Scout Notes

Sterling misses penalty as Wolves beat Man City in China

There were plenty of Fantasy talking points as the Premier League Asia Trophy reached its conclusion over the weekend.

Manchester City, Wolves, West Ham and Newcastle were all in action as we learned more about how they are shaping up for the new campaign.

There was particularly interesting lines on Pep Guardiola’s attacking options as well as how Wolves are looking in the absence of key personnel.

Wolves 0-0 Man City (3-2 pens)

Wolves players celebrate with Rui Patrício after winning the penalty shoot-out

Goals: None

Assists: None

Raheem Sterling (£12.0m) got the chance to play as the centre-forward for Manchester City as they lost the Asia Trophy final on penalties to Wolves.

The England international could not find a breakthrough in his 45-minute appearance, which also featured a missed penalty.

Sterling’s miss has caused some concern among Manchester City followers about their spot-kick situation.

Sergio Aguero (£12.0m) is, of course, the main man for their penalties but given the amount of times he was substituted around 70-minutes last season, Pep Guardiola still needs to firm up his second choice.

Let’s not forget that Aguero also missed some crucial spot kicks including ones in the Champions League against Spurs, PSG and Barcelona.

Sterling’s miss, as well as unconverted spot-kicks in the shootout for Ilkay Gündogan (£5.5m), David Silva (£7.5m) and Lukas Nmecha will not inspire too much confidence moving forward, while Rui Patrício‘s (£5.0m) heroics should not go unnoticed.

Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), still absent following African Cup of Nations commitments, famously missed one last season at Anfield, allowed by Guardiola to take it despite missing six of his previous 10 at that point.

Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) also missed one against Swansea last season, causing some City fans to even suggest that Ederson (£6.0m) get a look-in.

It will be interesting to see what happens with the penalty situation at Manchester City this season, especially with plenty of interest in both Aguero and Sterling in early drafts.

Also of interest to Fantasy managers is the left-back position with Benjamin Mendy (£6.0m) ruled out until September.

After Angeliño (£5.0m) started there against West Ham, it was Oleksandr Zinchenko‘s (£5.5m) turn against Wolves.

After two matches, the pair have very similar pre-season minute counts, so this remains a situation worth monitoring as the summer schedule progresses.

Also, the fact that Leroy Sané (£9.5m) started this match, after 45 minutes against West Ham, goes some way to dispelling rumours that a move to Bayern Munich is imminent.

Guardiola has appeared keen to get the player fit and up to scratch ahead of the new season, which might not make much sense if he was preparing to sell a supposedly unhappy player.

Meanwhile, Morgan Gibbs-White (£5.0m) found himself deployed as a centre-forward for Wolves again on Saturday.

The continued absence of Raúl Jiménez (£7.5m), as he enjoys extended leave from winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup with Mexico, has left Wolves somewhat short in that department.

We would expect Jiménez to reclaim his starting berth as soon as he is back in the fold, but it is worth knowing Gibbs-White’s versatility as an option.

Were one of either Jiménez or Jota to pick up a serious injury later in the season, and if Nuno has been unable to recruit a new striker, then Gibbs-White could get a run in that position.

However, we must continue to disclaimer this with Adam Traoré‘s (£5.0m) situation.

With Matt Doherty (£6.0m) currently out injured for several weeks, Traoré was being used to fill in at right wing-back, and might have had a crack at the centre-forward role otherwise.

Ruben Vinagre (£4.5m) could potentially get the nod on the right in Doherty’s absence though, which might free Traoré up for a move forward until Jiménez returns.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-5-2): Patricio; Bennett, Coady, Boly (Kilman 79′); Jonny (Vinagre 63′), Moutinho (Cundle 79′), Neves (T Taylor 79′), Dendoncker (Wan 79′); A Traoré (Sanderson 63′); Gibbs-White (Ennis 63′), Jota (Perry 63′).

