Scout Notes

Goals for Sterling and Jota as Wan-Bissaka exhibits attacking threat

There were five Premier League teams in action early on Wednesday afternoon, with Manchester City, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers all taking part in the Premier League Asia Trophy and Manchester United facing Leeds United in Australia.

We’ll round up the main Fantasy talking points in the Scout Notes article below, while the updated pre-season minutes spreadsheet can be viewed here.

West Ham United 1-4 Manchester City

  • Goals: Mark Noble (£5.0m) | David Silva (£7.5m), Lukas Nmecha, Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) x2
  • Assists: Felipe Anderson (£7.0m) | Adrian Bernabe, Leroy Sane (£9.5m), Kevin De Bruyne (£9.5m)

Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) took less than half an hour of his first appearance of pre-season to remind Fantasy managers of his goalscoring credentials.

With Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) and Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) on an extended break following their participation in the Copa America, Sterling led the line for City in the second half of their meeting with West Ham and recorded a brace as Pep Guardiola’s side emerged as 4-1 winners.

Introduced off the bench at the interval, the England international raced on to a Leroy Sane (£9.5m) pass to slot in his first goal and was then teed up by fellow substitute Kevin De Bruyne (£9.5m) to cap off City’s victory.

Pep Guardiola gave youth a chance in the first half, with David Silva (£7.5m), Aymeric Laporte (£6.5m) and debutant Rodri (£5.5m) effectively the only first-team regulars on show – although Claudio Bravo (£5.0m), Danilo (£5.0m) and new signing Angelino (£5.0m) were also handed run-outs.

The left-back position is perhaps the most difficult to call in Guardiola’s squad but Angelino didn’t get his second spell at City off to the best of starts, struggling against Felipe Anderson (£7.0m) down the West Ham right and conceding the penalty from which Mark Noble (£5.0m) converted.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) replaced the Brazilian full-back in the second half, with the absent Benjamin Mendy (£6.0m) reportedly still receiving treatment for a knee injury.

David Silva, in his final year at City, pulled his side level with a superbly taken goal from an equally excellent pass by winger Adrian Bernabe before Lukas Nmencha won and converted a spot-kick to put Guardiola’s side in front.

The cavalry arrived at half-time with Sterling, De Bruyne, Sane and Bernardo Silva (£8.0m) all thrown on and there was no surprise that City looked more potent as a result, with Sane, in particular, catching the eye down the left flank.

The German winger has been linked with a move away from Eastlands this summer but Guardiola – as one would expect – was full of praise for his mercurial midfielder:

He’s a great player with incredible quality. I want people to want to stay here – the club is there so the desire to have him is always there. The club made him an offer for the past year. I have said many times that we want people to be happy here and we want to help him to reach his potential.

Rodri won’t appeal to many Fantasy managers but he had a decent enough debut in the ‘Fernandinho (£5.5m) role’, earning praise from his manager after the game:

He is a young, typical defensive midfielder who thinks very quickly. I hope he is here for a long time. Rodrigo is tall, which for a short side like ours is very good. He is great at set-pieces but we didn’t buy him for that. Ever since we arrived here we have tried to buy players who are 21, 22 or 23 years old. [Rodri] is a Spain national team player and there they call him ‘the next Busquets’. I think he is a very good player.

With De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan (£5.5m) on the field either side of Rodri, Bernardo was again pushed forward into a front three alongside Sterling and Sane – food for thought, perhaps, for any FPL managers considering the Portuguese midfielder as a cut-price route into the City midfield.

The summer signings of Sebastian Heller (£7.5m) and Pablo Fornals (£6.5m) have given cause for optimism at West Ham and there are a number of their Fantasy assets who appeal early in the season, with the Hammers top of our Season Ticker from Gameweeks 2 to 12.

This was perhaps a reminder of the work still to be done in east London but there were positives to take away from this defeat, with Anderson, in particular, impressing in attack.

The busy Michail Antonio (£7.0m) was again ‘out of position’ as a central striker before being replaced by Javier Hernandez (£6.0m) at the break although the midfielder’s run up front is surely coming to an end following the capture of Haller.

Manuel Pellegrini still namechecked Antonio, however, when discussing his new signing and his striking options this season:

So we needed to find a new one [a striker], we have different options now. He is not only a box player, he will play well outside of the box. It will be his first season in England and I know he will be a good striker for our team. We also have Michail Antonio, Javier Hernandez too.

Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) also caught the eye cutting in off the left flank, with Jack Wilshere (£5.0m) perhaps the placeholder for when Fornals is match-fit following his exertions at the European Under-21 Championship.

The strength of Pellegrini’s first-half XI was arguably an early indication of who he might favour for Gameweek 1, although the likes of Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m), Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m), Fornals and Heller, of course, are still to be integrated into the team.

