Scout Notes

How Aubameyang fared on the right wing against Bayern

Our Scout Notes continue with a look at three fixtures contested on Thursday.

Aston Villa and Watford got their pre-seasons underway while Arsenal secured a last-gasp victory over Bayern Munich in the United States.

Our pre-season minutes spreadsheet has been updated accordingly and can be viewed by clicking here.

Bayern Munich 1-2 Arsenal

  • Goals: own-goal, Eddie Nketiah (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m),  Tyreece John-Jules

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) made his first start of pre-season on the right flank as Arsenal edged past Bayern Munich in the International Champions Cup.

There will be understandable reservations among the Fantasy community if Aubameyang becomes a permanent fixture out wide in the 4-2-3-1 that Unai Emery employed against the Bundesliga champions but the Gabonese forward was still a real threat despite the position change.

He wasn’t always hugging the touchline, either, cutting inside as Arsenal’s fluid front four dovetailed in attack.

One surging 70-yard run through the centre of the pitch led to a chance for Mesut Ozil (£7.5m) while the Gabon international almost scored a carbon-copy of his goal against Watford when charging Manuel Neuer down.

Aubameyang’s pace and trickery caused a lot of problems down the Bayern left and indeed it was the premium FPL forward’s low cross that led to the game’s first goal, with Louis Poznanski turning the ball past his own goalkeeper.

A superb bit of wing play later on culminated in an excellent chance for Reiss Nelson, which the Arsenal substitute spurned.

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) didn’t have too many goalscoring opportunities (bar one decent chance carved out by Ozil) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m) flattered to deceive but Ozil looked like his old self in the number ten role, buzzing in behind the French striker.

Fantasy managers will need more convincing than an impressive 81-minute showing in pre-season, of course, and given Emery’s predilection for changing his formation on a weekly basis the cons probably outweigh the pros at present.

Shkodran Mustafi (£5.5m) was his usual ropey self at the back and it was the much-maligned German defender who lost Robert Lewandowski for Bayern’s equaliser in the second half.

Rob Holding (£4.5m) could be back sooner rather than later, though, as Emery explained after full-time:

We are really happy with his progress. He started training with us a few days ago. We’re going to do one process to let him play little by little.

We need his performances as a centre-back. When he had his injury he was really playing with big performances.

We’re looking forward to seeing him with us and other players with injuries like Hector Bellerin, Mavropanos and Emile Smith Rowe. We are waiting for [Holding] to come back with us with his quality.

Eddie Nketiah (£4.5m) grabbed Arsenal’s winner after coming off the bench, with fellow substitute Tyreece John-Jules claiming the assist.

Youngster Joe Willock impressed in the central midfield two, meanwhile.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno (Martínez 46′), Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Mustafi (Chambers 81′), Monreal (Kolasinac 46′), Willock (Burton 65′), Xhaka, Mkhitaryan (Nelson 65′), Ozil (John-Jules 81′), Aubameyang (Saka 81′), Lacazette (Nketiah 81′).

Minnesota United 0-3 Aston Villa

  • Goals: Jack Grealish (£6.0m), Henri Lansbury (£4.5m), Birkir Bjarnason (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Frederic Guilbert, Andre Green (£5.0m)

Dean Smith gave his verdict on new Aston Villa signing Jota (£6.0m) after his side got their pre-season off to a winning start in the United States.

Jota lined up on the right flank but roamed from his starting position and was one of Villa’s standout players in the first half of their victory over Minnesota.

One superb pass for Anwar El-Ghazi (£5.5m) set up a great chance for the Dutch winger and Jota himself saw a low shot finger-tipped wide, with the summer signing from Birmingham frequently drifting infield from the wing.

The Villa boss said:

Jota had a lot of touches in the first half, popped inside and found really good pockets of space on the ball. It was unfortunate he didn’t score with a right-foot shot. He put a really good ball through for Anwar El Ghazi, also. 

Wesley Moraes (£6.0m) also made his Villa debut and looked a handful up front, although a physical presence and the ability to link up play are not attributes that Fantasy managers place at the top of their wishlist when looking for a striker.

It is still early days, of course, and this match – as so many mid-July pre-season friendlies are – was an exercise in fitness-building rather than anything else.

