Scout Notes

Keen interest in new-look Chelsea side under Lampard

Bohemians 1-1 Chelsea

Goals: Michy Batshuayi

Assists: Kenedy

Fantasy Premier League managers were reminded of the wealth of options available to Frank Lampard’s Chelsea team in their first pre-season match.

With most of last season’s regulars absent, the Blues drew 1-1 with Irish side Bohemians on Wednesday evening.

The result was not too encouraging, but at this early stage of pre-season, it’s important not to read too much into such things.

Instead, it’s more important, especially in the case of Chelsea, to examine which players were and were not involved – as well as Lampard’s tactics.

At this admittedly early stage of his time as the Blues’ boss, he initially deployed his players in a 4-2-3-1 formation, finally taking the club away from Maurizio Sarri’s favoured 4-3-3.

A 4-1-4-1 was used in the second half, but this featured more peripheral figures.

Against Bohemians, Lampard also encouraged his players to apply a high press when they were without the ball and when in possession they were much more direct than in the 2018/19 season.

However, we will have to see these tactics utilised when more first-team players are involved before we can say with certainty that Lampard wants to use them in Gameweek 1.

As already mentioned, most of last season’s key assets were absent.

Antonio Rüdiger (£6.0m), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (£6.5m) and Callum Hudson-Odoi (£6.0m) all missed out due to injury.

Meanwhile, Willian (£7.0m) and Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) are yet to join up with the squad after involvement in the Copa America and CONCACAF Gold Cup with Brazil and USA respectively.

Only six options currently priced up by FPL were in the matchday squad on Wednesday night. We have updated the Google spreadsheet cataloguing their pre-season minutes.

Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) and Pedro (£7.0m) were the biggest names to feature from the start.

After 12 months of right-back duties under Sarri, new manager Frank Lampard returned Azpilicueta to a centre-back role, which could have some interesting implications for the rest of pre-season.

Obviously, there is still a long way to go, but if the Spaniard ends up being preferred at centre-back, it would leave a vacancy in the right-back position.

It was youngster Dujon Sterling who started there against Bohemians but Davide Zappacosta (£4.5m) was handed the role for the second half.

If the Italian were to hold down a starting position in the Chelsea defence this season he could provide exceptional value, so we should definitely continue to monitor him and Azpilicueta during pre-season.

Crucially, the match with Bohemians reminded Fantasy managers just how many players will be at Chelsea’s disposal in 2019/20.

Fantasy managers should track where Azpilicueta is stationed during pre-season matches this summer

It was Michy Batshuayi who scored their only goal of the game to highlight that the centre-forward battle is between three players for the 2019/20 season.

Olivier Giroud (£7.0m) is the only one to have been priced up by FPL so far but Tammy Abraham and Batshuayi, returning from loans at Aston Villa and Crystal Palace respectively, will also be in the fight.

Monitoring each of these players during pre-season will be vital, to see which one claims the number one spot given the potential bargain on offer.

In defence, former Newcastle loanee Kenedy was deployed at left-back to throw his name into the hat for competition there.

Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) already faces the challenge of Emerson Palmieri (£5.5m) so there is definitely uncertainty on that side of the defence, although Kenedy is also capable of playing on the left of midfield.

As Fantasy managers clamour for Everton assets, especially in defence, Chelsea’s match in Ireland provided a chastening reminder of the Toffees’ missing puzzle piece.

Kurt Zouma (not currently priced by FPL) was deployed at centre-back in the second half as his future continues to hang in the balance.

Marco Silva is reportedly hoping to bring the Frenchman to Goodison Park on a permanent deal but this pre-season will give us an indication of whether Lampard will let him do that.

If he starts getting regular game-time in the pre-season friendlies, it might suggest the new Blues boss would rather keep hold of him.

This would be a blow to Silva and Everton, as well as Fantasy managers looking to the Toffees defence as Zouma was a key factor in them keeping eight clean sheets in their last 11 matches of 2018/19.

Also worth tracking during pre-season is the versatile Ethan Ampadu (£4.5m).

The former Exeter City man is also capable of playing at centre-back but has historically been used in a deep central midfield role at Chelsea.