The Hammers were unsurprisingly not as much of a threat after the break as their second-string players were given a run-out and Pellegrini highlighted the contrast between the two halves after full-time:

I think that was a clear game of two different matches of 45 minutes. In the first half, we played well and created chances in their box but then we conceded two goals in two minutes and, of course, when you are playing against Manchester City you cannot afford to concede those goals. In the second half, they improved a lot when they changed some players, while we wanted to give some minutes to some players and we had some players who have just returned from long injures, so they made a difference. Also, I thought we made some mistakes in our defending and they capitalised. I was happy with the offensive system and the way we played in our attacking, yes, because we created more chances than Manchester City, but we must be more concentrated in our defending.

Defending was an issue last season, with only relegated Fulham and Huddersfield recording fewer clean sheets than the Hammers.

 
On this evidence, there is still much to be addressed and it’s stating the obvious to say West Ham’s attacking assets appeal more than their defence.
 
Pellegrini added:

We are working on our technical side and it’s important that we have Wilshere, Lanzini and Yarmolenko this season as we didn’t have them for long periods last season due to injury. With them, we will have more balance in midfield and I think we are going to be a good attacking team. We are going to create chances, but we need to improve our defending.

Manchester City XI (4-3-3): Bravo, Danilo (Walker 63′), Harwood-Bellis, Laporte (Stones 63′), Angelino (Zinchenko 63′), Rodri (Aleix Garcia 71′), David Silva (De Bruyne 46′), Doyle (Gundogan 63′), Bernabe (Sane 46′), Poveda-Ocampo (Bernardo Silva 46′), Nmecha (Sterling 46′).

West Ham United XI (4-2-3-1): Roberto, Fredericks (Zabaleta 62′), Diop, Ogbonna (Reid 68′), Johnson (Cresswell 62′), Rice (Sanchez 46′), Noble (Obiang 62′), Lanzini (Diangana 62′), Wilshere (Snodgrass 46′), Felipe Anderson (Yarmolenko 46′), Antonio (Chicharito 46′).

Wolverhampton Wanderers 4-0 Newcastle United

  • Goals: Diogo Jota (£6.5m) x2, Morgan Gibbs-White (£5.0m), Tom Allan own-goal
  • Assists: Jonny (£5.5m) x2, Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m), Ruben Vinagre (£4.5m)

Diogo Jota (£6.5m) hit a first-half brace as Wolves demolished a dismal Newcastle United in their Premier League Asia Trophy semi-final on Wednesday.

Jota produced a smart finish from the edge of the box after collecting a Jonny (£5.5m) pass to open the scoring, later capitalising on an error from Isaac Hayden (£4.5m) to score his second and Wolves’ third.

The Portugal under-21 international, carrying on where he left off at the end of 2018/19, looked sharp in a 65-minute showing and was again deployed as a striker in Nuno Espirito Santo’s now-familiar 3-5-2.

Speaking after the match, the Portuguese attacker said:

Scoring goals always gives you an extra boost in terms of confidence and you have to take advantage of that and keep working hard to be 100 per cent for the first match. For the second goal, I tried to react fast to the loss of the ball. Fortunately, I scored and it was good for me and the team that we were able to make it 3-0 very soon.

In the absence of Raul Jimenez (£7.5m), who was handed a breather following his exertions in the CONCACAF Gold Cup this summer, Jota was paired up front by an ‘out of position’ Morgan Gibbs-White (£5.0m).

Wolves will surely recruit a backup striking option this summer but it was interesting that Santo turned to Gibbs-White as a makeshift forward with Jimenez unavailable.

That said, had Matt Doherty (£6.0m) not been injured and Adama Traore‘s (£5.0m) services not been needed at wing-back, then the speedy Wolves utility man may have been given the nod alongside Jota instead.

Gibbs-White found the back of the net in between Jota’s two strikes, with Jonny collecting another assist.

The newly reclassified FPL forward said of his partnership with Gibbs-White:

It was different, Raul plays in a different style, Morgan isn’t as strong as Raul is, but we linked together very well and tried to do the best we can.

Santo added on Gibbs-White:

He did well. It’s not his natural position but he gives certain things and this is the versatile players that we have and that we must have because we are a short squad, we want to maintain, so players must do more than one position on the pitch.

Except for the missing Jimenez and Doherty, Wolves were pretty much at full strength and their extra week of pre-season – their Europa League campaign begins next week – was telling as they swatted aside the rudderless Magpies.

The regular back three of Willy Boly, Conor Coady and Ryan Bennett (all £5.0m) were handed 90 minutes each, while the now first-choice midfield three of Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m), Ruben Neves (£5.5m) and Joao Moutinho (£5.5m) played the bulk of the game.

Dendoncker caught the eye and it was from his run and cross that Jota scored his second, while the all-action Jonny excelled from wing-back.