Manchester City (4-3-3): Bravo; Zinchenko (Angelino 62′), Laporte (Harwood-Bellis 62′), Stones (Gundogan 46′), Danilo; Bernabe Walker 46′), Rodri (Garcia 62′), de Bruyne (B Silva 46′); Sané (Nmecha 62′), Sterling (D Silva 46′); Poveda-Ocampo (Knight 74′).

Newcastle 1-0 West Ham

Muo was the goal-scorer as Newcastle beat West Ham in China

Goals: Yoshinori Muto (£5.5m)

Assists: Jamie Sterry

Newcastle looked a much-improved side in their first match under Steve Bruce, although there is still plenty of work to be done.

In the wake of a disorganised and lacklustre performance against Wolves several days earlier, the Magpies’ new manager moved away from the 4-5-1 and reverted to five at the back.

That saw Matt Ritchie (£5.5m) return to the left wing-back role so soon after he vacated it, as Bruce went for a 5-3-1-1 system.

For all the clamour about the Scottish international becoming an ‘out-of-position’ asset this season, this match suggested his time in defence may not be over yet.

Newcastle remain short in the left-back position, hence continued Ritchie’s involvement there.

Paul Dummett (£4.5m) was admittedly rested for the West Ham match, but Ritchie was preferred at left-back to him at times last season anyway.

The problem here was best demonstrated by the fact that when Ritchie came off, Jack Colback was the only option capable of taking his place.

Not surprisingly, given the shortage of options at the club right now, it was Yoshinori Muto (£5.5m) who led the line once again.

While the Japanese international was poor against Wolves, after a disappointing start to life in Newcastle, he offered plenty of threat on Saturday.

Muto’s runs and decent link-up play suggested he could do the job the Magpies need in 2019/20 and he topped off a strong performance with the only goal of the game too.

As things stand, Muto has virtually no competition for his place, with Joselu, Ayoze Pérez (£6.5m) and Salomón Rondón no longer at the club, so he should feature heavily in the next three pre-season friendlies.

Whether he can replicate his performance against West Ham remains to be seen though and with Newcastle’s tough early fixtures, Muto is unlikely to be troubling Fantasy managers as they go through draft after draft.

With Miguel Almirón (£6.0m) still on extended leave following Paraguay’s time at the Copa America, Bruce was very short in attack, handing a start to Elias Sorensen in the number 10 role.

There was encouraging news for the Toon Army as Sean Longstaff (£5.0m) made his first appearance since his injury in March.

He looked sharp in a 26-minute cameo against West Ham and also got a chance to play alongside Jonjo Shelvey (£5.0m), a partnership that could be the key to Newcastle’s fortunes this season.

Meanwhile, West Ham ended their time in China with another goal-shy display, highlighting the need for Sebastien Haller (£7.5m) to settle in quickly.

For the third time in pre-season, Michail Antonio (£7.0m) was used as West Ham’s centre-forward instead of in attacking midfield.

This could mean that Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t particularly fancy him in any of the attacking midfield positions and with the arrival of Haller, yet to make a pre-season appearance for West Ham, his chances could become even more limited this season.

However, the prevailing opinion seems to be that Antonio showed good promise in his centre-forward appearances in China and could do well as Haller’s understudy in 2019/20.

After three games of pre-season, it is still unclear who Pellegrini will select in the supporting trio behind his centre-forward.

Felipe Anderson (£7.0m) has been one of the most used West Ham assets of the summer so far so appears likely to hold his place, while Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) may be in a similar position.

Andriy Yarmolenko (£6.0m) started on the right against Newcastle, with set-piece specialist Robert Snodgrass (£5.5m) coming on at half-time.

Meanwhile, new signing Pablo Fornals (£6.5m) is yet to be thrown into pre-season action and Jack Wilshere (£5.0m) is also asking difficult questions of Pellegrini.

The former Arsenal man was used in the number 10 role for the second half of the Newcastle match and looked in really good shape across both games in China.

Another winner of the trip to Asia is youngster and budget defender Ben Johnson (£4.0m).