Against Bohemians, Ampadu helped screen the defence and earned high praise from the local press, who described the bite and aggression he added to midfield as something Chelsea missed under Sarri.

Meanwhile, as promised, Danny Drinkwater (£4.5m) was given an opportunity by Lampard after being forced very much out of contention by Sarri last season and Willy Caballero (£5.0m) played 45 minutes in goal.

“Fitness was our issue, we’ve been working hard on it, even this morning. Fitness was always going to be an issue against a team that’s halfway through their season. We certainly pushed ourselves to the limit. The quicker we get there the better. It’s about individuals getting fit. Some of the young lads were really good. We want to get a level of fitness and intensity in their game.” – Frank Lampard

Chelsea first-half XI (4-2-3-1): Caballero; Kenedy, Guehi, Azpilicueta, D Sterling; Ampadu, Drinkwater; Palmer, G Gallagher; Pedro; Batshuayi.

Chelsea second-half XI (4-1-4-1): Cumming; Maatsen, Zouma, Chalobah, Zappacosta; Bakayoko; Brown, Baker, Gilmour, Piazon; Ugbo.

1,361 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anybody else who can't decide between Sterling & 6.5m mid/striker or KdB & Vardy?

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yep - and a ton of others

      Currently on Sterling due to less uncertainty vs KDB

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

      Yep, most likely too affraid to go without Sterling and you get better price points imo

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

      I’ve seen it on literally (yes literally) every single page of comments in the last week.

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

      Kun and forget. That's what I'm doing.

    5. Homer21
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Settling on the latter currently

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

    Can't bring myself to go without Salah sterling or Vardy, really trying to squeeze a team out of it...

    (4.5) (4.0)
    TAA Robbo Digne (5.5) (??)
    Salah sterling (6.5) (??) (dendoncker)
    Vardy King (4.5)

    A Heaton
    B Ryan
    --
    X walker
    Y zinch
    --
    1) Yarmolenko / 4.5 Defender
    2) 6.5 mid / 4.0 defender

    Currently on BY1

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

      AY1

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

      Just have 3 premium defenders instead of 4 and play 3-5-2.

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

        Except this is worse (imo, of course)

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

      BY2

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

    Hopefully pre-season throws up some solid 5.5-6.0 options. That price range is an absolute ghost town

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

      Are you getting Steve Bruce. If so I am getting Ritchie what do you think

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

        I'm a Toon fan (albeit one who won't be back until Ashley leaves)...
        Ritchie is currently in my team. It's tough, as that NUFC side is so short of quality that I think a relegation battle is inevitable... but Ritchie will be playing on the wing and will be taking penalties and half the freekicks. Throw in the occassional random clean sheet and I think he's a good choice.
        He'd be an amazing choice if we had a half decent team.

        I think Steve Bruce will be a disaster for the club but will probably start Ritchie on the wing, so would work for him.

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

          Steve Bruce did a decent job with a poor Wednesday team scraping out some decent results. What makes you think he’ll be poo?

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

            Newcastle fans are pessimists - can't really blame them tbf. I think Bruce could do ok.

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

            Because he's an average at best manager, has an awful squad and the fans don't want him there.

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

              Is the squad awful? Needs a couple of players, sure, but they may get them before the season starts. Too early to write them off imo.

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

                It's the worst squad we've ever had in the Premier League era. Decent defence (assuming Schar stays), decent keeper if nobody poaches him... but virtually nothing up front and very limited in midfield. Last seasons goalscorers were Perez (sold) and Rondon (who we couldn't afford to buy apparently).

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

                  As things stand sure - are they not in the market for new players? Have you even got a striker at the moment?

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

                    Joselu and Gayle, lol.

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

                      Wow - forgot Joselu existed 😀

                    2. Andy'81
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      I'd like to see Gayle get another shot at the EPL, with Almiron behind him we might be better saved with a pacey forward, Gayle managed a better goal to minutes ratio than both Abraham and Pukki in the championship last year so I wouldn't laugh him off too readily. (Yeah I'm a Gayle fanboi.)

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

                  You know it’s a sorry state of affairs when Rondon is too expensive for Newcastle to sign. I can’t help but LOL, Newcastle has no chance of not relegated

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

                I'd say so, they're pretty good at CB but very poor at almost every other position with no depth at all and I think they're more likely to lose more players without reinvesting the money they get from those sales because that's what Ashley does.