Traore hasn’t always convinced (from a defensive perspective, anyway) when asked to deputise for Doherty on the opposite flank but he was another to impress in Nanjing on Wednesday.

Bennett said of his teammate:

Adama’s done brilliantly, I think he’s been spot on and you can’t fault him at all. You talk to him, the manager speaks to him and everything that everyone says, he really wants to learn. He just takes it on board. Tracking back is a bit unusual for him but he’s got stuck in. Then when he gets the ball he’s devastating, so we need to try and give it to him as much as we can. His attacking threat is unbelievable.

As for Newcastle, who appointed Steve Bruce as manager shortly before the game, this was an entirely predictable defeat ahead of what potentially could be a very difficult season.

While Wolves had the advantage of being further down the line with their training regime and United named several second-string players in their starting XI, there was no mitigating the gulf in class between the two clubs.

Stand-in manager Ben Dawson couldn’t call on the Magpies’ potent front three of last season for various reasons – Miguel Almiron (£6.0m) is on a break after international duty, while Ayoze Perez (£6.5m) and Salomon Rondon are no longer on the books – and Newcastle were limp in attack, barely mustering a shot of note.

Having been reclassified as an FPL defender this summer, Matt Ritchie (£5.5m) was stationed on the left wing but, with Newcastle in disarray, there’ll likely be few Fantasy managers interested in the first few Gameweeks of the season (and beyond) despite the ‘out of position’ tag and set-piece responsibilities.

Having posed little threat in attack, the Magpies were also wobbly at the back and Wolves’ fourth strike, a comical own-goal from youngster Tom Allan from a Ruben Vinagre (£4.5m) corner, summed up their afternoon.

Newcastle United XI (4-5-1): Darlow (Woodman 46′), Sterry (Manquillo 46′), Clark (Watts 59′), Lascelles (Fernández 46′), Lazaar (Bailey 63′), Murphy (Allan 63′), Hayden, Colback (M. Longstaff 63′), Shelvey (Ki Sung-yueng 59′), Ritchie (Aarons 55′), Muto (Sorensen 63′).

Wolves XI (3-5-2): Rui Patricio (Ruddy 46′), Adama (Perry 65′), Bennett, Coady, Boly, Jonny (Vinagre 65′), Neves (Taylor 81′), Moutinho (Cundle 81′), Dendoncker (Hong Wan 81′), Gibbs-White (Sanderson 65′), Jota (Ennis 65′).

Manchester United 4-0 Leeds United

  • Goals: Mason Greenwood (£4.5m), Marcus Rashford (£8.5m), Phil Jones (£5.0m), Anthony Martial (£7.5m)
  • Assists: Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m), Scott McTominay (£5.0m), Andreas Pereira (£5.0m), Tahith Chong (£4.5m)

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has teased the prospect of budget FPL forward Mason Greenwood (£4.5m) being involved in the Gameweek 1 clash with Chelsea.

Speaking after the 4-0 win over Leeds United in Perth, the Norwegian said:

He’s got a chance to start that one, definitely. He’s more than capable. He’ll always be there in and around the box, creating chances, and I won’t say that’s not a possibility. No, it’s a good possibility if he keeps going as he does. It’s difficult to keep players out who perform well.

Greenwood had lined up on the right flank of a 4-2-3-1 for United’s latest pre-season friendly success, in what was unquestionably the stronger of the two teams that Solskjaer sent out in either half.

The teenage forward opened his United account with the game’s opening goal on seven minutes, tucking in Aaron Wan-Bissaka‘s (£5.5m) low cross following fine work from Paul Pogba (£8.5m) in midfield.

Solskjaer said of Greenwood after full-time:

Of course, we’ve been delighted with the goal he scored. It’s important for scorers to get that goal, even though I’ve always said we know he’s capable of scoring goals. The first one is going to be a weight off his shoulders. I think with his movement and his cleverness, he’s going to be a very good player, the young boy. He can play all of the front-three positions, or across the front four, as he can play no. 10, no. 7, no. 11 and no. 9. He’s a natural footballer with his left foot, coming in, but he’s got two feet and can play anywhere along the front. He’s just a natural. When he takes a penalty with his right, then takes a penalty with his left, free-kicks with his left, free-kicks with his right. He is almost what you’d call 50-50, maybe 51-49 left-footed. You can see we’ve got a talented boy there and he’s every opportunity to make it as a Manchester United player. Of course, it’s also going to be about luck. He must stay clear of injuries, be professional and I’m sure he’s going to grab his chance. Everything is there for him.

Greenwood was part of a lively front four for United in the first half, with Daniel James‘ (£6.0m) searing pace causing problems on the opposite flank – although the summer signing from Swansea was still a mixed bag when it came to end product.

