Scout Notes

Mane a doubt for Gameweek 1 as Senegal make AFCON final

The Gameweek 1 availability of Sadio Mane (£11.5m) must surely be in question after Senegal made it through to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 2002.

Senegal face Algeria in Friday’s final, which is staged exactly three weeks before Liverpool’s season-opening fixture against Norwich City.

Jurgen Klopp appears to be giving all of his players a three-week break following their international exertions this summer – as happened with several players after the 2018 World Cup – and Mane’s delayed departure from Egypt casts into doubt his chances of featuring against the newly promoted Canaries, at least from the start.

It’s not just Mane who is representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations, of course, and we’ll be bringing you up to date on the other FPL assets involved at the quarter-final and semi-final stages in the Scout Notes article below.

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Egypt bowed out of the competition at the round-of-16 stage.

Senegal 1-0 Benin
Senegal 1-0 Tunisia (after extra-time)

Mane was heavily involved in Senegal’s quarter-final win over Benin, teeing up Everton’s Idrissa Gueye (£5.0m) for the match-winning goal and seeing two strikes of his own chalked off after VAR intervention.

Mane lasted the whole 90 minutes, along with Cheikhou Kouyate (£5.0m) – again playing at centre-half – and Newcastle United’s forgotten man Henri Saivet.

Gueye was withdrawn just before the game entered stoppage time.

The Lions of Teranga then saw off Tunisia in a tense semi-final, with the game going to extra-time after a goalless 90 minutes.

Dylan Bronn headed into his own net to give Senegal the victory, although Mane had earlier wasted an excellent chance when screwing a shot wide after rounding Tunisia goalkeeper Mouez Hassan.

That was the Liverpool winger’s only attempt on goal in the entire game and he was perhaps more peripheral than he had been throughout the tournament.

The former Southampton man also ceded penalty-taking duties after two misses from the spot in the tournament, allowing Saivet to step up from 12 yards in the 80th minute – only for the Newcastle man to see his effort saved.

Mane said:

It’s a momentary withdrawal. I have missed penalties in both games and must admit that it is not a good ratio.

I do not want to penalise my team and, at least for the time being, I’m going to stand aside for the penalties and let other teammates get on with it.

When I return to my club, I will continue to work hard to improve on this aspect.

Tunisia had a penalty award of their own overturned after VAR intervention, meanwhile.

Mane, Saivet, Gueye and Kouyate played all 120 minutes of Sunday’s semi-final.

Nigeria 2-1 South Africa
Ivory Coast 1-1 Algeria (3-4 penalties)
Algeria 2-1 Nigeria

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) will be up against Mane and Senegal in Friday’s final after Algeria saw off Nigeria in dramatic fashion.

Mahrez curled in an injury-time free-kick to give his country a 2-1 win, having earlier forced an own goal from Nigeria’s William Troost-Ekong with a fizzed cross from the right flank.

Mahrez, Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m) and Alex Iwobi (£6.0m) played the full 90 minutes for their respective countries, while Leon Balogun (£4.5m) was an unused substitute for the Super Eagles.

Algeria had progressed to the semis following a penalty shootout victory over Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals.

Neither Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) nor (surprisingly) Mahrez were on the field by the time the game reached that point, having been replaced on 94 and 86 minutes respectively.

Jonathan Kodjia (£5.5m) was also withdrawn in extra time but the Aston Villa striker had at least found the back of the net by that point, collecting Zaha’s pass and rifling in a low shot from the edge of the Algerian box.

The Palace winger cut a frustrated figure at times and picked up a booking after a clash with Ramy Bensebaini, although the Algerian defender didn’t do himself any favours with a theatrical reaction after contact with Zaha’s arm.

Serge Aurier (£5.0m), who has picked up hamstring and wrist injuries during the tournament, watched the game from the sidelines.

A day earlier, Nigeria had seen off South Africa in their own quarter-final.

Iwobi impressed and it was from his cross down the left that Nigeria first took the lead, with Samuel Chukwueze finishing at the second attempt.

Troost-Ekong scored an 89th-minute winner before Iwobi was replaced by Balogun in injury time.

Ndidi again lasted the course in central midfield.

The tournament is not over for Nigeria despite their subsequent semi-final defeat: the third-place play-off takes place on Wednesday evening between Tunisia and the Super Eagles.

1,390 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Eat my goal!
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Jota and sterling smashing it up today

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

      Essential on here until the next player who goes nuts in pre season

      People suddenly locked into sterling will you switch if kdb rips it up next game?