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

                  This.
                  It's an appalling state of affairs.

                  The club WANTS an above-relegation, below-Europe finish, with no cup run.
                  It wants to advertise the owners brand, take in money from wherever and spend as little as possible.

                  Investment will be gambled by being very low. If at Christmas we're in the bottom 4/5, a small amount will be spent. If we're midtable, assets will be sold.

                  There is zero ambition or sporting interest from the club.

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

              All of this is true...

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

            The best he's ever really been in the Premier League is adequate, and he's not consistently managed that.
            No quality manager wanted the Toon job, they know it's a very weak squad that's only being made weaker currently. Manager will get very limited say on signings and it's just not a squad that can compete even at midtable in the Prem.

            I still think Ritchie is a solid signing, but the Toon are doomed under Ashley, and his 6th choice appointment for the role changes nothing.

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

              Yeah idm about how well they do but I feel like Bruce is a very good case scenario for ritchie’s points potential

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

                I agree. I think he could be an epic choice. He's in my side currently.

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

              I feel for you Newcastle fans. Steve Bruce, if it happens, will be a poor appointment. Expect an unbalanced squad with no style of play.

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

                Yep.
                The thing is, even if it's not Bruce - that's the level. It's someone prepared to come in and work with average players, sign young potentials and anyone who looks like meeting that potential will be sold. Any income won't be reinvested. The club facilities and stadium are falling apart through neglect and the board actively do not want to be in cups or Europe due to the strain on the squad and the cost in alleviating that strain.
                This is the 14th richest club in world football and the 13th highest average attendance in the world, despite all of the above and not having won a top flight trophy since man landed on the moon.

                I'm not back under the owner is gone.

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

                  It's a shame that more fans don't take the same action as you because that's one of the only ways he'll care.

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

                    Agreed.
                    I wouldn't tell anyone what they can and can't do... but in my opinion if you're an NUFC fan and you buy anything from Ashley or go to the ground, you're now part of the problem.

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

                Thing is it’s already an unbalanced squad with no style if play - Rondon and Perez out gives no outlet.

                Bruce in the short term is ok because he’ll be able and willing to use the remaining Rafa assets.

                Far worse imo would be a new broom type with his own distinct brand of play - short term that is. That with Lee Charnley as de facto head of recruitment could get very messy very quickly.

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

                  Steve Bruce at Newcastle won't end well, IMO.

    2. How I met your Mata
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah would be interested to see if Patrick Roberts could start for Norwich an do well at 5.5

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

        Fixtures tho man

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

          Also 0 goals 0 assists in 19 appearances for girona

          1. How I met your Mata
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            To be fair to him he was very good for Celtic tho suppose the spl is a large step below the prem

        2. How I met your Mata
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah wouldn’t touch him from the start would be more for the wildcard

    3. Evil Greg
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Callum H-O will be straight in at 6m in October.

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

    Leicester is so over rated on here. Yall clambering for Tielemans, Perez and vardy like they salah, Sterling, Kane

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

      Brendan had them playing like that when he came in

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

        Everyone has had them playing like that when they first came in, even the Tinkerman!

        Tielemans run of points is not sustainable, Vardy will go off the boil until the next manager. Maddison is average in FPL, only Perez really interests me but that is wait and see.

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

          Even the guy who won the league with them? Yeah seems unsustainable mate

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

            The same guy who got sacked a few months after hasn’t been able to hold a job anywhere since.

            Vardys goals were mostly in that run in the 1st half of the season then he stopped being prolific.

            It’s not that he has unsustainable stats (that’s Tielemans only) but Vardy has a new manager boost like Adebayor had an earn a new contract boost.

            Ask yourself this: How many points do you think he will get? Are you happy paying £9m for that?

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

              I fancy him to score 20 goals so yeah very

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

      Innit blad.