Juan Mata (£6.5m) looked better in what is clearly his best position in the hole but it was some Fantasy favourites of 2018/19 who perhaps warranted the most attention.

Marcus Rashford (£8.5m) made it two goals from two games when scoring United’s second, racing onto Scott McTominay‘s (£5.0m) pass and producing some nimble footwork before firing low past Kiko Casilla.

Rashford had earlier hit the post and looked sharp as the spearhead of the attack, with United’s speed on the break and ferocity of pressing a refreshing antidote to the one-pace team of 12 months ago.

The England striker said after full-time:

There’s a lot to improve on still but, for us, it’s about getting the pictures in our heads. It’s been a while since we’ve been a real pressing team and I feel that now, in this pre-season, we’ve laid down the fundamentals of how we’re actually going to press. The first game against Perth, the way we pressed in the first half was brilliant. It’s tough going for 90 minutes but we’ll improve and we’ll get better at it.

Wan-Bissaka impressed up and down the right flank, displaying more attacking threat than we have become accustomed to seeing at Palace.

We voiced concerns about Wan-Bissaka’s assist potential in our recent Moving Target article because of the fact that United funnelled most of their play down the left-hand side of the pitch last season: no coincidence given that Pogba, so heavily involved when the Red Devils have possession, was mostly stationed in that zone.

We have seen the Frenchman on the opposite side of central midfield in pre-season, though, which could boost Wan-Bissaka’s Fantasy appeal significantly.

The pair’s respective roles in Greenwood’s goal underscored the impact Pogba could have.

The supposedly wantaway France international was nearing something like top form in this encounter although the fact that he seems set to play as part of a deeper central midfield two in future will be off-putting to some Fantasy managers.

Still, Pogba got forward to have several cracks at goal from the edge of the Leeds box and whistled a free-kick narrowly wide too.

Solskjaer changed all 11 players at half-time, with Anthony Martial (£7.5m) leading the line in the second half and scoring from the spot after a foul on Tahith Chong (£4.5m).

Phil Jones (£5.0m) had added a third before Martial’s penalty, nodding in an Andreas Pereira (£5.0m) corner.

David de Gea (£5.5m), Luke Shaw (£5.5m) and Romelu Lukaku (£8.5m) all missed out with minor problems and Solskjaer didn’t seem unduly concerned after full-time, saying:

David just fell ill today so he didn’t feel right. We’ll wait until the Inter Milan game [on Saturday] for him. They’re not ready, the others, either [Lukaku, Shaw and Lee Grant]. Of course, it’s not ideal when you miss a training session and he [Lukaku] was missing towards the end of yesterday’s session. He missed the game again and it’s two chances to play 45 minutes at this stage of the pre-season. It’s important for everyone to get fit and hopefully, he’ll be available soon.

Manchester United first-half XI (4-2-3-1): Romero, Wan-Bissaka, Bailly, Lindelof, Rojo, McTominay, Pogba, Greenwood, Mata, James, Rashford.

Manchester United second-half XI (4-2-3-1): J. Pereira, Dalot, Smalling, Jones, Young, Matic (Garner 78), A. Pereira, Chong, Gomes, Lingard, Martial.

2,114 Comments Post a Comment
  1. St Pauli Walnuts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    https://www.premierleague.com/news/1280865

    Blimey, that's a lot of spondulicks on the bench! Template it's not.

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

      hehe...a high value bench (not a particular good one) at the price of no City players, no thanks.

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        With a double Bournemouth midfield to boot! Looks horrific to me but he'll probably be top 10 come GW5 for all I know.

    2. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No City Players?

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

      Reminds me of Marks squad start of last year

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

      Redmond > Pereyra and upgrade Button and that's a pretty good BB team

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

      Has anyone explained to them how this game is played?

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

      "expert"

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

      Awful team...

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

        Unless they are going for BB GW1

  2. St Pauli Walnuts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Sterling, Perez
    B) KDB, Vardy

    Heart says B but head says A.

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

      A

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

      A until we see the old KDB back

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

      A for me. B is strong too, though.

    4. Marmalade Forest
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Is it
      A) Sterling Perez 4.5fwd OTB
      B) KDB Vardy 4.5mid OTB

      Depend how good your bench is. I want at least one bench player playing and an overall “it’s not that bad” feel about it.

      I also wouldn’t play 451 with two 4.5 forwards.

      1. St Pauli Walnuts
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yes to both. B would be 4-3-3 with two 4.5 mid on the bench, Dendo and Hayden at the moment but will see if pre-season reveals any better options. A is 4-4-2 with Dendo first sub too but the rest complete fodder. So B gives a slightly stronger bench.

        I agree completely on the 4-5-1 thing, that is too risky with no playing strikers on the bench.

  3. kime67
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Choosing forwards is the hardest this year. Going with two 6.5 is risky. What do you guys think?

