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. Chelsea91
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson
    Taa,VVD,Laporte,Digne
    Salah(c),Sterling,Zaha,Perez
    Jota,King

    Everthing set, any comment would be welcome.

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

      It is set until you make another draft tonight. It's template so looks ok

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I think will fix on this unless Zaha go to Arsenal.

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

      Don't see any obv problems other than the Zaha question.

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate, i like Zaha because he play in the box always , so the attacking returns is higher than Fraser and Siggy.

      2. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Laporte to due will worth it?

      3. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        or zaha to Deu?

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

      Subs ?

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

      who are your subs?

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

    Would you rather spend 6.5 on a forward, mid or defender?

    a. Deoloefou (have Kane and King)
    b. Perez (Have Sterling, Mane, Zaha, Brooks)
    c. Laporte (Have VVD, Digne, Vertonghen, WB, Dunk)

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      C,B,A

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

      To begin the season, I'm going with Deu. Those first 4 fixtures could see 2 or 3 double-digit hauls.

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

      The simplistic answer is C, B, A because a 6.5 defender will outscore the other. But you have to look holistically at the whole squad. Spend more on one player means less on another.

    4. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think I'm going with A, B and C.

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

      Probably B or C

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

    Any worthwhile midfielders at 6.0 or below?

    1. Chelsea91
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I can see only Grealish

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

      Yarmolenko

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

      Not for me. Bench material.

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

      Pereyra maybe.

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

      Townsend?

      Nothing inspirational

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

      Pereyra, maybe Yarmolenko

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

      Townsend and Iwobi. Townsend punches above his weight.

    8. I Must Break You
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Dwight McNeil possibly

  4. Phil's Stamps
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Ederson, Azpi/Luiz
    B) Kepa, Laporte
    ?

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

      B

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

      Yep. B.

    3. nach248
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A. Ederson is cheaper than laporte both are similar as both offer very little attacking potential so Ederson is better cos he's cheaper. In my opinion Azpi offers more attacking potential cos he is a winger so he is better than Laporte and cheaper.

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

    I know there's a lot of these being posted at the moment but would really appreciate peoples thoughts on this initial draft.

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Digne Zinchenko
    Salah KDB Perez Yarmolenko
    Aguero King

    Button Greenwood Dendoncker Kelly

    Obviously don't know if Pope/Zinchenko will be starters, but there is room to manouver to Coleman or Walker if I downgrade Robbo to VVD. Main downside I see is no Siggy/Richarlison

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

      For today at least, it looks very good.

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

        Thanks, is just a start just to get an idea of what my team structure is going to be like, obviously a lot can still happen between now and the start of the season

    2. Phil's Stamps
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nowt wrong with that. I'm not sure about Yarmo and I think you need at least one regular starter on your bench, at the moment you've got two 1-pointers at best & Kelly whose days in the first 11 are numbered.

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

        Cheers, prepared to take a punt on Yarmalenko because of the good opening fixtures (aside from City GW1), think he has goals in him too. I would think Dendoncker would be a regular starter, and will wait and see if Palace sign anyone. Could always bring in VVD and upgrade to a 4.5

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

      Jesus will get a lot more minutes this season imo, can't see Aguero being worth his price tag

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

        We'll see, easy move to Auba/Kane/Vardy if that turns out to be the case

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

        Getting aguero at the right time is always a golden move, and I’m sure it will be once again this season. At the wrong time it can be frustrating.

        Personally, I can’t see him not starting to start the season barring injury of course.

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

      Too much at the back in my opinion to afford KdB

      Yarm could work but he much too risky a pick for me. I’m not feeling any real King love either.

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

        Any of the forwards around the 6.5 mark take your fancy? Am happy to take a punt on Yarmalenko, a goalscoring winger with good fixtures playing in a top-half team

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

          6.5 is a sweet price-point for strikers. There's a bunch that might prove worth it, or might not. It's the punting price, for me. I'd say Jota edges it of all of them, though.

