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. Tinmen
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Folks, how is this looking?
    I know the 2 obvious lads aren’t there but..

    Ederson
    Robbo VVD TAA Laporte Zinchenko
    Fraser Pérez Siggy
    Kane Aubameyang

    Button Dendonker Hayden Kelly

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

      I think not having any attacking presence from the two most free-scoring teams in the league is a mistake, regardless of how sound their respective defences are. I applaud you, however, for having the cojones to do something different.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Spread the risk on D Tinmen...it WILL bite you

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

      5-2-3 isn't popular but Wilson has better fixtures than siggy for the first two weeks. There is a couple of 4.5 forwards who have potential as bench fodder.

      1. aries1973
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I also have Siggi but he’s one of those players I could easily switch to free up 0.5m.
        Kane? Not for me.
        Arsenal? Maybe but I’d rather see that cash spent towards Sterling

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

    I think triple City defence is overkill. I'd definitely lose 1 if not two to find away of getting Salah or Sterling in.

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

      Reply fail to the above comment

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

      Triple Liverpool defense you mean?

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

        rather have triple Liverpool than triple City defense

        Ideally neither 🙂

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

        He has triple City defence as well

    3. aries1973
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Totally agree

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

    An attempt at a Salah, Sterling and Kane team:

    433

    Pope
    Digne // Zinchenko // VVD // 4.5 rotation
    Salah // Sterling // Perez
    Kane // Origi // Wilson

    4.0 // Stephens // 4.5 rotator // Dendoncker

    Currently on Target and Taylor for the rotation, however open to suggestions.

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

      Got to do something about Origi and Perez. And Zinchenko could easily be rotated by Pep

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

        Perez and Zinchenko decent picks IMO

    2. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      It's not as bad as I expected - something to look at for sure.

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

      I've done the same, my current team is;

      Ryan,
      TAA, VVD, Coleman, Dunk(If he moves)
      Salah, Sterling, Perez, Townsend/Grealish
      Kane, King

      Button, Targett, Dendonker, Greenwood

    4. aries1973
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why Kane?

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

      Zinchenko and Origi are just terrible picks. Rest of the side is good. There’s no point tying up 2m in players unlikely to play. I would downgrade Origi and upgrade to Zinchenko ( even someone like a Diop at 4.5 is an upgrade on Zinchenko just down to the fact he’ll at least play)

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

        Out of interest, who do you think will play ahead of Zinchenko? Angelino?

        1. 32chickens
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          zinchenko is a good place to start -he will play ,at least initially.
          personally would like a stronger defender 3 but money is invested elsewhere

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

    Is my team great, or just plain amazing?

    Ederson
    Laporte TAA Robbo Coleman Digne
    KdB Siggy Salah 4.5 4.5
    King Wilson 4.5

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

      It's OK, don't like double Bournemouth attack and no Sterling.
      Perfect defense

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

      No to double Everton defence and missing a lot of value players in midfield with no easy way to transfer them in. Somewhere between ugly and average at best for me

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

        My entire team is valued in the 6-8m region. Shouldnt be hard to fit in a value-midfielder, 2 transfers at most.

    3. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That is very nice tbh.

    4. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling over KDB

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

        Sterling completely handicaps my team...

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I don't see how...he scored a boatload of points last year. Thats like saying Salah handicaps you...its bascially impossible! (unless he stops scoring immediately).

          I'd find a way...

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

            Good point tbh... I'll see what I can do. Siggy to Fraser gives me 0.5m for a start...

            1. Yank Revolution
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              That's the spirit! There has to be ways to fit him in

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

      Same as everyone elses. Just a bit boring.

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

        I am the only gangster in the house with a double bournemouth front line.

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Just remember Bournemouth are a streaky team...sometimes scoring for fun, sometimes doing bupkis. It's risky out of the gate..Id go for just 1 of King/Wilson...you can always add another if they start out hot.

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

            To be fair if you’re going to do it do it for those first two fixtures no point adding it’s Man City GW3

      2. aries1973
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe boring but those risks you take will kill you

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

    Start a 4.5 def or Dendoncker?

    Also any 4.0 playing defenders who have emerged yet?

    Thanks

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

      I have Kelly

      We will have to wait for one imo

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

        Cheers

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

      Kelly but as soon as Sakho or Tomkins are back he’ll be out.
      Hanley started in what seemed a near full Norwich lineup today however when Zimmermann returns he’s out also.
      Rico is fighting Lloyd Kelly for LB.

