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. cdfcdevils
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts would be greatly appreciated

    Pope (Button)
    TAA, Digne, AWB, Digne (Johnson)
    Sarah, Stirling, Zaha, Dendocker (Wilshire)
    Firminio, Lacazette (Wickham)

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

      Keep - Pope, TTA, the two Digne's, Salah, Sterling...

      Bin the rest...

      1. JRO093
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        🙂

  2. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Deulofeu or Jota for my last 6.5 striker?

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

      Jota scored a brace the other day

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

      Jota looks a better bet. Delboy might be wing bound if Gray hits form.

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

      Jota but with europa he may be rested more.

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

      Jota is the better striker in the better team, assess EL progress, don't want him knackered before GW1.

    5. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks for the comments 😉

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

      Jota is amazingly good at this price. Wolves play up versus good opponents

      Deulofeu is injury prone and Watford is not as lively as Wolves

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

    OGS says Alexis can play as a striker

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

      He has played through the middle for Arsenal, bit of a waste but it would be good to see him back in decent nick.

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

        I really hope if we offload Lukaku ( which is a possibility) , we can see two of Sanchez/rashford/martial every match.

        Sanchez and martial as striker going by recent comments

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

          I'd love to see Rashford & Greenwood, positive lads, young, if there good enough and have the right attitude give both a run together, leave the sulkers on the bench.

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

      OGS trying to pump up the potential selling price.

      Sánchez is toxic waste that belongs in a secured landfill

      They should offer Sánchez to Everton in exchange for Siggy or Digne...see if they bite

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

    Pls pick one.

    A)Pope+Jimenez
    B)Pope+Fraser
    C)Kepa+Jota

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

      Keep Pope in all 3, C out of those, spend the mill somewhere else.

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

        Cheers. Not sure on how to spend it though!

        Pope
        TAA VvD Zinchenko Coleman
        Salah Sterling Perez
        Lacazette Jota Adams

        Button Donkey Kelly Leitner

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

          I see, thought you may have Wilson. Change to B then, get Fraser in.

        2. CFC1990
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Laca to Vardy and Jota to Wilson

    2. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah have to go Pope. Hart has apparently been told he can leave. Heaton linked with a move so does look like Pope.will get the nod as it stands.

    3. JRO093
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    Liverpool losing to Dortmund at the moment.

    Liverpool 2-3 Dortmund

    G - Wilson 35' (A - Fabinho)
    G - Rhian Brewster (p) 82' (A - Woodburn)

    Starting XI
    Mignolet
    Clyne Matip Gomez Larouci
    Chamberlain Fabinho Milner
    Wilson Origi Kent

    XI after 60th minute subs
    Mignolet
    TAA VanDijk Lovren Robertson
    Wijnaldum Henderson Lewis
    Brewster Woodburn Jones

    If Lovren is the first choice CB beside VanDijk . . . .

    1. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Matip is lad

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

        You thinking any of your academy boys will have a breakout season?

    2. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Could be. I would have guessed it would be Gomez

  6. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What are everyone's thoughts on King Vs Wilson?

    I'm torn. Logic tells me go King and get Vardy. Feeling tells me Wilson will brag a brace against SHU and King blanks!

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

      King

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

      Wilson worth the extra cash imo. At the moment, I feel King is a trap.

      1. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Why?

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

          Eye test mostly. Just have never been completely convinced of King as a striker. Callum seems to be the one who gets into good positions, great finisher, runs into space etc. King never looked as good as Wilson.

          Just me, though.

    3. Ziyech on the Bench
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson is a fpl machine King is a fpl hit or miss nightmare

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

        This.

        Wilson is by far the better choice.

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

      I'm finding Vardy impossible to get and keep a side I'm happy with, but Wilson works perfectly. That extra mill makes all the difference. Is he worth the margin over King? The higher up the food chain the expense leaps, 5.6ppm and 26 returns in under 2600' screams more than 8m, he's cheap.