      It's like a see saw, better off just waiting until pre season ends to make changes

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

        Yeah. And it doesnt get any better even when the season starts. Remember Mkhitarian scored a few games in last year and lots jumped on him followed by more weeks of benching and blanks...!

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

        I was set on sterling before this game

        Need to see significant performances from kdb for me to see him as a replacement

        You get what you pay for

        Sterling likely to match salah this year

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

          This ^

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

        Pre-season is good for initial looks at what formation/style new managers bring and getting a first look at newly purchased players, after that it all goes out the window when the real season arrives.

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

      Yeah. Nightmare. My Kun team was locked, loaded and ready-ish. Now Sterling's back in - and first season starting with a 4,4,2

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

        unfair...Kun isn't even in the squad 🙂

    3. Pumpkinhead - I'm ITK …
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Queu all the simpletons preparing their newly created Rmt's with both players newly added 😆

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

    Terrible question. But which 4.5striker will play most minutes you think?

    Sorry.

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

      Mason Greenwood

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

        Seriously?

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

          Yeah - see my thread on the second (I think) of this page. Lots of opinions, quotes and links to try and work this out.

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

        Definitely.

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

        hope so, picked him as my 4.5 3rd striker

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

      Maybe greenwood will be given a chance. Ole hinted so

    3. Norman Conquest
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      greenwood especially if lukaku goes

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

      Nah they ain’t playing a 17 year old, hyped up

    5. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wickham isn't injured, contract extended and scored in a very weak Palace side v Barnet. It's not an answer to your question but adds an alternative to Greenwood.

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

      Great info guys. Greenwood (for now) it is

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

    Im feeling aroused by the approaching season kicking off. Love those saturday afternoons out and about and sneaky checks on the goals coming in on my phone when herself isnt looking

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

      oh my 🙂

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

      I am truly blessed. My missus works on a Saturday.

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

      Ha

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

    I’m intrigued by a possible 5-2-3 formation, how’s this draft:

    Ederson
    AWB//VVD//TAA//Digne//LaPorte
    Salah//Sterling
    King//Vardy//Greenwood

    Button//Kelly//Mendy//Donkey — 0.5itb

    The obvious punt here being Mason Greenwood, however Solskjaer said he could start against Chelsea. He may well be the best bargain in fantasy if he gets minutes.

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

      Not bad. Big concern if greenwood is suddenly not starting as he's a key element of the team. It can be done but it will take a couple of moves at least to adjust the team if that happens

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

      Crap

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

        Play your template and move along

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

    Can i please have your opinions on this draft, i’ve tried balancing the team out as much as i can.

    Pope Button
    Laporte VVD TAA Coleman Dunk
    Salah Perez Sterling Brooks Hayden
    King Deulofeu Jota

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

      It's decent but I am not sure how confident I would be starting the season with that strike force

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

      Looks good, but I fear for these light up-top teams. It’s going to take a monumental amount of willpower to resist ripping up your team when Kun, Auba or Kane bang in a hattie early doors.

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

        Yes but Sterling and Salah, the two players that are most likely to be stopping Kun, Auba and Kane entering squads, can also score hattricks and then the top heavy team will have the same temptation

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

      Strike force is an absolute disgrace, you should be ashamed.

    4. Wag the Drog
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      but the team isn't balanced up front

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

    Hello, Newcastle bidding 36 million for a real striker????? Say it ain't so!

    https://www.football365.com/news/striker-left-out-of-hoffenheim-squad-to-negotiate-e40m-newcastle-move

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

      Well they should be able to afford it now that Bruce is on 10 bob a week.

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

      26 goals in 84 games for him. Not exactly exciting for the Newcastle fans I'd say.

      Can't be any worse than muto or joselu?

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

        Joselu's gone. Only got Muto at the mo

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

      Wouldn't surprise me at all if a pr stunt (couldn't agree terms - offered him lifetime subscription to sports direct trainer + a tenner n all - but we did everything we can to land an expensive striker) but we'll see

  7. barcaa7
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender???

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

      Dunk but only for bench fodder

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

      Im taking a chance on Dunk possibly. He will be shipped out once we see some form emerging else where, maybe west ham but im not confident of that obviously!

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

        If he goes to Leicester then I'd be more interested in him

        Can see him getting a few goals with the delivery of Madison and periera

    3. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      thanks guys

    4. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Cathcart or Diop (from gw2 onwards)

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

      I like Fredericks.
      Didn’t see anything today to put me off either.