Jack Grealish (£6.0m) showed promise in pulling the strings in central midfield, at least, and the gifted playmaker broke the deadlock with a well-hit shot from distance.

Villa’s first-half XI was perhaps the stronger of the two but there were still players of interest involved after the interval.

Frederic Guilbert certainly caught the eye from right-back, getting forward to support the attack and setting up Henri Lansbury (£4.5m) for Villa’s second goal.

The consensus among Villa fans seems to be that Guilbert is their preferred option at right-back and with Mohamed Elmohamady (£4.5m) still to return following his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, it could be that the Frenchman has the edge in that position for Gameweek 1.

Back-up winger Andre Green (£5.0m) set up Birkir Bjarnason (£4.5m) for Villa’s third goal.

Reflecting on the game, Smith said:

It was a good goal from Jack Grealish. We possibly could have scored a few more.

If I was being picky, I’d say we were a little bit loose on the ball in that first half. We didn’t press as we would have liked. We allowed them to play through the two-thirds too quickly. That’s something we can work on and build on. 

Defensively I thought our shape was better in the second half but I thought we were wasteful in the final third until the last 10 or 15 minutes.

Not involved was new signing Bjorn Engels (£4.5m), who Villa have recruited from Reims.

The towering centre-half has scored 16 league goals in 130 appearances and Smith highlighted the defender’s goal threat when asked about his recent capture:

He’s a player I really like. He can adapt well. He’s a great age. His potential is that he will get better and develop – he has a hunger to develop too.  He’s calm and assured on the ball. He reads the game really well.  

But another thing that attracted me to him was that he scores goals. It’s something we want to target in the Premier League – to become a really good set-piece team because it can win you games. He scores goals. He scores from set-pieces. He’s good in both boxes.

Aston Villa first-half XI (4-3-3): Steer, Bree, Konsa, Hause, Targett, Hourihane, Grealish, O’Hare, El Ghazi, Jota, Wesley.

Aston Villa second-half XI (4-3-3): Kalinic, Guilbert, Chester, Mings, Taylor, McGinn, Bjarnason, Lansbury, Green, Davis, Hogan

Ajax 2-1 Watford

  • Goal: Andre Gray (£6.0m)
  • Assist: Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m)

Watford’s pre-season got off to a losing start in a fairly low-key affair in Austria.

Javi Gracia gave 45 minutes to 22 of his players, although Troy Deeney (£6.0m) and Ben Foster (£5.0m) were not part of the matchday squad – the reasons for which are as yet unknown.

Gracia predictably sent his two sides out in a familiar 4-4-2 shape, although there was little joy for the Hornets’ attackers from open play against last season’s UEFA Champions League semi-finalists.

Watford’s deadlock-breaking goal came from the penalty spot, with Andre Gray (£6.0m) tucking away the spot-kick in Deeney’s absence.

Stefano Okaka, playing alongside Gray in the first half, was heavily involved in the lead-up to the penalty, with his run and cross finding Abdoulaye Doucoure (£6.0m) in the Ajax box.

Doucoure – who looked solid alongside Etienne Capoue (£5.0m) – tucked the ball past Dominik Kotarski but not before the referee had blown up for a handball, with Gray beating the Ajax goalkeeper for pace with his effort.

Tom Cleverley (£5.0m) went close with a free-kick but it was the Hornets’ two shotstoppers who the busier ‘keepers in each half.

Daniel Bachmann was tested on a handful of occasions in the first half, with Pontus Dahlberg (£4.5m) also called into action after the interval.

Dahlberg was first beaten by Donny van de Beek following some sloppy defending, while Jurrien Timber struck with a header late on to hand Ajax the victory.

Gracia said after full-time:

We have conceded to goals in situations where we have to do better, we have to defend better. We need to improve our attacking and lots of other different phases, like set-pieces, but it’s normal. We are in pre-season and we have time enough time to improve and I’m sure with a good attitude, we are able to do it.

Gerard Deulofeu (£6.5m) was thrown on at half-time and looked sharp up front, often drifting into wide areas and going close with one shot that crept wide.