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

      Vardy and Perez are pretty proven in the premier league at this stage.
      Considering the way pricing have gone for certain players this season in midfield a genuine player that will guarantee you returns at 6.5 in mid is a steal. Id rather have Tielemans or Perez over Mkhi/Antoni/Fanderson/GroB/Loftus-Cheek/Bernard/Walcott/Chamberlain/Lanzini/Grealish... The list goes on

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

      much cheaper but yeah, think Everton and Leicester are being overrated by quite a bit

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

        Everton were terrific in the second half of last season and those fixtures just can’t be ignored. Both teams look like they’re on the up with nicely priced players and no European distractions.

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

          those first 5 fixtures are not good for clean sheets imo, waiting to see on Gueye and Zouma too, both very important

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

      You need your mid-price options when you’re on a limited budget. Leicester are a good team and Rodgers is a good manager. I think they’ll be fighting for top 6.

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

        Bookies have them 9th - money to be made if you think this.

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

          Already on it.

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

          Don’t have to waste your money to have an opinion

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

            Not sure what this means

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

              What u said sounded like peer pressure to gamble x

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

                Srsly

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

                  :/

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

                    All good x

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

      Amongst the best options in their price range, but expectations need to be realistic.

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

      You left off Maddison, for some odd reason.

      Vardy isn't being compared to Salah, Sterling or Kane by anyone on here except you, so not sure where you're getting that impression from.

      He does, however, represent a solid cheap premium striker option who will get between 150-180 points if he stays fit.

      That's where his value is, allowing most people to own your beloved Salah and Sterling and still have a premium striker.

      I agree with Tielemans being over pursued by many on here, his stats don't suggest he's going to deliver much better than any other mid in the 5.0 to 6.5 price range.

      Perez is an unknown quantity as far as Leicester are concerned so that's a punt. As far as I know, people are still allowed to take punts on players when picking their team.

      We have to take some punts as not everyone on here is gifted with the prescience you evidently have that enables you to know which players are going to be great in FPL a month before a ball is kicked in anger.

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

        To be fair, seen a few people saying they are expecting Vardy to get 20+ goals - that is venturing into the territory of the likes of Salah/Sterling/Kane.

        That is a mnior point though - main points and everything else you mention is spot on I think.

      2. Homer21
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This

  5. Grass Monkey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Currently this, but likely to change...

    Pope
    Robbo, TAA, Digne
    Salah, Siggy, Bilva, Fraser
    Vardy, Jimenez, King

    Button, Kelly, Gibson, Dendonker

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

    Spurs owners what is the plan for gw2 against mci? Good fixtures long term but that fixture is making me look elsewhere.

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

      Mine is not to own any until probably KDB>son GW3

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

      Not touching Spurs with a bargepole until we see them get in form. Awful fantasy-wise last season, bar maybe Son or Moura and they aren't nailed

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

      Kane will play. If I go with Trippier I will probably bench him for Diop that game.

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

      Kane and Moura are capable of scoring against any one.

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

        This

        Why the hell pay £5.5m on a defender only to then bench him?

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

    Found a nice way to get Salah, Sterling and Vardy.

    Ryan.
    TAA. VVD. Laporte. Coleman.
    Salah(c). Sterling. Tielemans.
    Vardy. King. Jota.

    Thoughts?

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

      You’ve found the template !

    2. i am jose mourinho
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Were here to create not to find .

    3. Fordy40
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Guessing your bench is absolutely dire and won’t play when it counts (known as being ‘Spursy’) Golden rule, make sure all squad, except gk, are starters

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

    Convince me that any similar priced mids/forwards will outscore any of these 5 at the back?

    Ederson (4.0)
    Azpi - VVD - TTA - Coleman - Walker
    Siggy - Salah - KdB (4.5, 4.5)
    Vardy - King (4.5)

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

      Possible that Perez/Tielmans/Zaha could, not sure about the rest. Heavy in defence looks the way to go I agree.

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

        Indeed, should be a simple 2 transfers to go 442 or 433 if a mid price option becomes attractive.

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

      I've also gone for a 5 at the back, 5.5-7m defenders always seem to outscore similar priced players until you find out who the breakout budget players are for the year. It leaves you pretty inflexible when you want to change your team though!

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

      Barkley will out score Azpi this season.

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

        Think it all comes down to game time, if Barkley settles down as a first choice number 10 I agree, but can't see it, Azpi is almost guaranteed to start every game.

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

      That argument doesn’t make any sense.