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

        OK thanks for that handy info

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

          Keep an eye on Gibson at Burnley. If Tarkowski is brought by Leicester after Maguire leaves he’ll become a playing 4.0 I’d imagine.

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

            Will do

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

            Good point.

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

    Thoughts on no Salah team bottom of last page?

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

      The thought of no Salah terrifies me

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

        Would at the very least cover him with Mane

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

          I cover him with TAA Robbo and VVD

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

        He will be tired beginning of season. Sterling will outscore him this season...

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

          Don't forget that no Salah means getting KdB who will get 200 pts this year if fit.

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

            for his price, he better get around that amount of points....which I hope, but am not quite confident of still

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

            I'd want Sterling and Aguero if no Salah

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

      Mind you, having said that, just experimented and managed to create this:

      Pope
      TAA | Robbo | VVD | Zinchenko | Kelly
      Sterling | Perez
      Kane | Aguero | King

      Fodder

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

        Dendoncker coming in if Kelly no show

      2. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Awful imo

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

      He will score a hattrick against Norwich. I had a dream.

    4. aries1973
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Are you seriously asking us If not having the top scoring player for the past 2 seasons is risky?

  7. OLLY G
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Just messing around, what do people think of this please:

    Kepa

    TAA | VVD | Laporte | Zinchenko | Digne

    Salah | Sterling | Siggy

    Wilson | King

    Subs: Button | Kelly | Dendoncker | Greenwood

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

      You have 5 defenders and 4 miss in this team?

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

        * mids

        1. OLLY G
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Oh yeah, lol. It was meant to be:

          Kepa

          TAA | VVD | Laporte | Zinchenko | Digne

          Salah | Sterling | Perez

          Wilson | King

          Subs: Button | Stephens | Dendoncker | Greenwood

          1. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Double Bou strikers? WHY?

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

              They are good value.

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

        6 defs

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

    Thoughts?

    Pope button
    Vvd taa digne zinchenko aurier
    Salah kdb bernado tiliemans dedon
    King jimi deulofeo

    Or do I go cheaper bench by switching out aurier and deulofeo

    TIA

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

    Thoughts on this team?

    Allison - Woodman
    VVD - Laporte - Digne - C. Taylor - Lundstram
    Salah - KdB - Brooks - Grealish - Norwood
    Aguero - Deulofeu - Greenwood

  10. Andy W
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What do you think to this team?
    Pope (4.0)
    Robertson, TAA, LaPorte, Zinchenko (Kelly)
    Salah, KDB, Brooks, Perez (Dendonker)
    Kane, King (Greenwood)

    Contemplating Perez to Delefeou and going 433

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

      Prefer Perez

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

      Looks good, but you can't switch Perez to Deulofeu (Perez is a mid, Deulofeu is a fwd).

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

    Is Aurier spurs first choice right back now then? Him or KWP good value at 5s!

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

      Foyth actually played there before suspension.

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

        Ahh yeah. Forgot that.

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

      Don't bother imo

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

    Hi.....can I have a view on best option here please?

    Pope button
    TAA xxx digne zinchenko dunk
    Salah sterling xxx xxx dendonker
    King xxx Greenwood

    A.....robbo siggy madison deulofeu

    B...... VVD gros perez vardy

    Thanks

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

      A is safer, but when Vardy hauls, you'll wish you went with B.

    2. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That's really tough. I would probably go for B as l think Perez and Vardy will do really well.

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

      A

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

    Any bottom price player that will play ? No matter what position

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

      Dendoncker
      Stephens tends to sneak in also

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

        Dendoncker is nailed on? I went Gendousi from Arsenal

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

          Pre season will tell more but played a lot in the latter part of last season

  14. mbsoz45
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which 2 of these 3 is best of the 6.5 strikers
    Jota, King, or Deulolieu

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

      Delo for me. He has the explosion in him which I like

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

      King and del
      Seen talks of another striker to Wolves

    3. OLLY G
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Definitely King because of pennos and fixtures. I would personally go for Jota over Deu but Wolves fixtures aren't amazing.

    4. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      King and Jota IMO

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

    I've been running a money draft league on Fantrax. Looking to start a second division with lower buy-in and set up a promotion/relegation system. Rules are similar to FPL. Divison 1 buy-in is $25, so div 2 would be $15. WhatsApp is a must. Need 13 managers to make it happen. Any interest around here?

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

      Unfortunately not from me, mate. Draft leagues are no fun at all.

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

        different cuppa tea mate. Been at it for 6 seasons and it prefer it over FPL

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

          Aye, it is that. Good luck for the season and kudos to your username. Along with Henry, my favourite striker of the premier league era. Unstoppable in his pomp.