The recently reclassified FPL forward said ahead of the game:

I scored 12 goals [last season] but I can score more. In some periods of the season, I missed chances but I hope this season I score more than 12 goals because I can score. I feel the players like me can score more and also the best thing is to help the team take three points and achieve something special with Watford.

Before I came here I thought a lot about being a forward and spoke a lot together with Javi and all season I have been playing up front. I feel really well and I want to keep my career there up front because I feel near the goal, I feel much better than in the wing.

I got chances against big teams and I have to be more clinical.

Ken Sema (£5.0m) had an effort saved and Nathaniel Chalobah (£4.5m) flashed an effort wide but there were few clear-cut chances in the second half against one of last season’s most impressive European clubs.

Watford first-half XI (4-4-2): Bachmann, Janmaat, Mariappa, Cathcart, Masina, Cleverley, Doucourè, Forster, Gray, Okaka.

Watford second-half XI (4-4-2): Dahlberg, Femenía, Dawson, Kabasele, Holebas, Hughes, Wilmot, Chalobah, Sema, Deulofeu, Success.

 

1,103 Comments Post a Comment
  1. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Are there any better options than Digne apart from Liverpool & Man City.

    I'm not convinced 6 million is a good investment if Zouma's not there.

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

      Switch to Coleman who outscored digne in 2019 and use the .5 elsewhere

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

      Last season, Digne created 71 chances which was the most of all defenders. This was 21 more than the 2nd placed Robertson - all the more impressive given that Digne managed to do so despite not featuring in August at all. Furthermore, out of the midfielders and forwards, only Fraser, Salah, David Silva and Hazard managed to surpass Digne’s total of 13 big chances created last season.

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

        Good points but who is going to convert his chances and what about his CS potential. A spurs defender cpuld be a better choice!?

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

          Richarlison and Sigurdsson are usually there to pick them up.

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

      I think the question isn’t Zouma, I feel the question is will they get a decent CF to put away all those Digne crosses? If it’s DCL leading the line, Coleman edges it for me for the saving

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

        Good point

    4. columbus189
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He looked good today.
      Feels like a good choice.
      Only concern is who will score the goals...

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

        Everton scored 54 goals last season.
        Richarlison 13
        Sigurdsson 13

        Those two will provide 50% of the goals this season as well.

        1. columbus189
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Makes a difference. Nisse brings the energy. Just mot quite there as a top striker

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

            Niasse will not be starting games for Everton unless they have a serious goal scoring crisis and are completely desperate.

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

              if DCL is starting then that's a strong possbility

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

      "... I'm not convinced 6 million is a good investment if Zouma's not there ...". Gueye is the bigger concern. If he leaves I'm going to pass on EVE defenders.

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

        I reckon Gueye will be gone. Why else would we get Delph in when there’s Gomes,Sniederlin,Davies,(McCarthy,Besic hopefully going)

  2. The Mighty Hippo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA Robertson VVD Laporte
    KDB Sterling Sigurdsson Perez
    Vardy King

    or

    Ryan
    TAA Robertson Digne
    KDB Salah Sigurdsson Perez Zaha
    Vardy King

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

      Laporte

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

        this

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B, Salah.

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

    Lots of people creaming their pants before haller was given a price, but not seen him in a single team since?

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

      I think the opening fixture is making it difficult. Pretty much guaranteed blank.

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

        Great fixtures after though, I'd rather take a 2 pointer than use a transfer

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

          What !

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

      Not as cheap as people wanted evidentially

    3. Pep's Money Laundry
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No reason to start with him in your squad. Lots of German based players struggle when they come to England at first

      1. Party time
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Exactly, Özil is the reverse of this statement, struggling after performing

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

        Plays Man city first. I feel you can give yourself to the international break to see how he starts and act from there on a wildcard.

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

      Would you class Brooks as nailed or nah? Also do you think Fraser is worth the extra 1.0m?

      Brooks - 7G, 6A - 2263mins
      Fraser - 7G, 14A - 3165mins

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Brooks still young and first season, could get more minutes this season. But Fraser definately more nailed.

      2. Nailed Jesus
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        The way I see it, I'd rather find 0.5 to upgrade Fraser to Wilson. And I'd rather have King over Brooks for the same price. Wouldn't consider tripling up on Bou attack.

