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

    A. Digne and VVD
    B. Coleman and Robertson ?

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

      B

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

      A

    3. Blunder fc
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B or better coleman and taa

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

        This

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

      B

    5. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      nothing in it really, feel like A is more explosive (better chance of them two scoring)

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

      A.

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

      VVD Robertson and Digne

    8. Thinkering like a Boss
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B looks tempting

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

      A.

  2. SH1M1
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Mendy 'should' be nailed right ? (If Fit)

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

      In theory, yes. There's a lot of belief that Zinchenko might start ahead, certainly at the beginning of the season. Don't let Mendy's price fool you.

    2. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Zinchenko is just better than him

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        imo

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

        Agree, he fits in better with a pep style. Mendy is loose on the ball and lacks discipline.

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

      Depends if the fold broad has made up with him yet.

  3. A.T
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Wotcha

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

      Alright Duncan disorderly

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

    Which one:

    A) Laporte, KDB and Siggy
    B) Coleman, Sterling and Pererya/Townsend/6.0 mid

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

      A

      I’m loving the KdB Siggy look.

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

        Feels so long since I saw him (KDB) play that I think I am forgetting how good he is. If he stays fit for the season he is a shoe in for 200 points. Will have had all summer to get fit too.

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

          Half thinking about holding back on him for a few weeks to see how he holds up - I’d be keeping Siggy but getting Vardy up top.

  5. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Alright lads rip it to shreds:

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA VVD Laporte Digne Azpilicueta
    Salah Sterling Sigurdsson Zaha (Dendoncker)
    King (Wickham, Greenwood)

    Only real changes I'm considering are Azpilicueta+Ryan>Smith+Ederson or Azpilicueta+Greenwood>Kelly+Deulofeu (switch to 4-4-2).

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

      Yeah ditch Azpi for a city D

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

      Not double city defence in my book. Waste of resources - I’m looking for premium defenders who return at both ends. If no Mendy that’s just Laporte if at all. It’s a lot of money to pay for cs.

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

        You'd certainly want 2 Liverpool defenders. One citizen to make up your compulsory complement of defenders is sensible. If you're committed to a cheap goalie then leave it at that but if you want points at the end of the season, Ederson is a more-than sensible option.

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

      I would do:
      Ryan > Pope
      Laporte > Walker
      Zaha > Fraser

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

      I like it

    5. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      so basically Azpi v Deulofeu? not much in it really, if Kelly plays then Deulo probably makes more sense

  6. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How’s she looking? Fraser can likely go after first 2 weeks for whichever Lei mid (or other) is looking the best.

    Heaton (Button)
    TAA VVD Coleman Zinchenko (Gibson)
    Salah Sterling Fraser (Dendoncker Romeu)
    Vardy King Deulofeu

    At least 2 playing subs, starting XI should all be nailed (will monitor Zinchenko), managed salah Sterling Vardy and a strong defence and fairly flexible in terms of being able to make moves. Obvious omission is Sigurdsson

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

      Sex on crutches.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Huh

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

          I like it.

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

      Like it too. Sigurdsson is the one I'm trying to fit in as well.

      1. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        cheers lad

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

    Any compelling reason why most people are choosing TAA ahead of Robbo?

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

      Set pieces and better PPM

    2. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Robbo injured

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

        oh is he? Wasn't aware of that, thanks!

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

        Eh?
        TAA's matured a lot - he'll get more gametime and most probably outscore Robbo.

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

          Alice through the stocking glass.

        2. MYNAMEISBigtopmark.sman
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Robbo is injured.

          Hence i dont have him.

          I also have trent. Was not saying anthing negative about him.

          When robbo is back i will have both.

          Anyones guess who scores more. But think they both score tons.

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

      Where are you seeing this data?

      On the FPL site Robertson is at nearly 40% ownership with TAA below 30%?

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

        I think he means on this forum. Most of us have TAA. I guess we're smarter than the autobots.

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

          Ah yep that would explain - the good old practise of making conclusions without any objective data to support them 🙂

  8. The Polymath
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Have we had a "Is Sterling worth the extra 2.5 million over KDB" article?

    What do you think? Is he?

    1. Mixed Bag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why not have both?

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

      Sterling is priced at 26% more than KDB. If KDB can stay fit and get around 200 points as he has done when playing a fairly full season Sterling would need to get 252 points to match his value.

      1. SADIO SANÉ
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        depends how well KDB does when captained I guess, Sterling is more likely to score and therefore easier to captain

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

        Sterling is clearly capable of this sort of return and offers another captaincy option. KDB staying fit for a whole season is a big assumption given how little he played last year. Having said all this I currently have Vardy and KDB over Deulofeu and Sterling but that has more to do with my faith in Vardy.

