Scout Notes

Norwich injury worries add to Liverpool’s Gameweek 1 appeal

Our pre-season coverage continues with a look at the four pre-season friendlies involving Premier League clubs that took place on Sunday.

There were first appearances of the summer for a number of key Fantasy assets while there were some key injury updates to note which could affect our thinking for Gameweek 1.

Arminia Bielefeld 2-2 Norwich City

Christoph Zimmermann is ruled out for four to six weeks after knee surgery
  • Goals: Josip Drmic (£5.5m), Dennis Srbeny (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Kenny McLean (£5.0m)

Fantasy managers who are backing Liverpool’s attacking assets in Gameweek 1 would have been further encouraged by events in Bielefeld on Sunday.

The Reds take on newly promoted Norwich City in the 2019/20 curtain-raiser and the Canaries are facing a selection headache at the back going into that encounter at Anfield.

With Christoph Zimmermann (£4.5m) already a major doubt for the start of the season after undergoing knee surgery, manager Daniel Farke lost another centre-half in Ben Godfrey (£4.5m) after less than 25 minutes of the Canaries’ first pre-season friendly.

Godfrey and Zimmermann were Norwich’s first-choice defensive pairing in the run-in last season.

Back-up midfielder Louis Thompson, playing at full-back on Sunday, had earlier limped from the pitch to add to Farke’s injury woes.

Speaking after the match, the Norwich boss said:

I’m a bit more concerned about Ben Godfrey because it was a contact injury and it was pretty painful. He had to leave the stadium on crutches.

We have to wait to see what the scan and what the doctor says. Hopefully, he’s available pretty soon but at the moment, I’m pretty concerned because it doesn’t look good.”

Christoph Zimmermann is out for a few weeks and I’m now concerned that Ben could miss a few weeks.

Timm Klose (£4.5m), Alex Tettey (£4.5m), Mario Vrancic (£6.5m) and Todd Cantwell (£4.5m) missed out on the 2-2 draw, meanwhile, although Farke is less concerned about this quartet of players:

The small injuries don’t concern me too much. Todd, for example, will join us during team training tomorrow, Timm probably on Tuesday. Mario will be back soon.

Alex has a small calf injury. We are awaiting the scan. He did it a couple of days ago,

Because of so many games, there are some injuries. The only big problem we have at the moments is the injuries we have in the centre-back position.

Left-back Jamal Lewis (£4.5m) moved across to centre-half alongside Grant Hanley (£4.0m) following Godfrey’s withdrawal, with substitute Philip Heise filling in for Lewis.

Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) got his first taste of pre-season football after replacing Josip Drmic (£5.5m) at half-time, with the Finland international striking the post in stoppage time as Norwich chased a winner against their ten-man opposition.

Drmic had gone one better in the first half and opened his Norwich account from the spot, with the visitors awarded a penalty when Kenny McLean (£5.0m) flicked Patrick Roberts‘ (£5.5m) corner onto a Bielefeld hand.

It remains to be seen where Drmic figures in the running order from 12 yards going forward: the Canaries had five different penalty takers in 2018/19, all of whom missed one effort each.

Norwich had lined up in their familiar 4-2-3-1 system, with Roberts and Emiliano Buendia (£6.0m) providing the width and Dennis Srbeny (£5.5m) supporting Drmic in attack.

Srbeny latched onto a loose throw to curl in Norwich’s second goal before making way for Marco Stiepermann (£5.5m) at the interval.

Tim Krul and Ralf Fahrmann (both £4.5m) each got a half to impress and were both beaten as Arminia salvaged a draw despite the first-half dismissal of Joan Simun Edmundsson.

Lewis was culpable for the German side’s opener after spraying a wayward pass across midfield, while the hosts’ equaliser came in the dying stages when Krul was beaten by a curling shot from the edge of the Norwich box.

Norwich City XI (4-2-3-1): Fährmann (Krul 46′), Thompson (Aarons 19′), Godfrey (Heise 24′), Hanley, Lewis, Leitner (Trybull 46′), McLean, Buendia (Idah 75′), Roberts (Hernandez 46′), Srbeny (Stiepermann 46′), Drmic (Pukki 46′).

Bradford City 1-3 Liverpool

James Milner scored twice in Liverpool’s 3-1 win over Bradford
  • Goals: James Milner (£5.5m) x2, Rhian Brewster
  • Assists: Ryan Kent x2, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (£6.5m)

Jurgen Klopp provided reassuring news on Andrew Robertson (£7.0m) ahead of Sunday’s win over Bradford City.

The Scottish left-back, who also suffered a hamstring injury when playing for Scotland in early June, recently underwent hand surgery to deal with an infection.

Klopp said:

It’s unlucky, he got bitten by something not so good – not a dog, I think it was a spider or a mosquito – and it got infected. It’s not a massive problem apart from throw-ins!

He should be back in training in a couple of days. The rest is good, he could do all of the programme he had to do.

The Reds were again without the likes of Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), Alisson (£6.0m) and Roberto Firmino (£9.5m), all of whom were handed post-tournament rests following their contributions at the Africa Cup of Nations and Copa America.

Sadio Mane‘s (£11.5m) Senegal, meanwhile, reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations after Sunday’s win over Tunisia.

That final will take place on Friday, exactly three weeks before Liverpool’s Gameweek 1 fixture.

Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m), Jordan Henderson (£5.5m), Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) and Georginio Wijnaldum (£5.5m) weren’t present at Valley Parade either but returned to training on Saturday and will be involved in Liverpool’s forthcoming trip to the United States.