      3. Pep's Money Laundry
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Brooks was injured a fair bit and if I remember correctly he rarely saw the end of the game.

      4. The Cherry Picker
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He’s nailed 100%.

        Fraser is probably worth the 1m. Close though

    5. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thoughts?

      Pope
      TAA Robertson Digne Zinchenko
      Salah KDB Siggy Groß Pereyra
      Kane

      Button Kiko F. Mousset Greenwood

      1. child of God
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Where did the extra 0.5 come from

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          My bad, Tielemans over Siggy so that's well overpriced.

          1. child of God
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Good team though, usually useful to have a reliable first sub but seems more difficult to have one this season than last coz of the pricing

            1. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Not settled on my 4.5def if i go with this setup, like the 5 man midfield but downside is no 4.5mid sub.

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

      Surprised not to see JWP in teams on here...

      Is he the best 6m Midfielder ?

      Thanks guys

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Pereyra my option because of fixtures.

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

        Currently on Townsend, but as a Villa fan Grealish is dragging me in.

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

        Townsend is decent. Yarmo could be gold. Its a very small investment to get those 6.5 strikers or midfielders like Jota, King, Perez so people are just skipping the 6.0 bracket mostly

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

          Palace have some decent fixtures to start, if Zaha moves on Townsend is going to have to step up.

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

      Who do we think will take Villa's penalties?
      Tammy no longer there and Kodija won't play regularly. Was looking at the penalty takers Vs Baggies and only Grealish and Hourihane are left. Do we think Grealish will likely be on Pens or is Wesley going take over from Tammy?.

    8. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kane or Aguero (got Sterling and Ederson)?

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

        Kane

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

        Don't think there will be much between them. So the extra 1.0m your saving by going Kane makes sense. Plus you literally never have to worry about rotation.

    9. dimo_fpl
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Best team I’ve seen so far;

      Ryan
      Taa VVD Digne Zinchenko
      Salah Sterling Pérez Siggy
      Wilson Deulofeu
      Button | Dendonker | Greenwood | Kelly

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

        This was my selection too other than Ryan (Heaton)

        Also I’ve started to think Coleman is better choice to digne for value

        And Fraser for his starting fixtures over siggy.

        Which allows 1 mil upgrade of GK

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

        TAA to Coleman and Greenwood to Origi

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

          Seriously? Why would I ditch double Liverpool defence and get double Everton defence lol.

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

      What we think?

      Pope
      Digne Coleman TAA Zinc
      Fraser Siggy Salah Perez
      Wilson Kun

      Button Greenwood Dendoncker Kelly

      mainly focused team on the opening game weeks. but i kinda like the Kun instead of sterling, meaning i have all 3 areas (Strikers, Mid, Def) covered for downgrading if need be.

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

        Nice, I’d ditch one of Coleman or Digne

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

          yeh was looking at that my self, just not too sure who to

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

        Seen a lot of teams with Zinchenko in but I'm really not convinced. Doesn't strike me as someone who offers much going forward so your relying on clean sheets. The first 3 games are not games I'd back City to keep a clean sheet in either. whu,TOT,bou have attacking threat. By the time them games are gone Mendy could be back.

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

          yep...was thinking the same earlier today.
          He offers no real attacking threat...or FPL mistakes him for KdB 🙂

          Might want to check rest of preseason...and then maybe start season without City defense

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

            I looked at Zinchenko myself, then when I looked into it I really wasn't convinced. Yes it's City, but the first 3 games are against teams who could quite easily score at least 1 goal. Currently not on any Man C defenders.

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

          This is exactly why laporte and ederson don’t offer great value from start

          Zinc is cheap enough to select whilst hedging on cities inability to maintain a CS

          The others aren’t really goal threats either

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

            Laporte is definitely the best option, at least he offers some goal threat and is BPS magnet if they do keep a clean sheet. I'm just not feeling city defenders to start though.

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

              Agreed but at that price it’s a stretch when the fixtures aren’t good

              Rather punt on zinc and upgrade later

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

                City defenders for me are a wait till after the internationals and bring one in on a wildcard.

