Scout Notes

Rashford and Giroud on target as Pogba returns

There were six pre-season friendlies contested on Friday and Saturday, with Chelsea and Manchester United among the teams in action.

Our latest Scout Notes article rounds up the headline team news, injury updates, goalscorers and assist-makers from these half-dozen games.

Our pre-season minutes spreadsheets have also been updated, meanwhile, as we keep track of which players are most involved for their respective clubs.

Perth Glory 0-2 Manchester United

  • Goals: Marcus Rashford (£8.5m), James Garner (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Paul Pogba (£8.5m)

The supposedly wantaway Paul Pogba (£8.5m) was handed a 45-minute runout in Manchester United’s first pre-season friendly in Australia.

Ole Gunnar Solksjaer named two separate teams for Saturday’s match in Perth and Pogba was part of the second-half XI, curiously popping up on the right-hand side of central midfield and frequently combining with new recruit Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m) and youngster Mason Greenwood (£4.5m) down the right flank.

Both of United’s goals stemmed from the hosts trying to play their way out from the back, with Pogba’s interception falling for Marcus Rashford (£8.5m) to rifle in the Red Devils’ opener.

The Frenchman unquestionably made an impact after his introduction (albeit against a limited A-League side in the middle of their own off-season), with United having looked flat in the first half and going into the break locked at 0-0.

Daniel James (£6.0m) was the exception to the rule in the opening 45 minutes, with the young winger’s pace causing Perth problems down the left flank.

Solskjaer paid tribute to James and Wan-Bissaka, along with his academy products, after full-time:

Both the new lads did well, both Dan and Aaron. You had Mason [Greenwood], Angel [Gomes], Jimmy, the young lads, [Tahith] Chongy. All showed they can make it as a Man United player.

Anthony Martial (£7.5m) did little to impress as the spearhead of United’s attack in the first half, with Jesse Lingard (£6.5m) and Ashley Young (£5.5m) going closest to scoring with efforts from distance.

A feature of United’s play in both halves was their high, aggressive press, something Angel Gomes (£5.0m) – playing on the left flank in this encounter – highlighted after the match:

We’ve been working hard, trying to get the front-foot press and trying to create and score as many goals as possible.

We’ve got very quick, direct and pacy players and we tried to press, stay high, get everyone locked up. We did that so we could create more chances, win the ball up higher and try to dominate the game.

A limpingLuke Shaw (£5.5m) departed in the final ten minutes to be replaced by goalscorer James Garner (£4.5m), although the United left-back’s issue is not thought to be serious and he has subsequently trained with the rest of the squad.

Romelu Lukaku (£8.5m), Eric Bailly (£5.0m), Victor Lindelöf (£5.5m) and Lee Grant (£5.0m) missed out with minor niggles but all four players also trained on Monday ahead of the forthcoming match against Leeds United.

David de Gea (£5.5m) was an unused substitute, meanwhile.

Manchester United first-half XI (4-2-3-1): Romero, Dalot, Tuanzebe, Jones, Young, A Pereira, Matic, Chong, Lingard, James, Martial.

Manchester United second-half XI (4-2-3-1): J Pereira, Wan-Bissaka, Smalling, Rojo, Shaw (Garner 81′), McTominay, Pogba, Gomes, Mata, Greenwood, Rashford.

St Patrick’s Athletic 0-4 Chelsea

  • Goals: Mason Mount, Emerson Palmieri (£5.5m), Olivier Giroud (£7.0m) x2
  • Assists: Mateo Kovacic (£5.5m), Ross Barkley (£6.0m), Kenedy

Olivier Giroud (£7.0m) put down a marker for the striker’s spot in Frank Lampard’s new-look Chelsea side after scoring a brace in Saturday’s win over St Patrick’s Athletic.

The Frenchman, making his first appearance of pre-season, was thrown on as a half-time substitute as Lampard changed both system and all 11 players at the break.

Giroud opened his account with a close-range finish after meeting Kenedy‘s cross from the left flank but his second goal was all his own work – the former Arsenal forward latching onto a loose pass, beating two opposition defenders and firing a low angled shot into the bottom corner.

There may well be two striking spots available in Chelsea’s team should Saturday’s evidence be anything to go by.

Giroud was the spearhead of the attack in a 4-2-3-1 in the second half but, the France international’s brace aside, the Blues were fairly lacklustre after the break.