Klopp said on Saturday, ahead of the Bradford game:

It’s good to see them back, absolutely brilliant. They are all in good shape and good spirits, I would say. I am happy, they are happy to be back as well. They had the holiday they needed and wanted, so now we can start. Very good.

Training [is the plan]. How pre-season will be now, individual programmes for different players and groups.

We will play the game tomorrow without them because they have to train twice. Today they did their lactate test, tomorrow they will train twice.

On Monday, the rest of the squad who are playing now will have a day off before we fly to America. They will train with them again and the group who came late.

From America onwards, they are pretty much in a normal rhythm, but we will use these three or four days to do some different things with them. Then, after landing in America, they are fully available.

Liverpool’s squad at Bradford was much the same as it was against Tranmere but Dejan Lovren (£5.5m) returned to play the first 45 minutes at centre-back.

James Milner (£5.5m) scored twice for the visitors, his first a deflected effort following a short corner and his second a penalty after impressive young winger Ryan Kent had been felled.

Rhian Brewster tapped in Liverpool’s third after Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain‘s (£6.5m) deflected shot had been parried away.

Bradford pulled a goal back from the penalty spot through Eoin Doyle in what was the hosts’ only shot on target.

The first half saw Adam Lallana (£6.0m) feature in a deep central midfield role and Klopp discussed this unusual tactical approach after full-time:

Adam is this kind of player, he can play that no problem. He enjoys it obviously a lot! It’s about getting Adam the rhythm, bringing the things he is naturally good in: small spaces, keeping the ball, passing the ball and all that stuff, and then from time to time offering the runs in behind as well – especially together with Millie that’s possible.

For us, it’s another option to use. He just needs a bit of luck now, that’s true. We have to come through [pre-season] without injuries, that would be cool, and we have a couple of ‘new’ players I would say, this season.

Liverpool first-half XI (4-3-3): Mignolet, Clyne, Phillips, Lovren, Larouci, Milner, Lallana, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Wilson, Kent, Brewster.

Liverpool second-half XI (4-3-3): Mignolet (Atherton 81′), Hoever, Matip, Gomez, Lewis, Fabinho, Woodburn, Jones, Duncan, Origi, Millar.

FC Sion 0-0 Everton

Lucas Digne made his first pre-season appearance after an extended summer break

Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8.0m), Seamus Coleman (£5.5m), Lucas Digne (£6.0m) and Jordan Pickford (£5.5m) all got their first taste of pre-season football as Everton drew a blank in Switzerland.

All four players were named among the substitutes with a view to being introduced after the break but Coleman was thrown into the fray earlier than expected when youngster Joe Williams limped off after half an hour.

Everton lined up in their usual 4-2-3-1 for their second pre-season fixture but there was nothing familiar about the sight of Kevin Mirallas at right-back, with the Belgium international – who spent last season on loan at Fiorentina – struggling with his defensive duties early on.

Coleman’s introduction meant that Mirallas could be pushed forward into his more recognised wide-midfield role but the Belgian was one of six players hooked at half-time.

Marco Silva’s starting XI would have been of little interest to many Fantasy managers, with the Toffees’ most-popular FPL assets either watching on from the bench or, in the case of Richarlison (£8.0m), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) and Yerry Mina (£5.5m), still on a post-international duty breather.

Idrissa Gana Gueye (£5.0m) must now surely be a doubt for Gameweek 1, meanwhile, after Senegal made it through to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place three weeks before the start of the 2019/20 Premier League campaign.

Michael Keane and Andre Gomes (both £5.5m) were the only regular first-team players to start Sunday’s match in Switzerland, although there were also run-outs for the likes of Leighton Baines (£5.0m), Morgan Schneiderlin (£4.5m) and Tom Davies (£5.5m).

Oumar Niasse, back from his loan spell at Cardiff, toiled up front to no great effect, while new signing Jonas Lossl began the match between the posts.

It was no surprise that Everton looked more threatening after the introduction of their heavy hitters, with Sigurdsson striking the woodwork on two occasions in the second half.

Bernard (£6.5m) also forced a save from the home goalkeeper with a low shot.

Centre-back Mason Holgate and youngster Nathan Broadhead were the only two players to last the full game, with Broadhead impressing on either flank.

Ademola Lookman (£5.0m) and Cenk Tosun (£6.0m) weren’t involved as they fight their way back from injury although were part of the travelling squad.

Everton first-half XI (4-2-3-1): Lossl, Mirallas, Keane, Holgate, Baines, Schneiderlin, Gomes, Williams (Coleman, 31), Davies, Broadhead, Niasse.

Everton second-half XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford, Coleman (Connolly 80′), Holgate, Gibson, Digne, McCarthy, Gomes (Adeniran ’61), Broadhead, Sigurdsson, Bernard, Niasse (Hornby ’54).

SCR Altach 1-1 Southampton

Ralph Hasenhuttl ditched the wing-back system in Southampton’s first pre-season game
  • Goal: Che Adams (£6.0m)
  • Assist: Shane Long (£5.0m)

Che Adams (£6.0m) took less than two minutes of his first Southampton appearance to open his account.

The summer signing from Birmingham City finished smartly after turning his marker on the edge of the box, with Shane Long (£5.0m) claiming the assist having rolled a low ball across from the left flank.

The dangerous Adams also struck the post when clean through on goal and then saw an effort hacked off the line after rounding home goalkeeper Martin Kobras.

Ralph Hasenhuttl said of his new striker:

Che could have scored three times, I think. He was a little bit unlucky, but he made the first goal, which was important for him.