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

        I'm paying the extra 26% for a captain option. 252 points at 6.9ppm is 36.5 games- it's possible.

        Cue the debate of KdB having his mins managed.

    3. g40steve
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, going by previous seasons only getting better.
      Could be the highest scoring player this year?

    4. Mixed Bag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      People forget that before last season KDB had underperformed for goals, he hit the woodwork loads and Pep was talking him up to get 15 goals last year.

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

      I think it’s that old captaincy chestnut

      Sterling’s “net” scores, i.e. inclusive of captaincy, should be well in excess of 400 points

      KDB’s net scores would do well to be over 200 (Assuming most would be hesitant to Captain KDB)

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

        Bingo.

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

      Hes not worth it unless you cap him. I wouldnt cap him over Salah in most games due to rotation risk.

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

        Vc

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

      I'm tearing my hair out over it.

      Is KDB and Vardy not better than Sterling and Tielemans?
      I get the captaincy problem but I have Salah and then Vardy with no worry of Sterling's rotation

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

    I think FPL have forgotten to add Jonas Lössl that joined Everton from Huddersfield. By my reckoning, he'd be either second or third choice to Pickford.

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

    Think I've finally found my final draft, at least until we know more from pre-season. Any feedback would be really appreciated:

    Ryan/Button
    TAA, Vin Dijk, Azpi, Coleman, Mendy
    Sterling, KdB, Salah, Brooks, Dendoncker
    King, X Silva, Wickham.

    Thanks!

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

      I'd be a little concerned if King doesn't play you have 10 players effectively

    2. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      x silva>?

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

      1 striker is too risky imo

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

      I have a similar setup currently.

      Gunn (Button)
      TAA, VVD, Digne, Coleman, Laporte
      Siggy, KDB, Salah, Fraser (Dendoncker)
      Vardy, (X Silva, Greenwood)

      Pretty certain on 5 at the back. Constantly switching between Vardy/Wilson/Kane?/King? and Fraser/Maddison/Perez/Bilva etc.

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

        Yeah I'm going through exactly the same dilemma. My preference would be to start with Wilson or Vardy, but I think KdB is going to end up best value in the game and Sterling and Salah are musts.

        One option could be to wait and see what happens with Mendy and Zinchenko and then downgrade to one of those from Laporte. Could potentially mean an upgrade up front.

        I had a way to get Kane in but meant sacrifices in midfield.

  11. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Why will the 5th of the PL likely go to CL next season?

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

      There are Champions League places for any side that:

      1) Finishes top 4 in PL
      2) Wins Champions League
      3) Wins Europa League

      So between 4-6 places

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

        4-5*
        If a team wins CL & doesn't finish in top 4 that season, only top 3 automatically qualify for CL imo

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

          4th too

          If both europa and ucl winners finish outside top 4 then 4th misses out

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

            Ohh
            Thank you for clarification 🙂

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

        There cant be 6 places. If both EL and CL winners fall outside of top 4, then 4th loses out.

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

          Didn't know they had amended the rule.

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

      They won't.

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

    A or B please guys?

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

    Thanks

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

      A - B puts a lot of emphasis on Sterling to make up for a lots of 2 and 3s from Dendocker

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

        Thanks Miguel

      2. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        this

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

        What if instead of Dendoncker it is Kelly in a 5-3-2?

        With Dendoncker deputising when Kelly doesn't play?

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

          Well Kelly won't play so you'd be effectively starting Donkey every match for a 2-point return. If you have no other playing benchies, you're in trouble.

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

            Tomkins and Sakho injured and AWB gone, so surely has to play?

            He started the last 7 or 8 games last season

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

              Will they both still be injured in a month? Will Palace not reinforce? You could be right but as of today I wouldn't depend on it.

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

                True, I'm guessing your A then?

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

                  No, Kelly wasn't in your options. Of the 2 I'd go B

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

                    Ok interesting.

                    Just noticed Sakho and Tomkins have "Unknown return dates" so could be injured for the start

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

      A

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

    Ryan
    TAA Laporte Digne Robbo
    Salah Sigurd Perez Sterling
    Deleufeu King

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

      Template

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

        I’m a bit worried about no primo striker. So when Aguero or Kane start scoring I can’t get them in. So a worse looking team with Aguero and Salah might be more flexible. You can then easily get the best primo attack or mid without transfers.

