Scout Notes

Two-goal Wilson catches the eye in pre-season opener

Our pre-season coverage continues with a recap of four fixtures that were held on Tuesday.

The headline FPL talking points, team news and goalscorers are documented in the article below, while the pre-season minutes spreadsheet has also been updated and can be viewed by clicking here.

Bournemouth 3-2 Wimbledon

  • Goals: Callum Wilson (£8.0m) x2, Ryan Fraser (£7.5m)
  • Assists: David Brooks (£6.5m), Dominic Solanke (£5.5m), Nathan Ake (£5.0m)

Callum Wilson (£8.0m) and Ryan Fraser (£7.5m) served a timely reminder of their Fantasy potential as Bournemouth began their pre-season with a 3-2 win over Wimbledon in La Manga.

Both players were the subject of £2.0m price hikes in Fantasy Premier League this summer but remain tempting options at the top-end of the mid-price bracket, particularly given that the Cherries enjoy some appealing fixtures in the opening few months of 2019/20.

It was almost inevitable, with much talk about the feasibility of “covering” Wilson and Fraser with the cheaper Joshua King and David Brooks (£6.5m), that the more expensive Bournemouth assets would strike the first blow in pre-season and give us more food for thought.

The lively Wilson first narrowly failed to find the back of the net after rounding Nik Tzanev but went one better in a carbon-copy incident soon after, collecting Brooks’ pass and sidestepping the Wimbledon goalkeeper before walking the ball into an unguarded net.

Wilson’s second goal was a superb strike, with the England striker collecting a Dominic Solanke (£5.5m) flick and driving forward to curl a dipping shot beyond Tzanev.

The predatory Wilson, who repeatedly got into the “big chance” territories we are used to seeing him in, had the opportunity to complete his hat-trick but could only volley over a Lloyd Kelly (£4.5m) cross.

Eddie Howe said after full-time:

I think it’s important, even though it’s pre-season, that the strikers score and attacking players create, so really good for Callum to get his two goals. I think he’ll be delighted with that.

So it’s a good start for him and the team in the first half, we looked strong and played some good stuff at times.

There were 11 changed at the interval as the likes of King, Fraser and Nathan Ake (£5.0m) took to the field, along with budget FPL defensive option Diego Rico (£4.0m) and debutant full-back Jack Stacey (£4.5m).

King was unable to pose the same threat that Wilson managed but Fraser caught the eye, first missing the target after some neat interplay with Jordon Ibe (£5.0m) and then latching onto a long ball from Ake to seal the Cherries’ victory.

Solanke was heavily involved in the first half and looked decent alongside Wilson, while Kelly – who didn’t bank one assist last season – showed plenty of attacking intent going forward from left-back.

Sloppiness was to be expected after a two-month summer break and there were the usual defensive frailties, with Wimbledon scoring twice from the spot – one penalty being given after some iffy control and a subsequent foul from Dan Gosling (£5.0m).

Bournemouth first-half XI (4-4-2): Ramsdale; Smith, Mepham, Simpson, Kelly; Brooks, Ofoborh, Arter, Dobre; Solanke, Wilson

Bournemouth second-half XI (4-4-2): Begovic, Stacey, Cordner, Ake, Rico, Ibe, Gosling, Butcher, Fraser, King, Surridge

Colorado Rapids 0-3 Arsenal

  • Goals: Bukayo Saka, James Olayinka, Gabriel Martinelli
  • Assists: Eddie Nketiah (£4.5m), Dominic Thompson

Arsenal got their pre-season off to a winning start but there was little interest for Fantasy managers in the Gunners’ 3-0 win over Colorado Rapids.

Of the Arsenal players priced up by Fantasy Premier League, only Carl Jenkinson (£4.5m) and Eddie Nketiah (£4.5m) – neither of whom are first-team regulars – started in the early hours of Tuesday morning, although the visiting bench was a star-studded one.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m), Mesut Ozil (£7.5m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) all made 12-minute cameos at the end of the match, with Arsenal’s strike duo both having presentable chances to extend their side’s lead late on – Lacazette missing an opportunity created by fellow substitute Sead Kolasinac (£5.5m).