His involvement against Newcastle was shorter than against Manchester City but the local press is already reporting that he can provide serious competition at left-back this season after his time in China.

Arthur Masuaku (£4.5m) will be returning to the club late after African Cup of Nations duty while Aaron Cresswell (£5.0m) did not fare too well on tour, appearing rusty in both appearances.

Also off the pace against Newcastle was Angelo Ogbonna (£4.5m), who struggled to contain Jacob Murphy in particular.

The fact that he has more pre-season minutes than any other West Ham player may not hold him in good enough stead when other options in his position become available for selection again.

Winston Reid (£4.0m) got his first start in 18 months but showed it will take some time to work back up to his previous level.

Therefore, it seems clear that Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m), still on leave following Paraguay’s Copa America campaign, and Issa Diop (£4.5m) currently face little threat for their places at centre-back.

The latter missed the Newcastle game with a minor back injury which is not being considered as too serious by Pellegrini.

Newcastle United XI (5-3-1-1): Dubravka; Ritchie (S Longstaff 64′), Clark (Fernandez 46′), Lascelles, Schär, Sterry (Manquillo 46′); Shelvey (M Longstaff 78′), Colback (Aarons 78′), Hayden (Ki 46′); Sorensen (Murphy 46′); Muto (Lazaar 78′).

West Ham United (4-2-3-1): Fabianski (Roberto 63′); Cresswell, Ogbonna, Reid (C Sánchez 46′), Zabaleta (Johnson 71′); Rice, Cullen (Noble 63′); Anderson (Diangana 63), Lanzini (Wilshere 46′), Yarmolenko (Snodgrass 46′), Chicharito (Antonio 46′).

924 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sirmorbach
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    I think I'm set:

    Pope
    TAA, VVD, Zinchenko
    Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Fraser, Pérez
    King, Jota

    Bench with Diop (and Greenwood and Kelly)

    Good?

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

      I reckon a premium defender will outscore Perez in the first 6 weeks or so.

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

        Which one though?

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

          Digne, AWB, Azpi, Walker, Laporte, Shaw.

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

            All of them? Sorry, thought you were implying just one would.

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

              I’d say all of those players could be well above Perez after 6 weeks.

              I expect very few returns from him with his fixtures. Vardy could do well, but it’s an expensive gamble, which Perez Maddi Tiele could benefit from in part.

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

          TAA, Robbo, Digne, Coleman, I think

          Maybe a cheeky Azpi

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

        I've got 5 premium defenders and Perez.
        And Salah, Sterling and Kane.

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

          I targeted Perez because he was the weakest of the midfielders in that team and was also a direct 6.5 v 4.5 comparison.

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

            Oh right, you'd prefer a 442 there. Fair call.

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

              Yea I basically didn’t want to change the guys team too much. Just 1 change at the same price points.

              I think it’s good either way, but I reckon more defenders to start the season is more optimal given how many cleanies there are usually. He could always take your approach and go 5 though, but I guess he likes the midfielders this year.

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

          Surely that doesn't add up unless you're planning on starting a Greenwood in a ten man side.

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

          If I may ask, what is your current line-up then?

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

        What do you think of this option then?

        Pope
        TAA / VVD / Laporte / Coleman
        Salah / Sterling / Siggy / Madds
        King / Jota

        No Fraser, but King would cover Bournemouth and Madds would cover Leicester. Defence now with Laporte and Coleman.

        Better?

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

          You seem to think Leicester need to be covered. In that case, stick with your Perez and downgrade the Bournemouth sacrifice.

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

      Looks good!
      Personally I'm going Digne over Siggy, he has taken most set pieces from him.
      Had bad experiences with 4.5 keepers last season.
      Starting with Tielemans over Perez.
      Ederson
      TAA VVD Laporte Digne
      Salah Sterling Miliv Tielemans
      King Deulofeu

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

        Thanks, mate! I appreciate it!

