Hennessey (£4.5m). He was unable to stop Luzern equalising in the sixth minute.

It is worth tracking how often he plays during pre-season compared to Guaita, given that he can offer a £0.5m saving on the Spanish goalkeeper.

Meyer and Benteke proved to be the main threats for Palace in the match, the former pulling the strings and the latter asking questions of the Luzern defence.

Neither of them could contribute to another goal for the Eagles though and the encounter finished 1-1 before a 6-5 win on penalties for Palace.

James McArthur (£5.5m), Ward, Kelly, Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m), Alexander Sørloth and Nya Kirby all netted their spot kicks with Hennessey only stopping Luzern’s sixth in sudden death.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Hennessey; van Aanholt (Mitchell 65′), Riedewald, Dann (Ward 45′), Woods; Meyer (Kirby 65′), Milivojevic (McArthur 45′), Dreher (Kelly 45′), Townsend (Schlupp 45′); Benteke (Daly 65′), Wickham (Sørloth 45′).

889 Comments Post a Comment
  1. oi no professionals
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Would you rather:
    A. Jorginho
    B. McGinn
    C. Shoot your own face off with a harpoon

    1. Hart-ake
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      McGinn for sure.

    2. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      C

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

      How much is the harpoon?

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

      B, C, A in that order

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

      This has made my day!

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

        you don't take much pleasing

    6. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Tough choice but C is on set plays so I’ll go for the harpoon in your position.

    7. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for sure

  2. Hart-ake
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling and Deulofeu or KDB and Vardy

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

      This is my dilemma and am currently on Vardy and KDB

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

      KDB, Vardy. Just a gut thing.

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy/Sterling

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

        Gotta be. Go cheap elsewhere.

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

          Salah sterling and Vardy makes the rest of the team bad surely?

          1. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I’m not sure it does...

            Pope
            Robertson Trent Digne Cathcart
            Sterling Salah Moutinho Tielemans
            Vardy Wilson

            Button Fredericks Hayden Greenwood

            Just Moutinho who has less fpl appeal but still got 8 assists last season...

            1. Majestic Chanka
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              And Cathcart

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

                wilson to 6.5 gives you 1.5m to make upgrades there

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

              Awful...

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

        This is what I want but can't do it without downgrading my defence!

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

      B easy

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed

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

      This is tough, all depends on KDB

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

      Looking at it I think it's better to start with Sterling and Deulofeu as KDB is such an unknown, if KDB looks good two free transfers to swap them. Especially with so much value in the Leicester midfield and Sterling's likely high ownership.

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

        KDB is an easy straight swap for son in gw3 of he looks like a lackluster pick.

    7. aapoman
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      This question gets asked on every page lol. But it is a tough one and I'm currently on KDB + Kane

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

      I've gone for KDB + Vardy atm. The main factor behind Sterling is captaincy but I feel confident captaining Salah for most of the start of the season. I also really fancy Vardy to start the season well. Much will depend on how KDB looks in pre-season however

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

    RMT of the first draft?

    Ederson (Button)
    TAA, Robbo, Laporte (Kelly, Rico)
    Siggy, Tielem, Bilva, Salah, Brooks
    Vardy, King (Wickham)

    Zero bench but looking to wildcard in GW4 after winning the mini league first MOTM.

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

      It's set nicely mate with the early WC planned. I've always adopted the same strategy but this season I'm going to hold onto the WC until December if possible. That way I can prepare well for the Xmas fixture pile-up and not feel forced into an early January 2nd WC

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

    Posted slightly late in the old article so repost.

    Last draft for now, think I’m settled.

    Lloris
    VVD - Digne - Zinchenko
    Salah - KdB - Perez - Brooks - Yarmolenko
    Aguero - Deeney

    Have gone for Lloris/Digne/Brooks over Ryan/Coleman/Siggy at the minute. Only thing left for debate is really the 6.5m FWD position, Watford have decent fixtures so happy to risk him and jump on whoever at the start.

    KdB to Siggy would raise another 1.5m but not sure on that one at all.

    Opinions appreciated.

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Or KDB to Bernardo, could raise funds for Deeney to Wilson, not sure on Perez to start, would monitor maybe go tielemans instead.

    2. jayzico
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team bar Deeney and possibly Zink

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

        Not liking many of the 6.5 options so not really sure who I’d go for. previously had a similar team with Jimenez -Lloris. Zinchenko is one I’m monitoring for now.

