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. Eze Really?
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    a 3 4 3 Standard in the past formation. Value for money way when the Salah's Zaha's started to get classified as mids.
    b 4 4 2 Probably going to run close in the most popular this year. Value for money and team balance at the same time.
    c 5 3 2 Radical but popular formation based on value for money defenders out performing everyone else per million.
    d 5 4 1 Toss up with 5 3 2 and dependent on going big hitters up front or the big hitter mids.
    e 5 2 3 The alter side of "e"
    f 4 3 3 An alternative to "b" but with the dearth of choices likely to be less popular.
    g 3 5 2 The alternative to and became popular last year due to choice.

    Everyone has their own opinion. More so this year than any other I care to remember.
    Please Vote without thinking of ownership as interfering with choice.

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

      4-4-2 - a team balance choice

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        My choice (Balance driven)

    2. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      c 532 based on the evidence in the last couple of years. But for some reason unpopular on here

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

        I think it's very popular, even more popular than it's ever been.

        For me though it's very inflexible and also I don't want to be hoping for clean sheets when watching games or if City concede hoping Laporte gets an equaliser or assist but then again Trent and Robbo do excite me.

        Having said all that 5 at the back is probably the sensible thing to do, it's just not for me.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          It could be but if it fails, changing from the back is more difficult than changing from the front.

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

      Re-post because it's 736am 🙁 I'll vote for B because that's what I'm currently on but tbh I don't think about formation.

      Having a midfield of Sterling, Salah, Siggy and Fraser does not give me much option to do anything else other but 4-4-2.

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

      If we could simplify poll to:

      A. Back 3
      B. Back 4
      C. Back 5

      Similar to poll on right of page - helps to see the wood from the trees, as at the minute, the poll is saying 91% intend to avoid playing a back 5

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Of course it simplifies but I just wanted more info.

    5. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      My calculations were pointing me towards d) 5-4-1 but I'm going with the more practical b) 4-4-2 as the other gave me a bench problem. The 5th defender at 4.5 is a decent playing bench player whereas a 4.5 mid or fwd is a risky bench (though some may appear once we're underway).

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I would be concerned about all the 6 to 7 mil forwards taking off.

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

      4-4-2 provides the best value in terms of PPM.

      Historically, though, 3-5-2 is apparently the optimum formation.

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

        I don't accept the premise. I make sure I have 14 starters in my squad (a dead 4m keeper is fine). That way I can change formation to any option depending on form and fixtures.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          How often have you used your third sub? I would agree to get players on the pitch but I would not sacrifice money that far down the pecking order

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

            I don't consider myself having a 'third sub'. I have a 4.5 defender, a 4.5 midfielder, a 4.5 striker (Greenwood) all of whom might start games depending on fixtures. One of them will start GW1 while my 7m West Ham asset sits it out at the end of the bench.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I think 3 4 3 has been

      3. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Invariably if not always, a low price defender comes up which releases funds to up front.

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

      1 Year4 mins ago
      Hey guys....can you rmt
      Ryan
      Awb b.davies coleman TAA
      Brooks salah sterling KDB
      Wilson king
      Pope dendo greenwood diop
      1) got attack minded defenders + a poasibilty that i may switch awb or b.davies to matip or gomez by the end of pre season
      2) rotating pair of keepers instead of premium 1
      3) after 3 gameweeks it will be clear who will be the 6.0 million range striker or midfielder so i can switch either brooks or king..
      4) diop and dendo are nailed on players

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        We will all know after 4 weeks anyway

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

      A

      1. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Historical

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

      Shameless plug for my article

      https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/08/player-value-and-the-most-efficient-use-of-the-fpl-budget/

      Formation section looks at how the formations have performed the last three seasons not taking into account transfers and subs.

      Tl;dr - 352, 451, 442 generally five optimum balance. 343 varies wildly season to season. 523 always ends up low, buy 523 is consistently last every season

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

        *generally provide optimum balance

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        So sorry for missing it.
        Maybe send a vote close to the games starting and one 4 weeks into the game.