He showed from the first moment on that he can help us next season, and I’m happy that he is with us.

Adams himself said:

I definitely could’ve had more – as a striker you get greedy, but it’s the first game. I just try to cause a threat to the defence and create chances.

I feel perfect. I’ve had a hard pre-season, but the lads have dug in well and we’ve got more games to come.

I’ve learned a lot about the team and how the gaffer wants us to play.

Adams lined up in a front two alongside Long as Hasenhuttl rolled out his favoured 4-2-2-2 formation, with Josh Sims and Mohamed Elyounoussi (£5.5m) providing support behind them.

There were chances at both ends and the Saints’ narrow system sometimes left them looking exposed, with Manfred Fischer equalising with a spectacular strike midway through the first half.

Hasenhuttl changed all 11 players at the break and there were 45-minute run-outs for Nathan Redmond (£6.5m), James Ward-Prowse (£6.0m) and Danny Ings (£6.0m) in the second half.

Ings couldn’t prod the ball past Kobras when played through on goal while Redmond, playing in the attacking midfield two behind strike pair Ings and Dan N’Lundulu, also dragged a shot wide.

Michael Obafemi and Jannik Vestergaard (both £5.0m) made returns from injury after missing the closing weeks of the 2018/19 campaign, meanwhile.

Angus Gunn was an unused substitute as Alex McCarthy and Fraser Forster (all £4.5m) shared game-time between the posts.

Moussa Djenepo (£5.5m) didn’t feature as he has been given time off following his exertions for Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.

Southampton first-half XI (4-2-2-2): McCarthy, Valery, Yoshida, Vestergaard, Bertrand, Romeu, Hojbjerg, Sims, Elyounoussi, Long, Adams.

Southampton second-half XI (4-2-2-2): Forster, Cedric, Stephens, Bednarek, Vokins, Ward-Prowse, Smallbone, Redmond, Obafemi, Ings, N’Lundulu.

823 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ritzyd
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Milner the top Pool pick then - only 5.5m and on Pens! Get into my team!

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m thinking triple Everton.
      Digne, Siggy and Mirallas... 😆

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

      How does one take a penalty from the bench?

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

        It's called a 'reverse Kepa'. Basically sub yourself on, without your managers approval, score the penalty, then come off.

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

    Thoughts on this draft?

    Ryan
    TAA Laporte Digne Ake
    Salah Sterling BSilva Sigurdsson
    DCL Jota

    Button Kelly Dendoncker Surridge

    1 ITB

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

      too much Everton imo, but pretty solid otherwise

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

        Thanks

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

      Bournemouth DEF is terrible. Replace Ake.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ake for SHU and avl is hardly the worse pick in the world. Good clean sheet potential and always a goal threat.

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

          5 goals in the last 2 seasons and bookies have him on less than 3 goals this season.

          1. goriuanx
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            He'll use up 2 of those in the first 2 weeks then 😉

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

              And I'll sign him after that and he will be crap again - that's usually how it works 🙂

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

            Ake carries a big threat on set pieces, only a few defenders had more attempts in the box than him last season.

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

              Good luck then 🙂

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

                I'm not getting him, just saying 🙂

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

        Is it? They kept 10 clean sheets last season, 8th best in the league, and the good thing is that you probably would have only benched your Bournemouth defender for the home shut outs against Chelsea and Spurs, the rest were fairly easy to predict.

        Home clean sheets - Cardiff, Southampton, Brighton, West Ham, Chelsea, Spurs
        Away - Watford, Fulham, Huddersfield, Brighton

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

          Interesting, I always buy into the idea that Bournemouth defenders are to be avoided.

          Presumably a majority of those came with Begovic not playing? They may improve on that if a new keeper is signed

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

            Begovic played in 5, Boruc in 4 and Travers 1.

            Thing is, they do concede a lot away from home, but they tend to be against the big clubs which you'd bench them for anyway, or transfer out ahead of a tough run.

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

      I like it but why 1m ITB? I'd upgrade DCL (Giroud, King, Deulofeu).

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

        Who do you think will get the most points in the beginning of all those 4?

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

          Tough to say. If Giroud is first choice probably him but it could really be any of them. DCL could do well too with Everton's fixtures but I think they're in the market for a new striker. If they don't get one you could just stick with DCL.

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

      Everton have a cracking opening schedule. I think that’s a cracking team. I’m worried that Everton choke so I’m only doubling (Digne and Sig)

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

    TAA or Robbo and why?

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

      Trent for set pieces for me

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

      Trent. Set pieces and more goal threat. Might miss one or two games around Xmas though, unlike Robertson (unless a left back is signed).

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

      Trent more explosive.

  4. Jimmy Boy
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Attempted a draft that contains Auba, Kane and Sterling:

    Ryan
    VVD - Laporte - Digne
    Sterling - Siggy - Brooks - Jorginho
    Auba - Kane - Deulofeu

    Button - Dendoncker - Kelly - Gibson

    Obvious downfall was always going to be no Salah, but still managed to get a solid, nailed defence as well as Siggy. Three quality captain options in there.

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

      Looks quite cool but I'd never go down this route.

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

      You’ve done well to juggle it but I don’t think you need Auba and Kane. They are both so flakey that you’d have to play them both every week to avoid missing their good week. You’d probably see more points benefit in swapping out Auba and upgrading Jorginho. Then transfer kane and auba in/out depending on “good” fixtures. Risky though

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

      I have a very similar team, but gone with KDB over Sterling - enables a a bit more investment elsewhere. My armband strategy will be swapping between Auba and Kane, whoever has the home match.