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

    Can't decide between
    A) Digne VVD
    B) Coleman Robertson

    RMT (GW 1-6) rates A to get 346,78pts, and B to get 347,07pts
    But then again statistics is based on previous events...

    Who do you think will get the most points?
    A) Digne on free kicks and VVD might head in a few on set pieces
    B) Coleman might get assist from open play and Robertson might get a few assists (probably more assists than goals from VVD)

    Still torn. Who would you go for? A or B?

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

      A

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

        why?

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

          I think Everton are more likely to score from set pieces than open play.

          I think VVD can keep close enough to Robbo again.

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

      Very tough call, id probably go B

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

      rmt undervalues robbo assist potential imo

    4. Jackie Moon
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A. Digne makes the difference for me. Should outscore Coleman by some way I think.

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

    Che Adams penalty is saved after Long is brought down in the box.

    Oh f*** off.

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

      Is that him off penalties already then?

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

        Always thought Ings would be on pens. This just confirms it.

      2. Party time
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Hahahaha

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

        *takes off of watchlist*

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

        Too bad, now he wont be on pens

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

        Second place ain't bad, I guess.

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

      thoughts?

      A) In 4-4-2
      Kelly / Milivojevic / Delofeu

      B) In 5-3-2
      WanB / Stephens / Jiminez

      I just saw Jiminez ownership and sharted

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

        Jota over Jim

      2. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I’m not keen on Wolves with the EL and price rises to start the season. At some point they’ll be good value again.

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

      My watch list ;
      Sane
      Aubameyang
      Walker-Peters
      Brooks
      Lamela
      Mendy
      McNeil
      Muto
      Angelino
      Batshuayi

      1. Jackie Moon
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Angelino looked shocking in the preseason game I saw, doubt he’s getting any game time.

        Wesley is one for my watch list.

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

      Currently juggling between the idea of a couple of big hitters in midfield, or trying to spread the money about a bit better, Which team would you guys opt for?

      Ryan, Kepa
      Coleman, VVD, Laporte, Diop, O'Connell
      De Bruyne, Ozil, Willian, Tielemans, Noble
      Kane, Lacazette, Jota

      or

      Ryan, Kepa
      VVD, Vertonghen, AWB, Kiko Femenia, O'Connell
      Mane (AFCON?), Siggy, Zaha, Bernado Silva, Noble
      Lacazette, Wilson, Deeney

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

        ozil???????????!

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

          An incredible inspired differential! Or your money back! 100% guaranteed to succeed!*

          *No guarantee of success, no refunds...

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

        Ryan AND Kepa!?

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

      Valery scores and Southampton lead 3 goals!

      Only 5.0m in FPL, scored two last season as well!

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

        Brilliant footwork and just calmly finishes into the far corner, nonchalant.

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

        yeah, but ya gotta rely on him scoring ..... he's a handy player for you guys, but that doesn't convert to FL points.

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

          A tad overpriced, I agree, shouldve been 4.5. But hey, he has scored goals vs Spurs and United last season, very much attacking. Considering he only started games halfway through the season . . . Not a bad pick.

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

            His underlying statistics are dire. 0.32 shots per game. 0.32 key passes per game. xG+xA of 0.05 per 90 minutes played. And that's while mostly playing as a wing back. Will Southampton play with 3 atb next season?

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

              Probably not. Yeah, stats aint so great. Shame, he has a cracking shot in him.
              Me thinks its gonna be 4-2-2-2

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

        would be template at 4.5, 5 is an awkward price bracket with zinch/coleman at 5.5 and dunk etc at 4.5

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

        I am thinking of a Southampton goalie.

        Is Gunn the first choice?

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

          Yes, undoubtedly.

          1. Peter Ouch
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers mate

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

      Rather than the Brighton GK love, has anybody looked at Pickford & Stekelenburg combo?