Nketiah set up the excellent Bakayo Saka for the Gunners’ opener before
James Olayinka scored a screamer from distance after collecting a loose pass in central midfield.

Summer signing Gabriel Martinelli, up there with winger Saka as a man-of-the-match candidate, converted a cross from left-back Dominic Thompson to finish off the scoring.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.0m), Bernd Leno (£5.0m) and Sokratis (£5.0m) were among the unused substitutes.

According to Unai Emery, we will see more senior players in action against Bayern Munich on Thursday morning:

Wednesday [US time] we will continue with some players who haven’t played yet, like Sokratis, Mkhitaryan, Xhaka and Reiss Nelson. Other players played less minutes. Our preparation here is very important for these matches, Bayern Munich, Fiorentina and Real Madrid. The group is working very well.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Macey, Jenkinson, Chambers (Mustafi 62′), Medley, Thompson (Kolasinac 64′), Olayinka (Willock 62′), Burton, Martinelli (Ozil 78′), John-Jules (Aubameyang 78′), Saka, Nketiah (Lacazette 78′).

Burnley 8-0 Accrington Stanley
Burnley 2-3 Tranmere Rovers

  • Goals: Chris Wood (£6.5m) x3, Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m) x2, Dwight McNeil (£6.0m), Erik Pieters (£4.5m), Jimmy Dunne; Matej Vydra (£5.5m) x2
  • Assists: Ashley Westwood x3, Vydra, (others unknown); Dunne, Aaron Lennon (£5.0m)

Chris Wood (£6.5m) scored a hat-trick and Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m) notched a brace as Burnley played two simultaneous training ground friendlies with Football League opponents on Tuesday.

With the two matches being played behind closed doors and no footage of the kickabouts existing, the Burnley website’s report is the only account of the games we have.

Most of the players involved were handed 90-minute run-outs, although Burnley’s four goalkeepers – including Tom Heaton (£4.5m), whose future is in doubt – were given a half each.

The two different starting XIs swapped opponents at half-time, just to confuse matters.

Wood and Rodriguez bagged all of their goals in the same half against Accrington, with Dwight McNeil (£6.0m) also on target against Stanley in the opening 45 minutes.

Ashley Westwood (£5.5m), supplier of eight goals last season, notched a hat-trick of assists, with one coming from a corner that Wood headed in.

Over on the other pitch, Matej Vydra (£5.5m) scored twice against Tranmere.

Full-backs Erik Pieters (£4.5m) and Jimmy Dunne added to the rout of Accrington after the switcharound as Burnley ran out 8-0 victors.

Steven Defour (£5.5m) still wasn’t fit enough to feature while there was no Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) either, who missed out with a “niggle” in Friday’s friendly with Fulham.

There was no reason given for the absences of Ashley Barnes (£6.5m) and Phil Bardsley (£4.5m), meanwhile.

There was an hour of action for former Burnley midfielder David Jones as he continues to train with the club, although Sean Dyche has said no deal is in the offing for the 34-year-old.

The Clarets’ first public friendlies take place this Saturday as Dyche again splits his squad for games against League Two sides Crewe and Port Vale.

Burnley v Accrington

First half (4-4-2): Legzdins, Koiki, Long, Mee, Lowton, Gudmundsson, Westwood, Jones, McNeil, Rodriguez, Wood.

Second half (4-4-1-1): Pope, Dunne, Tarkowski, Gibson, Pieters, Lennon, Cork, Benson, Brady, Hendrick, Vydra.

Burnley v Tranmere

First half (4-4-1-1): Hart, Dunne, Tarkowski, Gibson, Pieters, Lennon, Cork, Benson, Brady, Hendrick, Vydra.

Second half (4-4-2): Heaton, Koiki, Long, Mee, Lowton, McNeil, Westwood, Jones (N’Guessan 65), Gudmundsson, Rodriguez, Wood.