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

    My prediction for GW1 is that Salah will have 0% captaincy in the top 10k

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

      100% triple captaincy

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

      Agreed - top 10k will be full of the Kane cappers like me!

  6. goriuanx
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who would you say is the weakest team defensively?

    Norwich potentially without their starting CB's could make Salah TC a great option - but feels quite early.

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

      Too early to gauge - Bournemouth conceded the most goals out of all the PL teams that weren't relegated last season though.

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Probably a wait and see. Such a shame Huddersfield have been relegated 🙁

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

      Norwich/Newcastle/Villa will be fighting for this title IMO. Closely followed by BOU/WAT/WHU/BUR.

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

      I think Brighton will struggle this season not the weakest but I can see them being whipping boys at some point of the season.

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

        Brighton are definitely my tip to go down. They aren't bad defensively, but very poor going forward...and they've signed a manager who is better suited to an attacking style of play, with no PL experience, recipe for disaster.

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

          Agreed and also losing Dunk will be a big blow defensively.

          1. Bada Bing
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            What happened to Dunk...?

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

              Leicester eyeing him up as a replacement for Maguire.

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

              Rumours of a 45 mil move to Leicester to replace Maguire.

              Emphasis on rumours. The Sun printed it and it's been quoted elsewhere

              1. Bada Bing
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Thanks, guys. If that happens I'll have to ship Ryan out from my goal... 🙁

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

                  Ive shipped him out already cant see Brighton keeping too many clean sheets and he isnt that good for saves.

                  1. Bada Bing
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Yeah you're probably right. I might replace him with Pope if he's confirmed as number one for Burnley.

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

                  The defensive template will be ruined anyway...lots will go for Maguire, and even more will get Dunk, a 4.5m defender playing for a team most people think will be pushing top six.

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

      Norwich quite possibly, plus I think BHA will concede a lot while adapting to Potter's style.

      Outside of a DGW and ignoring the fact that it's the first game of the season, Salah v Norwich is probably as good as it gets for a TC. If he looks hot in the Community Shield I may just lump in on him

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

      Norwich, Brighton and Bournemouth (at least the latter will score a lot as well)

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

        hmm...forgot about Newcastle 🙂

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

      In order of weakest: Norwich, Brighton, Newcastle, Shef Utd, Villa

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

      Norwich. Surely. They weren't solid at all even with first choice CBs.

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

    Folks, how is this team looking ?
    Any players I should reconsider?

    Foster
    VVD Robbo TAA Digne
    Sterling KDB Perez
    Kane King DCL/6.0

    Button Dendonker 4.5 4.0

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

      don't like triple Liverpool defense...3-1 vs Norwich with Salah hattrick 🙂

      Foster for whole season or just for first few GWs?

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

    Is Maddison worth the extra 0.5m over Perez & Tielemans?

    If Perez is playing up top with Vardy probably a better option?

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Agree with the second part

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

      Waiting to see on that. Perez as a regular starter up top would be great.

      Otherwise I'd try to find the 0.5 for Maddison's set pieces.

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

        Yup I agree.

        I think either Maddison will play No 10 or Perez will play up top with Vardy.
        One of them will have to play a bit wider cant see both playing centrally.

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

    A) TAA Brooks Wilson Deulofeu
    B) VVD Fraser King Jimenez

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      A

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

      A

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

    Serious question, is there gonna be a better triple captain option than Salah in gameweek 1?

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

      Yes.
      One of the premium players in a DGW.

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

      Would be flabbergasted if there isn't

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

        Or do you mean in GW1 in isolation?

    3. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Double gw?

      Still lots of unknowns at this time

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

        I've reached the point where I honestly think its better to captain a premium asset with the plummest of plum home fixtures than it is in a double gameweek. Unless you get a double gameweek with two plum fixtures obviously, but you have to wait until they're announced and there's no guarantees of that happening. Wouldn't you rather triple captain Salah for this game than say TOT (H) and WOL (A) for example?

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

      Yes Liverpool will most likely have a DGW this year in Jan as they will be off to play Club World Cup in December.

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

        finally a DGW for Liverpool 🙂

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

          First time in my 5 years of playing FPL.

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

        But their fixtures in Jan aren't that good...after SHU (H) they have TOT (A), MUN (H), WOL (A). WOuldn't you rather triple captain Salah for NOR (H) than any two of those games?

        1. Bad Kompany
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Dgw will be vs west ham and either Sheffield United, Southampton, wolves, or spurs

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

      I'd wait to see the worst defensive team and then triple captain Kane at home to them.

  11. Bad Kompany
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Will Max Meyer start for palace this season?

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

      Unfortunately for him it's the one area of the pitch that Palace are fairly well equipped in.
      Milivojevic isn't going anywhere, and McArthur is probably his preferred partner, and Kouyate too.

      1. Bad Kompany
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers! Can’t he also play on the wing though? Thought he’s played there before

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

          Not really, not quick enough, Zaha, and Townsend would be first choice anyway...obviously there are Zaha rumors, but you have to think if they sold Zaha for £80m + the Wan Bissaka money, they would buy a new winger.

          1. Bad Kompany
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers mate!

  12. Pia06rc
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Ederson & Holebas
    B) Pope & Laporte

    No other Man City defence.

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

      b

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

    Anyone considering united defence as a good investment, and if so, who are you drafting in?

    1. Bad Kompany
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Would consider if they sign Maguire and a more defensive midfielder.