      Admittedly at £9.5m they clock in at £1m more than Brighton's duo, but with Dunk rumoured to be leaving and a new manager coming in, I'm worried for Brighton's CS chances

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

        Better use of funds elsewhere I think, Pickford is nailed unless injured

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

        its 4.5 or 6 for me

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

        solid combo, Pickford is pretty good at saving the old penalties too

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

          actually yeah, waste of 1 Everton slot

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

        Then I guess that's a double up on Everton's defence

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

          Very good point... I was looking at Coleman.... Hmm, back to the drawing board/work for me!

          Thanks though

      5. Ramboros
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Are you aware that Lössl has signed for Everton? Stekelenburg is likely 3rd choice.

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

      Thoughts on this? Think im finally relatively happy

      Pope
      VVD Robbo Digne
      Salah Bilva Perez Fraser Siggy
      Laca King

      Button, Cathcart, Dunk, Nketiah

      Debating Laca for Vardy but undecided?

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

        vardy > laca

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

          Why? Leicester fixtures dont look too good to me?

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

        Laca is first name on teamsheet for me

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

          That is my thinking, Arsenal fixtures are not too bad, have 2 weeks with Liverpool and Spurs back to back but apart from that I think he is a solid pick for the opening fixtures

    8. smix
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ryan
      Robbo TAA Zinchenko Digne
      Salah(C) Sterling Fraser Tielemans
      Wilson(VC) Jota
      Button Greenwood Kelly Dendocker

      Templatish. GTG. ?

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

        yup fine. dendo sub 1

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

        Like it, bench is weak though,

        Wilson > King upgrade bench?

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

        0.5 ITV?

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

          Itb

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

            Sorry, can't add up. Similar to mine except i have VVD and Coleman instead of Robertson and digne and have bumped Tielemans up to moura.

            Oh and deulofeu instead of jota to begin with.

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

      Which is better
      1= 4.5gk & Wilson
      2= Ederson & King

      1. Peter Ouch
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        1 and break your head for your 4.5

      2. Pinturicchio10
          4 years, 8 months ago

          1

        • SHOW_ME_DA_MANE
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          2 for me

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

        There are plenty (albeit dire and risky) 4M defenders to bolster rest of team.

        1. Peter Ouch
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          You dont need more than 1 this year

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

            I do. Believe me. Unless I go Robbo> VVd

            1. Peter Ouch
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Nothing wrong with this mate!

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

          Rico is the only one i think may play, maybe Kelly....Dont like the risk lol

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

            Doesn't the signing from Bristol City jump ahead of Rico?

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

              Good point, so no decent 4m defenders this year, we need a AWB kinda guy to show up!

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

              No because Kelly is cack

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

          There was a post that got hulked last night but not HT’d. Think it should be

      4. Good Times
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        How has Lucas been in preseason? Opens up funds for other players if I go for him over Kane?

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

          Would have outscored Kane in last game by some way. Goal and the assist for kane’s Goal in 45 mins vs juventus sounds decent doesn’t it

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

        Thoughts on an overlooked Iwobi. 6m. 3 goals, 3 assists

        1. Fantasy Gold
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          He’s overlooked for a reason - he’s crap.

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

            Agreed. Damn you. Ha

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

          Unlikely to start the season after late AFCON participation.

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

          Would be essential if it weren’t for playing 3rd place play off. If he cuts his holiday short to start the first game then he is straight in my team

      6. Laporte In A Storm
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Is one up top an options this season? This doesn't look bad to me, bench is a mess but I haven't seen any other formation with a decent bench either

        Ryan
        Robbo / VVD / Laporte / Digne
        Salah / Sterling / Fraser / Perez / Pereyra
        Wilson

        Button / Greenwood / Wickham / Kelly

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

          It is. Hedge's recent analysis suggests it's the optimum formation. I'm on a 4-5-1 with Kane.
          With zero bench you have to be super-confident in your Starting XI. I'd have questions over Ryan and Pereyra.

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

            Andy_social if I may ask. What line-up are you currently on? Cheers.