It may well simply have been the players within that system who were flattering to deceive but the visitors looked more potent in the 4-4-2 diamond that Lampard started out with at kick-off.

Tammy Abraham and Michy Batshauyi were the strike partnership in that system, with Mason Mount in the number ten role behind them and Ross Barkley (£6.0m), Mateo Kovacic (£5.5m) and anchor Jorginho (£5.0m) pulling the strings further back.

Lampard singled out several of those players after the match, saying:

Tammy and Michy had a lot of energy up front and showed exactly the sort of stuff that I want.

We want to have energy in the side and press from the front and Michy and Tammy have both really taken on board what I’ve said to them.

So I was delighted with that and I think the only thing missing from both of their performances was a goal.

Mason showed what I saw at Derby last year with his energy alongside Ross so there were a lot of good performances.

Batshuayi had several cracks at goal – including one that hit the woodwork – but it was Mount who opened the scoring, latching onto Kovacic’s fine pass to prod the ball past the Pats’ goalkeeper.

A feature of the narrow 4-4-2 diamond meant that full-backs Davide Zappacosta (£4.5m) and Emerson Palmieri (£5.5m) were noticably pressed high up the pitch and it was the Italian left-back who doubled Chelsea’s lead, collecting a pass from Barkley (who himself had earlier hit the post) and rifling in an effort from distance.

Lampard discussed his formation changes after full-time:

We want to be adaptable, whether we need to change something in-game or for games. That’s the way we train and I want the players to have that. We know we’re not bringing any players in so we need to find little ways in pre-season and we want to try to make it difficult for teams to play against us.

It went really well in the first half. We had a lot of bodies in midfield and they dominated the ball in there, as they should do in this sort of game. As we get fitter, train more and the combinations get better, hopefully, we’ll see more of that.

N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) missed out through injury but Lampard delivered a fairly positive update on the Frenchman after full-time:

He’s been training on his own with the physios this week because he’s still feeling the effects of his injury from the end of last season and we just want to be careful with him.

It’s not a big problem. We know he’s a fit boy and he has a great attitude so the last thing we want to do is push him too early. Hopefully next week in Japan we’ll start to integrate him into the group.

Chelsea first-half XI (4-4-2 diamond): Caballero, Zappacosta, Tomori, David Luiz, Emerson, Jorginho, Mount, Kovacic, Barkley, Abraham, Batshuayi

Chelsea second-half XI (4-2-3-1): Cumming, Alonso, Zouma, Christensen, Azpilicueta, Bakayoko, Gilmour, Kenedy, Pedro, Palmer, Giroud.

FC Liefering 2-5 Brighton and Hove Albion

  • Goals: Lewis Dunk (£4.5m), Glenn Murray (£6.0m), Jurgen Locadia (£5.5m), Leandro Trossard (£6.0m), Florin Andone (£5.0m)
  • Assists: Pascal Gross (£6.5m), Locadia, Markus Suttner, Alireza Jahanbakhsh (£6.0m) x2

Graham Potter’s reign as Brighton manager got off to a winning start as the Seagulls comfortably saw off Austrian second-tier club FC Liefering.

Stiffer tests await and it’s difficult to read too much into a comfortable pre-season victory over European minnows but there were at least glimmers of hope that Potter will deliver on his promise of providing more attacking football at the Amex next season.

The former Swansea boss fielded two entirely different teams in each half but what remained consistent was his use of a fluid 4-2-3-1, with Glenn Murray (£6.0m) leading the line in the first half and Florin Andone (£5.0m) spearheading the attack after the break.

Both Brighton strikers found the back of the net, with Murray being teed up by Jurgen Locadia (£5.5m) for Brighton’s second goal and Andone completing the rout with a header from a superb Alireza Jahanbakhsh (£6.0m) cross.

Jahanbakhsh was one of the biggest flops of 2018/19 but looked re-energised here, playing in a number ten role behind Andone and setting up new signing Leandro Trossard (£6.0m) for Albion’s fourth goal – both of his assists coming from crosses from the right flank.

Potter said of the Iran international:

It was nice for him to contribute to the goals. It’s probably what he wants to do, what he was brought here to do.

The key probably with Alireza is to get him as close to goal as possible. That’s probably where they used him in Holland and therefore you get the goals and assists.

We have got a lot of forward players. We are just trying to find out where best to play. He ended up on the right as well, so with the personnel on the pitch there was quite a bit of fluidity amongst them.