      Would probably be Shaw

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

      Not for a while. Fixtures are mixed so I wouldn't rush it.

      DeGea interests me the most, I'd expect United to concede a fair number of shots and if he returns to his form of previous seasons we know he can get save/bonus points.

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

      Defensively not at all.
      Although I am watching Martial/James in preseason, if one of them nails down a starting spot they could be very good value.

  14. Willllsonnn!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    is Pope nailed on? what about Hart and Heaton - order of preference?

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

      We don't know who is nailed on, but after preseason we probably will.

      Right now, we know that Heaton turned down a contract extension, so that probably moves him to the back of the line.

      ..and Pope is better, and younger than Hart, so I'd guess, Pope - Hart - Heaton.

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

      We'll have much clearer picture of Gk situation at Burnley in the next 2 weeks or so.

      But Pope likely to be No1.

    3. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pope played first half of friendly behind closed doors
      Hart second
      Heaton bench

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

        I like the phrase "behind closed doors" for friendlies. Always envisage them being played on a training pitch enclosed by a big wall with barbed wire on top with rabid dogs guarding outside.

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

          I like the idea that whenever my school hall gym was locked it was because there was an elite PL match going on inside.

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

      thanks 🙂

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

    Dunno if this has already been done but guess the opening fixture scores.

    Liverpool 3-1 Norwich
    West Ham 1-1 Man City
    Bournemouth 2-1 Sheffield Utd
    Burnley 0-0 Southampton
    Crystal Palace 0-1 Everton
    Watford 0-0 Brighton
    Spurs 4-0 Aston Villa
    Leicester 3-1 Wolves
    Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
    Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea

    My team selection does not reflect these predictions.

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

      Scene here after Everton, Pool & City concede...

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

      Dull start of the season with a lack of goals if these predictions are correct.

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

        and riots at Vicarage Road if they fail to score past Brighton.

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

          Deeney ram-raiding KFC

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

            I wish I could post that GIF from the Simpsons, with Tim Allen running over his neighbour on Home Improvement and saying 'looks like it's back to jail for me'.

            Niche reference, but someone might get it.

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

              I am not that someone 😉

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

      Liverpool 2-0 Norwich
      West Ham 1-3 Man City
      Bournemouth 1-1 Sheffield Utd
      Burnley 2-0 Southampton
      Crystal Palace 0-0 Everton
      Watford 4-3 Brighton
      Spurs 4-0 Aston Villa
      Leicester 1-0 Wolves
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea

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

        Now here's someone who has faith in Watford attack!

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

          More a lack of faith in the brighton defence!

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

        Brighton 3 in 1 game ? Unlikely :p

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

          Glen Murray hat-trick - get on the train before it leaves the station.

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

            ...it left.

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

      Liverpool 5-0 Norwich
      West Ham 0-3 Man City
      Bournemouth 2-2 Sheffield Utd
      Burnley 0-0 Southampton
      Crystal Palace 1-2 Everton
      Watford 2-2 Brighton
      Spurs 2-0 Aston Villa
      Leicester 3-1 Wolves
      Newcastle 0-1 Arsenal
      Man Utd 2-1 Chelsea

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

      Liverpool 5-2 Norwich
      West Ham 0-3 Man City
      Bournemouth 2-2 Sheffield Utd
      Burnley 2-0 Southampton
      Crystal Palace 3-2 Everton
      Watford 3-1 Brighton
      Spurs 1-0 Aston Villa
      Leicester 1-2 Wolves
      Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal
      Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea

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

      Liverpool 4-0 Norwich
      West Ham 1-3 Man City
      Bournemouth 2-1 Sheffield Utd
      Burnley 1-1 Southampton
      Crystal Palace 1-1 Everton
      Watford 3-1 Brighton
      Spurs 2-0 Aston Villa
      Leicester 2-2 Wolves
      Newcastle 0-2 Arsenal
      Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea

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

      6-0
      0-2
      3-1
      0-1
      1-1
      3-0
      5-0
      1-2
      1-3
      2-2

    8. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool 3-0 Norwich
      West Ham 1-2 Man City
      Bournemouth 2-0 Sheff Utd
      Burnley 1-1 Southampton
      Crystal Palace 1-1 Everton
      Watford 2-0 Brighton
      Tottenham 2-0 Aston Villa
      Leicester 2-1 Wolves
      Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal
      Man Utd 0-0 Chelsea

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

      Liverpool 2-0 Norwich
      West Ham 0-3 Man City
      Bournemouth 2-1 Sheffield Utd
      Burnley 1-0 Southampton
      Crystal Palace 1-0 Everton
      Watford 3-0 Brighton
      Spurs 3-0 Aston Villa
      Leicester 2-2 Wolves
      Newcastle 1-3 Arsenal
      Man Utd 0-0 Chelsea

    10. MosF94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Liverpool 4-0 Norwich
      West Ham 1-2 Man City
      Bournemouth 1-2 Sheff Utd
      Burnley 0-2 Southampton
      Palace 0-2 Everton
      Watford 1-2 Brighton
      Spurs 2-1 Villa
      Leicester 2-1 Wolves
      Newcastle 1-1 Arsenal
      Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea

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

    Best 6m midfielder?

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

      JWP or McNeil for the season imo

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

      Buendia or Hudson-Odoi for the season. To start off with... I guess Yarmo?

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

      Keeping an eye on CHO

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

      Emiliano Buendia.