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

    Kelly is not 4.5, he is 4

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice catch.

  6. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Grant Hanley to play for Norwich in Zimmerman’s absence?

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

      I don't think so, I think it'll be Godfrey... unfortunately.

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

        Godfrey's nailed on regardless. Klose I expect to feature more this year but he also has a niggle so Hanley may well have a good chance to begin with.

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

          A 4.0 starting defender, even if its just for a few weeks, would be lovely. Will monitor.

  7. Over Midwicket
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone doubling up on LEI mids? I have Tielemans and Perez in my team, both at 6.5 offer incredible value.

    Vardy at 9mil seems overpriced in comparison.

    1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy could easily superate 20 goals this season. I'm very happy keeping him at his price. Perez might not be nailed if we sign another winger (we may not, however). Tielemans is class, but I'll always be nervous relying on deeper midfield assets.

    2. Limited & Mediocre Mana…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not interested in any

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

      Agree on Vardy overpriced. Hard to fit in for me and I don't even have both Salah and Sterling. I'd rather have Maddi/Yarmo than Tiels/Perez. Perez in particular is too much of a rotation risk as I see it.

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

        This for me too.

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

      I've got Vardy in atm but like yourself I'm wondering if the mids offer better value.

      The reasons I have Vardy in arm are for flexibility as he's my only expensive forward and because he's the most sure of returns in that attack. I'd hold question marks over the rest.

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

    A: Maddison + VVD
    B: Robertson + Tielemans/Perez

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      A

    3. Edge
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

  9. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Afternoon all! A or B please?

    A) KdB & Tielamans/Perez
    B) Sterling & Dendoncker

    Thanks

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

      Sterling & find the cash

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

  10. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Great Stuff Scouts!
    These articles are invaluable.

  11. Captain Knackered
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pick the bones out of this one please:

    Ryan
    TAA, VVD, Digne, Laporte
    Sterling, B.Silva, Salah, Fraser
    King, DCL

    Button, Dendoncker, Kelly, Greenwood
    0.0ITB

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

      Like the team, maybe Siggy over Bilva but lookin good

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

      Ryan is not a great pick. Ederson will prob pick up 50 more points over the season for 1.5m more.

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

        For extra 1.5 i would much rather upgrade Silva to KDB or King to Wilson then use it on Ederson, I think 9.5 is the absolute max you should be spending on both keepers, 5.5 keepers like Kepa, Lloris or Pickford could easily match Ederson within 10points to him during whole season for 0.5 less.

  12. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    get in my team sam woods

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, you go get yourself some wood.

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

      Easy Tiger.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Exactly how easy is this tiger?

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

      Those FFS spreadsheets give me wood.

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

        What must Crellin's do to you then?

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

          The calendar is useful.

          His FDR schedule is okay, I've think mine is a little better personally.

          The Home/Away stuff isn't much use to me imo.

          Overall, a semi.

  13. Alli 3',17',64�…
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Feeling a bit crazy, how about this for a bench boost GW1 team with the aim to play WC around GW3/4 depending on how the team does.
    It’s actually a pretty sick team imo any improvements?

    Ryan - Heaton
    Azpil - VVD - Robertson - Digne - Laporte
    Fraser - Mili - Bilva - Tielemans - Rich
    Wilson - Jimenez - Deulofeu

    1. Alli 3',17',64�…
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson captain

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

      get in TAA and make him captain.

  14. Rupert The Horse
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson Ryan
    TAA Robbo Digne Laporte Simpson.

    Too much?

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

      I'd have to say yes

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

      If you have Ederson you do not need a second keeper, Ryan to 4.0, rest is ok, quite expensive but might be well worth it, if looking for extra funds simple downgrades like Laporte->Walker, Robbo/TAA -> VVD could do.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ha, I meant Button. Quite happy with it though.

    3. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Show the rest and I'll tell you.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Keep that to myself I reckon.

        1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Fair Play. 🙂

    4. mixology
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      thanks my back 4 and starting gk. planning to stick with it. no need for a 4.5 gk if you have ederson though

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

      I've gone,

      Ederson 4.0
      TAA VVD Laporte Digne

      Bit more balanced.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yes I do have Button, not Ryan. So your team is 0.5 cheaper.

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

      No need for Ryan. As for the rest, I've downgraded Robbo and Digne to VVD and Coleman to fund upgrades elsewhere and I may downgrade Laporte aswell

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not touching Robbo, made the same mistake last year.