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

      Template

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

    Can Tielemans @ 6.5m be a alternative to Vardy if it means to upgrade some soft spots in the team because of Vardy inclusion ???
    i.e.
    A. Vardy + 5.5m Midfielder
    OR
    B. Tielemans + Wilson
    Or
    C. Tielemans + Wood/Jota + expensive GK instead of Ryan/Heaton

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

      Can Tielemans @ 6.5m be a alternative to Vardy

      Not for me. Tielemans will be sharing duties with Perez, Maddy, Barnes and Gray to feed Vardy, but Vardy will put the goals away.

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

        Hmmm
        Agreed. I might be overthinking
        Vardy looks so promising 😮

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

      For me Tielemans’ output is unsustainable

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

        @ 6.5m i think he's one of the best assets.
        Vardy is in different league though agreed with fpl potential

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

          Oh I totally agree he’s the best asset at 6.5. Remarkable player but his underlying stats aren’t particularly great

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

            Yep
            Plays deep too.

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

        Looking at the stats on the Leicester mids it certainly looks that way.

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

      Prefer B from the options

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

        Thank you mate

  15. Thinkering like a Boss
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any feedback pls?

    Ryan
    Walker, VVD, A.Smith
    Salah, KDB, Siggy, Pulisic, Yarmolenko
    Kane, King

    Button | Monreal, Wickham, Kelly

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

      Get rid of Monreal. Pulisic & Yarmolenko are wait and see options for me

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Which 5.0 def is the best?

        Pulisic & yarmolenko just temporary placeholder. could be Zaha/Sanchez & Brooks/Perez/Tielemans

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

          Probably Ake. Christensen at Chelsea if he’s nailed though

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

    Thoughts?

    Heaton/Pope Woodman

    TAA Robbo Digne Zinchenko Hanley

    Salah Sterling KDB Tielemans/Perez Dendoncker

    King DCL Greenwood

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

      Like it 4-4-2? My only concerns would be Zinchenko & DCL

      1. Thinkering like a Boss
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        this

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

        DCL is an issue. Mainly a punt for Everton’s good fixtures and hope they don’t sign a striker

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

          Also I think (hope) Zinchenko gets first choice

          1. FC Hakkebøf
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I don't think that is gonna happen to be honest. If Mendy is fit surely he is gonna be the first choice. He is a natural leftback and has much better offensive qualities running up and down the wing compared to Zinchenko. You need to have a backup plan by the very least.

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

              Luckily for me though I have just under a month to decide my full squad. This will all be torn to shreds anyways when Sterling inevitably gets injured in pre season

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

      Thanks for the reply earlier btw, love the Sterling and KdB double up!

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

      I'd monitor Zinchenko. Looks OK.

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

      A 4-4-2. Mostly fine but DCL is too weak to have every week. I'd switch Rob or TAA or Digne to VVD or Coleman and upgrade DCL to Jota or Deulofeu.

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

        I’m avoiding Jota, & Deulofeu doesn’t really fill me with much inspiration

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

          That's fine. I think they'll haul more than DCL.

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

            Over the course of the season, yeah most likely. However for the first few weeks before a wildcard he could get a few returns before a proper budget asset emerges

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

      Like it
      Zenchinko if first choice can be great value

  17. OPTA FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 5.5M defender?

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

      Doesn't exist !!
      (I'm in search for one too*)

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

        For some reason, i read Midfielder 😕
        Sorry

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

      Coleman for a nailed-on one.
      By the time GW1 starts one of Zinchenko, Matip or Gomez will rise above him.

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

      Zinchenko if nailed (I think he is 1st choice), Trippier if he stays, Coleman, Vertonghen

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

      Coleman

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

      Coleman. Spurs defenders if you can ride out or rotate for a couple of sticky fixtures.

  18. RomeluStormzy
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    This is my second draft.

    Pope/Heaton (Button)
    Robertson VVD Zinchenko Digne (Kelly)
    Salah Sterling Bilva Tielemans Siggy
    King (bench) (fodder)

    Main concern is the likes of Wickham coming in if king is injured.

    What do you guys reckon?

    I could do Sterling and Tielemans 》Vardy and KDB

  19. Ohh1454
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4.5m defender for first six weeks ?

    1. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very slim pickings. I'm currently looking at Adam Smith and Balbuena which should give you some indication.

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

      Maybe Dunk, Lowton, Taylor, Diop, Smith, Bednarek. There's loads of possibilities, but they're 4.5 for a reason!