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

      Zappacosta until Rudiger is fit

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

        Different positions. 5m Christensen covers Rudiger. Zappy is RB.

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

          Yeah but I read he is playing Azpilicueta as a CB at the moment so when Rudiger is back, Azpi may be back to his RB role. Either way, Zappa at 4.5m is a steal to get into that Chelsea defence with those fixtures.

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

            Yeah I don't get where this Zappacosta love is coming from, that first preseason game meant nothing.

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

              He is a 4.5m defender in a good team with good fixtures that has played in BOTH pre-season games so far. In fact, he has one of the best minutes ratings in the whole squad (for the two games so far anyway, needs monitoring).

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

            For half a game, I think. But yeah, we need to monitor how Frank sets out his stall. I'll take Christensen or Zappy if I'm sure they'll start 2 or 3 games.

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

              Zappacosta played both games, I think

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

              Yeah just checked, he played both

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

                45 mins in both but it means nothing.

                He's one of two fit first team RBs, you'd expect him to play exactly that time considering we've put out different teams for each half.

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

                  It's not the fact he played 45, it's the fact that Azpi played cb both games that raises intrigue...

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

                    This ^ As I stated above. The RB Zappy rotated with in one of the matches was Guehi, who I cannot see nailing a place. It will likely all change when Rudiger is back and fit but for the time being, I think he deserves monitoring.

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

                    Azpi played CB for one, because he had to, and the other at RB.

                    In the first game, a number of first team players arrived late. This included Luiz, Tomori and Christiensen. Therefore the players that could play CB for the first game were: Guehi, Chalobah, Zouma and Azpi.

                    Azpi had to play CB.

                    At RB, we had Azpi, Sterling and Zappacosta. As this game was for the youngsters, Sterling played with Zappa, and Azpi was free for CB duties. Nothing to do with Zappa being preferred over Azpi, just that Zappa can't play at CB.

                    For the second game, the first teamers returned and the youngsters left. As a result, Zappa and Azpi are now the 2 free RBs, so each got one half, just like all the other players.

                    Nothing of significance. At all.

                    It may turn out that Zappacosta is preferred, but it's just as unlikely as it was last season and would have nothing to do with the first two games.

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

                      Thanks, bubble firmly popped - appreciate the more informed perspective!

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

                  Not all the players have played 45 in both games though. Look at Jorginho. He has only played 45 mins in one game. It is two games in to pre-season and there is a month left yet. I am not saying get him in right now but I think he is worth monitoring.

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

                    Read above. Jorginho arrived late because the youngsters got the first game.

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

                      Do you have a feel for how the Lb position might pan out, Emerson @ 5.5 would be great, but even an attacking Alonso at 6.5 can prove good value...

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

                        Based on their performaces so far, I'd guess Emerson - he's looked the better to me and we haven't even played against a team that will put pressure on the defence - wait for the Barcelona game on the 23rd.

                        Based on Lampard's tactics at Derby, it's again most likely Emerson - it's a bit outdated, I wrote it early July, but have a read of LB section of this http://www.planetfpl.com/chelsea-2019-20-fpl-preview/

                        Again it's a bit outdated - before the preseason games started - but it still holds for the most 🙂

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

                        No idea as both have only played 45 minutes in the second game of the two so far. I couldn't stretch to another premium defender anyway (two Liverpool and Digne). I have Kelly as a 4m and then a 4.5m.

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

                      I honestly don't know why you're pushing back so hard on this. All I have said is that he is worth monitoring until Rudiger is fit as he has played both games so far and his only competition is playing as CB. Whether he remains at CB when Rudiger is back remains to be seen. Hence why it is called monitoring. If you don't want him in your team, don't get him. I will make a decision based on what I see during the rest of pre-season.

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

                        Yes, but I'm disputing the fact that Azpi is playing CB. He isn't!

                        Just trying to help. I've spent a lot of time covering Chelsea and I therefore try and pass that information on to those that it might benefit - I've seen a lot of people deciding that Zappacosta is the new must-have 4.5m (I know that's not what you're saying) and eventually it starts to get to you when its 24/7 😉

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

                        Azpi has never played as a CB in a back 4. Not sure why people think this could happen all of a sudden when he's one of the best right backs in the league and they have options at centre back. Munday has been talking it up as a possibility as well but it's just not going to happen.

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

                        Fair - there are a lot of bandwagons on this site. I say let them blindly take him into their squads. If he doesn't end up getting played, more fool them and more points for us 😉

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

                        Maybe. Maybe not. That is why I will monitor it. If not, my 4.5m defender will be Dunk, if he goes to Leicester, I think.