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

      I'm going two 6.5s, I've got a good defence and Salah Sterling and Pogba in mid.

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

      I'm going with one and Greenwood

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

      There are some good options at 6.5 this year. I wouldn't be too worried about it as long as you've made up for it with premium defenders and mids.

    4. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yes, I'm debating that constantly. Probably more value to be had going bigger in midfield so I think I will go with two 6.5. Would love to have Vardy up front but can't do it with Sterling and Salah in midfield and maintaining balance elsewhere.

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

      There's decent quality relative to prices, not too tricky. 2 x 6.5 is perfectly fine. An example is Deu, 4 good fixtures then Burnley begin their good fixtures.

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

      I hope it's not too risky, cause that's what I'm going with.

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

      14 teams have strikers sub 8 this year. So we ll be safe with cheaper forwards.

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

      Not risky if it means you can afford Salah and Sterling, who are effectively the two deadliest strikers in the league.

    9. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson Jota Greenwood

  4. Old Gregg
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pope
    VVD-TAA-Coleaman-Holebas
    Salah-Sterling-____
    Deulofeu-Vardy-____

    a) Perez + Wilson
    b) Siggy + King
    or
    c) 4-4-2 with Siggy + Perez + King. Deul > 4.5m

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      C

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

    Pretty set on my team (for now) but final piece of the puzzle comes down to:

    A. Laporte + Neves
    B. Zinchenko + Perez

    Rest of my team looks like this:

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA Digne * (Dunk Gibson)
    Salah Sterling Siggy Brooks *
    Wilson Jota (Wickham)

    I'd go for A every day because of Laporte's security of starts, but I just don't see much quality at the 5.5 mark. Neves is probably the only one who stands out to me, but he doesn't fill me with confidence as the fifth man in a 5 man mid.

    Perez is a much more exciting option in that fifth mid slot, and Zinchenko seems like the best way into City's defence at 5.5, but then there are questions around him of course. I guess the only thing I can do is wait until pre-season is over and assess from there.

    That said... what would you lean towards, right now?

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

      B

      Zinch seems to have that spot imo. Can always use FT later, but for now I could use the money

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B of those two as the gulf between Perez and Neves is greater than between Laporte and Zinch imo

    3. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B. If Zinc nails down that LB spot he is a bargain. Angelino didn't play very well against Hammers the other day and Mendy is still injured so he has a very good shout.

  6. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Foyth, WP or Aurier?

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

      Foyth suspended first 2, hopefully preseason helps with the other - think it will be KWP for the first one myself

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'm also leaning towards KWP but I was tempted to bring in Maitland-Niles myself...

  7. internal error
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Real Madrid are planning to use the money generated from sales of Isco and Marco Asensio to fund a move for Paul Pogba. (Source: ESPN)

    Not sure if this is reliable but I'd love to see Isco in the premier league.

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

      You know that Madrid fans call him GordIsco (Fat Isco) and PaquetIsco (Useless Isco)....

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

        Not surprised nor impressed with their behaviour towards their own players like Bale tbh

  8. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If you must to choose one between:

    A) Jota
    B) King
    C) Deulofeu

    1. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      D) DCL

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

      ABC in that order for me

    3. Krafty Werks
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      BACD

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

      season-long would be A, but probably just about C for the first 4/5 games

      1. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Europa League could be a threat for Jota right?

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

          possibly, mainly meant that Deulo does have better fixtures

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

      ACB

  9. St Pauli Walnuts
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pick any combo of 3 from this bunch: King, Deulofeu, Jota, Perez/Tielemans.

    I'm currently on King, Jota and Perez. Deulo fixtures look good early doors but I think Jota is a better more consistent player and I don't want to get ahead of myself planning transfer a few GWs down the line at this point.

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jota better than Deulo, but might be better to start with Watford man.

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

    For people posting A or B choices.
    The answer is always the option with the most of these 5: Salah, Sterling, Digne, Siggy, TAA.

    1. St Pauli Walnuts
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      And for the ones with equal numbers of those?

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

        draw

        1. St Pauli Walnuts
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hence the A or B postings.

  11. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Nearly getting there but if I get Auba I just can't balance my team.

    Ryan Button
    TAA VVD Digne ___ Kelly
    Salah Sterling Brooks Tielemans/Perez Dendonkey
    Auba ___ Greenwood

    10.5ITB to spend in defence and in attack or 11ITB if I get Pereyra instead of Brooks (but I'd like to have a BOU player at least).

    What do you think? What would you do?

    1. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      3 premiums don’t really work, best to downgrade sterling and take a punt on DeBruyne, that’s if you really want Auba

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

    The upper-mid price range is difficult to navigate. How would you order?
    A) Siggy
    B) Bilva
    C) Fraser
    D) Pogba

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

      Acdb

  13. Drop Dead Tsimikas
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Let's see if I can build a team for the first five weeks, given my early WC proclivities... How's this?