  20. MANGE TOUT RODNEY
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    My current thoughts/musings... (rather than a RMT)

    1. If Heaton goes to Villa then a Heaton/Pope rotation is very tempting.
    2. I still prefer Richarlison over Siggy. (sorry)
    3. Still haven't decided between Kane and Aguero.
    4. Might go Walker over Laporte.
    5. The 4.5m defenders are very slim pickings. Adam Smith?? Balbuena/Diop??
    6. Josh King locked in.
    7. Is Zaha going to Arsenal and if so his ownership will go crazy.
    8. At the moment I have JWP in my team and I really don't know why.
    9. I'm not getting all the Leicester chat/hype.
    10. This will all go out the window on an early Wildcard anyway.

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

      The life and times of Reginald Perrin.

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

      1. Sure, but I would prefer just set and forgetting whoever stays at Burnley
      2. Not much between them despite then Siggy hype on here. Personally think Fraser is a better pick than both at 0.5 less.
      3. Kane purely because he will play more minutes
      4. If you really need the 0.5 I guess. Cancelo is probably coming in though
      5. All crap
      6. Dont like the pick but understandable to end up with him in a Salah + Kane/Aguero/Sterling team.
      7. Agreed but its not like Emery played his best players all the time last year.
      8. Not a bad pick at his price. Rather have Yarmo though, recently got the #7 jersey which indicates a first team role.
      9. People are hoping Brendon will play attacking football like at Liverpool and Vardy could go off. I see the Vardy hype, but not the midfielders
      10. Yes 😀

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

    Re the article:

    Ward was substituted in at HT and played RB the full second half. It was Woods who was moved to CB for the last 45.

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

      Just for stretching the legs. Too early to draw conclusions.

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

        It was in effect a shadow side featuring a number of youth players . The match this weekend against Young Boys should be slightly closer to the real deal.

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

    Pogba overlooked on here? Or are people just assuming he will leave?

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

      Well he's not exactly in the mood, to say the very least!

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

      I'll miss him like a hole in my heads.

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

      Hes jst .5 more than Siggy. Bargain bin if he stays. Hes in my team right now and I quite like it.

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

        Will be fun to see Pogs and Alexis in the midfield together.
        "I don't want it" "Well I don't want it" "Well I don't want it" "Oh just pass it back to McTominay".

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

          Pogbas biggest problem last season and particularily at the tail end was dallying too much on the ball and running into trouble carrying it forward instead of passing it on.

  23. Tigers Time
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Going by fixtures only would tripling up on Everton (Digne, Coleman & Siggy) and Bournemouth (King, Wilson & Brookes) be madness?

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

      Yes

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

      Maybe, or could be genius.

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

      Looking at the first 10 fixtures

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

      Double Everton defense is a recipe for disaster.. Triple BOU could work out but its many eggs in the same basket.

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

      Judging by fixtures, no. But it is wise not to put all your eggs in one basket

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

        I'm totally into eggs. I've been putting my eggs into the basket for years, since back in the old days when every post would blather on about 'coverage'. Right now I'm starting with 3xLIV, 3xCITY and 3XLEI

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

          Have to agree its gold when it works out. TOTW players all through

        2. FC Hakkebøf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Bold with 3x Leicesters imo.

  24. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Question for the mods: For the last six months or so, I have been unable to use a number of features on the site when using my MacBook on Safari - notably, when I click on "Account" or "Log-in" in the top right, the drop down box doesn't appear and a number of the widgets on the front page don't work. I've found work-arounds, namely clicking the "log-in to reply to message" link on a comment to sign in to my account or accessing the season ticker directly through the member's section. Was wondering if there's any reason that springs to mind regarding why this may be happening?

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

      I wonder if it's just a caching problem or something - maybe try clearing that?

      Does this happen in private browsing? That's often a good indication

      1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cleared my cache and opened up this website in private browsing and still haven't the same issue unfortunately. Any other tips?

        1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          *still having

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

            The other thing I wonder is if you have it on mobile settings instead of desktop. Do you know which view you're using?

            1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I'm not entirely sure how to check that. If it helps, since this issue has arisen, whenever I click on reply, I am getting two separate boxes in which to type my comment.

              https://imgur.com/a/SELtWBr

            2. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Geoff, here is an imgur link to a video I've just captured showing the issue I'm having. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

              https://imgur.com/a/jmM2b5S

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

                What adblock extension are you running? That’s very likely your culprit. Give the site a try with it disabled?

                1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  I thought that may be the case, and so disabled it for this site - unfortunately didn’t solve the issue.

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

                That's so strange.

                I wonder if anyone else is having this problem? Never seen this before.

                It does really make me think it's gotta be something local but I can't suggest what. Some saved setting I would think. Is it the same on other browsers?

                1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  How would I go about ensuring I am on desktop mode rather than mobile?