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

      H) 4-5-1. The abundance of attacking wingers/midfielders makes forwards poor value, generally speaking.

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

    Idrissa Gueye has helped deliver 13 clean sheets in his last 18 games for club & country (8/11 for Everton and 5/7 for Senegal)

    He NEEDS to stay at Everton

    1. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Everton needs him to stay, which isn't exactly the same !

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

        True - he NEEDS to stay at Everton to make selecting their fullbacks an easier decision for FPL

        1. Earn your Spurs
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Agree, he should sacrifice his prospects to help you and me 🙂

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

            Absolutely agree - in the same way any and all core FPL players should always avoid moves that negatively impact their FPL prospects

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

      Or go!

      Everton were much likeable when they conceded for fun. Prefer to look for where I can get goals and not cs.

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

        Him staying makes Digne & Coleman one of the easiest 11.5m’s you’ll ever spend in FPL...

        Him going throws it all up in the air

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

          He’s going.

    3. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Matuidi to take his place?

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

        If it's Delph I'm bailing on my Toffee premier defender too.

        1. Eze Really?
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          snap

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

    And here she is. My Salah; Sterling; Wilson + Vardy team.

    Thoughts? Bar my bench sucks - that's my compromise

    Pope
    VvD TAA Ake Cathcart
    Siggy Sterling Salah Pererya
    Vardy Wilson

    Norris Greenwood Donkey Rico

    1. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Everyones bench sucks tbh !

      For me the defence is too weak but it's hard to argue against the attack you've been able to put together

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

      She's nice

      I'm too looking for a workable 5.0 and 4,5 at the back. Hoping Chelsea will give us something there.

      Vardy Wilson could be absolute gold. Not tempted to get Fraser for Siggy?

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

        Siggy has been in and out. Now I've dropped Digne, Siggy stays as my lone Everton for those fixtures

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

      Ake and Cathcart playing every game hurts. Bournemouth conceded 70 goals last season, more than relegated Cardiff. Watford aren't great defensively either.

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

        Ake is for first 2 only. He'll become a 4.5 as will Rico by GW3 so I play 2 of 3 rotating 4.5s every week. That's the sort of plan. I think

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

          Why not start with the 4,5s then? Ake only works for attacking returns really - Bournemouth are more than capable of conceding to anyone anywhere. It doesn't feel like it's worth the first two transfers, There'll be other options you want around week 3 for sure.

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

      I would spread the Siggy cash around

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

      Very good team. Ake at 5 could be downgraded to a 4.5 if you need to get Perez or Brooks in but otherwise G2G.

    6. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Follow up on Rico and maybe Kelly if not featuring

  4. Fodderx4
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Alright Troops,

    A - Digne and Fraser
    B - Coleman and Sigi

    1. Earn your Spurs
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A for me

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

      Oh man tough, I would run that through RMT and let it make my decision for me.

      For GW1 though A but I would try to find a way to get Siggy, Fraser and a Everton defender in your team.

      1. Fodderx4
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers Man, Rate my team has Digne and Fraser at 46.71 over the 1st 6 weeks and Coleman and Siggi at 51.04

    3. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A easily for first two. Otherwise a difficult decision.

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

      A

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

      Of the four, Coleman and Fraser.

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

    I'll vote for B because that's what I'm currently on but tbh I don't think about formation.

    Having a midfield of Sterling, Salah, Siggy and Fraser does not give me much option to do anything else other but 4-4-2.

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

      Fail (again) FFS

    2. Eze Really?
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You hit the nail on the head but it is the Salah Sterling situation rather than the other 2

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

    Think I’m settled on this until you tear it apart!!!!

    Pope / Button
    TAA / VVD / Zinchenko / Dunk / Cathcart.
    Salah / KDB / Perez / Pererya / Dendonker.
    Kane / Vardy / Greenwood.

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Its a good team if Leicester hit the ground running. That is up for debate but obviously you are optimistic. I personally wouldn't get players apart from Man City and Liverpool without good fixtures.