  8. Sandy Ravage
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Guess KWP is now also an option

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

      Yeah but could be Foyth 1st choice after his suspension.

  9. Alexanderjg23
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 6.5 Mid?

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

      I like brooks with their early fixtures

    2. barcaa7
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Perez

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

      Perez for me

    4. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Brooks for early fixtures then switch to Tielemans

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

    RMT/suggest changes

    Pope/Heaton (ryan)
    Laporte digne robertson VVD (rico)
    Sterling salah siggy Perez (dendoncker)
    King jota (greenwood)

    Thanks

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

      Looks ok

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

      I would downgrade digne to 4.5 and use it to upgrade dendoncker. Thats just my preference.

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

        I'm likely to stick with 4 at the back so would like to keep prices at premium at the back allowing for some flexibility. Besides I don't like any more at 6mil?

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Maybe Laporte > Zinc, 4m keeper and bump King up to Wilson.

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

        I don't like Wilson's price...as in if you get rid of him, you're looking at a downgrade and another transfer elsewhere in team. King can easily become delefeu etc

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

      Need a forward at least 11m or above

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He has Sterling and Salah, why the need for a 11m forward?

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

        I do like kane at 11mil but prefer sterling and salah

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

      As good as it gets (perfect) for a team that insists Salah + Sterling is the best duo of the 6 10+ options. This is THE decision to make, which two of those 6 to get. ıf you chose the two correct ones, the rest of the team makes perfect sense.

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

        I'm going for those 2 as mids generally have a higher ceiling (clean sheet point, extra point for a goal)

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

          I agree for the time being... let's see Kane's pre-season..

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

      Like it - I'm vey similar

      Ederson (4.0)
      Robertson, VVD, Digne, Zinchenko, (Diop)
      Salah, Sterling, Siggy (4.5,4.5)
      King, Defouleu, DCL

      Gives me 3 bench players that start and a hopefully strong 11, DCL and Zinchenko are questionable so I may ditch both for fodder and upgrade a 4.5 mid to a 6.5 and switch to 442

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

        I also had ederson in goal but adjusted to get sterling in. I like DCL shout especially if they don't sign a striker. Why delofeu over jota? I'm undecided between the two. Good team btw

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

          Delofeu has some good early fixtures (Brighton, west ham and newcastle plus a tricky Everton game in first 4) can easily switch to Jota once Wolves fixtures turn

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

      Thank you for all the responses. Appreciate it

  11. *Reformed-Character*
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Tielemans & King
    Vs
    B) Brooks & Jota ???

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Brooks and King, then switch to Tielemans and Jota GW3

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not a bad shout thanks bud

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

      A easy for me

      1. *Reformed-Character*
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Currently on this

  12. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA, VVD, Digne, Zinchenko, Aké
    Salah, Sterling, KDB
    Giroud, King
    Button, Noble, Dendoncker, Greenwood

    Do I go for Pogba over KDB and upgrade Zinc to Laporte? Obviously much depends on pre-season, but what are everyone’s thoughts?

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

      All depends on how KDB is looking. Would love him to shine over the next month so I can use that 2.5m elsewhere.

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks maye

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

      nah...kinda like the team as it is personally

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers

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

      Like the noble and dendoncker bench. They can rotate well. You think noble is nailed?
      Your defence is pretty similar to my thinking

  13. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best £5.5m defender? Currently on Gomez

    And I’m not keen on Zinchenko as I think Mendy will play a much bigger part this season...

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Also have Digne, think it’s too much to double up on Everton defence ?

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

      I think Christensen will start regularly for Chelsea. So him.

      1. Coys96
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Really? Who instead of?

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

          Well, therein lies the question. We know Lamps like Christensen and playing out from the back so my guess would be he will start ahead of Luiz.

          Could be wrong. Could be righhttt.

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

      If not Zinky or Coleman, there are 3x5.5 options at Liverpool, one of whom will partner VVD.

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

      Davies

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

    Nobody looking at batshyuai?

    Read him and pulisic worked well together at Dortmund. Not sure how true that is as I never really followed his spell there

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would be if he was in the game

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

      Sure but need a price - for him and Tammy. 6-6.5 would be nice.

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He's not even in FPL

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

    Hi...any thoughts on this lot??

    Is it too defence heavy at the expense of the forwards?? Vardy the main player I'd like to have and don't.