      1. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Good point. You can always swap to Vardy too after the first two games. Advantage of that is that you avoid Vardy with the Chelsea away game. Yes he might do well in that but you would prefer Villa away for Wilson

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

      Wilson worth the extra 1.5 I think

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

    Ederson
    Taa,coleman,vvd
    Salah,sterling,perez,fraser
    Jota,deu,king

    Comment on the team mates? Appreciate on the suggestion.

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

      Not vvd it is robbo

    2. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it but you obviously have subs that are unlikely to play.

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

        My sub is button dendonker kelly

    3. CFC1990
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would go Pope over Ederson as Pope will get lots of save points anyway. Worth the saving. You could then go King to Wilson. Rest is fine

      1. Spoox777
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        But then you lose Man City clean sheets.

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

          I can downgrade robbo to vvd and get one starting defender

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

        I will lose man city cs mate

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

        Ederson
        Taa,vvd,coleman
        Salah, sterling, perez, fraser
        Jota,king,deu

        Button dendonker diop kelly

        Good mate?

  8. CFC1990
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I am tempted to go for one of the Brighton attackers. Think they will be more attacking and fixtures are really good.

    I want to go Murray especially after Potters comments. Will get rotated at least a bit though.

    What are everyone else's thoughts?

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

      Maybe assess how they look then decide but I think you ask because you have a budget of 6m? Worth a punt if you must but it's a funny price-point unless a 6 or below start well, 6.5 is much better.

      1. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah that is true but also just because I like his fixtures and Murray was still the main man in terms of goals last season. May change now he is getting older and new manager

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

      They will get relegated. Stay well clear.

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

        Relegated but could score some goals. Newcastle, on the other hand, might not score 20 goals for the year

        1. CFC1990
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Well definitely not looking like it with one striker ATM. Really need to get some decent players in. Almeron looked good when I saw him

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

      i read that they are trying to buy Maupay from Brentford he could be a decent enabler should they get him as Brighton actually look pretty decent in attack this year, with Trossard, Gross and Jahanbakhsh, i'm tempted to take a punt on Jahanbakhsh myself for the first few games since they have some cracking fixtures and i think he might do well under the new manager

      1. CFC1990
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Interesting. Yeah I like those fixtures. Remember last season when the same thing happened and loads of us captained Duffy. Then they lost both home games!

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

          lol yeah it is still Brighton so i won't be captaining any of their players that's for sure, i think they play Fulham tomorrow so it will be interesting to see how they set up

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

      Gross is a bargain imo

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

        If he was £4.5m then yes.

        Not at £6.5m, though. Sorry.

    5. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What did Potter said about Murry?

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

    I’m flipping between Tielemans and Perez. Can’t decide

    Tielemans could be a poor mans De Bruyne

    Perez is a poor mans Firmino

    1. Spoox777
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I was Tielemans but switched to Perez.

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

      Would you believe Perez got Firmino's 160 too last season? Adjusted for positional change? Now in a better side, better players around him... specifically brought in to score goals?

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

        Yep AND you can’t own Firmino because you gotta own Salah and 2 Liverpool defenders

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

          Firmino was good value last year - very difficult to pick him over other 'pool options this year though.

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

        Majority of his points were scored in last few weeks of the season 😉

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

          That's a pattern no?

          I started with him last time. I'll be starting with him this time too of course 😉

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

          So, good trajectory?

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

        He wasn't competing for playing time with Maddison, Barnes and Tielemans last season, though.

  10. R.C
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A. Pope + KDB
    B. Ederson + Bilva

    For first 10-12 GWs, which is a better option?

    1. Garth Marenghi
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

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

      Is Pope first choice?

      If yes, than A only because KDB to Son switch will be straightforward in GW3

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

    RMT:

    Alison

    AA --- Ake --- Alsonso --- Aurier

    Anderson --- Antonio --- Albrighton

    Aub --- Aguero --- Andone

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

      A+

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

      A* effort.

      Adams over Andone.