Barnet 6-2 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: David Boateng, Connor Wickham (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Alexander Sorloth, Ryan Inniss

A weak Crystal Palace side, made up of second-string players and academy products, succumbed to a chastening 6-2 defeat at Barnet on Tuesday.

There wasn’t a single regular first-team player on show at the Hive, although the likes of Jairo Riedewald, Alexander Sorloth, Connor Wickham (£4.5m) and Luke Dreher (£4.5m) were involved.

Sorloth and Wickham led the line for the Eagles and both players were involved in their side’s goals as Palace raced into a 2-0 lead.

Sorloth laid the ball off to David Boateng for the visitors’ opener, while Wickham got a boot onto the end of a flick-on from a Palace corner before the game had reached the ten-minute mark.

Barnet had levelled the game up by half-time and scored four unanswered goals in the second half.

Crystal Palace XI (4-4-2): Henderson, D.Boateng, Inniss, Woods, Riedewald, Dreher (M.Boateng 84), McGregor, Flanagan (Hobbs 79), Daly, Wickham (Lokilo 79), Sorloth.

1,042 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Mike2795647
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think.? Currently on A

    A) Mendy, Richarlison, Fraser and Kane
    B) Mendy, KDB, Fraser and Vardy
    C) AWB, KDB, Tielemans and Kane

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

      A though I prefer Walker & Sigurdsson to Mendy & Richarlison.

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

      I wouldn't touch mendy or AWB

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

        Same answer.

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

    Sterling and/or De Bruyne ? How often would they be likely to play together if both are fit ?

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

      Both nailed IMO

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

      Don’t think de Bruyne will represent 9.5m worth of value on his own. Sterling will definitely represent 12.5m

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

        Not convinced by this - Sterling scored 234 points last season (his best return); KDB scored 209 in 17/18 (his best return). If you think both players are likely to perform to their proven potentials, is the 25-point difference worth 2.5m? With captaincy, maybe, but I don't think it's a given

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

      What will you do with the 2.5 saved if you go with KDB?

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

        Buy membership to post a picture and keep the rest itb

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

        Ideally want both, sacrifice Vs my other draft is keeper downgrade from Ederson to Ryan and downgrade third striker from Calvert Lewin to Wickham.

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

        I'd follow George Best's example and spend most of it on booze and women ...and waste the rest 🙂

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

      Thoughts were:

      Ryan (Button)

      VVD Robertson Laporte Cathcart (Kelly)

      Salah Zaha KDB Sterling (Dendoncker)

      Jota King (Wickham)

  3. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    Smith, Laporte, VVD, Digne
    Zaha, Sterling, Salah, Rich, Fraser
    Wilson

    Is that starting 11, 100% nailed?

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

      Probably. Why did you leave me 🙁

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Leave you? lol.

        How is your early wildcard team looking? I'm thinking of sacking off the Bench Boost GW1.

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

          Oh so you’re still doing early WC 🙂 it’s decent but need more info before i’ll Be truly satisfied. Will have another fiddle with it later

          1. Maddi Son
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yeah, I'm thinking about going with a strong, nailed starting 11 for the first two GW's. But yeah, in the same boat as you. Keep messing around with it

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

      All but Smith I would say.

    3. Make United Great Again
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes

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

      I think Smith is a risk points wise, but worth it for the upgrades elsewhere

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm undecided on which 4.5 defender is best for the first few Gameweeks.

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

          None are great, he's as good as any got me

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

            *for

  4. Oldie99
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pope (Fab)
    VVD Rob TAA Digne (Kelly)
    Sterling Perez Siggy Fraser (Donck)
    WIlson Vardy (Greenwood/Nketiah)

    This sexiness can be achieved if Salah is left out, not seen too many of these on here though - what are the main reasons?

    1. Oldie99
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      VVD to Laporte for a bit of balance maybe?

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

        Forget 'balance'.

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

      People not wanting to leave Salah out.

      My current draft is very similar to yours, think you've spent a mil too much on keepers though.

      1. Oldie99
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        9.5 must be the minimum people spend on keepers no? or 9.0 maybe

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

          8.5, every year, never let me down.

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

            The 4.5s this year are pretty poor, but they'll still get saves.