    Pope 4m
    TAA robbo digne zinchenko 4.5m
    Salah sterling siggy madison dendonker
    King deulofeu greenwood

    Thanks

  16. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Have £18mil to spend on 3 defenders... Going to play 442 and TAA is my only bailed down defender atm. Any ideas for the 3?

    Have 1 player from City and Everton.
    2 from Liverpool
    None from other top 6 teams

    Any help would be much appreciated

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      VVD, Digne, +1

      I'd suggest Holebas if looking to WC early, otherwise maybe Coleman or Zinchenko

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

      VVD, Coleman, Walker

  17. Respect My Authoritah
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any interest in Holebas? First 4 fixtures before the international break (and a load of WCs) look grand

  18. F0oTBall GuRu
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    All those going in big with man city and tot players.
    what about gw 2 man city v tot ??

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

      It's a 38 games season.

      1. F0oTBall GuRu
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        but score for GW 2 may be low

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

          what's your solution then?

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Only an issue for defenders really, and I don't see many with Spurs defence.

      Can't have the ideal side for every week unfortunately

      1. F0oTBall GuRu
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        so are we comfortable with kane sterling laporte maybe walker all playing in 1 game with a weak bench

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, why not?

          Could easily come out with only 1 or 2 blanks.

  19. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I think this is an interesting, marginally higher-risk team. Any thoughts?

    Ryan,
    TAA, VVD, Digne, Zinchenko, Dunk
    Salah, Sterling, Yarmolenko
    Aubameyang, Giroud
    Button, Dendoncker, Hayden, Greenwood.

    It’s a scrabble winner, if nothing else!

    1. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Vardy might be a better punt over Giroud

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Would if I could afford

        1. Sandy Ravage
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Auba + Giroud > Wilson + Vardy?

          1. Worsle90
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Is that a better combo, do you think? You might be right

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It is interesting.

      If going for a West Ham mid, it has to be Anderson imo.

      3 big hitters is probably a little too many. You only get the value from them as captains.

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I just think that I’ve got a lot of last seasons top scoring FPL players and some not outlandish punts as differentials

    3. Netley Lucas
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Having to play Dunk kind of ruins 5 at the back. Then the lottery of Chelsea strikers and... I'd better stop there, have another go.

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ta(ki) once again

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

      Double Brighton defense...no thnx

      Like the Auba pick, especially vs Newcastle in GW1

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Dunk to Leicester, no?

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

          Hang on, Maguire's still there!

          1. Worsle90
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Not for long

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

          well, wouldn't want any Leicester defenders either for the first 8 GWs

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

            Fixtures are okay?

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

              not really...over first 8 GWs Newcastle, Southampton and Leicester have the worst fixture runs

    5. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Also consider downgrading Zinchenko > 4.0 and upgrading Yarmolenko + Hayden > Brooks + Noble

      1. Worsle90
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks a lot mate. Food for though

        1. Worsle90
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          T

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

      I don't like the 5 at the back formation that people are jumping on to

  20. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on John stones?

    Looks nailed on at CB.. yet not in many teams

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

      You're right, he is overlooked. Needs to show in a few pre-season games.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Liability. Could be nailed if they don't sign anyone - that seems unlikely imo

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

    I think it’s essential everyone has at least one 11m or above forward in this game or you are destined to fail.

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If we weren't allowed to make transfers, this *might* be true.

      Fortunately we are, and they shouldn't be more than 2 transfers away.

      Flexibility is a myth

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

      Wrong.

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

      Never read such nonsense. Many if not most people are going for Salah and/or Sterling in midfield and will captain them. Terrible use of resources to have a third player 11m+ who won't get the armband. I've got a front pair of Vardy and Rashford and for me, that's plenty firepower.

    4. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nope, Sterling and Salah will be highest scorers once again

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

      Disagree entirely. Went all last season without one and had my highest ever finish.

      Need to consider that Salah, Mane, Sterling are essentially strikers too. Then also some slightly more fringe, the likes of Richarlison.

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

      There’s rumours on Twitter that Poseidon might be going with just 2 budget strikers. If he’s doing it, I think us mortals should be

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

        who?

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

          King and Jota apparently

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

            I meant who's Poseidon (and don't say the Greek sea god!) 🙂

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

              His previous username

      2. Valar(Keith)
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        The Poseidon did literally fail though. Or did I misunderstand and it wasn't a ship joke?

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

          The Poseidon Adventure? '70s movie where ship turned turtle. Where the heck are we going with this???????