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

          That's fair and I'd like to fit him in myself but I'd like to see how strong the rest of your team is first

          1. Rupert The Horse
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Well I have Kane. 😉

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

          Makes sense, Robbo and TAA are the first names on my team sheet.

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

      Nah. good value in defense.

  15. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone think the Fraser/Wilson double act will be a hit again? Sheffield U at home... I’m on it!!

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

      There's got to be one season where Bournemouth don't start by overperforming, surely?

      I'm on King to save $$ but can see the appeal

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Fair comment.
        One of the most unpredictable teams in the Prem. I will omit them from all my betting pursuits this season.

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

          haha so true...I remember last year winning 5-0 at Brighton and a week later losing 1-0 to Fulham at home.
          Or winning 4-0 from Chelsea, then a few days later losing 2-0 to Cardiff.

          1. Warby84
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Probably just stick with one haha, that’ll be Wilson

          2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            this.

  16. JonGTFC
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (Ryan)
    TAA Laporte Digne (Diop Aarons)
    JWP Zaha Sterling Siggy (Dendoncker)
    Kane Jiminez King

    Thoughts? Lack of LIV attacking coverage to start a bit worrying

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

      Yeah I definitely think you could make some downgrades across the board to fund a Salah/Mane. Straight off the bat you can find an extra 1.5 by downgrading your bench

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

      You don't have a starting GK
      Midfield is weak
      Don't like Jiminez and King
      3/10

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Both starting keepers I reckon, just try and squeeze Salah in somehow..

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

          I'm expecting Heaton to leave (which would provide another handy 4.5 option). Can't see me getting Salah in without sacrificing one of Sterling or Kane. And its not going to be Sterling. Will drop at least one of my 4.5 defs once i see a regular 4.0 playing

  17. Godfrey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Am I seriously considering Chicharito...

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

      Dunno, but apparently you are playing for Norwich https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/20420088

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That's got Dads Army written all over it.

    3. MIDDLEMAN
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm tempted...

      King / walker vs cheech / laporte

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

      He only scores in the box & has been a spare leg outside it, so I would not expect him to be a regular starter.

  18. Khark
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Heyup Lads, been tinkering for a week or so before re-logging on here. An RMT would be useful, got my big hitters in but still dont feel content.

    Pickford
    TAA AWB El-Mohammady
    Sterling Salah Zaha Tielemens Djenepo
    Aubameyang King

    (Stekelenberg, Nketiah, Simpson, Kelly)

    The bench is all completely 4.0 & 1 x 4.5 fodder that wont play.Thanks

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

      Elmo probably wont play - Villa have a new RB. Otherwise sound (i have no idea who Djenepo is), i think unless United invest more in defence there's better 5.5 def's than AWB

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

        Thanks for the Elmo heads up.

        Djenepo is Southamptons new midfielder, quite attacking and seems a Hassenhuttl type of player. Obviously unproven in the prem but its a risk im willing to take - could fly in price or could bomb. Thanks

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

          Monitor pre season re El Mohamady.

          Guilbert is also in contention, but Elmo played a blinder in the Play-Off final so may be given a run in the first team.

        2. Warby84
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Apparently is so fast he left the ball behind in the AFCON

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

          So Djenepo is the new Elyounoussi. Awesome

  19. Warby84
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I’m pretty happy now with this team feel it’s pretty balanced

    Pope Button
    Trent Robertson Digne Cathcart | Fredericks
    Salah Sterling Moutinho Tielemans | Hayden
    Wilson Vardy | Greenwood

    Tempted by brooks over Tielemans, but happy as a GW1 team.. Any tweaks??? Or good for now...

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

      Quite like that. A little taken aback by how popular Tielemans is becoming. And Leicesters fixtures arent nice (although that has helped Vardy in previous seasons)

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I don’t see Chelsea and Utd as that tough, Lampard in first season could get turnt over by a decent Leicester side, I’m happy with it for the first 2 weeks till a little mini WC GW3

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

      No first choice keeper.

  20. Daniel100Maerkl
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone have a good pick for a 4.5 mid that isn't a 2 point pony.
    Perhaps from a promoted side?

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

      Matty Targett. The guy's crosses are class. Will definitely get some decent hauls over the season.

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I’ve been on and off him so far still might tempt me over WH

    2. Drop Dead Tsimikas
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m going Max Aarons as a fourth defender, myself.