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

      Good team mate. It's probably missing some Everton and Bournemouth but there is not guarantee they will turn up anyway and I like that you are thinking outside the box.

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

        Cheers....yeah Vardy > King and Pererya > Siggy....but just don’t fancy him at 8.

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

    Those who watched the Everton game, how did Siggy do?

  8. MB10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts ? Gets a decent score on RMT tool

    Ederson
    TAA Laporte Digne Robbo
    Salah Sterling Brooks
    Deulofeu King Jota

    Button Kelly Dendoncker Hayden

    1. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Solid and covers all the bases

    2. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      8/10. Just don't like the Jota pick up front.

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

      I'm seeing 7 set and forget and 4 times 6.5 with zero bench. Flexible she ain't.

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

      If you go Coleman over Digne and then upgrade Kelly to a 4.5 your RMT score will go even higher 🙂

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

    Hi folks, first post here 🙂

    As of now my team is

    Pope
    TAA, Robbo, VVD, Digne
    KDB, Sterling, Fraser, Perez
    Wilson, Jota

    (4.5, 4.5, Dendonker, Greenwood)

    Would appreciate some feedback ^^

    1. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Brave going with out Salah, too risky for me.
      KBD could be great value but i prefer Sterling to start as safer.
      I also have Wilson over King, think he is worth the extra money.
      7/10.

  10. nisag17
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What about this draft?

    Ederson Button
    TAA Robertson Zinchenko Digne (Kelly)
    Sterling Salah Fraser (Dendoncker 4.5)
    Andone Wilson Deulofeu

    Obviously Andone depends on if preseason shows he is first choice. Else Brooks and Trossard/Pereyra instead of Andone and Fraser.

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

    Not got the standard 2 'pool defenders 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. Fodderx4
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I wouldn't want to be playing Calvert-Lewin every week but like it apart from that. Maybe Zaha and Calvert-Lewin to 6.5 mid (Perez?) and 6.5 striker (Dela, Jota) ?

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

        What he said

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

      Oooh. You've managed to squeeze in just about all the players I'd avoid. Probably means gold for you of course and WC for me 😉

      DCL - not a PL finisher on evidence of last season. Punty.
      Zaha - Palace are in very ropey shape and have the wrong fixture combinations
      Ryan - I'm doubting that Brighton defence so it's saves or bust
      AWB - don't see the same defensive baps happening so he needs to become an assister. Shaw feels a better bet if you want United
      King is dependent on pens for likely value. You can wait an age for them

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

        lol all valid points.

        I had Shaw in an earlier draft but have been impressed with AWB so far in pre-season.

        Calvert-Lewin is definitely my most unsure pick and will likely be replaced.

        Happy with Zaha and King.

        Ryan may become Burnley keeper.

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

          Yeah AWB may of course be this year's AWB!

          He started as a winger and should be able to produce. Didn't get that much to aim for at Palace!!!

          Half tempted but he's a wait and see in my book.

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

    Morning! Draft has been tweaked slightly but largely the same.
    Questions remain on 4.5 keeper, 4.5 def, TAA or Robbo and Perez or Tielemans.

    Pope
    TAA | VVD | Digne | Zinchenko | Targett
    Salah | Sterling | Perez
    Kane | King

    Button | Dendoncker | Hayden | Greenwood

    Thoughts?

    Thanks

    1. King Kohli
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probably the best team I've seen on here with 3 premiums.
      I'd go with TAA & Perez.

      Personally I'm confused between Kane or Sterling.

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

        True that - I wouldn't have 3 10m+, in fact I'm only getting one. So bearing that in mind, it's prolly the best starting XIyou could knock up.

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

        Thanks mate

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

      Perfectly workable as a short term early WC - is that the idea?

      My version of this side has Robbo over Vvd and no 4.5 defender. Robbo is more likely to give short-term attacking returns. You may well be in the right of it.

      My other 4.5 mid was Romeu - thinking he's better than anything Toon and I'm hoping he'd be nailed.

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

        Romeu not bad but a YC magnet.