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

          Look at how much rotation there was at WH last time and then add New options in from purchases and fitness and it looks horrid to me if you’re after a nailed player beyond Anderson.

          I’d have Jota if I had a 6.5 slot. Class of the field. EL a worry of course

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

    Kun or Sterling?

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

      sterling

      1. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Hi Xtina. You playing in a local cash league I can join?

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

        Thanks

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

    any experts here know if there are any 4m Def certain to start? i see Kelly is very popular but don't see him in 1st 11 - unless its due to AWB departure

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Hanley could be certain to start for first few games, with Zimmerman and Godfrey both injured.

  8. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Greenwood, Wickham and Nketiah scoring.

    The race for the 4.5 striker golden boot is heating up!

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

      Relax, it's still just the kids having a kick-about season.

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

        https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49021763

        Obviously this doesn't mean he's definitely going to start but looks like he could be at least on the bench

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

          Definitely expecting Greenwood to come off the bench a fair bit this season, I think he will be on the bench every game

  9. Jigger & Pony
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A. KdB, Pereyra (352)
    B. Robbo, Fraser/Siggy (442)

    Which one?

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Manchester City forward Leroy Sane is still considered an important part of Pep Guardiola's squad going forward, Manchester Evening News reports.

    Amid speculation that Bayern Munich were lining up a move for the 23-year-old, Guardiola said he wants only players who are happy to play for his club and he considers Sane to be one of those.

    Speaking to the media after City beat West Ham United 4-1 in a preseason friendly, Guardiola hailed Sane's hard-to-find and special qualities and said he believes that the two-time defending Premier League champions have only scratched the surface in helping the Germany international fulfill his potential.

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

      I don’t doubt that. Problem is if sane only played every third game, that statement would still be true and he would still be considered being an important part of his squad to pep; for fantasy on the other hand not ideal.

      Personally I love sane, and if pep were to tell me now that he were guaranteed to play 75% of cities games, id put him in

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

        If he stays he’ll likely match his 20 or so starts last time .the big deal there is that would displace Bilva from the forward role. Lots and lots are on Bilva

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

      Would love a bounce back season for Sane

      His total points for the amount of minutes he played were great last season actually
      But no one would have a 9.5m player who plays less than 1900 min

  11. gunner267
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Dendonker, Lansbury or p. Roberts as 4.5m Mid

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

      Donkey for the minutes. Tbf, I don't know the others.

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

    Been trying to say up the value/potential of KDB vs Siggy for days now. Have had the cheaper option in my team from the go, but not 100% sold. And with my structure I can only afford one of them.

    Looking very forward to seeing some more friendlies and the community shield of course.

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

      Been trying to weigh*** up

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

      KDB without a doubt for me. I like Siggy but if it's only one of them I'd loose him

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

        Yeah, it’s more the unknown I fear with kdb... siggy I’m confident in what I’ll be getting. Kdb I think has way more potential but also risk. We’ve seen pep use him defensively before so you never know.

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

      Well with Kev, part of the equation could be - are there 3 other City assets you could have. With Everton, you probably aren't looking at 3 alternatives to Siggy. As I keep saying, it's the whole picture that matters, not just 2 players in isolation.

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

        Totally agree, currently I’ve got no city and just siggy for Everton; but with clear plans to how I could easily get sterling or whoever else in.. the whole picture matters indeed.

        As for siggy though his been a favourite of mine, and for me his the only Everton player I’m really considering atm. His just a player I have confidence in to put him in and leave him in, and that goes a long way.

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

      KdB to Siggy is going to be easier than vice versa. That’s my solution

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

        Im actually very happy with my team with the 1.5 itb with siggy in there. With every bench player playing. Leaves me flexibility to go Wilson to Vardy or indeed siggy to Kdb.... and also quite more with a simple route for sterling.

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

          Ha ha, no way will that 1.5m still be in your bank by kick-off!