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

      Yeah there's a few 4.5 defenders that have potential for returns, but the mids look rubbish. Dendoncker/Hayden the best of a bad bunch

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

      4.5m midfielders are 4.5 for a reason, you know!

  21. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Balance over big names?

    Ryan - Gunn
    VvD - PvA - Ake - Aarons - Kelly
    Salah - Bilva - Tielemans - Zaha - Brooks
    King - Deu - Aguero

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

      Downgrade one attacker or midfielder. 6.5 is too expensive for the bench at the start

      1. Drop Dead Tsimikas
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, you’ve got a point...

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah and upgrade Kelly, (maybe pva)

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

      id get an everton mid instead of bilva
      and agree on downgrading one of ur attackers and putting that money is def or goal

    4. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I quite like that team actually.
      It's almost Maverick, but pleasantly so.

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

    Top Article. Cheers!

  23. LangerznMash
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If Milner starts....
    Salah off pens - Mane becomes better option for 1.0m less
    TAA off set pieces - VVD becomes better option for 0.5m less
    Milner himself at only 5.5m becomes a great value pick.

    Liverpool fan at work says Milner set all the best records on preseason fitness tests and is adamant he will start the 1st match.

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      But Salah could still get a hat-trick, without a penalty...

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      This is total nonsense, Trent crosses from open play not just the set piece..

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

        You clearly didn't read the article of Milner's impact on TAA point return, or dismissed it as nonsense whatever.

    3. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Quick get Milner in.

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

      If Milner was nailed he's be a great pick.

      But he's not, so he's not.

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

    Would you rather:

    A) Kane (11m) + Firmino (9.5m) (4-3-3)
    B) Vardy (9m) + Mane (11.5m) (4-4-2)

    Leaning towards A) at the moment, haven't seen a lot of love for Firmino for whatever reason and need at least one Liverpool attacker in my team. Just think Kane at £11m is too good to pass up considering he's bookies favourite for the golden boot!

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

      B for me

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Depends on who ypur other premiums are, for me it will be Sterling and Salah which I will captain most weeks, so there is no point in paying 11m for someone who will not be capped.

      I'm firmly on Vardy bandwagon.

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

        De Bruyne is my only other Captain choice really, spread my money out this year

        Alisson
        Robertson-Mendy-Digne-Azpi-(O'Connell)
        De Bruyne-Zaha-Siggy-(Trybull)-(Romeu)
        Kane-Firmino-King

        Just feel like the value will be in Kane this year but it's probably a big risk.

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

          I cant even explain how much i dislike this. Which makes your team maverick, and who knows, you could be the one laughing.

          Each to their own though, definitely not for me.

        2. el polako
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          In this set up Kane makes sense, go for it.

    3. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It’s Marathon not a sprint, think he’s worth scouting for now, as I can’t find anyway to get an 11m striker in my team as it stands

  25. YayaTeke
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Kane & Siggurdson
    B) Sterling & King

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

      A

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

      A

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

      B

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

      A by a mile.

  26. The Big Fella
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Why do people have Pope in their teams? Is Heaton not 1st choice?

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

      Heaton might be first choice if he goes to Villa. Won't sign a contract at Burnley because he isn't first choice.
      With decent early fixtures and no Europa, for me, Pope is the pick of the 4.5 cheap goalies.

      1. Warby84
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Pope is epic..

      2. The Big Fella
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I went with Ryan because he's a good keeper, save points and Brighton have great opening fixtures too. Might consider Pope now.....

  27. It's his Job.
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If you could only pick 1 of each who would it be in a balanced squad

    A-Salah or Mane
    B-Sterling or Bilva/KDB
    C-TAA or Robertson/VVD
    D-Coleman or Digne
    E-Siggy or Richarlison
    F-Maddison or Tielemans/Perez
    G-Aguero or Kane
    H-Jiminez or Jota
    I-King or Wilson
    J-Zinchenko or Mendy
    K-Pickford or Lloris

    Thanks thats my 11 decided.

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

      If you have 105m then pick the most expensive of each obviously

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

      My 9/11 are:
      B)KDB
      C)Gomez
      D) Digne
      F) Madison
      G) Kane
      H) Jota
      I) King
      J) Mendy
      K) Pickford

      For A) vote for Salah, E) vote for Rich.

      1. It's his Job.
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Im on Richarlison but not sering much love there considering the decent fixtures.