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

      E-

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

      Where's Zappacosta?

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

    How's this effort?

    Plan is to do Laca+Moura->Son+Jimenez for GW3.

    Pope
    TAA VanDijk Zinchenko Coleman
    Salah Sterling Moura Perez
    Lacazette Adams

    0.0m ITB

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

      that looks really strong

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

        Cheers mate.

        What's your team, btw?

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

          i haven't settled on anything yet, but this is my latest incarnation, its kinda growing on me

          Pope
          VVD-Zinchenko-Maitland Niles
          Salah-Rich-Alli-Perez
          Auba-Jimmy-Haller

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

            Haller is a nice punt, really liked what I saw of him at Frankfurt.
            Personally would pick Moura over Alli.

            If Holding comes back in the XI soon and Tierney is signed, I think AMN could be a good option,

            its a good team, but the glaring hole is ofc no City attack. Have you considered Jimmy->Jota And Auba->Kun?

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

              yah no city attack is a glaring hole, but for me its Sterling or no one since i think Auba can match or better Kun this year, i have played around with a few drafts with Sterling + Salah but that leaves me with no big hitter up front which i don't like, i could always of course go with Sterling instead of Salah but that gw 1 fixture for Pool terrifies me lol

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

                Yeah Salah is pretty much as essential as he can get for GW1. Not nice not having that premium striker up front, huh? I can respect that opinion.

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

                  yep having no premium striker just doesn't feel right, and its kinda inflexible too, cheers bud 🙂

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

      Like it

      I'm trying to squeeze Laca in too but with Kane not Moura.

      Adams I doubt personally and it's an awkward price point to be stuck at when he fails.

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

        Jota and King are just above him, personally think Adams wil do well.

        Cheers mate, and wow, Kane + Laca sounds like a strong FWD line. Here's an idea.

        Pope
        TAA VvD Zinchenko Coleman Dunk
        Salah DeBruyne Perez
        Kane Lacazette

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

          Close I'm looking at the 3-4-3 version right now. Don't feel the need for Mo! (I'll get him later)

          Pope
          TAA VVD Coleman
          Sterling Fraser Perez Siggy
          Kane Jota Laca

          4.5 defender

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

            No Mo?! Now THATS maverick!

            It actually looks pretty good, tbh! I can see some good returns from that team!

            Any cash ITB?

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

              I don't see the Liverpool attack really firing as they will all miss most of preseason.

              Actually had a really good experience without Mo when he hit his TC hattie last time and think the right mix elsewhere can make up. Think the range of different captain options is a weapon.

              I'll get him when he really starts firing - never afraid to take a hit.

              0.5 spent on extra defender is all.

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

                I'm sorry that's poor logic imo. He's playing Norwich at home first gw and everyone and thier mother will be captaining him.

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

                  You can't get a better fixture than that and I'm not someone who plays by fear and covering ownership but this one is a no brainer sorry

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

                  If he goes very well in Community Shield I'll take him - I'm not allergic.

                  I'm looking at the first 3 weeks in combination and Kane imo is just as tasty weeks 1 and 3. On balance I prefer those fixtures, I tend to discount away matches as probable poor returns in any case.

                  I don't doubt Mo will return weeks 1-3 I just doubt he'll explode. And it's a fallacy that you can't cover him - you just need the right combo.

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

            My other version has me losing Jota and Siggy for De Bruyne and playing a cheap defender.

            KdB Sterling is very tempting.

  13. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Allison
    Robertson Emerson Dawson Gibson
    Son Maddison Anderson Richarlison Sigurdsson
    Wilson

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

      Gibson could be this year's AwB, depending on how the Maguire/Tarkowski saga concludes.
      Son is suspended for the first two games.
      Emerson is a bit of a rotation risk, not sure yet how much Lamp fancies him.
      The nostalgia from owning WBA Dawson haha, would be great if he starts!

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      4/10. Missed Simpson from Bournemouth.