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

      Siggy will play every minute
      Pep has already said KDB cant play every game. Swings it for me

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

        don't know if I have the patience to have Siggy in my team...have to keep him for a whole season imo

        KbB looked pretty good yesterday, very attacking and lots of possession, as you would imagine. His downside will of course be his playing time, which you don't want for a 9.5m player

  13. schib1
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    any obvious shortcomings here? Not sure about Bilva and keepers.

    Ryan (Krul)
    Coleman-Robertson-Laporte (Holebas-Reid)
    Fraser-Salah(C)-Sigurdsson-Bilva (Dendoncker)
    Vardy-Origi-Wilson

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

      One captain choice.

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

      Origi. Unlikely to get many minutes and blocks a Liverpool spot. Surely better to get Van Dijk and go 442?

      I'd downgrade Krul to Button to free up 0.5

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

        ^^^

      2. schib1
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Punting for a few games in the beginning with Origi, as other forwards might be rested.

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

          Maybe one Game if Mane is out. Can't see it working out. He's a utility fwd. Not a starter.

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

          Try to avoid punting if you want to enjoy playing

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

            Punting's all part of the fun, but yeah, don't take big risks. My punt is Greenwood who doesn't take anyone else's spot.

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

              You think he might get game time? Or you tekking the pish?

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

              Having a non playing 3rd bench player isnt a punt

              Origi in your starting 11 which is effectively booking yourself 2 transfers in because he is an awkward price you cant straight swap is definitely a silly punt

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

                I'm agreeing with you. In addition, his presence takes away a third Liverpool spot, necessitating 2 or even 3 transfers to get maybe TAA or VVD in.

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

                  that's the main thing I agree...Liverpool spots too valuable for me to be taking punts with
                  For almost every other team this wouldn't be a problem

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

    Why is no one picking Ben Davies? Spurs want to sell Danny Rose so he'll surely be first choice left back at Spurs.

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

      You're right, he's under the radar. But I'd want to see what the rest Spurs' backline is before I consider him.

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

      Spurs have a history of rotating full backs. Likely to continue even if the players change

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

      Rumours of Sessengon
      Poch full backs are a nightmare

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

        exactly this

        He did have a good season 2 years ago...main part of my defense then, with Jones, Otamendi and Azpi. How quickly things can change

  15. El Puqi
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Dele Alli? I know he is in akward price point but i have a feeling he could be in more advanced role due to the new signing of Ndombele. Or am i just dreaming?

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

      Not dreaming, but for me it depends on how he links with Ndombele and how Eriksen is. I'd wait until after GW3 when Son and Foyth are back to see how Spuds are looking.

      1. El Puqi
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        True. Cheers for the comment, I’m new here so nice to see someone answer 🙂

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

      Lots of decent options around the price point, good one to have in mind and see how he's lining up first couple of games

      1. El Puqi
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        What are your other option? Just interested... I have Rich atm but not really keen on him.

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

          Sigurdsson and Pogba are in my current draft. Mind you, if you have Salah and Sterling or other 11m+ assets, you probably need to find cheaper mids.

          1. El Puqi
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Actually I only have 1 big hitter, Sterling. But i have 0.5 in the bank to switch to salah if i want. And then i have 3x 8.0 or under midfielders + Vardy & Wilson up front. Pogba an interesting option...

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

              All sounds very good actually. But how about your defence?

              1. El Puqi
                • 4 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                I guess i shall just show my team 🙂

                Ederson/Button
                Robbo/Trent/Digne/Coleman(could be Zinchenko)
                Sterling/Moura(placeholder)/Rich/Ayoze Perez
                Vardy/Wilson

                Weak bench of Greenwood/Dendoncker/Kelly

                And then 0.5 in the bank.

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

                  Solid team. You can strengthen your bench by upgrading kelly with the .5
                  If you dare go without city attack its fine

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

                    Liverpool i mean

                    1. El Puqi
                      • 4 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Yeah it’s tough but i think Robbo & Trent could be enough. And i dont want to just cover pool attack. I like Vardy instead of Firmino, Sterling over Salah and not keen on Mane. Keita could be an option but idk.