                  The site works like a gem on my mobile (also Safari) and is perfectly fine on other browsers on my MacBook. Just seems to be desktop safari where it’s having a hissy fit.

                  Not disastrous if you can’t think of a fix - I’ve found my work arounds and have coped with them for the last few months.

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

      It's a bit of a long shot, but have you got any extensions installed? If so, try disabling them and enable them one by one to see if one is being naughty.

      Safari -> Preferences -> Extensions tab

      As the problem is browser specific, it's probably something with the Safari settings somewhere.

      1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It seems like you've found the issue, thank you!

        As Rainy mentioned above, it looks like my adblock was causing the issue. Strangely, disabling it for this site alone - as I tried previously - doesn't fix my problem, but disabling it entirely from Safari -> Preferences -> Extensions gets it working perfectly again... pretty unclear why that's the case as you'd think whitelisting this site would be enough to prevent the issues occurring.

        I'll see if I can have a rummage around the settings of the extension itself and identify what is causing that issue.

        For you guys reference, my adblock extension is uBlock Origin - in case anybody else runs into the issue down the line.

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

          At least you know where the problem is now.

          You can try removing it and re-installing. Unlikely, but you never know.

          1. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Many thanks for your assistance, as well as Geoff and Rainy's. Much appreciated.

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

              No probs. 🙂

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

          As an alternative, Ghostery seems to work with no issues 🙂

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

    The likes of Amey still around? Come rip the draft I've been settled on for longest (5-3-2)

    Lloris
    Robbo, TAA, VVD, Walker, Digne
    KDB, Richar, Brooks
    Kane, King

    Norris, Yarmo, Jorginho, Greenwood

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

      *Anderson, not Yarmo on the bench. Yarmo would free up an additional 1M

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

      Taken off to Broadmoor, last I heard.

      1. Party time
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hahaha Broadmoor hospital most definitely

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

            You'll enjoy the company.

            1. Party time
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Oui but In your skulls

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

                  🙂

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

          I think you’re budget is too diluted across the players and you’re simultaneously given yourself a benching headache and missing out on better players.

          Downgrade one of Yar or Jor (or both) and upgrade your midfield.

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

            Agree

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

        Do we have any Frasers this year? i.e a consistent 5.5 player

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

          Not until the season gets going.

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

            Looks pretty depressing under 6m for the mids this year

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

          We didn't know Fraser would be a Fraser this time last year. That's why he was 5.5

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

            we did though, he was in everyones first draft

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

          I'll tell you on 2nd Jan 2020

        4. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          El-Ghazi 🙂

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

            Nice pick I think

            1. G-Whizz
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • Has Moderation Rights
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Could be gold but I'm happy to wait on him from the start...

      3. Obi-1 Kenobi-0
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Regarding Leicester, when Rodgers was at Liverpool, he used a 4-1-2-1-2 after switching from a 4-3-3.

        Last season, he was forced into playing Vardy as a lone forward as his options for a strike partner were limited to say the least. Having had a summer to recruit and model the team to his own image, I fancy him to revert to the 4-1-2-1-2, lining up like this:

        Schmeichel
        Pereira Maguire Evans Chilwell
        Ndidi
        Tielemans Mendy/Choudhury
        Maddison
        Vardy Perez

        I'll believe this even more if they bring in another CM to replace Mendy/Choudhury. Fancy Gray and Barnes to be impact players off the bench. If this is the case, Perez will be gold.

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

          Personally i think perez is there to give Vardy more rest time.

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

            That shouldn't be a concern for the first few games

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

          Could well be. After his constant tinkering with formations end of last season and now acquiring Perez, I'll be monitoring pre-season closely. Currently got 3 Foxes pencilled into my squad - Vardy, Perez and Tilly.

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

        A- Walker & TAA
        B- VVD & Laporte

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

          A for me

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

            Thanks, thats what i'm thinking. Less security but higher ceiling.

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

              Even though b comfortably outscored a last season.... plus Walker unlikely to be no.1 come start

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

          B

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

            A

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

          Are City not looking to 'replace' Walker with Cancelo? Laporte and Ederson seem to be the only safe route into City's defence.

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

        Zappacosta at 4.5

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

          Won't start.

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

            But might if Lampard wants more attacking fullbacks like he had at Derby. James is injured.

      6. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Any interest in Old Man Murray (6.0) for the first 5 GWs?

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

          Haven't seen him mentioned since last season, so potentially a good diff.

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

          why the first 5 specific?

          1. mattyb09
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Decent fixtures...3 favorable home matches

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

          Waiting to see if Potter rates him