            Pope / Krul etc. are decent options. If you want to go for a 5m keeper or even an expensive premium like Allison / Ederson, then you'd want to play them every week. Rotating keepers is extremely risky and unpredictable. They score well in the hardest games due to save potential.

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

      Somehow feel that Salah (VAR + penalties + Liverpool) will be good value.

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

      The main reasons why every one has the last 2 season's highest scorer and safest captain pick (who has just had a price cut)? We all like curly hair obvs.

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

    Best option between
    A Team below

    B KDB Wilson over Sterling Deulofeu and double Bournemouth attack plus 1 m in bank or

    C KDB Vardy over Sterling Deulofeu

    Ederson
    TAA Azpilicueta Van Dijk Digne
    Sterling* Salah Richarlison Pérez
    King* Deulofeu*

    Woodman Dendoncker Kelly Greenwood

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

      Not a big fan of King after he burned me so often but I like (A). Think Sterling is more of a priority than KdB.

  6. Make United Great Again
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who do you reckon the cheap breakthroughs will be this season?

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

      Zinchenko
      Perez
      Haller

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

      No one knows until they start breaking out. It's a crap shoot.

      1. Make United Great Again
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Blunt but fair haha.

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

      CHO, James, Iwobi

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

      Andone

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

    Looks strong right?

    Ederson
    Van Dijk - Robo - Digne
    Sigurdsson - Pogba - Bilva - Salah - Zaha
    Jimenez - King

    Button - Kelly - Greenwood - Simpson

    Thinking of Mané, Sterling and McGinn instead of Pogba, Salah and Bilva

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

      Good looking team, no Sterling maybe a risk. I'm surprised more people aren't looking at KDB now he's fit again.

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

    I'm not convinced of the 4-man defence but it's still decent in this Salah/Sterling/Kane/Vardy team:

    Heaton
    Robertson, Coleman, Dunk, A Smith
    Salah, Sterling, Zaha
    Kane, Vardy, McGoldrick

    Only problem is the lack of 5.5m strikers and the lack of Siggy/King

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

      Not worth it if you have to play 2x 4.5 defs and Mcgoldrick every week.

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

      Wow, I'd love Vardy in my side (post below). I reckon this team will do well!

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

      You can't have vardy in a kanesalahsterling team. Its already stretching it having those 3.

    4. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Zaha -> Brooks
      Robertson -> VvD

      Gives you a bit more to upgrade McGoldrick at least. Personally if you're going for those 4 premiums, I'd ditch the 3rd striker completely and upgrade the 4.5 defs or the 4.5 mid.

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

      For the 32.5m that Dunk, Smith, Zaha, McGoldrick, Kane cost you could have Laporte, Digne, King, and 13.5 spare for another two players (any combo of defs/mids/strikers)

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

        Say TAA-6.5 attacker or VVD-7.0 attacker

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

    Thoughts? Really want Salah, Sterling & Kane

    4.5m (4m)

    Robertson VVD Zinchenko Coleman Aurier (if looks nailed)

    Salah Sterling Perez (4.5m, 4.5m)

    Kane King (4.5m)

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

      Close. Your team would be excellent if Kane was Vardy though

    2. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice but keep an eye on Aurier. I think Kane will do well but I'd prefer to go Vardy Wilson up top pal.

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

      That's pretty much as good as a kanesalahsterling team gets, mine was same but jorginho over aurier.

  10. Another Hoops
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I'll be the first to admit I'm an idiot thinking about not going with Sterling but preseason or no preseason I enjoy watching the guy and cant go without.

    Ryan
    Trent - van Dijk - Coleman - Taylor
    Sterling - Salah - Fraser - Siggy
    Wilson - Jota

    Button - Nketiah - Dendonker - Dunk

    Vardy was nailed in my team but unless will have to wait a few weeks to get him.

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

      Fine team

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks man

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Like the Fraser+Wilson double up, can't see any reason why they won't match or improve on last season (barring injuries and fitness)

      1. Another Hoops
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers. Both are easy to downgrade too incase it goes sour.