  14. MGMT
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT please

    Ryan (Button)

    Zinchenko - VVD - Robertson (Kelly, Dunk)

    Salah - Sterling - KDB - Perez (Dendocker)

    Wilson - King (Greenwood)

    Not totally convinced on Zinchenko... but a Man City Fullback for 5.5m is a bargain. Hoy nailed is he really?

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very nice. Impossible to say if Zinchenko’s nailed atm, see how he goes over the preseason

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

        Preseason won't help.

        He's nailed until Mendy's back. What happens then is anyone's guess.

        He could keep his place, which is highly possible, he could lose it or he could end up being rotated.

        That's the risk.

        The reward is that you begin the season with a City starting defender whose £1m less than Laporte.

    2. JRO093
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That is a great team tbf. I’d be tempted to do vvd to Coleman/Digne

      1. JRO093
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Vvd->Coleman
        Zinch->Laporte

        ?

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

      Mendy out until end of September at least.

  15. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Tear it apart DZers

    Fab
    TAA VVD Laporte Digne
    Salah Sterling Siggy Perez
    King Jota

    Button Dendoncker Greenwood Kelly

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

      Nice team but Nether Jota or King are the main man up-front in their teams.

      1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the response, re-worked the team below

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

      Nice

      So template and 2019 that it's hard to be too too hard on it! The obvious hole is zero in the bank and minimal subs with Jota in EL.

      I'm a 6.5 frontline sceptic. King is the one I'd avoid - he's very penalty dependent for value and close to reverse oop imo when you look at the heat map. I'd be tempted to squeeze a little from the backline and go Siggy King to Fraser Wilson.

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

        Should add that part of my issue with double 6.5 up top is lack flexibility in later moves.

        This is compounded when you also go 6.5 in midfield as triple up. Unless you're going to be trading down from one of them I find it hard to see being able to catch form players - who are more likely to be 6.5 plus as they're the better players.

        1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Thanks for the response, very good points there. How’s this instead? -

          Fab
          TAA VVD Digne Zinchenko
          Salah Sterling Fraser Perez
          Wilson Jota

          Button Dendoncker Greenwood Kelly

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

            Really really nice. Can I borrow it? 😉

            1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Sure, thanks for the help

              Just make sure to share the prizes at the end of the year 😉

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

      Almost same as mine
      Ederson
      Taa,VVD,Coleman,Walker
      Salah,Sterling,Siggy,Perez
      Jota,King

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

    Any 5.5 midfielders worth it?

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

      Not really.

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

      It depends on what you're trying to enable imo and in what time frame. If you're thinking mid term and prepared to ride out probable 2/3 pointers most weeks then there are some options that will give irregular returns. But a 5.0 at the back feels more likely to be value

      These would be my main contenders:

      Westwood from week 5 could be ok - he did quite nicely last time
      Moutinho is on set pieces and assists regularly and maybe there'll be more 3 pointers this time. EL though
      Palace are a big avoid imo so don't go for Jimmy Mc
      Villa have a couple in McGinn and El Ghazi who are punty of course but fixtures look excellent after week 1

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

        All of these are good options.

        Freeman at SHU, once he finds his feet, could do really well too.

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

      Robinson (Sheff United), may play OOP as forward

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

    Thoughts here folks? Thanks

    pope
    robbo vvd zinchenko dunk
    salah fraser maddison
    kane kun wickham

    button jorginho dendo kelly

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

      Will Wickham start ? Wouldn't go three premium forwards. Uou

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

        * you are giving up too much quality throughout the rest of the team imo and you only need two or even one for captain Option each week

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

          Which probably means I should drop Kane. Not sure man, have a feeling he will start well this season. But understand where you're coming from. Cheers

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

            You can keep Kane and Kun but you need to play a 4th mid every week.

            I think Le Donk is a starter in that Wolves team and will get points, so you can rotate him and Jorginho depending on who you prefer each week.

            If you want Kane and Kun then have them. It's your team. You don't have to follow the herd on here.