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

      Salah, Sterling, Robbo, Digne, Siggy, Tielmans, Kun, Jota, Wilson, None, Lloris

  28. Waddlinho
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    This is where I am at the moment.

    Pickford (Button)
    TAA-VVD-Coleman-Zinchenko (Kelly)
    Salah-Sterling-Brooks-Tielemans (Dendocker)
    Vardy-King (Wickham)

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

      It's a great team mate. Double Everton could be bold or gold but I don't think anyone could pick any holes here unless pre-season tells you anything different

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

        Thanks. Not entirely sure about Zinchenko, but a good 5,5 defender should emerge during the pre-season.

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

    Hi all. In previous seasons I have always used my WC early and my GW 1 team was set accordingly in the hope to get off to a good start. This year I'm looking to hold onto this until December. Mainly so I can use it wisely over the Christmas fixture pile-up. Also last season, bandwagons such as Rashford, Son, Pogba emerged to name a few and I missed some big points. Every time I have used an early WC, I always pressure myself into using the 2nd WC in January to catch a break. I actually finished the season strongly without the 2nd WC but I had to plan my ass off around the DGWs with my other chips.

    I have already seen many RMT posts who go on to mention WC GW 3/4.

    Is anyone else looking to hold off from using an early WC or have any other structures you're hoping to stick to with this?

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

      People are investing heavily in defence so are getting dross benches to partly compensate (as well as convincing themselves 6.0-7.0 options are much better than they actually are) - this is leading to likely early WCs I think/hope. Picking a strong squad will hopefully mean I can hold WC until much later which hopefully is the better long-term play.

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

        I have to agree Jarvish. That said I am starting with VVD,TAA, Laporte and Digne but i'll have no qualms in moving one on. The WC will definitely stay in my back pocket with a more patient approach from me

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

          The value looks to be in the defenders this year, so that's fair enough. I just think people with no bench are asking for trouble as it will only take a couple of injuries/rotations for template players for the WCs to be reached for en masse.

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

            I hear you pal. I tend to agree with dirt cheap benches though but 2 of them need to be playing for sure. If I could hold off from making a transfer after the first GW, then in GW3 surely 2 FT's would be beneficial. This would stop us jumping on any 1 week wonders

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      BB g/w1
      W/C g/w2. Unless I nailed it and will transfer the chuff in.

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

      I once did the gw1 special team, then WC to catch all the silly price rises.
      Total disaster as GW1 tends to be very unpredictable & then saddled myself with half a team of 1 week wonders.
      Was still trying to shake off the last of them come Xmas.

      Not as much fun, but the regular high OR players seem to go template early doors and not too crazy on transfers holding off WC till an International break when its clearer which players & teams are starting strong.

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

        I also think the first international break clouds our judgement and it feels like a great time to WC and tinker relentlessly. I know early WCs can work for disasterous starts but I'm bringing more patience to my game this year. I tried to gain the odd FT and make 2 or 3 transfers with it last season but I was too itchy fingered with transfers last season. Not so much hits but the plan went out the window

    4. The Big Fella
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I always WC late in November/December. The trick is not to bandwagon in the first week i.e. if somebody gets a flukey brace then don't just bring them in immediately (unless it is Aguero etc. but then it is probably not flukey). Remember, you don't get last week's points and then wait until the 2nd week and then do mini-WC with 3 transfers for a -4

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

        Yes mate I just said something similar to Jarvish before reading your comment. 🙂

    5. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Just make a good, long-term team and hold your wildcard for when you need it. If that's GW6 or GW21 it doesn't matter.

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

        The latest you can play your first Wildcard is for GW20.

  30. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    prmt
    Ryan
    Walker TAA Robbo DIgne
    Salah(C) KDB Siggy Maddison
    Vardy King

    Button Dendonker Kelly Nketiah

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

      It's a quality setup mate. Nketiah may get less minutes than Greenwood this season (looking at OGS lastest comments about Greenwood. But that's not a factual comment. Well played

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

      Tinkling with my team a lot, but currently have something similar to this. These are the only differences in our teams.
      Ryan > Ederson
      Walker > Laporte
      King > Coleman
      Robbo > VVD
      Vardy > Wilson

      Constantly changing mind you. Wilson/Vardy means IF it's needed can switch to Kane. One problem with your team could be Walker, as City look to be chasing Cancelo. Would love Zinchenko to be nailed but seems too risky.

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

        Tinkering* Tinkling? Lolmao.