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

      lll be the second to admit youre an idiot 🙂

    4. Big Ping
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team. Mines the same but with perez/jota instead or siggy/nkeitah... for now...

      1. Big Ping
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Of*

  11. El Matador
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pope

    Digne Zinchenko TAA
    Siggy Perez Salah KDB Son (GW3)
    Haller King

    Thoughts? No Sterling but would be confident captaining Son or KDB as alternatives.

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

      How much is haller?

      1. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Guessing 7m.

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

      who is Son in GW1 and 2?

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

        Foetus

      2. El Matador
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Probably Fraser

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

          good choice

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

    A. Ryan, Robertson, Sigurdsson
    B. Ederson, VVD & Zaha

    1. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

        Thanks.

    2. Kun Tozser
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pickford VVD Pulisic?

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Or Fraser

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

        Thanks. I’m avoiding Chelsea until I’ve seen them a few times and already have Wilson & Brooks so won’t get Fraser.

  13. Kun Tozser
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who is currently your worst/least expected source of points in your starting 11?

    Who is making real comprises and who is spreading a little more.

    1. Another Hoops
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ryan 🙁 Brighton are relegation fodder and I've got their keepers.

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        You’re not alone, Burnley situation one to watch?

    2. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Deulofeu, I just like Watford's opening fixtures but know he's rarely gonna play 90 ever

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

      Most is Sterling / Salah.

      My least is probably DCL or my keeper (Ryan). DCL is a bit of a punt for the start.

      1. Kun Tozser
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        DCL at 6 surely better spent elsewhere?

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

          Possibly, but tempted to give it a few weeks. He’s by no means certain in my team but he was regular for Everton at the end of last season and they have good fixtures.

          Last season DCL averaged an attacking return every 160 minutes which works out better than the likes of Brooks, King, Perez eyc who have been popular in that price range.

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

        Sorry, misread the question as most / least.

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

      Jota. Because I dont believe in having players I dont believe in in my first 11

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

      Andone, but I don't expect to be starting him often.

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

      Ashley Westwood.

      And I don’t think he’s going to do that badly at all either, if I’m being honest!

      Him or Jota.

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

    Guys, we’re now about 2 or 3 weeks into pre-season and my team effectively hasn’t changed - 8 of these chaps were in my GW1 proposed lineup before prices were even released, with King added post price release

    This is a personally unheard of level of RMT stability in 11 seasons 🙂

    Henderson*
    TAA, Robbo, Laporte, Digne, Coleman
    Salah, Sterling, Yarmo*
    Vardy, King
    (Bench: L, O, L, Z)

    *Yarmo & Henderson can be any combo of 10.5 GK/attacker

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

      I've got to be honest. I'm not keen.

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

        You are in the majority - check out the formation poll at side of page - less than 10% I tend to play a back 5

        I literally can’t wait to unleash those defs... if a first choice city LB emerges it gets even better 🙂

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

      Not pushed on King / Yarmo meself but it's grand. 5 at the back almost writes itself if ya go that route.

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

        I see a lot of love for Brooks at the minute over King, but the fact that King avoided he price rise and has good fixtures and pens keeps him at the top of the 6.5 strikers for the first few weeks for me

        The swap to Jota, Deulofeu etc is possible if king bombs, but I think he should nick a return or two - can’t really ask for much more at that price

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

      I have a similar team. have you considered laporte and coleman --> Zinchenko + 4.0 freeing up 2.5m to get zaha and perez/brooks in mid?

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

        Yep I’ve considered Laporte > Zinchenko for sure & will do that if we get certainty on Zinch...