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

              Cheers, that's the plan. Rotate between dendo, jorginho and wickham each week.

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

                I think Wickham won't offer you anything and probably goes to 4.4 very quickly.

                Greenwood appears more likely to be used which would lessen his risk of losing value to the point where you can't replace him unless you have money itb or are making multiple transfers.

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

                  Cheers, did some more tinkering and wickhams out

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

        Highly improbable Wickham starts imo. He might get minutes but the team Palace put out last night against Forest is - frighteningly - their current A team.

        Roy is very conservative with substitutions so minutes off the bench will be limited. And not even Palace will dare to start the season with just Benteke and Wickham - he says hopefully

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

      Choose either one , kane or kun, if i were you i would go Kun and Son.

  18. HurriKane
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which option do you prefer ?

    A) Mane KDB Bilva Firmino

    B) Salah Sterling Teilemans Wilson

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

      B
      Also, Bobby and Mane doubtful for 1st PL fixture imo due to National duty

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

      B

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

      B

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

    Has Guilbert definitely been priced as 4.5? Couldn’t find him ? Reckon he could be a decent pick with fixtures etc although was hoping he would be 4.0...

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

      Doesn't look like he's been added yet. I would worry about Elmo rotation anyway.

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

    Ederson
    Taa,VVD,Robbo
    Salah,Sterling,Siggy,Perez
    Jota,King,Deu

    New changes team , good to go mate? Appreciate on the commnet

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

      typo robbo is actually Coleman

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

      4 x 6.5 is asking for trouble imo. There's so little room for manoeuvre.

      Of the 5 players you're likely to switch 4 are at the same price point and Siggy is only 8.0. This effectively shuts you out of any player over that price point.

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

        Thanks mate, this look good?

        Ederson
        Taa,VVD,Coleman,Walker
        Salah,Sterling,Siggy,Perez
        Jota,King

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

          Prefer that

          My current favoured combo though is Wilson Fraser. That comes at the price of Siggy and losing something at the back. It's a short term play probably.

          I'm a paid up Bournemouth sceptic but those two are potential gold. I'm not 100% convinced but I like that Bournemouth look settled (provided Fraser doesn't move) and if you're prepared to hold until week 4 say then there are decent odds of a couple of hauls.

          Siggy by contrast feels like a long term play. As is King really because he's very penalty dependent and there's no telling when they come.

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

            Thanks mate , i can see Bournemouth is not consistent team where they can score 4 to 5 goals if not zero goals in a match.

  21. Legohair
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Need some help here?

    Ryan
    TAA-Robbo-Digne-Davies
    Salah-KdB-Maddison-Brooks
    Kane-xxx

    Button, Dendoncker, Greenwood, Kelly

    For second striker King or Jota?

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

      King , will be on penalty , i have both

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

        Thanks

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

      King's early fixtures are delicious.

      I'm not sure how nailed Bavies is, though. Personally, I'd downgrade him to a nailed on 4.5 and, if still short, find the extra (Maddison to Perez, one of TAA or Robbo to VVD) to enable you to pair Wilson with Kane.

      That would be a truly tasty frontline!

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

        Thats sound like a plan actually but i allready decide to go with maddy, he will be huge this season i believe. I guess i have to find another solution....

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

          If you ask me Perez will outperform Maddy, he play close to Vardy.

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

        That is my A team pretty much there.

        Wilson Kane up top
        KdB Fraser Perez Sterling in the middle
        A compromise at the back

        The KdB Sterling won't be to everyone's tastes of course but I think it compensates for Mo until week 4 or so when I'd likely switch.

        The Fraser Wilson combo imo is worth the weakened back line compared to King Brooks. There you're simple gambling on Bournemouth exploding so much that the bit players get returns too.

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

    How are people choosing between Kane and Sterling?

    Kane is nailed on at all times, focal point of his team, on penalties and has two plum home games in the first 3.

    Sterling will occasionally be rested but plays in a city team that score for fun.

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

      Your last sentence is the clue there.