    11. FPL Mentor
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A. Ederson, Dann & Fraser

      or

      B. Heaton, Zinchenko & B.Silva

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

        Neither, probs B

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

          I just don’t like Dann as a pick

      2. Party time
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I prefer A

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

        Are spurs likely to replace trippier or will they use KWP more in your opinion?

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

          Foyth

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

        Feel my shopping list is complete.

        Two Liverpool defenders - Check
        Everton Defender - Check
        Salah - Check
        Sterling - Check
        Kane - Check

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

          Are Salah, Sterling and Kane not destroying the rest of your team though, I’m curious to see how you’ve fit that in

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

            I'd like to say no, others may disagree. First game I'll Currently line up like this.

            Ryan,
            TAA, VVD, Coleman, 4.5/Dunk(If he goes Leicester)
            Salah, Sterling, Perez, Townsend
            Kane, King

            Button, Targett, Dendonker, Greenwood

            Think it's fairly balanced.

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

              Actually really nice. Not my cup of tea, but could be a few people’s shots of vodka

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

                I just like having the one premium forward, makes it an easy change if any other forward is on fire. Fancy Perez to have a real good season. Only doubt for me is Townsend of any other 6.0m mid, and which 4.5 defender is Dunk doesn't move.

        2. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Digne and Coleman were in early drafts and whilst they're still both quality options and perhaps I'm overthinking it, no Zouma and Gueye suggests cleanies could be a lot harder to come by...

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

            Everton are a funny team they can have an awful season or a great season. With so many going for Everton Defenders and with nice fixtures it's playing slightly safe.

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

          5.0 mid starting?

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

            6.0m starting

      5. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Anybody going Gomez? 5.5 doubles the Pool cover, but allows for reinforcements elsewhere?

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

          He’s not as appealing as the other choices though.

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            No but, it's just eeking out those 5s and once Trent's on board the saving of 1-1.5 on VVD (reliant on headed goals) or Robertson (hammy issues, not to mention a hand infection) then for those thinking an early WC may be inevitable, Gomez could prove a decent short term stop gap all factors considered

        2. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          If he nails down that spot I will consider dropping vvd for him tbh if no other pressing injuries/concerns in my team.

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

        A Robertson and Jota
        Or
        B Digne and Jiminez?

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

          A

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

          close call but A purely based on LIV clean sheets

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

        Interested in what you think about this 532 draft?

        Pope
        TAA VVD Digne Coleman Zinc
        Salah Sterling Fraser
        Vardy King

        Bench; Button Dendoncker Greenwood Stephens

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

          All the players are good, but the formation is off. I’d want 4 or 5 starting mids

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

            Problem is there are no good mids at 5.5 (cheapest def here)

        2. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          About what you’d want from a 532 tbh. Would maybe be tempted by Moura over Fraser, but I don’t know if I’m trying to be too differential doing that in my team.

          Could also downgrade a Everton boyo to upgrade Fraser to sig/bsilva

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

            Moura is a transfer waiting to happen I guess. Not sure there is a 5.0 def close to Coleman, while Fraser and Siggy had the same PPG last season and not sure I want triple Eve. Bilva I really like but not sure he can be picked over Fraser based on last season +0.5 more

      8. Top Lad Dakes.
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Incoming: Aguero hat trick and Sterling blank GW1. Mass swapping occurs. Reverse happens in GW2.

        Gonna happen, isn’t it? 😆

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

          Probably xD

        2. Nailed Jesus
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Nah. Sterling hattrick GW1, Aguero hattrick GW2. Aguero only hauls at home.

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

        Any stand-out GW1 captain in this off-beat team?

        Pope
        Vertonghen Gomez Coleman Zinchenko
        Sane DSilva Alli James
        Ings Giroud

        Pope Gross Haller Alonso

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

          Sane

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

          Alli? I like what you’ve attempted, but this is really off

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

            Villa at home, and ndombele should push him up the pitch

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

            other options were likes of Ozil, Martial....Alli at least is nailed with good fixture, even though I'm not his biggest fan

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

              No I’m saying I think he should be your captain

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

                yeah I figured it out after I replied 🙂

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

          That is a very different team I'll give you that. Some gambles I like, some not so much. I'd be worried half of that team might not start however.