        Yes always play early WC to build TV more than anything

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

      Working on a similar draft but 442 with El Ghazi
      Can't decide between Kane & king or Wilson and vardy

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

        Kane and King, all day

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

        Cool and yes do KK imo

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

      Snap, we have more or less the same team! I’m just toying with Aurier & Coleman or Digne & A.Smith, I also have Robbo instead of TAA

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

        Nice! Forgot about Aurier!

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

      Worth pointing out that there are three super premiums here none of whom look like a choice captain in week 2. I'd assume one of the draws of this set up was to have the "12th" player through always having a great captain choice.

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

        Good point, week 2 City home to Spurs so likely Sterling

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

          Could Kaptain Kane consider Auba over Kane for 2 weeks? That’d be my play on this set up.

          C Mo 1
          C Auba 2
          C Kane 3

  13. King Kohli
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    For the first three weeks,

    A. Richarlison
    B. Vardy

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

      B

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

      B. But Richarlison has good nice games as well, it's only that Leicester have a nice team and a strong finish last season.

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

        I have Richarlison and no Vardy.

    3. Winston.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      There is NO reason to own Richarlison at his 2019 price. He's inconsistent garbage, should have a rubbish punter price of 6.0M

      Then he is interesting

  14. Sahil.....
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hey guys....can you rmt
    Ryan
    Awb b.davies coleman TAA
    Brooks salah sterling KDB
    Wilson king
    Pope dendo greenwood diop
    1) got attack minded defenders + a poasibilty that i may switch awb or b.davies to matip or gomez by the end of pre season
    2) rotating pair of keepers instead of premium 1
    3) after 3 gameweeks it will be clear who will be the 6.0 million range striker or midfielder so i can switch either brooks or king..
    4) diop and dendo are nailed on players

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

      Ryan is a no, rest is awesome.

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

        Ryan to gunn?

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

      Too much Bournemouth

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

        Yes i know ..but the thing is brooks and king are the only 6 6.5 players who will strt and have easy fixtures

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

          So i said ill wait till gameweek for the best value players

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

    The FPL community in this site and twitter in general haven't got Kane in their teams. If he gets a hatrick in GW1 and many will captain him, then all of a sudden we are on the back foot after the first game. This game is ruthless.

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

      If we have Kane, we're missing someone else who could get a hattrick. That's kind of how the game works.

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

        Who else gets a hatrick in gameweek 1? Salah and/or Sterling/Kun (if back in time) are capable. He has Villa at home so I expect him to do really well.

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

        There’s really not that many players who can rival him.

    2. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No. Depends on who you own and captain that they don't own.

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

      I have him and he’s staying.

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

      I'm more excited about Salah at home to Norwich

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

      He's a beast, but you also got a budget

      If you get him while others are elsewhere and Captain him- yes, you can become a top ranker in the world

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

        Hate to break it to you, but that applies to every player in the game.

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

          Nah, dog. Just the big ballers can rake two or three hat tricks in a row. You can miss the little hot streaks from Martial and Richarlison but the homerun hitters and the homerun hitters

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

      Shhhushh

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

    Anyone punting on Pereyra @watford for 6? Seems the perfect placeholder for CHO. Good first 4 fixtures and then an easy swap when he returns/ if Daniel James gets a starting spot.

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

      He started strongly last season, then faded away as the season went on. Watch their games to see how he does in their preseason games.

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

      Been in every draft since day 1 for me, pretty sure he started well and like you say he can be moved out after a while.

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

      Doucoure was the one I had in my 6.0 spot. There are 3 pretty choice fixtures in the first 4.

      Bit surprised Deeney isn't getting any of the 6.5 love up top. Quite the equal of King and Deu I'd say.

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

    Best City defender outside of Laporte? Is Mendy a good pick this year?

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

      Zinchenko

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

        Seen him in a few teams but don't know why? What's the news on him?

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

          Doubts on Mendys fitness so I think he will get at least the first 2/3 games of the season, I have gone with Ederson and bar Laporte city defenders are a lottery.