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

      Sterling will start all the games, i think Ageuro will get less minute this season.

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

        Very much doubt that - he'll get rests almost certainly and most probably around CL time. That's the pattern. Irritatingly the first CL games come when City fixtures turn really good - just when he becomes the best captain option.

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

      This person has got them both. 🙂

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

    Looking forward to Asia Cup final tonight between City and Wolves. Sounds like Pep is taking it seriously so may see some good teams put out.

  24. Hot Fuzz
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys, I am not enjoying the this year's template very much, is it just me? or does anyone got the same feeling? I have got 5 out of the template thinking only4 of them are a must have. My team looks a bit weird now. Please feel free to rip apart. I Like it somehow 🙂

    Pope
    Robbo vvd vertonghen egan
    Salah{c} fraser iwobi perez
    Kane{vc} auba

    Hart dendoncker greenwood stearman

    Don't enjoy perez in there. Maybe even Brooks over fraser. Any ideas..? no $ itb

    Thanks a ton

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

      Personally wouldn't want to play Egan every game, and I'm not sure Iwobi is nailed, especially as Arsenal are searching for a winger.

      Interesting team, not my cup of tea, but always play the game you're own way and go with your own hunches 🙂

      1. Hot Fuzz
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks giggs still tinkering, probably ending up with template anyway. How's yours shaping up?

  25. Hazardous1983
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How is this

    Pope (ryan)
    Taa robbo.digne awb (kelly)
    Fraser sterling perez.salah
    Wilson calvert lewin (greenwood)

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

      Calvert-Lewin probably won't be first choice by the time to season starts. Lots of rumours of Everton buying a striker, and let's face it, they badly need one.

      Mandzukic and Moise Kean are the latest to be mentioned.

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

    Where would you put the 0.5 mill ITB.

    Pope / Button
    TAA / VVD / Zinchenko / (Dunk & Diop rotation)
    Salah / KDB / Perez / Noble / Jorginho
    Kane / Vardy / Greenwood or Wickham.

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

      I would maybe save it or knock one of your 5 mil midfielders to a 4.5 and upgrade the other to Pererya or Doucoure at Watford.

      Another option if you're set on Jorginho and Noble is to change Diop to Holebas because Watford and Brighton defenders rotate well and never meet a top 6 team all season. Holebas does like a yellow and an occasional benching but his freekicks and corners are sublime.

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

        Cheers!

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

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

          I think that looks a lot better pal. Keep an eye on preseason but G2G for now.

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

    VVD or Digne? Also have Robbo

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

      Who else you got in defence pal? I would suggest you can't go wrong with either pick but VVD is probably a slightly better choice.

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

        Have 6.5m to complete this defence.

        pope button
        robbo xxxx zinchenko dunk kelly

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

          Maybe Coleman and Zinchenko to Laporte?

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

            Good shout, cheers

  28. Cedric Daniels
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How about this GW1 bench boost team?

    Ederson - Pope
    VVD - TAA - Digne - Zinchenko - Dunk (or other 4.5)
    Salah - Siggurdson - Bilva - Fraser - Dendoncker
    King - DCL - Deulofeu

    Worth doing?

    1. Cedric Daniels
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I've 0.5 to spare so VVD should be Robbo

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

        Not bad and I like the thought of BB GW1. I hope it pays off for you.

        Being brutally honest though I don't think this team is worth the bench boost chip. I would suggest going hard on Spurs, Bournemouth, Watford and Liverpool assets.

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

    Looking likely that Gueye will be leaving Everton. =0(

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

      Ouch, would be a big loss. Will likely miss the start of the season after AFCON anyway, but it hurts Digne's CS potential for sure...

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

        Plus looking like no Zouma as well.

  30. 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 Greenwood Kelly

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

      City and Liverpool games will be an uncomfortable watch

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

      Bad

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

      I think you need one of the 2 obvious lads but could work out for the first 2 GWs. Come GW3 though you're going to want at least one of the obvious lads in though.