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

              Pope
              TAA, VVD, Walker, Zink, Coleman
              Salah, Sterling, Tielemans or Perez, Joginho, Norwood (placeholders until Mount's in)
              Kane

              as you can see, it's unfinished

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

                Thank you, I am still trying to find a way of having Salah, Sterling, Kane and Wilson with Double Liverpool defence and Digne, but it seems impossible, so maybe sacrificing Wilson is the way to go

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

        DCL template if EVE don't sign a striker?

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

          If they dont sign a striker he is going straight in the line up, quality fixtures and he is cheap!

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

          Template? You think everyone would be daft enough to clog up their squad with him?

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

        Really like Awb but i could see him become the first 5.4 defender this season...

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

          Zinchenko could hold that title

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

            Mustafi's on the line

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

              People have to own him first. Madness he costs 5.5m

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

                Yeh. Actually I hadn't realised how many unwanted 5.5 defenders there are.

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

        I was a bit concerned about no City, but having looked at last year.

        2 defenders in the top 10

        2 mids in the top 10 (including Sane, who nobody is considering)

        Then obviously Aguero in the mix for the forwards.

        Yes, City are one the biggest scorers, but scorers are split. I'd like Sterling obviously, but definitely considering going without, leaving me with captaincy rotations of Salah, Kane and even Vardy. As well as Robbo and TAA. Then also having premium mid ish Siggy and Fraser and another 7m mid.

        Anyone with me? Ha

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

          You could get brutalised when city do their 6-0s. I would at least get Bilva or Kdb

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

            D. Silva x2

            Laporte x1

            Jesus x1

            Sane x2

            Not beyond the relams!

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

          I hear what you'r saying, but is there many players in the league that cud score hatricks or even 4 goals in a game week in week out? The only man i feel can do that is aguero, not to mention i feel that the most improved player over the last 5 years is sterling, hes already started scoring its a matter a time before hes banging in hattrick after hattrick, i thank personally its mad not to go without either 1 a them

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

          Nope, and you're overlooking the keeper.

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

            Maybe worth riding the fixtures for the first few weeks till city have Brighton at home.

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

        Fraser worth it the .5 over Maddison?

        (Maddison worth it the .5 over other Leicester assets for me)

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

          Yes especially for first two weeks.

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

            Thanks, mate!

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

          I think I agree on madison. Perez is abit wait and see. Tielemans fairly deep

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

            Exactly!

            How about Madds-Fraser? Where do you stand?

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

          Well he got nearly 50 points more last season.

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

            Yeah, but still. Madds had an injury and all. Still a question for me.

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

            Fraser was last season's 17/18 Gross. I'm skeptical of Fraser after Gross' performance last season.

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

              Well that's just silly, Gross was no where near as good as Fraser was last season

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

              I see no reason for that opinion.

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

                * aimed at misteak's post, there

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

              Wut

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

        Latest draft. 12 player pool plus deo. Button. Kelly

        Ryan
        Coleman. Walker. Vvd. Trent
        Salah. Sterling. Zaha. Madison
        Delfeou. King. Jota

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

        Hi all, what's people's thots on my current draft?

        Heaton
        Vvd, robertson, coleman, c.taylor
        Salah, pogba, maddison, siggy
        King, aguero

        Bench, button, greenwood, Dendoncker, diop

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

          Double Burnley defence ?

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

            Atm lol

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

            Why not? Heaton-Pope best 4.5 keeper and Taylor best 4.5 defender for the bench.
            If you intend to rotate Taylor, Villa's Targett might be a better fit than Diop.
            Having said that, it's a little different but very nice.

        2. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Will heaton even start? I think it willbe pope.

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

        Right people serious question time here but sterling or aguero? I can only have 1, my head tells me aguero, my heart is saying sterling, Aguero is fantasy league gold

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

          Sterling

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

          What tips it for me is Jesus has had a good summer, which might impact on Kun's minutes. That's why I'd edge towards Raheem.