Sometimes that’s positive, sometimes it’s not, it depends how you look at it, but it was nice for him to get a couple of assists.

Trossard, deployed on the left wing after a half-time introduction, took his goal well on 47 minutes with his first touches of the ball.

Potter paid tribute to the Belgian and fellow new recruit Matthew Clarke (£4.5m) after the game:

Both of them were good in the second half, it’s never easy coming to a new club and settling in straight away. But they have both adapted well to an increase in level.

It was nice for Leandro to get his goal and Matt was solid defensively, so I’m happy with their application this week and am looking forward to working with them going forward.

Pascal Gross (£6.5m) was in his customary number ten role in the first half and there was a familiar ring to his part in Brighton’s opener, with Lewis Dunk (£4.5m) looping a header in from the German’s corner.

Locadia, used on the left flank in the first half, scored a goal of his own when latching onto the end of Markus Suttner‘s cross before the interval.

Potter said after full-time:

We had five different scorers and everyone chipped in, which is always positive. It’s still early and our international players only came back at the start of the week, but the whole group has been really good.

Now we can move it forward back in England, I still have a lot of decisions to make and we still have a couple of players away too.

Potter had a good record of working with youth players at Swansea and both Max Sanders and Steven Alzate were given chances to impress at right-back and central midfield respectively.

The ex-Ostersunds manager saw his Swans side concede 62 goals last season, however, and it remains to be seen if he can address the poor marking and hesitancy that allowed Liefering to score twice in the first half on Saturday.

Brighton first-half XI (4-2-3-1): Button, Montoya, Burn, Dunk, Suttner, Alzate, Stephens, March, Gross, Locadia, Murray.

Brighton second-half XI (4-2-3-1): Walton, Sanders, Duffy, Clarke, Bernardo, Propper, Kayal, Knockaert, Jahanbakhsh, Trossard, Andone.

Young Boys 2-0 Crystal Palace

A strong Crystal Palace side lost on Saturday in their second and final pre-season match in Switzerland.

Except for Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) – on duty with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations – and the injured James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho (both £5.0m), Roy Hodgson’s starting XI was about as strong as it could possibly be for this latest encounter against Swiss opposition.

FPL budget buy Martin Kelly (£4.0m) was once again deputising at centre-half alongside Scott Dann (£4.5m), with Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) and Joel Ward (£4.5m) occupying the full-back positions.

Andros Townsend (£6.0m) and Luka Milivojevic (£7.0m) played the full 90 minutes in midfield, as did Jeffrey Schlupp (£5.5m) in his second match back from the ankle injury that caused him to miss the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Ghana international said after full-time:

I tore some ligaments in my ankle against Man City towards the end of the season. I had a lot of work in the summer and managed to get it right. I felt really good today getting through that 90 minutes and everything else is obviously a bonus.

Christian Benteke (£6.0m) was part of a two-pronged strike duo alongside Alexander Sorloth, with Max Meyer (£5.5m), so often overlooked by Roy Hodgson last season, again among the substitutes.

Meyer’s introduction at half-time saw Schlupp move into a supporting role behind Benteke, with Palace having been second-best throughout the first half and 2-0 down at the break.

Hodgson explained his tactical changes:

We changed the system, didn’t we? We started with the two lads up front. They couldn’t get hold of the ball and we were getting overrun in midfield. I think bringing Jeff Schlupp into more of a No.10 position, if you like, in between the midfield and the forwards, we got on the ball a little bit better.

Max Meyer came on the left-hand side and suddenly got us on the ball a little bit more. Our passing was a lot better and our possession play was a lot better.

Vicente Guaita (£5.0m) was back between the posts but was at fault for Young Boys’ first goal – the Palace goalkeeper hurtling out of his box to meet a loose ball and getting stranded as Nicolas Moumi Ngamaleu rounded him to score.

Guillaume Hoarau then doubled the hosts’ lead with a deflected effort on 30 minutes.

Reflecting on the game, Hodgson said:

I’m not at all disappointed here today. I was a bit after the first half but the second half has really cheered me up because I thought we played really well.

I thought particularly in the first half it showed that they had been training for four weeks and they’ve already played quite a lot of important games in their friendly matches.

To be honest in the second half I thought we were arguably the better team. They didn’t create that many chances but unfortunately, we shot ourselves in the foot with a major error after five or six minutes. So of course, when you start games like this and you’re 1-0 down it’s always going to be hard.