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

            It's my 5% team...I only play with players who are less than 5% owned.

            If a player goes over 5% ownership, I will FT him out the next GW

      10. Ser Davos
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Missed out on 5.5 Otamendi two years ago and 5.5 Laporte last year... Zinchenko looks a very solid option to start with at least.

        City underachieved clean sheet wise last season. Still obtained 21 (iirc) but there were so many missed opportunities... even HUD scored at the Etihad!

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

          Zinchenko is good to start the season, but long term I don’t see pep playing him

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I suppose that's what I'm teetering on; think long term or just a healthy start, which can mean two different things.

            I'm thinking a healthy start as you can set up a team for the long term and then GW3-5: it's already WC time because there's always information that emerges by then

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

          I can see City conceding in all 3 of their first games. Which makes Zinchenko a lot less appealing.

          1. Ser Davos
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I can also see them not breaking sweat and cracking out three cleanies, such is their dominance of the ball

            1. Ser Davos
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I know the Etihad game in Europe was a goal fest, but the league game was very tight and another cleanie for City

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

                I just see it as 3 teams who will actually attack Man C, where many others will sit back against them.

        3. Dybala10
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Short term I think he is a great choice, especially before the first WC.

          That way we can learn about Spurs and Chelsea.

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

        Anyone going with Azpilicueta?
        6.0 - always hitting 160p playing all 38 games and Chelsea do have a good first 10 games.

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

          Chelsea have kept 16 CS 3 seasons in a row.

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

          New management, it’s a wait and see situation. I wouldn’t want to bite the bullet on a 6M defender

        3. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Tempting tbh. If Everton are doing crap I might ditch my Everton defender and get Azpi instead

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

            hmmm Azpilicueta is 0.5 extra but if Chelsea look solid at the back after 3 or 4 GWs i’d Consider the swap. would mean downgrading elsewhere though

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

              wrong thread, apologies

        4. Dybala10
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Want to know his position first but they have cracking fixtures. Worry is Lampard doesn't seem someone to hold on for cleansheets.

      12. cemal
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        what do people think about Delph? hes listed as a defender but will most likely play in midfield, especially is Gueye leaves. At 5.5 he’s competing with Wan-Bissaka, Shaw, Bellerin and Coleman. Out of those 5 who would you pick based on first 3-5 GWs?

        1. Top Lad Dakes.
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I’d pick Coleman tbh. But probably none of them to start off w if Gueye leaves - not many CS then

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

            hmmm Azpilicueta is 0.5 extra but if Chelsea look solid at the back after 3 or 4 GWs i’d Consider the swap. would mean downgrading elsewhere though

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

          Chillwell

        3. Party time
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Coleman

        4. Ser Davos
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          How well was Gomez doing points wise up until Turf Moor last season?

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Well he was nailed so got a bunch of clean sheets, probably nothing more than that but I’m just going by memory

            1. Ser Davos
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Think he got a bit of bonus and covered Trent too...

              Long term I'd fancy the power 3 surrounding him, particularly as I don't think Matip will be consigned to coventry after such a solid season.

              BUT! For the first four gameweeks or so, I think he may be able to keep up with the others (relatively)

          2. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Sorry, more or less nailed. Matip started a couple but Gomez and vvd were first choice before Gomez injury

            1. Ser Davos
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Thought as much and covered Trent at RB (rather than inferring he covered his points in the post above)

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

          COYG

          William Saliba on rejecting Tottenham for Arsenal: “I am extremely happy, it is every young French boys dream to play for Arsenal. I just looked at the offer from Tottenham and laughed for 30 minutes, it is such a small club. I look forward to meeting you soon Gunners”

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Did not 😆

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

          Version 12.0

          Ryan
          TAA Digne VVD
          Salah Sterling Perez Siggy
          Jiminez King Deulofau

          Button Kelly Gibson Dendoncker

          I really like this one

          1. Top Lad Dakes.
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            I don’t trust Brighton defence that’s why I’m on Pope. Other than that team looks solid, if a little template. Not worried about no City defenders? (That’s the only real template thing missing.)

        7. Big boy Bowen
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Been in the same draft for a while now.
          Hate settling so early because I'll end up tearing my team up last minute on the first day!