      I could post a team with 5 x 4.5m defenders and ask you to find a 4.5m midfielder or striker that will outscore them. You won’t be able to. So that proves that 5 x 4.5m defenders is the way to go?

      It’s the exact same logic.

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

    Hi all

    Just tweaking the team and wondered how 'essential' Sterling is relative to what you can get without him.

    e.g.. Sterling + 6.5 forward/mid + 4.5 def OR Vardy + Wilson + Laporte.

    The latter is 0.5M more due to the fact it allows a downgrade to a 4.0M defender.

    The resulting team would end up something like this - what do you think? Cheers!

    Ederson
    Robertson - TAA - Digne - Ederson
    Salah - Siggy - Tielemans
    Vardy - Wilson - King

    (Fodder bench with 2 starters)

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

      Sorry the Ederson in defence should be Laporte.

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

      Ederson clone?

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

      as a set-and-forget zombieteam, I probably like the latter one, as you can argue that this trio will outscore the Sterling trio.

      But Sterling is captain material as well, and you must factor in the fact of jumping on inform players and nice fixture runs...so I would still choose Sterling + changeable 6.5 mid/forward during a season

    4. BooYaKasha
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Bilva over Siggy and why 2 ederson?

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

      Wouldn't get 2 Bournemouth strikers, a no score will be horrible for you

  10. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    TAA + Freeman or VVD + Yarmolenko/Buendia?

    Midfielder will be my 4th mid.

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

      Tell me about Buendia

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

        Very good, tricky little player. Has fantastic vision & a top passing range, I think he'll leave Norwich at the end of the season for big money whether we stay up or not.

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

          I like the look of him it is just your opening fixtures man

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

            That's why I'm hesitating to get him!

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

    Fraser and Sig
    Or
    King and Vardy?

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

      Close one- I'd probably go Fraser and Sig assuming they can offer similar to last season's performance.

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

    Gone for a bit of an out there premium 5 at the back, I usually start the season with 4 defenders the past few years and it's always done me well:

    Alisson
    Robbo-Mendy-Digne-Tripps-Azpi
    Salah(c)-Perez-De Bruyne
    King-Kane

    After seeing Azpilecueta at CB I might change him out if he continues to be played there. Still not sure on Tripps as there tends to be loads of FB rotation at Spurs, Looking at changing him for Ritchie at 5.5m in as he's on pens and will most likely be moved back to the wing by the new manager. Mendy might end up being ditched too.

    1. Rotation's Alter Ego
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Mendy will probably have to be ditched yes, injury and rotation hurting his appeal. Trippier could be a good bet but obviously only if he stays at Spurs, so keep an eye on that. Don't expect Azpi to play at CB because I don't expect Zappacosta to play (and we have 3 other good CBs ready anyways, unless Zouma leaves).

      I'm sure you're aware of the risk with going no Sterling / Aguero, but sacrifices do have to be made 🙂

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

        I'm hoping that having De Bruyne will soften that blow, I could always try Vardy + Sterling instead of KDB and Kane. Feel like KDB and Kane will outperform their price tags though and not keen on double Leicester with Perez already in the team.

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

    Trying to fit Vardy, Sterling & Salah in the same side without absolutely killing the rest of your side is tough

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

      lol, I'm still relatively happy with mine and have all 3.

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

      If Perez looks nailed then I think maybe settle for him.

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

      Another 50 RMTs you may crack it

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

    A) Sigurdsson
    B) Wilson

    Who scores more over the first 6?

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

      Sig.

  15. ZTF
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Begovic
    TAA Robertson Laporte Digne
    Salah Perez Sterling Freeman
    Vardy King

    Button, Dendoncker, Rico, Wickham

    All good?

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

      Begovic is poor and might not even be first choice anymore, I’d be looking at whoever the Burnley keeper turns out to be.

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

        Hes sort of a placeholder for whoever ends up being Bournemouth's keeper, think they're still after Butland. Don't like burnleys fixtures

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

          I bet they'd make Butland 5.0.

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

            Yeah, that wouldn't surprise me

  16. Werner Bremen
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A Pickford, Zaha, Vardy (3-5-2)
    B Heaton, Digne, Sterling(4-4-2)

    What do you say?