It was an excellent workout for the boys. We worked really hard and I’m actually impressed by the level of fitness we showed today after only two weeks in training.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Guaita, Van Aanholt, Dann (Woods 67), Kelly (Riedewald 67), Ward, Schlupp, Milivojevic, McArthur (Dreher 86), Townsend, Sorloth (Meyer 45), Benteke (Wickham 67).

Fulham 0-1 Burnley

  • Goal: Chris Wood pen (£6.5m)
  • Assist: Ben Gibson (£4.0m)

Chris Wood (£6.5m) may have a slight upper hand when it comes to the spot-kick running order at Burnley next season.

Wood despatched a 70th-minute penalty in Friday’s behind-closed-doors friendly win over Fulham after Ben Gibson (£4.0m) had been floored in the Cottagers’ box.

Ashley Barnes (£6.5m), who played the whole of the second half alongside his regular striker partner, took both of Burnley’s Premier League spot-kicks last season, although Wood had already been substituted on one of those occasions (the 1-1 draw v Southampton in February)

In the other instance, the 3-1 win over Brighton, both Barnes and Wood were on the field – and the New Zealand international was indeed on a hat-trick – when Burnley were awarded a 74th-minute penalty.

Having won the spot-kick himself, Barnes stepped up to take the penalty and scored.

Wood explained the situation after full-time:

I definitely did fancy it. It’s just one of them things, as strikers here we take responsibility for penalties. Normally if you win then you take it. He won it, I asked him for it, but he said ‘no I’m taking it’ which is fair enough. He won the penalty, so we move on and we go again.

We’ve got a rule: if you win, then you take it.

Wood had indeed won and converted a penalty in the defeat to Olympiacos earlier in the season.

So then, it may be that the Burnley strikers continue to take the penalties that they themselves win.

When other players are fouled or a handball decision is given, then it could be Wood – based on Friday’s evidence – who has the nod to take them.

A Ruben Neves (£5.5m)/Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) jobshare is another possibility, of course, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation in the coming pre-season matches.

Wood and Barnes have new competition for their places, of course, and Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m) was handed his first taste of action in his second spell at the club in a 45-minute showing in the Algarve.

The former West Brom striker had a goal disallowed for offside before being replaced at the break.

Josh Benson was the only Burnley player to get more than 45 minutes of football as Sean Dyche made ten changes at half-time, with Erik Pieters (£4.5m) making his debut in a claret and blue shirt.

Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) was reportedly deployed in an unusual central midfield position in the second half, with the fit-again Aaron Lennon (£5.0m) getting a run-out on the flank.

Tom Heaton (£4.5m) wasn’t involved as speculation grows about his future, so Nick Pope and Joe Hart (both £4.5m) each got a half to impress.

Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) reportedly missed out with a “niggle”.

Dyche will split his squad in two for games at Crewe and Port Vale next Saturday.

Burnley first half XI (4-4-1-1): Pope, Bardsley, Mee, Long, Pieters, Gudmundsson, Westwood, Benson, Brady, Hendrick, Rodriguez.

Burnley second half XI (4-4-2): Hart, Lowton, Tarkowski, Gibson, Dunne, Lennon, Cork, McNeil, Benson (Vydra 65), Barnes, Wood.

Real Betis 0-1 Sheffield United

  • Goal: David McGoldrick (£5.5m)
  • Assist: John Lundstram (£4.0m)

Every single one of Sheffield United’s players listed in Fantasy Premier league bar new signing Callum Robinson (£5.5m) featured in Friday’s 1-0 win over Real Betis.

Chris Wilder set his side up in the familiar 3-4-1-2 shape that he favoured in United’s promotion-winning season, with the usual three of Jack O’Connell, Chris Egan and Chris Basham (all £4.5m) starting the game in central defence.

Further forward, there was only really Billy Sharp (£6.0m) and Oliver Norwood (£5.0m) of the first-team regulars on show in the first half – although bench fodder option John Lundstram (£4.0m), for some reason listed as a defender by FPL, was ‘out of position’ in his regular defensive midfield role.

Sharp had a goal chalked off for a foul while Norwood went close with a free-kick before both players were hooked at the interval as Wilder made eight changes.