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            *on

          2. Party time
              4 years, 8 months ago

              The same but I know, I would be tempted to switch things up a bit before the season starts

              1. Big boy Bowen
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Makes me want to enter a second team lol

                1. Party time
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Lol... Always better to work with 1, I believe 🙂

            • Dr. Rog
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Pope
              TAA VVD Coleman Toby
              Salah Sterling Siggy Moura Fraser
              King

              with plan to WC3

              1. Ser Davos
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Thinking 4-5-1 is the way to go, all factors considered. Exposure to 5 mids slots, allows for big at the back (but not excessive) and flexibility too.

                I do like Dendocker as the ideal base price bench cover (no equivalent 4.5 forwards or 4 defenders), but perhaps that's part of the worthwhile compromise. Particularly when the early WC kicks in

              2. Top Lad Dakes.
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Different but could be good with the Spurs picks. Got Moura in my team just now - convince me he’s a good pick!

            • FC Hakkebøf
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Which combination to do you prefer?

              A) Wilson, DCL, 4.5 mid (4-3-3)
              B) Deulofeu, Fraser, Greenwood (4-4-2)
              C) Haller, Perez, Greenwood (4-4-2)
              D) Deulofeu, Zaha, Greenwood +0.5 itb (4-4-2)

              Rest of the team is

              Ryan Button
              Robertson TAA Digne Zinchenko Kelly
              Salah Sterling Siggy (EMPTY) Dendoncker
              King (Empty) (Empty)

            • Rigid Digit
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Feeling settled now

              Leno
              Van Dijk Walker Coleman
              Salah Sigurdsson Fraser Perez
              Aubamyang Haller Ings

              Steklenberg Adam Smith Diop Dendonker

              Leno to become Fabianski if Arsenal are leaky
              Aubamyang or Kane is current concern (probably sticking with Auba if the stories of Kane's dodgy ankles are to be believed)

              Any other 4.0 GK Fodders to consider (that might get a game so I can Bench Boost)?

            • You've got red on you.
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Not got the standard 2 'pool players and I'm giving Bruyne a punt but otherwise pretty template.

              What say you?

              Ryan
              Laporte, Digne, Robertson, wan-Bissaka
              Sterling, De Bruyne, Zaha, Salah (C)
              King, Calvert-Lewin

              Button, Dendoncker, Greenwood, Kelly

              1. You've got red on you.
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 11 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                *standard 2 'pool defenders

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

                Like the Salah sterling and de Bruyne with a decent defence. Personally I think Trent will do better than robbo for the one pool. Only real problem I see is Calvert-Lewin with the bench. I have an identical bench but have nailed on point scorers due to how weak it is I’m not sure Calvert Lewin fits the bill

            • FPL Daniel
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Is Salah a must?

              I am considering KDB and Sterling and triple Liv defense.

              I think that will give more overall pts and Sterling is great Perma captain anyway.

              City will score more goals and Liv defenders will get more CS and attacking returns. All can score more than 200pts and seems like a must, even VVD.

              Thoughts?

              Hottopic alert

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

                I’m too scared of him being captained by the masssez V Norwich to risk going without him the possible catastrophic damage outweighs the any possible pros for me

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

                Yes with a very decent start to the season as well. EO will be very high most games

                1. FPL Daniel
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  So what... ? the goal is to get the most pts not to be copycat no?

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

                    Does depends on your personal goals. I want to win my mini league and am weighing looking to take good differential risks without risking crazy losses to do it. Could be fun to go without Salah but for me even if the goal is to get the most points if Salah is home to Norwich I want to captain him all day

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

                Hypothesis: I reckon he will get around 270 points. Thats 540 with captaincy. I believe Sterling will get around 235. Thats 470. So the difference is 70 points. If you think your third Liverpool defender will score 70 points more than the defender you currently have then make the switch - if not; then stick.

                1. FPL Daniel
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Nice logic. I like it.... however Salah won't outscore Sterling imo

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

                    Highest scoring FPL players two seasons in a row. Liverpool seriously aiming for the title this time. Sterling playing an average 4 games less than Salah and not on pens or free kicks. Really?