    Alisson (Button)
    TAA - Digne - Ake - Dunk (Kelly)
    Salah - Siggy - Richarlison or Bilva - James (Donck)
    Wilson - Aguero (Greenwood)

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

      Not bad. I wouldn't trust BOU defence, and James may not start regularly.

  14. Steiner
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    1st team draft
    Gone for a very strong MF & no big money striker.
    Thoughts?

    Ryan
    Robertson, Prödl, Digne ,Stevens
    Capoue, Salah, Sterling, De Bruyne
    King, Jota
     
    McCarthy
    El Mohamady
    Buendía
    Pukki

  15. Steiner
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    1st team draft
    Gone for a strong MF with no Kane or Kun etc.

    Thoughts?

    Ryan
    Robertson, Prödl, Digne ,Stevens
    Capoue, Salah, Sterling, De Bruyne
    King, Jota
     
    McCarthy
    El Mohamady
    Buendía
    Pukki

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Even with Salah, Sterling, De Bruyne somehow looks not too good. Capoue out for a better def to start with?

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

        Thanks for your feedback

    2. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think with lots of good mid-priced mids you end up better off than trying to squeeze in 3 high-priced mids - evidenced by a starting 11 with Prodl and Capoue which feels like a sub-optimal start

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

        Thanks

  16. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Siggy, Perez
    B) Fraser, Perez + 0.5m
    C) Fraser, Maddison
    D) Siggy, Brooks

    Therein lies the midfield rub

    (I have Wilson already)

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Tricky. A?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        It’s v tough right!?

        I think longer term it’s hard to call who will do better out of Siggy and Fraser. Shorter term I think the double up of Wilson, Fraser could be as potent as it was last season

        1. Fulchester's New Centr…
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I think you're probably right, but Siggy is a season keeper and Perez OOP looks good. Wait and see?

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            As with pretty much everything on here atm it’s a wait and see 😆

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

          Siggy plays for a team that will finish well in the top half; Fraser for a bottom half side. That will have an effect on final points hauls.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I agree on the longer term point but until then the dilemma is real! 😉

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

            Everton finished 8th last season and scored 54 goals.

            Bournemouth finished 14th last season and scored 56 goals.

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

              Some questions for you

              How often do villa score goals?

              How are they away from home?

              Do they concede a lot of goals? Or how are villa wrt defending?

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

                We scored a lot last season, only Norwich and West Brom scored more. Defensively, ropey till Mings signed, they we tightened up. This was the Championship tho, and the Premier League is a completely different beast! Squad is taking shape but 2 or 3 players in key positions are still needed.

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

              True enough, but that was last season. I'm predicting they move in contrasting directions this time; I pick my players accordingly. I don't have a single player (dead 2nd keeper aside) that isn't at a club I predict to finish in the top 8.

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

                Players can still do well at bottom clubs, Eg King and Gro$$

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

                  Yes can, but before GW1 it's a punty option. My Fulham pick - the 5m midfield guy turned out rubbish.
                  You're on safer ground with top teams.

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

                    Hhmm I agree for newly promoted sides, but Fraser is surely different?

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

              yep, not much between fraser(181) and Siggy(182)!

              Smoke coming out of comparison tool in members area if you put the 2 of them in...

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

      Siggy and Brooks for me. But tough call!

  17. The Mantis
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Choose 2

    Jota / King / Deulofeu

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      King and Delo to start (Jota best long term)

  18. pmletch
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) siggy & zaha
    B) siggy & Fraser
    C) Fraser & Zaha

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

    2. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, stay away from Zaha till his future is settled

  19. Jimbo74
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Waddya make of this lot?
    No City attack, I know, but I found having Sterling, in particular, compromised the rest of the squad too much so I thought I'd make myself feel better by having a couple of City defenders who are very capable of chipping in.

    Lloris (4.0)
    TAA Laporte Digne Zinchenko VVD
    Sigurdsson Fraser Salah Perez Dendoncker
    Vardy Jota Greenwood

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Perma cap Mo?

      1. Jimbo74
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, I plan to give him the armband for just about the entire season. I was working on fitting in Sterling and rotating the two but that isn't guaranteed to work. I could captain Sterling vs Brighton only for Mo to get a couple away to Burnley.

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

      almost perfect zombie team, Salah perma-cap. You won't have to do anything the rest of the season 🙂

      1. Jimbo74
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Is that a good thing? I'll almost certainly tinker along the way, though. Always do, no matter how much time I put into picking a team pre-season! Just trying to minimise the amount of tinkering required and making a mess of things.

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

      We have very similar teams

      Ederson.
      Robertson. VVD. Laporte. Azpilicueta. Digne.
      Salah(c). Sigurdsson. Fraser.
      Vardy. Jimenez.