Only Lundstram, O’Connell and goalkeeper Simon Moore (£4.5m) remained on the pitch as first-choice wing-backs Enda Stevens (£5.0m) and George Baldock (£4.5m), midfielders John Fleck (£5.0m) and Mark Duffy (£5.5m), and striker David McGoldrick (£5.5m) were thrown on, along with new signings Phil Jagielka (£4.5m) and Luke Freeman (£5.5m).

FPL midfielder Freeman was deployed ‘out of position’ up front with McGoldrick, who spurned a one-on-one opportunity before breaking the deadlock following a headed pass from Lundstram.

After the game, Wilder said:

We needed to be a bit more tidy at times but that’s understandable because, and the same went for Betis, we’re coming back after a break when we’ve not played any football. But we will get better in that regard.

The one thing you saw though, the one thing this group as never lacked, is heart, desire and a hunger to go well. Jack O’Connell and John Lundstram, for instance, showed that out there. For them to play 90 minutes straight away, for them to not to want to come off even though the conditioners are looking at me, that tells you what them boys are about.

Sheffield United first-half XI: Moore, O’Connell, Basham, Egan,
K. Freeman, Lundstram, Slater, Bryan, Norwood, Sharp, Clarke.
Blades (second half team): Moore, Jagielka, Stearman, O’Connell, Baldock, Lundstram, Fleck, Stevens, Duffy, L. Freeman, McGoldrick.

688 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Penguin
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Guys I’ve cracked it please observe my beautiful team.
    Yes yes yes, you won’t see one better than this.

    Pope,

    Wan Bissaka,dunk,TrentAA

    ,sigurdson,salah,sterling,
    Norwood

    King Giroud Kane

    1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Glad it's beautiful for you. Not for me.

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

      Ugly layout, 6/10 for looks

    3. Penguin
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Show me yours then lads, come on let’s see it.

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

        I’m going with this...

        Pickford
        Coleman, VVD, Walker
        Sigi, Fraser, Perez, Salah, Zaha
        Aguero, King

        No playing subs - but the most beautiful team on here!

        1. Boomerang V
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I don't want to be a stickler but it sounds crazy to me a double Everton defense.
          Especially now that Zouma left the side.

      2. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Kane, Salah, KDB, Vardy & Solid DF what more could you want?

        Burnley GK

        Robertson VVD Digne Zinchenko A.Smith

        Salah KDB

        Kane Vardy King

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

      The triple of Kane + Sterling + Salah, as well as AWB, Dunk and Norwood means it's a definite no no

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

      yuk

  2. mcgrejam
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Going all out attack...

    Pickford
    Coleman, VVD, Walker
    Sigi, Fraser, Perez, Salah, Zaha
    Aguero, King

    No playing subs - worried I need Sterling - thoughts please?

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

      I mean, you know you have to swap Kun for Sterling if it worries you that much so it's fine.

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

      Decent!

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

      double Everton defense, wouldn't be my choice

      like the rest overall, I'm starting with Aguero over Sterling as well. Probably will own Sterling longer over a whole season though

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

        I’m waiting on City pre season to do this

        Pickford to Ederson
        Walker to Zinchenko

        So that will solve the double Everton dilemma

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

          ah ok, fair enough

    4. Penguin
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Appalling

    5. Boomerang V
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sounds crazy to me a double Everton defense.
      Especially now that Zouma left the side.

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

    Pogba wagon not really up to steam yet but it will come. Hope he keeps a relatively low profile in the pre season games,,

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

      yep, still very high on my watchlist

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

      Pencilled in my GW3 WC

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

      8.5 is a good price for him.

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

    Mods/anyone: Mate of mine writes a fpl blog. Any figures out there for winning points totals for the past seasons.
    Ta
    Clump 🙂

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

      First post in a while went well.
      The chap that writes the blog is a raging Tory anyway.

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

    If you had to start with one

    A) Perez
    B) Tielemans

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

      I would go A if it looks like he will be a starter by then. Should play further up the pitch than Tielemans.

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

      A

  6. Penguin
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Makes you laugh that people are putting so much money into defence, the amount of holding in the penalty area will bring so many penalties due to VAR, & not many clean sheets, mark my words.

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

      Bookmarked for later lol@posts 😉

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

      Is that why you picked defenders from teams that don’t keep clean sheets then other than TAA?

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

      I rather believe data proving the amount of penalties more or less stay the same even after a season with VAR. Remember, wrongly given pens happen too and they are taken away by VAR.