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

                        Firmino doesn't interest me at all. And Mane doesn't return away from home. So i understand your reasoning. Good team. Have an exit plan for moura as soon as Son returns if he gets benched

                      2. El Puqi
                        • 4 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Cheers, and yeah easy to downgrade.

                2. El Puqi
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  I was also thinking Holebas/VVD/De Bruyne instead of Robbo/Digne/Rich but id like to have more everton...

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

                    Stick with Robbo Digne Rich

                    The other 3 arent an upgrade

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

                  Well it's very good indeed. I'd tweak Moura/Rich, and spend 0.5 on a nailed-on 5th defender.
                  you might regret foregoing a third Pool or Citizen.

                  By the way, almost no one on this site has Pogba - he's just my differential for the week. Don't follow me!

                  1. El Puqi
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Cheers, I want Felipe Anderson but his first fixture is just awful... That would give me the money tho. I like the look of Gross as well... And i like the Pogba punt, especially if you are United fan.

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

                      If you have a viable bench, anderson can sit out the first game.

                      1. El Puqi
                        • 4 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        True, I could get Anderson and then upgrade Kelly for someone who has great Gw 1 fixture. Cheers. Maybe Adam Smith? or Taylor from Burnley? Who do you think are the best 4.5 options overall tho?

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

                        Yes, either of those. Maybe Dunk if he goes to Leicester, or even for GW1 at Brighton. I'd prob go for a Burnley defender as I'd be happy for him to be a squad player for the longer term.

                      3. El Puqi
                        • 4 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Cheers.

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

                  Moura/Rich/Perez is a bit weak IMO. I'd want Kane or Salah with those 3.

                  1. El Puqi
                    • 4 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Cheers, I prefer Son over Kane but he is suspended... Sterling could always be Salah

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

      No harm in waiting and seeing

  16. Chelsea91
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Zaha or Deu?

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

      no thank you

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Fraser?

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

        No to Zaha. Awkward price.

        I like Deu at £6.5 but still prefer Jota/King

        1. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Deu,Jota,King my striker options

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

      I'd only pick zaha when his future is settled
      Deulo is worth a considering. He scores well against the lesser teams and he has a few of them at the start

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ederson
        Taa,VVD,Laporte,Digne
        Salah(c),Sterling,Perez
        Jota,King,deu

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

          With that team I'd probably go Deulo to a Leicester mid

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

            He already has a Leicester mid

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

          Looks ok

          1. Chelsea91
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks mate

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

      Zaha could be a decent option. He could be one that benefits from VAR with lots of fantasy assist OR defenders even more scared to tackle and he gets more goals

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate

        1. Chelsea91
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Bench

          Button Dendonker,Cathcart,Hayden

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

      Deu

      1. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks mate

      2. Chelsea91
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        When deeney is not playing, Deu will take the penalty, is it correct?

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

          No idea. I doubt it

          1. Chelsea91
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            i can see deu took penalty last season, not sure on the which situation , i think in the absent of deeney,correct me if i am wrong.

  17. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sharp.

    Get him peeps.

    First bandwagon of the season.

    Negredo mkII

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

      Getting on a bit, isn't he? Maybe a little blunter now?

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

      I watch the championship every week for my sins
      He's more of a Glenn Murray mkII

  18. Andy Unsocial
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please:

    Fabianski
    TAA Robbo Zinchenko Digne Holebas
    Salah Sterling Siggy
    Wilson King

    Discussion points:
    1.This team is picked purely on value.5-3-2 seems best on offer considering that.
    2.I feel Holebas is going under the radar.Watford were a solid team last year and conceded very few chances every game.Just unlucky not to have kept more CS.Holebas is on corners and setpieces and has a great cross.Tends to get booked,but I still think he is a great option.
    3. 4.5 goalkeepers don't appeal to me.Brighton will be leaky,Pope has very difficult games.I think Fabianski is worth the extra outlay.
    4. I had Vardy and King in my earlier draft but do we expect Vardy to outscore Wilson in the first two ? Wilson is 1m less too.Yes,it's a double up,but I'd fancy Bournemouth to do well against the promoted teams so it's a risk worth taking imo.