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

            Cheers! You as well my friend. Torres was by far my favorite striker to watch! Gave vidic nightmares.

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

              Didn't he just. Loved Vidic but he couldn't handle El Nino, ha!

  16. 1justlookin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Every year I draft my team far too early.

    Thoughts on this -

    Pope.
    TAA, VVD, Digne, ZInchenko.
    Salah, Sterling, Zaha, Perez
    Vardy, King.

    Button, Lundstram, Dendonker, Greenwood.

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

      Dece.
      Not too dissimilar to mine below.

      You have digne,Zaha, king

      I have Coleman, pereya,Wilson.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wouldnt want Zaha if he isnt at Arsenal.

    3. aries1973
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Digne to Coleman.
      Zaha - monitor.
      King - monitor other 6.5 options

  17. chilli con kone
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Harvey Barnes is nailed enough?

    Guess it’s between him and D.Gray

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

    Evening,

    Opinions on this team appreciated.

    Pope*
    Vvd-Taa-zinc-Coleman
    Sarah-sterling-Pérez-Pereya
    Wilson-Vardy

    Button-greenwood-Dendoncker-Kelly

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

      Like

    2. aries1973
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Going for Zinc Rather than Laporte suddenly gives you options...

  19. schlupptheweek
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is anyone thinking that Wesley Moraes could be a good player to start with, his goalscoring record isn't brilliant but he is raw and could surprise like Benteke did all those years ago!

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

      might become a decent player...but I certainly wouldn't start with him

  20. jamie1972
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Kepa

    VVD TAA Ake

    Sterling KDB Siggy Tielmans Barkley

    Firmino King

    Bench - Fodder but 1m banked to make King Haller GW2 or 3

    A) Keep
    B) Ditch KDB for Salah and Firm to Haller....

  21. Carcetti
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which one?

    A) KDB + Zaha

    B) Sterling + Holebas

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

      Dont like either to be honest. If pushed then B.

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

    Ryan

    Zinchenko VVD Digne Wan B

    Salah Pogba Sterling Fraser Perez

    Wilson

    What we thinking?

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

    Hi. Are there any mids priced at 5.5m or 6m that are worth including?

    Must be one out there. Could be key to my squad....

    Thanks

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

      Have my eye on Trossard at 6m.

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

        Interesting.

        One of trossard, grealish, almiron, pereyra surely worth a punt....

      2. aries1973
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Interesting Stats. Worth monitoring over the pre-season

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Westwood at 5.5? He's in my team as of now as a 5th playing mid...

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

        Looking for a 4th mid to play every week.

        Westwood seems overpriced to me....

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

      Townsend.

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

      Iwobi

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

        Townsend seems under rated here. Nailed and usually delivered steady trickle of points....

        Iwobi isn't nailed is he??

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

          Awful team
          Iwobi is nailed if he wants to be, just has to have a short holiday

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

      Pereyra Doucouré or McGinn perhaps

      James one to keep eye on

  24. Ceefax Page 302
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Pulisic?

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

      I know it's only pre season, but apparently was a wag of bank today.

    2. Yank Revolution
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Hes one of the most talented players in the world. Will it translate to Fantasy success? Huge "I dont know"...mostly because of his surrounding cast, new manager, etc. Too many unknowns to start the season with him, but he is world class, trust me.

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

        No he isn't

        1. Yank Revolution
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Sigh, you'll see...

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

            Is he world class? No he isn't. Not at this moment in time.

            1. Yank Revolution
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Oh but he is...esp when age is taken into account. In the same group as your Sanchos, Rashfords, Jesuses.

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

                I dont think you fully appreciate the term 'world class'

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

                Same group as a bunch of players who are by no means world class.

                1. Yank Revolution
                  • 12 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  For their age group, they are...not comparing them to the Ronaldos and Messis.

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

                    We have wildly different definitions of world class then

                    1. Yank Revolution
                      • 12 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      The kid is 20 years old...He's done very well for the national team, played well when given the chance for Dortmund and now should blossom at Chelsea...I just wish Haz and Costa were still there to give him some targets. His scoring stats may not blow up, but his talent is undeniable. I highly suggest you do more research...he will cause you to redefine your terms.

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

                        talent does not equal world class. sancho, rashford, jesus (names you mentioned) are not world class. Only mbappe is in that age group

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

            Its ridiculous to call Pulisic "world class". He is young though, could become a very good player.

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

      Like all American players overrated

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Like Clint Dempsey was? Pleez.