        Coleman is nailed into my team as long as (a) he isn’t injured and (b) Gueye is still on Everton’s books

        I’m avoiding Zaha like the plague - his output when Bats was not on the pitch was terrible

        I’m also not a huge Siggy fan - the fact that Coleman actually has outscored him (and Digne) this year and from less games says it all

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

      shite bench

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

        Yeah that’s by design 🙂

        I don’t want one red cent above the minimum on my bench pre-wildcard

        Plenty of time for bench building when we see who’s who and what’s what in the bargain bucket a few weeks/months down the line

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

      King will disappoint you

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

        He may do - but he’s the pick of the 6.5 strikers for me - and if he does bomb, it’s not too far from Jota/Deulofeu/Adams/Ings - whichever else of that gang happen to be looking good

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

    Ryan
    TAA Robertson Laporte Digne
    Salah Perez Sterling Robinson
    Jota Vardy

    Button Dendoncker Rico Greenwood

    All good? 🙂

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

      Laporte->Z (if looking nailed)
      Robinson->Brooks

  16. Roy Rovers
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Would you change anything?

    Ederson
    TAA. Walker. Coleman. Cathcart.
    Salah. KDB. Pérez.
    Kane. King. Giroud. (Could be Haller if 7 mill)

    Button. Jorginho. Diop. Dendoncker.

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

      Personally I’ve never been a big Giroud fan, he could be downgraded to 4.5 Greenwood to strength 4th midfielder and 4th defender. I’m keeping an eye on the Chelsea 6-6.5 midfield options, particularly when HO and LC are back.

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

    Thoughts on the below?

    Took out Sterling, Siggy and Laporte for KDB, Pereyra and Ake to upgrade Ryan->Ederson and Jota->Kane. Starred players total 17.5m and feel there’s something I’m missing...

    Ederson (Button)
    Robbo, VVD, Digne, Ake* (Diop)
    Salah, KDB, Perez*, Pereyra* (Dendoncker)
    Kane, King (Greenwood)

  18. EgyptianKing
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    An “improved” 4-5-1 experiment.

    Seems good? Any feedback mates?

    Ryan
    TAA, VVD, Coleman, Walker
    Perez, Brooks, Siggy, Sterling, Salah
    Wilson

    Thank you!

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

      King instead of Brooks allows Dendoncker as a playing sub. Could, therefore, have Zinchenko & Digne instead of Walked & Coleman as Zinc's rotation risk is covered.

      However, if you're set on that formation, it looks good to me. Not a huge fan of Leicester early on (Vardy aside), although that opinion is unpopular.

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

        Thank you very much for the feedback, first of all.

        King instead of Brooks seems good in fact! I fancy the Wilson King double up I think.

        I like the Coleman Walker duo tbh, comparatively to Chenko and Digne. But if Chenko in fact nails a place, that is something to consider.

        I expect Perez to have a decent impact on Leicester’s attacking power, thus I can see good value there, as a mid namely

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

          No worries mate! I have that double up myself and it looks lovely.

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

            If Chenko looks nailed, I think I am leaning towards:

            Ryan
            TAA, Robertson, Coleman, Chenko
            Perez, Siggy, Salah, Sterling
            Wilson, King

            Seem good?

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

              Very.

              I have Pope, VVD, Digne & Deulofeu where you have Ryan, Robbo, Coleman & Perez; so pretty similar.

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

                Definitely. Seem very good too!

                Cheers mate

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

      You won't have a sub when Wilson misses a game here and there

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

        Ryan
        TAA, Robertson, Coleman, Chenko
        Perez, Siggy, Salah, Sterling
        Wilson, King

        Button, Dendoncker, Greenwood, Kelly

        Bench is fodder but good chance at least one of them plays...

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

          Now we're talking!

          Siggy->Fraser
          Robbo->VVD
          Wilson->Vardy

          Just thinking out loud really, not sure which I prefer

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

            Good suggestions too!

            I think I prefer to keep Perez as my Leicester coverage to start, but I will still consider the suggestion mate.

            Thank you!

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

              I actually agree I think 🙂

  19. The Mighty I
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How important is City defensive coverage?
    If it was a straight up choice for 2 spots out of TAA/Robbo/Laporte which two would you select?

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

      TAA & Robbo for sure.

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

      TAA, robbo

    3. AriseSirGiggsy
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah I’ve toyed wifh other options but TAA + Robbo feel nailed to my draft now

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

      Not very in my opinion. Unless Mendy plays. none of them really offer much attacking threat.