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

      The prices are a guide. 2nd most nailed is Walker. There are 3x less-certain 5.5 options. Mendy is out for a while so there's a very high chance Zinchenko plays. But for 100% guarantee, take the keeper.

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

      Mendy is injured, 1 month out. Zinchenko but Angelino is his new competitor.

    4. mattyb09
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No. He's out for the first month. Walker or Zinchenko (if nailed)

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

    Any feedback appreciated.

    Ederson,
    Digne, VVD, Robertson.
    Djenepo, Pereya, Tielemans, Fraser, Richarlison,
    Kane, Aguero.

    Woodman, Andone, Mings, Diop.

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

      Well, at least not the template...not a fan of expensive strikers...

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

        That’s mad to me, I

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

          Prefer two strikers to 5 defenders

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

            It’s all about value and having couple of good captaincy options. Prefer Salah and Sterling. A lot of tempting fairly priced mids and strikers available; Siggy, Pogba, Perez, LMoura, Fraser, Zaha, Jota, Wilson...

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You are wasting 14M on Pereyra and Richarlison

  19. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Siggy or Pogba to start with? Thoughts?

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

      Pogba as a differential

    2. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pogba could lead MU to a climax of disappointment, disaster, chaos, and crisis until OSG just benches him forever

      But he might score a goal just be funny and ironic

  20. Winston.
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Undecided...would you prefer A or B?

    A. Pope+Wilson
    B. Ederson+King

    Thanks.

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

      A

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

        Save points and Wilson’s form might favour that...but look at those fixtures for City...

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

      I have the same dilemma. Currently on B but it's a tough one. King's pre-season form might sway me one way or the other.

  21. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What's peoples thots on martial?

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

      Not for me

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

      Never own him

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

        *owned

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

      There should be a law against owning him.

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

      With Pogba gone Martial should be getting much more game time in a forward role.I can see him getting 150 points.

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

        *Lukaku not Pogba

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

      Definitely one to monitor.

      Ole has said that he'll get games and with lukaku's departure ( if it happens), he will definitely get more playing time

      Also recent comments by Ole have been positive

    6. Camino Aleatorio
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Martial is terrible investment but he's occasionally hot. Not even a starter every week. Plus injury prone.

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

    Thoughts on this team please

    Pope
    TAA Digne Vertonghen Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling Perez Son
    Haller King

    Fraser to start with and then to Son GW3.

    Thoughts?

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it. No weaknesses that I can see.

      1. *sigh*
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Whats Haller like? How many goals are you expecting from him this season?

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

          15 - 20

  23. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hows this going forward?

    Ryan
    Vvd, Robertson, Zinchenko, c.taylor
    Salah, pogba, maddison, Richarlison
    Aguero, king

    Bench, button, diop, greenwood, Dendoncker

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

      Different. Pretty decent.

  24. mattyb09
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Firmino may be a little too much under-the-radar with Mane a doubt for GW1...

    Thoughts on this?

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA Laporte Zinchenko Vertonghen (4.5)
    Salah KDB Siggy Fraser (4.5)
    Firmino King (4.5)

    1. *sigh*
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Think id rather the two full backs and Salah although a Pukki goal could easily burst that potential.

  25. New Post
    Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    New Article - Scout notes from Chelsea's latest preseason game is up now.

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/20/how-chelsea-are-shaping-up-under-lampard-in-pre-season/

  26. Jasefayce
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hey gents, thoughts on this?

    Ryan
    VVD - Robbo - Digne - Zinc - KWP
    Salah - KDB - Perez
    Wilson - Kane

    Greenwood, Dendonk, Jorginho

    Are Spurs being hugely overlooked at the expense of people picking both Sterling and Salah?

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

    Follow up from earlier question:

    Best choice in your opinion?

    Ederson + 4.5 def (who?)

    Or

    Ryan/Burnley keeper + 6m (or less) City defender

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

      Pope and Zinc probably.

  28. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Lys Mousset to Sheffield United for 10 million, anyone tempted by him at 5.0 if he looks like being nailed?