      Button. Dendoncker. Stephens. Greenwood.

      1. Jimbo74
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        In that case, best of luck to you! 😉

  20. Fulchester's New Centr…
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pretty slow round here. How about this?

    Pope, Norris
    Zinc, VVD, TAA, Digne, Rico
    Salah, Sterling, KDB, Gylfi, Donker
    King, Andone, Greenwood

    1. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Strikers aren't the best

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks. Had occured to me. If Andone not first choice whole thing collapses.

        1. BoomXhakaLaca1
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Could look at che Adams as a replacement maybe? Should be Southamptons top man?

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

          I think if Andone emerges as first choice pretty much everyone will have him.

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

      I can't get behind any team that has no bench at all, especially with Dendonker as a regular starter.

      1. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Donker first sub. Praying for Florin.

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

          Andone unlikely to be a starter, Brighton are actively in the market for a new striker, Roofe is strongly linked.

          Mousset is due to sign for Sheffield United very soon, he is more likely to get game time, so could be an answer for the 5m spot.

      2. Fulchester's New Centr…
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Vardy + 5 mil bench mid, better than KDB + Greenwood?

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

          I mean for me personally the balance of the team overall isn't right.
          Too much spent in midfield, and 4 premium defenders isn't how I would do things, not to say it won't bring points, but as I say, for me, unbalanced.

          1. Fulchester's New Centr…
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Very helpful. Thanks.

  21. Pirlø's Pen
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Latest draft. Thoughts?

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Digne Zinchenko
    Salah (c) Sterling (vc) DeBruyne Brooks
    King Deulofeu

    Button Greenwood Dendoncker Lundstrom

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very very nice.

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

      I prefer Perez over Brooks
      KgB nice swap for Son once he is back

      1. Pirlø's Pen
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Brooks first 2 fixtures are far superior, might open up who the best Leicester mid is by then too.

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

          True. I reckon Leic will be very potent this year.

  22. BoomXhakaLaca1
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Something a bit different? Bar the Mid.

    Patricio

    TAA AWB Ake (Kelly, Targett)

    Salah Sterling Fraser Perez (Dendonker)

    Rashy Vardy Greenwood

    Tempted to swap sterling for KDB and upgrade Donkey

    1. Fulchester's New Centr…
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Can understand rest, but why Pat?

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Just went for a 5m keeper, could go Schmeichel but if Maguire goes I won't get him.

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

      Wouldn't call it different really. It's good, stick with Raheem. First tie I've seen Patricio in an RMT - not sure Wolves are as good defending as they are attacking. I'm 100% sure that applies to Bournemouth - I'd lose Ake in a flash.
      Good forward line (had it until yesterday myself).

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Any suggestions for replacements?

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

        Wolves had the fifth best defensive record in the league last season, behind Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea and Spurs, whilst scoring only 47. That's why there isn't currently a route into their defence under 5.0.

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

          I think the key stat for the keeper is 8 clean sheets. 5m Schmeichel and even Dubravka got more.

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

            I was simply pointing out Wolves had one of the best defences in the league last season. Going forward they sometimes struggled.

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

              Last year I started with Patricio at 4.5 and had Bennett at 4. Great value. At 5m I don't think they are particularly.
              They also changed their system to go 2 up top which I think tips the balance from defence to attack.

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

      Downgrade Patricio and upgrade Ake to Zinchenko/Coleman imo.

      Nice team.

      1. BoomXhakaLaca1
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Could do that also! Not a fan of Ryan seeing as everyone has him so might wait till Heaton/Pope is decided

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

        Yes, this. I don't think there value in 5m keepers - eith go up or down. Pope/Coleman or Zink if nailed would give you a damn fiine squad.

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

          Fabianski still comes out as good value in my calculations. West Ham being terrible defensively works well for him, because he's the best shot stopper in the league. Lots of save points. Would still rather spend the 0.5 further up the field though, bit more flexible for the start.

          1. BoomXhakaLaca1
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Fair shout! I'll go with what the others have said Pat to Pope/Heaton and Ake to Coleman for the minute

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

            you would think WestHam will get 1 or 2 more clean sheets this season.
            Fab may well become the best value keeper overall

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

              But why? Not one change to their defensive personnel.

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

                not based on anything more than a hunch 🙂
                But Diop and Balbuena, it was their first season in PL...with the latter having injury as well

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

                  Yeh maybe. But they've strengthened going forward, so I'd be looking at assets further up the pitch myself.

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

            Not the best shot stopper in the league, actually, fake news. In terms of save %ge Allison, Lloris, Pope (17/18), Heaton & Guaita beat him. But he's very good. More saves than anyone else.

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

              He is the best shot stopper in the league, it wasn't fake news.

              By far the best keeper in terms of xG prevented. Which is more important than save %ge.