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

      Honestly I'd say not very. It obviously depends on what you do with the money saved but I'd say the only essential defenders are the three Liverpool boys.

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

      Thanks all, TAA and Robbo feel like the way to go for now.

  20. AriseSirGiggsy
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I’d really like Coleman. But I have concerns about Everton defence with only Keane and Mina at CB... should I be worried? 0.5 more walker...

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

      Everton fans' comments on Coleman have put me off completely - lots saying he looks past it. It's Digne or nobody in the Everton defence imo.

      1. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Everton fan here. He is looking the best he has done for 2 seasons. I'd say yes back to top form & will be club captain. He might have lost a yard of pace, but he's certainly not past it

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

          I stand corrected, haha. Personally gone for Digne regardless and just read that he looked rusty on here earlier: personally haven't watched him.

  21. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Just playing around with the team, thoughts on this?

    4.5
    TAA, Robbo, Zinchenko, Digne
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Perez
    King, Adams

    Button, Dendoncker, Wickham, Reid

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

      Looks quite good, but things to consider: Deulofeu & VVD instead of Adams & Robbo? Everton attack?

      Can't think of much else wrong with it 🙂

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

      Which GK?

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

      Good

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

      Would do

      KDB->Siggy
      4.5->Ederson
      Robbo->VVD
      Adams->Jota

  22. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any Tom Heaton owners out there concerned about the possible transfer?

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

      If he leaves, Pope is the same price. Not much of an issue.

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

      Easy swap to Pope. It's the receptacle of the Burnley defence that makes Heaton so exalted.

    3. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No. I'll get Pope then.

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

      Should not be worried atm , lots of time to swap it around! If this is still a problem a week before the season starts then you can panick a little bit 🙂

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

    I've finally found the perfect draft, it's 0.5 over budget

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

      Post it and we may be able to shave off that 0.5m 🙂

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

        Nah, none of you would like it

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

          😀

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

      I found the perfect draft 4.0 over budget

    3. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It’s not perfect. At least one of those players will go on to disappoint you.

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

        The point
        You

  24. Old Bull
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed

    Any Tom Heaton owners out there concerned about the possible transfer?

    1. Old Bull
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sighs. Give up.

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

      Nope, I'll just switch to Pope.

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

      Terrified

  25. MFPL
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Assuming that Dunk goes to Leicester, could a rotation between Dunk and Noble be good? They do rotate well together, and it allows a stronger bench.

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

      Maybe, but you can't really rotate penalties so be prepared for frustration.

  26. Doctor Evil
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which one

    A
    Laporte & Coleman

    B
    Walker & Digne???

    Thanks

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

      B

    2. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd say A

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

      B

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

      B

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

      A

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

      A

    7. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Coleman + Digne for me..

      A.

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

    Daily reminder that the only rag linking Dunk to Leicester is the S*n.

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

    A: Bilva and Wilson
    B: KDB and Deulofeu

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

      KDB and King?

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

        Already have King

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

      A

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

      A

    4. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, especially if you have King

  29. Giggs22
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Evening all. This is my first tweak to my original draft. Constructive criticism welcome haha!

    Ederson/Button
    Wan-B/TAA/Kelly/Digne/Azpilicueta
    Zaha/Perez/Sterling/Pedro/Dendoncker
    Jota/Firmino/Rashford

    I’m hoping some can advise me on Pedro (I’m hoping he can fill Hazards boots) and after today if anyone think KWP might play or is he at risk of rotation at Spurs?

    Cheers as always all.

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

      It’s different in a good way.

      Pedro is a risk with Pulisic and Willian, CHO will be out injured for a while. I don’t think you need 4 premium defenders, personally I would downgrade AWB to Diop and use the money to upgrade Dendoncker.

      1. Giggs22
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers buddy

  30. conorbon
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi All,

    A or B
    A- Zaha, Kane, Aguero.
    B- Sterling, King, Kane +0.5ITB.

    Thanks.

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

      B

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

      B

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

      B

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

      Thanks all, if Haller is 7 or less I will bring him in instead of King as I have Fraser.