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

          This. We produce some class players bro. Wish he’d come to Utd

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

          Yea he was overrated by Americans who were always claiming he should play at a better club than Fulham. And we all saw how that went.

          1. Yank Revolution
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            He scored over 50 goals in EPL, fool. You sound butthurt, everything ok?

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

              Bitter ABU’s on here bro. Just rise above it

              1. Yank Revolution
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Gotta fight the ignorant!

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

              Stop projecting, the only one butthurt here is you.

              1. Yank Revolution
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Not at all, you just seem like a contrarian hater who hasn't watched him enough.

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

              all your argument outta the window because of the name calling. well done.

              1. Yank Revolution
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Uhhh ok....

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

              I in no way want to pour petrol on a fire - but the 50 goals needs to be accompanied by 220 games to give perspective

              Dempsey was decent, somewhere around the Charlie Austin type level I’d say

              He had one really good season, and the year Fulham had the UEFA cup run he had some very good games. Juve was probably his career high point.

              But in the grand scheme of things I’m not sure he really stands out at all - that’s NOT a criticism - it’s just an observation

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

              lee bowyer has the same number of goals as clint dempsey. guess that makes bowyer world class too then lmao

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

      German outlet Bild have delivered a scathing reaction to the deal, claiming Dortmund have benefitted from the “irrationality” of Premier League clubs.

      Dan Walker read out the reaction from Bild on Wednesday’s Match of the Day show.

      “On the border of crazy. The whole thing is madness from Chelsea’s perspective,” the newspaper wrote.

      “It shows once again Dortmund have profited from the irrationality of the Premier League as Chelsea splashed out €64m on a positionally-limited player that, as a substitute more recently, has stagnated.”

      1. Yank Revolution
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Bookmarked this...again, nonsense.

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

          Im personally fascinated to watch his adaption process unfold

          How much of his fee do you think is driven by his commercial ability vs. His footballing ability?

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

        Positionally limited? Absolute troll

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

          Das Bild are not fans of his obviously

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

            They are our sun, hold no credibility

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

              I’m. It au Fait with the German tabloid hierarchy - but I’d be shocked if they had a rag half as bad as the Sun

              The 90min article also seems to pour cold water on the move... some fairly harsh appraisals in there:

              https://www.90min.com/posts/6261236-why-big-money-signing-of-christian-pulisic-could-backfire-massively-on-chelsea

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

        That doesn't sound world class!

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

    RMT please:
    Pope
    VVD | Digne | Walker | Dunk
    Salah | Sterling | BSilva | Perez
    Rashford | Wilson
    button, donker, kelly, greenwood

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

      Unlike it...but it'll look better like this....

      Rashford / Bilva / Dunk
      to
      Giroud / Pogba / Azpi

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

        Sorry, I meant to say....I like it

    2. aries1973
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Like apart from Rashford. Digne yep Coleman to free up 0.5m

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

    My 4-4-2 is feeling good...I'd quite happily go to 3-5-2 or 3-4-3 if a bargain emerges up the pitch.

    Ryan
    TAA VVD Azpi Digne
    Salah Sterling Siggy Perez
    King Giroud

    Smith / Dendonker / 4.5

    1. aries1973
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Giroud....

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

        Will be the bargain of the season....

  27. beastie
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Here's my latest effort. Thoughts?

    Pope/Ryan
    Luiz-Laporte-TAA
    Salah-Siggy-KDB-Redmond
    Kane-King-Greenwood

    1. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Like the Kane choice. Not so much Luiz. Better options out there. Same with Redmond

  28. chilli con kone
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who is Sheffield Utds first choice RB? Baldock?

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

      Yeah

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

    Which defence looks best?

    Was set on A but Zinchenko being a short team option for City double-up could be a sensible ship to jump on. Or maybe I am reminsicing about Mendy last season.

    A) Pope & Robertson (own VVD)

    B) Alisson (own VVD) & Zinchenko (own Laporte)

    1. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for me

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

      B

  30. Brehmeren
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    People seem very confident Zinchenko will start the season because of Mendy out. But didn't Laporte do quite well as LB last season, or was that as LB in a 3 man defense with Zinchenko on the wing in a 5 midfield?

    1. chilli con kone
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      City’s first 3 fixtures aren’t amazing defensively, which isn’t hugely significant, But I’m not as keen as many are either as it’s a transfer waiting to happen most likely

      1. Pieterke30
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Agreed. Im not starting with any City def as not confident in CS for their first two games - and they’re expensive so...

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

      If Laporte plays LB he would truly become essential. He was extremely dangerous the few games he played there.

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

        Exactly. Got a lot from him last season in those games.