  22. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    1. Stones + Digne
    2. Walker + Coleman

    *avoiding LB position at city for now

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Will Stones play the majority? If not, then 2.

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

    Whicj do you prefer...

    A) vardy, king and Zinchenko
    B) Wilson, Perez and laporte

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      A, providing Zinch is going to be first choice.

    3. Worsle90
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      B).

    5. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    Pogba tempting anyone if he stays?

    1. Veggente85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Me. I have a 9m spot that is in contention between him and Eriksen.

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

      Despise him but as a fantasy asset, you'd have to.

      Utd are still going to score goals and can see him being involved.

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He's staying. Yep, could be a good shout. Depends if Bruno Fernandes comes in or not.

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

      If he stays he's a very good pick

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

      Not me. I had trouble with him last Season.

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

    just pretend Kiko Femenia is nailed, prefer A or B?

    A) Holebas, TAA + Brooks
    B) Kiko, VVD + Fraser

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

  26. jamiet
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan

    TAA, Digne, Adam Smith (Fredericks, Kelly)

    Zaha, Salah (c), Richarlison, R Morrison (Dendoncker)

    Long, Aguero, Kane

    Thoughts - trying to balance all positions

    1. polis
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It just doesn't feel that balanced.

      Playing a 'weak' def each week.
      Zaha is a no for me, unless he moved.
      R. Morisson could be a great shout... or could be terrible.
      Long probably won't play ahead of Ings & Adams.

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

        Liking the Zaha link atm - just wondering if i need to get a DSilva over Richarlison. R Morrison i think will hit the ground running.

        Just dont want to over do it on Def as i think most people will.

        Long is a concern but i could drop him to a 4.5 and Drop my sub keeper to a 4.0 and upgrade to a 5.5m midfielder and play a 352

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

          David Silva won't play enough minutes for me.

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

      I think you can have 1 or maybe 2 punts, 3 is too many

      Ravel Morrison is beyond a punt

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

    1m in the bank, where would you use it? Have an eye on some cover for yarmelko for GW1 or could move Wilson to King to free up 2.5m

    Lloris
    Digne TAA VVD 4.5
    Rich sterling Fraser yarmelko
    Auba Wilson

    Button dendonker greenwood Gibson

    Seeing a lot of teams with 6.5 lone striker or two strikers not above 7m, not buying into that

    1. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team

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

      I can't buy in to no Salah.

      The cheap strikers isn't really a thing. I'd rather have cheap strikers and Salah, who is a striker who gets 5 for a goal and clean sheet points.

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

        I have a auba exit plan to get Salah in two moves. I’m just saying auba outscores Salah in the first two gws. Auba scored 4 goals last season vs Newcastle and Burnley. And I think Newcastle will be that bad

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Salah v Norwich will be carnage

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

            As will auba vs Newcastle 😉

    3. Sandy Ravage
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Felipe Anderson for Yarmolenko looks like a good way to spend the 1m

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

        Cheers- same issue gw 1 really don’t fancy them to get much away at city.

        Wilson to king allows me to do dendonker or greenwood to a 7m mid/attacker

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

      Nice

      By which I mean we’re getting very close. Major difference is KdB over Siggy and Kane over Auba - both might change.

      Prefer KdB as cover for Mo - could backfire of course and it makes me lighter in defence. That’s how I’d use the money

      Wilson Fraser is a big yes imo

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

        Cheers mate

  28. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts? 😀

    Pope - Button

    TAA - VVD - Zinchenko - Digne - Kelly

    Salah - Sterling - Sigurdsson - Brooks - Dendoncker

    Wilson - Jota - Greenwood

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

      Very good. Too heavy at the back for me.

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

      I like the price points and structure you have.

  29. Ginkapo FPL
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Has there been much discussion of Crystal Palace getting battered by Barnet last night yet? 6-2 ...

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

      😀 😀 😀

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

      Yet everyone wants Kelly as their 4.0

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

      Still waiting for the FFS report. come on!

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

      No first team players though

      1. Ginkapo FPL
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That was about 70% our first XI....

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

      3/4 players who’ll make the squad - and those are marginal with the possible exception of Wickham

      Youth team in essence

  30. Tabbara
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts :
    Pope (Button)
    Walker Coleman Van djik TAA (Kelly)
    Siggy Sterling Salah Perez (dendoncker)
    Jota Wilson (Wickham)

    Thanks

    1. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like 🙂 similar to mine

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

        Nice

        Wilson looks lonely without Fraser. Lose Siggy and you can get Robbo or Fab