              Fabianski best in the league.

        2. BoomXhakaLaca1
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          You reckon Pope over Heaton though? 🙂

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

            We're all hoping Heaton leaves so Pope looks nailed. Going to have to be patient.

            Dean Henderson could be an interesting option if he goes back to Sheffield on loan.

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

              I read Dean Headerson has been asked to join up with United in their pre-season base in China.

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

                Makes me think DDG is off.

                Last year of contract and no sign of a new deal.

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

                  Wouldn't be a shock, PSG might have some Neymar money to splash soon.

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

            Burnley keepers score well because of save points too.
            I think Pope will be the number one, but if it turns out Heaton gets the nod, it's no sweat to change as they're the same price.

    4. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks everyone much appreciated!

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

      Patricio to Fabianski

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

    To complete defence

    A Digne 4 m or
    B Coleman 4.5 m

    Rest of defence is
    Pope
    TAA VVD Zinchenko

    1. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Digne and 4, don't need a fifth defender really

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

    Best 6.5 to partner Jota?

    1. Kloppage Time
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson

      1. Kloppage Time
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        King sorry

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

          Is he a liability in front of goal though?

  25. G Banger
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all, first post of the new season, thoughts on the below?

    Pope
    TAA / Robbo / Zinch / Digne
    Salah / Sterling / Pereyra / Pérez
    King / Vardy

    (Button / Cathcart / Hayden / Wickman)

    Cheers

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

      I like it

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

    A) 4.5 defender , Fraser ( already have Wilson)
    Or
    B) zinchenko and brooks

  27. altan8797
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    if you were to pick only one, which would you go for and why?

    a) vvd
    b) taa
    c) robbo

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

      TAA for me. I think he'll be the most improved this season.

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

      TAA because I believe he has the highest points potential

    3. altan8797
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      cheers

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

    I see Lundstrom name appearing more often.

    Is he the more likely 4 m to start if points needed of bench. I was thinking Rico who seems to be getting talked up by Eddie Howes? Not that I hope to really need them!

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

      Rico played poorly apparently in pre season and he has Kelly to compete with, whom I assume would expect to start

  29. Kimmich
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Leno (McGovern)
    Van Dijk / Zinchenko / Digne (Smith - Kelly)
    Salah / Sterling / Pogba / Perez / Trossard
    Wilson / Deulofeu (Greenwood)

    Opinions on this? Figured throwing Kane out improves the defence and gives a little more in midfield. I’m looking at Trossard/Jahanbakhsh in pre season because Potters wingers usually fair quite well.

    Chelsea options are still a wait and see for me, if Mason Mount comes in at 5.5 he may provide some value with him impressing in pre season. Puts me within .5 of owning Son after suspension and Salah / Sterling / Son looks very appealing in the midfield.

    Question marks over UTD but after everything I wouldn’t be surprised to see Pogba do well again, another option is Rashford / Richarlison for the same price as Pogba / Wilson and I’d be interested to know peoples thoughts on Pogba and Rashford.

  30. McGinn
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Final RMT:

    - Ederson -
    - VVD - Digne - Robbo
    - B. Silva - Salah (c) - L. Moura - Fraser - Pérez -
    - Wilson - Jota -

    Bench:
    AWB, Greenwood, Kelly, Button.

    After first 2 x GWs will look up do Moura > Son

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

      No point benching a 5.5 defender pal. Good team maybe turn AWB into a 4.5 defender and either try to get Bilva to KDB or bank the 1 mil.

      If you bank the 1 mil or even 0.5 of it by upgrading Kelly to a 4.5 too it means that you have more options when you have to inevitable take Moura out your team GW3/ 4.

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

        Benching a 5.5 defender is perfectly fine. He has rotation risks in his team in B.Silva, Perez and Jota.

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

          I would have thought those 3 were nailed based on MP last season & pre-season lineups

          1. FPL Blow-In
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            They are. Jota with Europe duty may get the odd rest but they are nailed.

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

              How can you know that Perez is nailed based on one pre-season game?

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

            They are part of the first 11s of their teams but they could all sit out here and there. Especially Perez at a new club.

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

      Like it a lot

      I’d be more inclined to go 4.5 gk and KdB. The more serious issue is presumed perma captain Mo. Each time he’s got an away match you’re looking at suboptimal pick - all the big boys go much better home than away.

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

        Yeah Good shout. I've done B. Silva > KDB and AWB > Rico.

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

          I wdve hung onto AWB. No prob benching a 5.5 once in a while if the team you put out is strong. KdB is a better move but I'dve lost Moura as he's only good for 1 GW.

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

            Yeah I know - still undecided ha - my team will possibly totally change in next couple weeks. I like AWB as he'll give me Utd coverage and get far forward/assists

            I have a feeling Moura is going to start big