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

      A

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

      B

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

    Pretty happy with this side at the minute, currently watching pulisic, Perez, Townsend.

    Ryan

    AWB TAA Digne Targett kelly

    Salah Bilva James Zaha Dendonker

    Kane King Vardy

    Any suggestions? Except saying get sterling because definitely set on not getting him.

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

      Why AWB?

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

    Why is Pereyra under the radar at 6m? Great fixtures and loves the summer weeks right style

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

      Right style ***

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

        OMG saying Richarlison ffs okay

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

    Is Barkley under the radar with only 1.2% ownership?
    In his last 3 playing seasons (exclude 17/18 injury) he has scored 381 points in 7207 minutes.
    If he plays 3000 mins this season that converts to around 160 points. For only £6.0m that would be outstanding value.

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

      He's a good shout if lamps plays him in a more forward role

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

      While nailed to start with yeah could be. Lampard Eyeing CHO to play through the middle tho

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

        Somebody mentioned this the other day, re CHO playing centrally. Could you link me to the quote as I missed it?

          1. Rotation's Alter Ego
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            That's central as in important not central as in positional!

            However, Pulisic has been linked to playing behind the forward in a 4231

            https://twitter.com/Blue_Footy/status/1148863717456699392?s=19

            In terms of reliability though, I wouldn't put it very high. Doubt Lampard knows how he'll set up yet. Barkley is definitely at risk though, especially with Kov another option available to Lampard. Just too risky for me.

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

              Hahaha I was joking but thanks for adding this. With the abundance of central attacking players that spot is a minefield indeed

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

                What was that you said the other day... I'm wary of people on here spreading false info based on guesses... 🙂

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

                  😉

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

              In this case I like willian

              1. Rotation's Alter Ego
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Willian could be a great shout. It's not mentioned on this article, but Willian is currently carrying a little niggle - he's now at Cobham and won't travel with the squad (neither will Rudiger etc) to Japan for the 2 games over there. Pulisic will travel.

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

                  Damn thanks. Trying to keep tabs on the penalty taker. Willian being the talisman he needs to be with set pieces too can be huge. Shame that

                  1. Rotation's Alter Ego
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • Has Moderation Rights
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Still got 3 preseason games after that, wouldn't worry too much just yet, but be aware of it 🙂

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

              Interesting. I think Willian could do well on his favoured left side, at least until CHO is back. Loftus-Cheek another one who could play behind the forward... when fit.

              1. Rotation's Alter Ego
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • Has Moderation Rights
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                RLC would have been the first player in my team if not for that injury. Expected him to do brilliantly behind the forward and hoped he'd take the largest step up now Hazard is gone. Sadly, not to be. Might take a while for him to get back, doubt he'll be rushed.

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

            That doesn't suggest he'll play through the middle tho?

            Lampards saying he's central to his plans and that he can be an important player for Chelsea and England going forward.

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

      Hard to know if he's first choice under Lampard tho.

  20. wander
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT NOW

    Ederson

    Laporte taa roberston digne coleman

    Zaha Sterling Salah Perez

    King

    Dendonker fodder by 3

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

      Boring

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

      Seeing quite a few 5 at the backs which is what I've ended up on, seems like a solid team!

  21. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Maddison, Tielemans and Perez will all be nailed?

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

      Maddison yes. Tielemans not a doubt. Perez imho not nailed.

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

      First two yes and you'd also expect Perez to take one of the wing positions, seems too expensive to not play.

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

        Mostly agree but RJS ( = Remember of John Stones).

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

      Highly likely

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

    Good afternoon, gentlemen.
    Still early days, but apart from Man City and Pool which teams do you feel will lead the clean sheets table at the end of the season?
    I'd say Spurs, almost for sure, but who then? Chelsea? Man United? Everton? Leicester with Maguire? Leicester without? Arsenal? Wolves? Others?

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

      Not Arsenal.

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

      I would say Man United. Hopefully AWB give a boost in defence area.

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

      Spurs (with Alderweireld...interest from Roma)
      maybe United with Maguire

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

        AS Roma fan and a roman here. Hope that interest gets into something real.

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

      Not Leicester. Although Leicester without Maguire would probably do better for clean sheets.