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

        Interesting to see stats on how many get taken away vs how many get added

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

          I don't have the specific numbers, but the total amount stays more or less the same which is what counts.

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

            I think in a league like the PL where VAR has been put off for such a long time there will be more pressure on refs to give the penalty like in the WC and women’s WC. The pressure on these refs in the mainstream now is immense and at the end of the day it comes down to their decision still

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

              Don't think their pressure differ from La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A etc

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

        The new handball rule is coming as well though. I agree that amount of penalties will increase, but most likely it will result in more penalties for the already heavily attacking sides. It wont make crap sides suddenly start scoring every game against Liverpool and City

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

        Granted the sample data is small but just need to look at the world cup up by 174% (and anecdotally other tournaments from memory, not stats) to know that VAR, for better or worse, will lead to more pens. I'll eat my hat if it doesn't!

        Don't think that will necessarily out me off spending in defence on double pool or Digne for example....but it certainly makes me very interested in King and possibly even a couple 'magic beans' like Jorgino or Noble etc.

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

          WC was an anomaly, as stated here

          https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2018/06/25/var-increases-refereeing-accuracy-but-not-the-total-penalty-count

          "The Economist looked at the six countries that have introduced the VAR system for all games in their domestic leagues—Germany, Italy, Portugal, America, Australia and South Korea—we found no evidence of a spike in penalties. That suggests that for every extra spot kick that the VAR has spotted, there is another that he has cancelled."

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

            "If the Premier League follows the suit of the Champions League, the Bundesliga and Serie A, we may even see a slight decrease in the number of penalties awarded."

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

            Interesting read!

            I guess there's probably also a bit of unconscious bias going on that makes it feel VAR is awarding more pens because it's new and contentious.

            I have to admit I am a little shocked the numbers are down/level. Again, strictly from the eye test and my memory I feel there are more unseen off the ball fouls (shirt holding etc.) than dives and referee errors. Perhaps I'm wrong though.....will be interested to see how it plays out

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

              Most people believe VAR means more penalties because that's how WC made it look. I thought so too until I saw the numbers 🙂
              Players probably adjust to VAR too, knowing they can't pull shirts etc as easily now

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

        In fact that's not true at all: in Italy, where we have been using it since 2017-2018 season, the number of penalties per year has almost doubled

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

          Huh?

          Serie A:

          118 penalties given in 14/15

          121 penalties given in 15/16

          136 penalties given in 16/17

          120 penalties given in 17/18 with VAR

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

    Which 5.0 mid is best for rotation? occasional starts like every other game...Noble best shout? pens and some odd assist

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

      Jorginho or Norwood miles better as they do things in open play

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

        havent really checked that Norwood guy. I assume he plays a bit more forward than Jorginho?

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

          It's expected Kante moves to his natural position which puts Jorginho a bit forward. If nailed and on pens for Chelsea 5.0 is too good to ignore.

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

            It will be interesting to see how much Jorginho plays this season.

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

              Yup, I'm afraid he will be rotated under Lamps

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

      People will understandably not take this punt - but Wilshere has returned looking really hungry this preseason and if he is starting the last couple of pre-s games, I think he could get a starting spot again. That makes him the best 5.0.

      But otherwise it's Noble or Norwood yes. Don't be surprised if Noble loses a bit of gametime, but then I have just recommended a big sicknote 🙂

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

        such a shame he's kinda made of glass. But then angain, could take a risk for only 5.0m

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

      March?

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

    Player for player, I like Jota better than Deulofeu. That being said, Deulofeu seems to have the better fixtures. Should I go with him or should I think long term from the start?

    (I have King already)

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

      I'd start deulofeu

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

        Thanks mate

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

      neither are players you'll keep for a whole season I reckon, so Deulofeu from the start seems a good choice

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

    A) Sterling, Perez, Brooks
    B) Vardy, Wilson, Siggy

    Best option here?

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

      A. I'd do my best to get Siggy in though.

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

      A

  10. That Was Easy!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    All bases covered here, outside of Leicester attack?

    Pope/Heaton/4.5
    TAA Robertson Digne Zinchenko Trippier
    Salah Sterling Siggy Fraser
    Giroud

    4.0; Dendonker, Fodder, Fodder

    Not keen on any kind of a 2nd/3rd starting bench player at the start.