    Thoughts ?

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

      I wont be doing 5 at the back.
      But it looks fine if thats the way you want to go

    2. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I really Holebas... Bournemouth double up not bad, but only for the first two for me... 5 at the back just not for me, sorry.

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

      Nice. Love the Holebas pick. Deu over King for me

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

      What you've left out of your discussion is your bench, which is an important part of the equation. Do you really want to play Holebas every week, away to City and Liverpool? He's okay if you can drop him for a decent sub mid or forward but you prob don't have one.

      1. Andy Unsocial
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        For me GW 1 is always short term.It's a team which is made for 5-6 weeks.I like to play the WC early and catch up on price rises.

        Bench is Dendoncker,Greenwood and Stephens

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

      Holebas was in and out at the end of the season. He is old and a yellow card machine.

      1. Andy Unsocial
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He was only out when he was injured.In December,everyone was rotated because Watford were in the FA Cup final.

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

    Morning troops,

    Who is the best 5 mil defender?

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

      Holebas for the first 4, not sure long term

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

        You don't like Ake?

    2. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      For me, Holebas & Boly. Not sure if the value is there tho...

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

      Get a 4.5

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

        Who's that?

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

      Boly
      But i prefer 4.5 like Diop

  20. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    New post folks

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

      Thanks for that.

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

    Why are so many going King? Fixtures? But Wilson and Fraser hog the goal involvement surely.

    Looking at heat maps you could argue King is reverse oop - he spends so much of his time down the flanks. Salah for one looks more often central and advanced

    Strip out the pens (and Bournemouth got more than their fair share) and he seems to offer not a lot.

  22. limbu21
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson/4.0
    TAA/Coleman/VVD/Zinchenko/4.0
    Sterling/Salah/Siggy/JWP/4.5
    WIlson/DCL/4.5

    How is this for the start?

  23. Wally banter
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys,

    Can anyone suggest a team named mixed with names of any series/movie names?
    For a league need to choose a team name with the theme being movie name/series name

  24. Lukakus Unit
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    My first ever RMT:

    Allison - Woodman
    VVD - Laporte - Digne - C Taylor - Mee/Kelly (Mee if he gets sold, Kelly otherwise)
    Salah - KdB - Brooks - Grealish - Norwood
    Aguero - Deulofeu - Greenwood

  25. UBetJurassicanSon_7
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    KDB & Vardy, or
    Sterling & Gerry D?

    People's thoughts in general on Rashford? Probably significantly more minutes off Lukaku goes to Inter.

  26. Egg noodle
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Never understood why so many teams play all their fringe players during the pre-season. Why not just get your main team up to speed...

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

      Think he could be a great option. Fixtures are grand and Ole really likes him. If we get Bruno Fernandes then we'll have a very good number 10 as well to feed him in a side that'll attack a lot more than under Mourinho.

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

        Reply fail to the one above

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

    A or B?

    A:
    Eastwood

    Taylor TAA VVD Coleman (Fredericks to rotate with Taylor)

    Salah KDB Brooks Perez (Dendoncker)

    Kane Rashford (Greenwood)

    B: Pope

    Zinchenko TAA VVD Coleman (4.0)

    Salah Sterling Richarlison Perez (4.5)

    King Rashford (4.5)

    Blanked on previous page

  28. PEP XI
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Please help me chose

    a) King and Fraser
    b) Wilson and Brooks

    I have Adam smith in defense because of the favorable fixtures for Bournemouth in the start. There's just no other 4.5m option in defense.

    Thanks in advance