  17. Laporte In A Storm
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    With the Dunk -> LEI rumour, here is a little tinker

    Ryan / Button
    Robbo / VVD / Digne / Dunk / Diop
    Salah / Sterling / Zaha / Perez / Dendonka
    Vardy / King / Greenwood

    0.5 itb

    Not at all sold on trip LEI but their price points are all great. Gives me flexibility between 4-4-2 and 5-3-2.

  18. Ben Marlin
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    VVD, Robertson/TAA, Digne, Coleman/Wan-Bissaka
    Siggy, Salah, Sterling
    Jimenez, King, Deulofeu

    Button, 4.5m defender, Stephens, Dendocker

    Any advice on what to do from here?

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

      Wait until preseason is over before stressing.

  19. Bada Bing
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best defender for 5.5 or under? I have Coleman atm as a placeholder, but I already have Digne and a double up of Everton defs feels dubious... My other defs are VVD and TAA and I'm planning to play four at the back.

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

      Depending on preseason - Gomez, or Tripper for me.

      Unless Maguire goes to City.

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

      Zinc is another shout pending pre

      1. Bada Bing
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, guys. All the defs at 5.5 or under feel a bit underwhelming, if you're going to start them...

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

      Joe Gomez, for me 99,9% nailed alongside Van Dijk if fit.

      1. Bada Bing
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I hope you're right, I like him as a player and I prefer him to matip or lovren. That doesn't really help me in FPL terms though, as I already have three pool players in my team...

  20. Bury94
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Coleman and Robbo
    B) Digne and VVD

    1. Bada Bing
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B for me.

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      B comfortably

  21. maurorodi00
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sterling and 4.5 forward (not playing)
    Or
    Aguero and 4.5 midfield (like dendonger wolves )that he will play

    1. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Depends what the rest of your bench looks like

      1. maurorodi00
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I have bench kelly dunk and the one left from these question

        My squad is Alisson/button
        Taa/digne/adam smith/dunk/kelly
        Sterling/mane/siggy/zaha/perez
        Delofeu/wilson/4.5

  22. socho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    No love for R.Pereira? very offensive full back, is he slightly overpriced?

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

      Unfortunately I don't think we'll keep enough clean sheets for him to justify 6.0. At 5.5 he would have certainly been an option

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

      Way overpriced imo.

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

      Overpriced. Digne at 6m is the way to go, I believe.

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

    Leicester fan. I highly doubt we spend over £70 million pounds on centrebacks over two summer windows. Dunk is not coming. Most likely we will be looking at the internal promotion of Soyuncu/Benkovic.

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

      You really think you would get 80m for Maguire and not buy a replacement?

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

        We bought two last summer, knowing that we'd probably sell Maguire this summer. Soyuncu is settled in and knows English now, and Benkovic got a season's loan to Celtic under Rodgers, who labelled him as ready for the PL. £30+ for the pair of them.

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

          Fair enough. Either way looks like we'll have a 4.5 starter in the Leicester defence.

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

      cheers for the info

  24. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I don't have a good memory of owning siggy last season
    Maddison isn't better ?

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

      They're similar players. I suspect Maddison will improve on last season's output. Sigurdsson is undoubtedly better at this moment in time, particularly at shooting.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Whole leicester team is much better now

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

          True 🙂

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

          Puel built his team around Mahrez which naturally gave his replacement a few tactical advantages from an FPL point of view. Rodgers might stylistically seem to build his team around Maddison, but in terms of Maddison's position he is doing the exact opposite. Maddison will either play in a midfield trio or on the wing under Rodgers. I highly doubt he will play in his favoured 10 role.

          Rodgers had 10 games in charge and Maddison had an xG of 1.97 and an xA of 2.04 during that time. During the whole season Maddison had an xG+xA of 0.48 per 90 minutes played. That means Maddison had slightly worse numbers under Rodgers than Puel.

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Great comment. Thanks mate

          2. Emiliano Sala
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            But as I see it's not really true
            Just saw average position for last games
            Maddison was almost no10 in all of them

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

      Both are good picks.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I already have vardy and perez
        May triple up

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

      Think Maddison will do very well after a decent first season in PL.

      I probably won't have the patience to own Siggy for whole season, I'm starting with Richarlison

  25. Topics requests for Tuesday YouTube stream
    Skonto Rigga
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    It'll be me and Joe on our next YouTube stream on Tuesday lunchtime - anything you'd like us to address/discuss/look at? Taking requests for this one and cherry-picking the most popular topics.

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

      Is Siggy essential?

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

        Of course he isnt

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

      Probably already covered, and most FFS members have already decided but thoughts on;

      A. Can you have a good team with Salah, Sterling, Kane +Liverpool defence?
      B. If not, who is the one to go.

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

      Where/who are the budget gems this season?

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

      Cherry-picking is a good idea.

      Wilson, Fraser or King?

      Tempted to double up with Frilson...

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

        Or Brooks!

    5. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Can you discuss Giroud as he seems like good pick.

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

      Value assets at Chelsea, Arsenal and United. Apart from Auba, Laca, Pogba and Rash...all players from these top 6 teams are 7.5m or lower.

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

      Are Chelsea and United assets being overlooked? They play each other in GW1 but after that the fixtures are pretty good.

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

      is 5-3-2 too inflexible for jumping on early bandwagons?

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

        When attacking players start smashing in the goals in pre-season, 5 at the back is going to be dropped like a stone.

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

      How could the injury problems at Norwich possibly open up new possibilities in bench fodder options?

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

      Sub 10% ownership players with most potential.

      6.0 bracket of mids and forwards.