    1. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’ve pondered a similar formation with just Harry up front - the major problem if he doesn’t play like Giroud you’ll end up with just a playing X 🙁

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

      They are trying to ship Trippier....Napoli/Bayern Munchen...

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

        A Bayern defender for 5.5 would be class

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

    Thoughts on this lot. KdB over Sterling cos I can’t afford him

    Ederson
    TAA Digne Robertson Cathcart
    Zaha Salah Siggy KdB
    Vardy King

    Button Kelly Dendoncker Greenwood

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

      Very similar to mine except I’d still be nervous without Sterling!

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

    Thoughts here?

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Digne
    Salah Sterling Fraser Robinson
    Vardy King Deulofeu

    Button Dendonker 4.0 4.0

    1. That Was Easy!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like the double up on Bournemouth, see them hitting the ground running as well.

      Not sure I like the formation, although many will say that. For me it’s tough to justify Deu/King over many 6.5/7.0 backs.

  13. Erdogan
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What are the opinions about having Trippier and Zinchenko in defence? Too risky that both might not play at some point?

    I quite like this team I have put together, just concerned about 2 of defenders are not certain starters.

    Lloris
    Van Dijk, Robbo, Trippier, Zinchenko
    Salah, Sigurdsson,Sterling, Moura
    King, Deulofeu

    Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks

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

      double tottenham def is not needed. Downgrade lloris to upgrade one of zinc/trippier. Although i think trippier should be safer, until inevitable injury

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

      Robbo to TAA?

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

        Thanks, but no thanks. I was actually looking for suggestions about 2 defenders which are not 100% nailed - Zinch and Tripp. Not looking to replace Robbo with another defender who is under rotation.

  14. sully29
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on the Chelsea defence? Someone like Azpi worth it for their decent early fixtures?

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

      Azpi is always a good option, in my team

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

      I wouldn't say decent early fixtures? Can see United, Leicester, Wolves and Pool scoring against them in the first 6

  15. The 12th Man
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Why oh why is Bernard priced at £6.5m ?
    5.5 or 6 at a stretch.

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

      Haha yeah saw that earlier and thought exactly the same

  16. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    4 Captain Options & a solid DF 🙂

    Burnley GK

    Robertson VVD Digne Zinchenko A.Smith

    Salah KDB

    Kane Vardy King

    (Dendonkey, Stephens, Hayden)

  17. Taking the Mkhitaryan
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Has anyone put together a decent team with 3 City and 3 Pool.
    As clearly the 2 best teams
    I think i have made a competitive one
    Pope
    TAA Robbo Zinchenko Coleman
    Sterling KDB Salah Perez
    King Deulo
    Bench trash

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

      Ederson
      TAA Robbo Walker Digne
      Salah Sterling Zaha Tielemans
      King Delo

      Button Dendonkey Wickham Kelly

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Intersting.
        Prefer KDB over an unsettled Zaha though. Unless he gets a decent move

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

      I do.

      Ederson
      Robbo - TAA - Digne - Coleman
      Salah - KdB - Bilva - Siggy
      Giroud - King

      Thats not the final, Coleman will be Zinchenko if he looks nailed and downgrade Ederson.

      Also Giroud could be Deulofeu/Deeney/Jota.

      1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cant bring myself not to pick sterling. He was a hero for me last season

      2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Giroud could be value of the season

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

          Yeah, really hope he will be first choise.

          Only way to bring Sterling is downgrade Siggy/Bilva and upgrade KdB. Can see KdB to be better value.

          1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            As you can see from my draft, you can fit sterling and KDB in. Not many will be on that double

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

              Thats true, but would you take, Sterling and Perez over Bilva and Siggy is another question.

              1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Personally yes. Perez could be any 6.5

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

                  Yeah, if the frontline will be Sterling - Kun - Bilva, I wouldnt be so sure.

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

          think there's value in that Chelsea team overall...just need a few GWs to figure out which ones 🙂

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

    Do you prefer

    A: 4 premium defenders & x1 4.0

    B: 3 premium defenders, & x2 4.5 rotating defenders

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

      A

      Rotation is a waste of time.

  19. Coaly
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 6m player for final attacking slot?

    a) Barkley
    b) Murray
    c) Che Adams
    d) Wesley

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      None of those are anywhere near my team for wk 1 but i will be keeping an eye on Che

      1. tbeans22
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ditto

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

        If you had to?