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

    Let's spark a debate, which new signing is going to do the best in your opinion, doesn't have to be FPL based if they are a defensive player.

    Personally I'm going to go with pulisic or AWB at the minute

    1. Siggy in the Middle
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      AWB (hopefully!) or Ndombele. Neither will likely be particularly good FPL options for their price

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

        Agreed definitely for FPL-wise, AWB will always top Young as a defender and hopefully won't be caught out of position as much, I don't know much about ndombele but I've heard he's a beast

    2. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ndombele looks like he could be a good player at Spurs. Not going anywhere near my Fantasy team though

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

      Tanguy Ndombele looks like a good signing for Spurs, I'll go with him for now. Zaha for Arsenal would be superb but doubt it will happen.

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

        Or of course the legendary Jagielka...

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

          Never know he might bang in a few more rockets from 40 yards

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

      Pulisic

    5. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Rodrigo

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

      Hmmm new signings? I'd have a punt on Wesley Moraes. Could prove to be cut out for Premier League football as much as he was for belgian, even though quality level is different.

  24. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I am 0.5 short of this team. Who would you downgrade?

    Lloris
    TAA Digne Chilwell Holebas
    Salah Sterling Willian
    Vardy King Deulofeu

    Button Noble Dendonker Diop

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

      Willian > Perez/Brooks/Tielemans

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

        or noble > 4.5 mid

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

    how my team looks?

    Pope (4.0)
    VVD, Walker, A.Smith (Diop, 4.0)
    Siggy, Salah, Sterling, Perez, Zaha
    Vardy, King (4.5)

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

    A. Vertonghen, Brooks and Vardy

    Or

    B. Laporte, BSilva and King?

    1. Dont_Win_Friends_With_Salah…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      B

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

      A easily

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

    After reading some comments on here today I feel under intense pressure to gamble.
    Help.

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

      If you're not sure toss a coin to decide 😉

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

        Couldn't lend me a quid could you? 😉

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

      Obsessed :O

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

      If you aren't joking, remember that it's your feeble hunch vs. a multibillion dollar industry designed to make money out of people like you.

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

        I'm joking.

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

          Never mind then 😮

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

      Gamble, you might have the differential, and with high ownership leads to quicker price drops for flops

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

    Everton's first few fixtures aren't that great for clean sheets are they...

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

      They are for Digne to whip some beauties into top bins tho

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

        Oh I do have him. Just like clean sheets from my defenders too. It's why I am not enamoured by 4.5 defender options usually.

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

      Palace were record breakers for lack of goals at home last season - essentially worst ever non- relegated side. Digne and Coleman become sells if that’s not a cs

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

        True. And they probably won't sign a competent striker this season either. But aside Palace and Villa, I wouldn't mark the other 3 of their first 5 as comfortable clean sheets.

    3. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Id definetly have one of Coleman or Digne as they provide attacking threat as well.

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

    How’s this looking:
    Ederson
    Walker, Laporte, Digne, TAA
    Salah, Milli, Perez
    Kane, King, Jiminez
    Bench: Button, Noble, Hayden, Hanley

    Cheers

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

      Ridiculous

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

        Why?

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

          Triple city def
          Mili incase they get a pen
          Kane starts slow
          Jimi busy summer & eufa to ruin them

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

            Kane starts slow - he scored 2 in 3 last August, in a World Cup year.

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

      Would rather have triple Liverpool defence that triple City defence.

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

      Solid

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

      Seems a bit strange having no attacking mid from Man City and there is a strong possibility of city rotation in defence so you could do with a couple of changes

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

      I love it, if you fancy a gamble. City's end-of-season defensive stats are soooo much better than Liverpool's. Shame about their attacking returns, but you could see a bunch of clean sheets roll in at the start of the season.

      I don't like the Milli-pick, though. Jimi to Jota and Milli to Siggy makes it look a bit better. But it's a great gambler's team.

  30. Evil Greg
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    My predictions this season:

    A world record gwk2 wildcards active!

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

      nope, gw4-5

    2. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Need to give the players we've selected atleast 3-4 gameweeks imo.

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

      Will do well to beat a couple of seasons ago when we were all ranked about 5m after GW1 and the guy OR1 had a team name that was something like "whites only" with a team consisting entirely of Caucasians.