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

      Considering most of us tend to wildcard early. Is it not just worthwhile looking at the the first 5 or 6 gameweeks as a mini-season and going all out with Salah, Kane, Sterling and Everton Players? We don't need to balance the squad for the whole season.

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

        Something like
        Begovic
        TAA Zincheko Digne CTaylor
        Salah Sterling Richarlison Jorginho
        Kane
        Button Long Wickham Kelly

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

      1. Best GK Ryan or Pope?
      2. At least one premium striker essential for GW1?
      3. Four in the back the way to start?

    13. Bury94
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What are your thoughts on playing 4-5-1 with just a mid-price striker up front? Like King for example. Obviously the lack of benchable strikers would be a concern but I think it could be a good way to go

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

      Did Sterling over preform last season?

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

      What is best strategy to maximise flexibility in team structure and be able to react to players showing early season form?

    16. rnrd
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Isn't a 4-5-1 or 5-4-1 with a low budget/mid FW that you would rotate (che adams, Pukki, giroud/bats etc..) an option worth considering this year?

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

      Hello from Rome, Italy.
      What I really would like you to discuss are the five uncertain ballots within the Top-6 clubs: Gomez/Matip, Giroud/Abraham/Batshuayi, Trippier/Aurier, Zinchenko/Mendy and Stones/Otamendi. That would help a lot.

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

      I'd quite like a 'Forgotten men' round up. Players like Gayle (who was on loan and now is Newcastle's only striker) or Yarmolenko (who no doubt the WH chairmen will say is just like a new signing.
      You could through this in with a 'Transfer speculation and how it affects us' bit - like how Maguire to Man Utd might change things etc. but I understand why that's a bit chancey.

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

        Muto is at Newcastle too and they will most likely sign another striker. Gayle is indeed a forgotten man, not even added in FPL.

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

      Considering many are going 4, or even 5 at the back (This trend will 100% not last) can we talk about decent 4.5 rotation options?

      Whilst you can get nailed on players, struggling to come up with a good rotation, both 2 and 3 way, that satisfies.

    20. Mavric Marco
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would like to see how both yours and Joe’s draft teams are shaping up so far

    21. Markus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The good, bad and ugly of your previous pre-season punts, and therefore current thoughts on how much to risk uncertain nailedness and/or pl experience in gw1 team

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

      Bilva v Sterling - 4m difference for two players essentially playing in the same position for the same side.

      Does Bilva offer value to spread the funds in order to get Salah, Kane & premium defence?

    23. TherryOnWii
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm thinking Murray for the first few gameweek before wildcarding. However, I am not seeing him in many teams. Any reason why not to go for him?

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

      Glad to head Joe's back!

      Is Delph now a pick we should be looking at? He's signed for Everton for more first team action and registered as defender.

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

        Well do you think he'll get more points that Coleman?

        [clue: no. not worth discussing]

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

          My question: is it worth spending an extra 0.5m to get Robbo/TAA over VVD?

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

          Yes, if he plays as a midfielder dopey which is what he historically is

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

            Gueye is everton’s Defensive midfielder, the role Delph will fill. Who got more more attacking returns ?

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

              He's a midfielder reclassified as a defender, hence potential attacking returns and clean sheet points. He likes to go forward and can shoot from range. If he gets a mid role, he could be a differential

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

        He isn't registered in the game at all.

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

          DOh - I stand corrected, ignore me

    25. M Heaney
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Whats your opinion of Maddison , Is he the best at that price

    26. FPL PieMan
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wondering if you are going to do scout reports on new signings like you used to. Site is better than ever in some ways but these used to really help. Spurs’ new midfield signing and his previous is of particular interest to me. I think Dele Alli could have a great season, and not many will be onto that, but wondering if his attacking threat might be affected. Even though it seems the new lad could be deeper.

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

    Members, compare Bilva with Sterling for last season using comparison tool.
    I was quite amazed.

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

      In what sense?

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

        I'm not sure we're allowed to talk about member stats here, but try it yourself and keep in mind their 4M(!) price difference. Look at XGI too.

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

          Is this across the whole season, or a certain period, as Sterling's xGI is quite a bit higher than Bernardo's, as is his xG, xA, goal threat etc?

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

            Look at the delta though. I think I could do better with 4M, that's like 3 major upgrades in your team. What do you think?

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

              I do like Bernardo, a lot, an the thought of having an 8m midfielder from City, who regularly plays in the front 3 would be amazing, but it'd be alongside Sterling, not instead of.

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

                I have considered that, look at my reply below if you're interested.

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

                  I think that makes sense. I just had a play around trying to fit Salah, Sterling and Bernardo in, and came up with this, which I quite like...

                  Lloris, 4.0
                  TAA, Robertson, Zinchenko, O'Connell, 4.0
                  Salah, Sterling, Bernardo, 5.5, Dendoncker
                  Vardy, Jota, 4.5

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

                    Looks quite nice, I will have a go! 2 mins

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

                      Perhaps a bit more balance but no Vardy

                      Burnley keeper
                      TAA Robbo Digne Zinchenko/5.5
                      Salah Sterling Bilva Fraser
                      King Jota

                      Actually had a team like this with Siggy over Bilva who I'm afraid is the better 8.0 mid 😀

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

                        Robbo to VVD and Fraser to Siggy looks yummy

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

                        That's exactly what I'm on atm.

                        Ryan
                        TAA, VvD, Digne, Zinchenko
                        Salah, Sterling, Bilva, Siggy
                        King, Deulofeu

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

                        Looks great! But I'm not sure..