        1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Honestly, if i had to, i would rethink my team until i didnt have to
          The beauty of a gw1 team, you arent stuck with anyone. That comes in the next 37wks

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

            really happy with all the other picks though

            1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Pick one and hope then

              1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Barkley rotation is always a problem

                Murray is 80 and Brighton are turds

                Che is excellent but will get brought off on 60 for Long or Austin.

                Wesley is a complete unknown gamble.

                I'd rather go Calvert lewin for 6, or Neves as a 5.5 mid

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

                  Thanks, valid points and will give DCL some thought

                  Murray did really well last season and has good fixtures though also ...

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

      im personally probably going with Adams, alongside Wilson

  20. cravencottage
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Playing Smith each week wont end well. Keep eye on Zinchenko starting

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

      Reply fail

      1. SAKA AND EMILE SMITH ROWE
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Presume this was to me 🙂

        A.Smith has nice Fixtures but yeah I agree BOU aren't too great defensively, will see if Dunk stays at BHA, they have a nice start too. Will assess Zinchenko too

  21. Salarrivederci
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Save a 5.5 spot in your defense for Matt Ritchie.

    Reclassified as a defender, but he might still be on pens, corners & indirect free kicks.

    I know they will be without Pérez, Rondón & Joselu, and they still need to sign a new manager, but as a fantasy option I think he could be great this year. He might even move back further up the pitch under the new manager. And the Magpies will still be solid on home turf.

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Newcastle are fodder this season. Not looking at them at all penalty takers or not

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

      We have to wait in his case. Uncertain role at the moment

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

      Guess I'll have him to myself then 😉 my GW1 punt!

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

        In mine atm for first two GWs

      2. Taking the Mkhitaryan
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good luck..

    4. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Is he going to be saving pens?

  22. Kizza_10
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I know my bench isn’t the best but I’m willing to gamble on it for the first few game weeks, other than that if you’ve got any advice on how to improve the team please tell.

    Pope or Ryan
    Azpi VVD Walker Robertson Coleman
    Tielemans Sterling Salah KDB
    King

    Subs: Button, Dendoncker, Greenwood, Wickham

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nobody's bench is good gw1

  23. Maradona
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any thoughts on this - is King the best cheaper striker?

    Ryan (Button)
    Robertson VVD Digne Zinchenko (Kelly)
    Salah Sterling Zaha Perez (Dendoncker)
    Vardy King (Greenwood)

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Best? Maybe/maybe not
      A decent option with good fixtures though

  24. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    When will mason mount be added to the game ?

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Next tuesday at 3.15pm

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

        Nope, later 😉

  25. Emah3
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please!

    Ryan Button

    VvD Coleman Laporte Diop Kelly
    Salah Sterling Siggy Zaha Dedonkey
    Vardy King Joselu

    Joselu in prime position for Newcastle now?
    Diop for week 2 onwards

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

      Joselu is leaving for alaves?

      1. Emah3
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        My first post and already fielding an ineligible player...back to the drawing board. Thanks!

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

      Joselu was sold to Alaves today

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

    Opinions on this draft?

    Ryan
    Robbo vvd digne
    Salah kdb siggy zaha
    Vardy king delou

    Button dendonck dunk kelly

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

    Any ideas for improvement? Salah C most gws, occassionally Vardy

    Ederson
    Robbo TAA Digne Zinchenko/nailed 5.5
    Salah Siggy Bilva Fraser
    Vardy King

    Button Dendo Wickham Kelly

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

      Maybe downgrade Fraser to pereyra for Watford cover and upgrade Zinchenko to walker?

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

        Thanks, will consider. That would leave a million in the bank

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

          Pereyra's 10 attacking returns to Fraser 21 last season might not make it worthwhile, unless I find really good use for the remaning million

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

        Watford cover?!?

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

          I'm not concerned about that either btw 🙂

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

          XD

  28. Bruno Bruno!!
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    The people that run FPL need to take a long hard look at themselves,not putting mount in the game what a joke

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

      a real bottlejob

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

    todays

    ederson

    stacey / van dyck / robbo

    de bruyne / zaha / salah / ward prowse

    deulofeu / king / vardy

    button / christensen / yarmolenko / kelly

    1. Taking the Mkhitaryan
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No

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

    A: Jimenez + king
    B: Jota + Wilson + 0.5
    ?

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

      Opss i made a mistake
      That 0.5 should be in A

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

        B anyway

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

      A. 1.5 pen taker + money