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

            Jesus playing will impact Sterling a lot. When Jesus plays at the same time as Sterling he takes up a lot of Sterling's positions in the box. Aguero is more flexible in his positioning, allowing Sterling to get more space in the box

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

              Pick no city attack in conclusion :O

        3. Letsgo!
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I am going for aguero, still like the fact he is the penalty taker also,

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

          I was on Aguero for a long time because I wanted one big hitter up front and one in midfield so I can switch between big hitters easily but now I'm on Sterling because pretty much all the elite players on Twitter have him.

      14. Teror
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Am I right in thinking that players with high ownership are more susceptible to price drops?

        I've got Romeu rather than Dendenocker as my 4.5 mid because his ownership is lower so will probably be affected by less transfers. Is my reasoning sound?

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

          Yes but Dendoncker could actually get goals or assists, unlike other 4.5s.

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

            2 goals and 0 assists last season.

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

              Played less than half the season also spending some time at CB. He has the most attacking role of the 3 CMs

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

                I want points

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

                  He’s a 4.5m bench warmer tho and will be the most successful in that category or at least has the greatest chance to succeed

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

                    Obviously agree with that. Some are playing him every week though.

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

          Except the other way to think about it is that Donkey will play regularly, and those who don't start with him will get him in. i think there's every chance his price will rise, not fall.

      15. Letsgo!
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Guys need some help,

        Pope
        Vvd taa awb digne
        Siggy brooks salah perez
        Aguero wilson

        Subs: button, dendocker, kelly, greenwood.

        Is there a way for me to get either laporte or walker in the team?or sjld i jus drop vvd for laporte?

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

          Sacrifice Perez?

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

          For me, sterling is clearly the better pick than aguero, but the team looks so much more balanced with aguero in it

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

        Five changes after the break at Macau.
        Southampton 3-0 Guangzhou

        IN O'Driscoll, Olufunwa, Johnson, Barnes, N'Lundulu

        OUT Yoshida, Valery, Sims, Long, Adams

        Basically all kids now bar Forster.

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

          2 more changes (61')

          IN Jankewitz, Watts

          OUT Slattery, Smallbone

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

            You’re still watching ? You are indeed a true fan

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

              Its what I do. Streaming through a dodgy chinese site though ahah

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

            2 more changes, and now it truly is all kids

            IN Bycroft, Hansen

            OUT Forster, Vokins

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

        Rmt

        Alison, button

        Robertson,van djik,alonso,pereiera, mariapa

        Eriksen, Sané, debruyne,Norwood, buendia

        Jesus greenwood deulefeo

      18. LSK
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        What do people think about Eriksen?

        A decent compromise for those who want Sterling and Salah but don’t want to miss out on Spurs attack.

        I prefer him to Moura because he’s easier to transfer to Son if necessary but you won’t be forced into making that move if you have other fires to put out, because he will still play when Son returns.

        Should be back on set pieces as well

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

          Decent option.

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

          He still wants away. I'd have to be sure of his attitude.

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

            A saw a little piece on sky sports news yesterday saying how he’s been heavily involved in the social media campaign in pre-season, which made the ‘experts’ feel like he would be staying, but who knows, they were probably just trying to fill time

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

        Is Walker nailed do you think?
        Consider doing Laporte VVD -> Walker Robertson...

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

          Yeah, there's only Danilo as an alternative.

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

          " ... Is Walker nailed do you think? ...". Yes.

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

          Yeah but I would only do one of those moves

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

            which one, and why?
            Laporte -> Walker was honestly just to get cash to get Robertson instead of VVD

      20. YEAH PITCH!
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        26.5 either way

        A) Sigg, Vardy, KDB

        B) Perez, Sterling, Wilson

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

          A I think

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

          Hmmm - B probably

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

          B)

      21. Felix Navidad
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Does Kane, Origi and Wilson make sense? Mane probably won’t feature in the first game and what I’ve read Norwich got some defensive problems