                        Boils down to:

                        Sterling Jota VVD 4.5GK
                        vs
                        Vardy Fraser Robbo Ederson

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

                    Hope the pre season prep is going well. Just out of interest what's steering you away from Everton assets currently ? very unusual to see a draft with no Eve cover at the moment. I'm not too keen on Jota myself, fixtures are a little off putting.

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

          I'm only here to exploit this free content....

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

          of course youre allowed. Its up to mods to restrict the discussion if they feel it should be members only

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

      Haven't compared the two yet but I was looking at midfielder stats for the last 6 GWs of last season. Bilva's numbers are impressive.

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

        Looks like one of them underperformed last season and the other overperformed quite a lot

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

      Bilva always strikes me as the player that will have 1 attacking return from city's first 15 goals... But many are confident this is finally his breakout year so it will be interesting to see

      Sterling is non negotiable for me at the minute - will see how he gets on but im personally confident of a hugely prolific season for him - 20+ goals & 10-15 assists hopefully, maybe even 25+ goals and 15-20 assists

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

        Bilva is certainly not a captain choice, but he seems too cheap to ignore at 8M. He is likely to play in the front three now as he did when KDB was fit. Was their player of the season so is nailed on.

        You could argue for having both him and Sterling, but I have Salah as a captain choice which makes one of him and Sterling bad value each gw I'm afraid. The rest of my team really suffers with two 12M+ players so it's going to be one for me.

        Fwiw I think Sterling has reached his peak. I would certainly have him if I thought like you he can still improve. He didn't improve last season from the one before, still two great seasons though.

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

          Yeah I think Sterling easily has another FPL gear or two to go up... Even just minutes wise if Pep stops that annoying habit of resting him every 6th game or so its scary to think what he's cpablele of if you tack another 400-500 minutes in at least years scoring rate... If you up last years scoring rate for another year of experience he becomes downright terrifying

          Many share your confidence in Bilva, but I just don't see it in him to be honest, although there is no doubt he is anything but a fantastic footballer IRL, I just don't think he's ruthless or greedy or even pacy enough to be a real FPL threat - but there are definitely many championing his cause ahead of the new season so it will be fascinating to watch unfold

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

            He is an explosing player so might need a rest now and then. It's a bit annoying when you captain him in FPL though 🙂

            If you believe in XGI, Sterling has overperformed quite a lot last two seasons (7 and 5 attacking returns if memory serves). It's just a stat, but makes me think he doesn't have another gear.

            With that said he is already one of the best players in the world and I would love him in my team, but can't have them all 🙁

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

              Yeah himself, Salah & Vardy were almost the only 3 attackers I was really interested in this season even before prices were released... The pricing actually reinforced that position as I just find the mid price attackers so underwhelming...

              Kane & KDB are relatively enticing at those prices but they're not players I want to risk particularly early doors given their recent chronic fitness woes...

              I am genuinely interested in watching Bilva though as there are just so many that seem to think that paeticular leopard is going to change his spots... Roll on GW1 🙂

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

                Agree with your views on the pricings. To be totally honest the 8M for a nailed City attacker is what grabs most of my attention. In isolation Siggy is the same price and probably the better pick. Got both as of now.

                But if I'm captaining Salah most weeks, I'm not so sure about both him and Sterling.

                It boils down to this, what do you think?

                Sterling Jota VVD 4.5GK
                vs
                Vardy Fraser Robbo Ederson

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

                  Of those two particular options I’d probably lean towards the second - but for me the ideal FPL attack for this season starts with Salah, Sterling, Vardy & then work backwards from there

                  But I am fully intent on playing a back 5 this year which makes it so much easier 🙂

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

                    Best of luck, the value is in defence!

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

      I think it's more about whether to go siggy or Bilva, Sterling nailed in my team

  27. Willllsonnn!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    No love for Spurs defence?

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

      Seen a fair bit for Lloris.

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

      I like their home fixtures, a lot, but there's a fair bit of uncertainty around Trippier and Alderweireld at the mo, so I'd like to see how that pans out before committing.

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

      rumours of Trippier and maybe Alderweireld leaving.

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

        AS Roma fan here. We are deeply interested in Alderweireld, but Spurs are asking for a load of money PLUS Nicolò Zaniolo's services, which seems to me a bit too much given Zaniolo is one of the best italian U-23 prospects. Unsure why they're seeking Zaniolo while they just have Alli in the squad.

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

          Doesn't Alderweireld still have a £25m release clause? If so, why is it taking any interested club to just front up that money, it's not a lot given current market conditions (£80m for Maguire).
          Alderweireld is only 30, or so, and no major injury problems, £25m for a player who could easily play in serie A for the next three years seems a pretty good deal to me.

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

            He does. Alderweireld's issue is that he wants a fat signing on bonus + huge wages.

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

    Awkward prices and not great fixtures GW2 and 4 - not for me initially.

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

      RF to above obvs

  29. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Origi anyone? Looking very sharp in pre season

    1. Ange Ball
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Keep monitoring

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

      I'm thinking of it for a week or two punt until Mane is back. Probably wont though as its a transfer waiting to be done.

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

      I have had him since the beginning.

  30. Ange Ball
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Been impressed by Giroud 7m seems great pick. I may drop Zaha to fund him play 433.
    Thoughts?
    Ryan
    Robb Van-D Digne Ake
    Salah Fraser BSilva
    Wilson Giroud Kane

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

      No

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

      Whoever starts up front for Chelsea will be great value.
      Assuming Abrahams, and Batsuayi also are around 7m (if anyone knows why they aren't added yet, please let me know)

      Chelsea forwards are usually £10m+