Scout Notes

Chelsea selection picture continues to build as £4.0m defender emerges

The latest batch of pre-season games taught Fantasy Premier League managers plenty about Chelsea, Burnley and Sheffield United in particular.

We are still on the hunt for a clear picture of Frank Lampard’s favoured team seleciton but we got some pointers as they played Barcelona.

Meanwhile, there was further information on the £4.0m defender situation as the Blades edge closer to the end of their friendlies schedule.

Barcelona 1-2 Chelsea

Batshuayi currently has more pre-season minutes than any other Chelsea forward

Goals: Tammy Abraham (£7.0m), Ross Barkley (£6.0m)

Assists: Jorginho (£5.0m), Marcos Alonso (£6.5m)

Tammy Abraham (£7.0m) scored his first goal of pre-season to further complicate the Chelsea striker situation.

The former Swansea City and Aston Villa loanee started for the Blues in a high-profile friendly against a decent Barcelona side and netted the opener.

Abraham’s performance has reminded Fantasy managers just how uncertain things are when it comes to Frank Lampard’s first-choice centre-forward, increasing the need to continue tracking the pre-season minutes.

Chelsea’s new manager made specific reference to the player’s confidence after the game but did not indicate his place within the pecking order.

“I won’t get carried away with anything about this performance, although I’m very happy. For Tammy, he’s a goalscorer and he’s hungry for goals. That’s what I love about his attitude as he constantly wants to score and I saw that in the Championship last year. He’s proven that and now it’s his time to prove it for Chelsea. Confidence is big for goalscorers, so to get his goal will put him in good stead.” – Frank Lampard

As things stand, Michy Batshuayi (£7.0m) has more pre-season minutes than any other Chelsea forward (155) but there is still a long way to go.

Olivier Giroud (£7.0m), who already has two pre-season goals to his name this summer, is just behind the Belgian on 120 while Abraham has 105.

As we already explained, there is still plenty of monitoring to do of this trio as the summer winds on, with Lampard not giving us many clues so far.

“Olivier Giroud came on and I thought he did very well as he showed his different styles and attributes that he brings. The same with Batshuayi. There’s competition and people keep talking a lot about it. They all need to rise to the competition and show they can be a striker for Chelsea. I’ve got full confidence in that. It’s great for Tammy.” – Frank Lampard

Questions also remain over how Chelsea will set up in midfield this season, with specific reference to the holding pair in Lampard’s 4-2-3-1 system.

Jorginho (£5.0m) has played 173 minutes so far, more than any other recognised central midfielder which could bode well for those taking a punt on Chelsea’s potential penalty taker.

However, the knee injury to N’Golo Kanté (£5.0m) makes it hard to work out if Jorginho’s minutes are as a direct result of the Frenchman’s absence from pre-season games thus far, or if Lampard intends to pair them up in defensive midfield.

This is another area to continue tracking throughout pre-season, both concerning Kanté’s fitness and Jorginho’s pitch time.

“With N’Golo I sent him home a few days ago because I felt, even though I said how good the trip has been, for someone in their rehab it’s much more beneficial to be back at Cobham with the facilities we have there. It’s not a big backwards step that has been taken. He’s improving and hopefully, we will get him back by the time we start training towards the weekend and he will be in a position to pretty much join in with us. I’m hopeful that he’s ready for the start of the season, and maybe a break for a player that has played so many games over the past couple of seasons at such a level, in terms of output and energy, it may not be the worst.” – Frank Lampard

Maybe the key to working out who will start in holding midfield is Mateo Kovačić (£5.5m), who could potentially be ahead of either Kanté or Jorginho in the pecking order.

Lampard has sung his praises during pre-season and judging by the comments, you have to admit that the Croatian looks in a strong position to start Gameweek 1.

“I thought he was outstanding in the first half. I really liked Kovacic last year and I watched him a lot. When you say he had a difficult season I kind of get that, but at the same time I saw lots of things in his game that I really like. What I found here on the tour from the first day he turned up is a hungry attitude, desire to work and incredible talent on the ball. I want to work with him and I want to help him to improve and improve. There’s so much talent there, I really like him. He was outstanding today and I’m really pleased. We know we’ve got numbers in the midfield area and I can’t help but be excited by some of the elements today and I think there’s more to come.” – Frank Lampard

Mason Mount (£6.0m) has also earned plenty of praise from Lampard and will fancy his chances of landing the number 10 role for Gameweek 1.

‘Mason’s had a great trip. Energy, quality and brightness that he’s played and great within the group. He’s really announced himself into the first-team squad.” – Frank Lampard

Meanwhile, Pedro (£7.0m) is increasingly looking like the most nailed-on Chelsea attacker ahead of the new season.

His total of 205 pre-season minutes so far is the second highest among Chelsea players and with a relative lack of competition for his place, it seems very likely he will be on the team-sheet for Gameweek 1.

Part of that stems from an injury to Callum Hudson-Odoi (£6.0m), while Willian (£7.0m) remains absent from the pre-season group.

After helping Brazil win the 2019 Copa America this summer, the winger is still yet to play any friendlies.

Lampard confirmed after the win over Barcelona that Willian was likely to return to training in early August, which may see him involved against Borussia Mönchengladbach, the Blues’ final friendly match.

What position that puts him in for Gameweek 1 remains to be seen, but does increase Pedro’s chances of regular starts.

‘He’s due fit, well, hopefully, his return to training date is early August. He needed a bit of a break as well and we’re controlling that and making sure he’s getting his rehab during that break. I’m hopeful that he will come and train with us early August and he’ll get up to a level pretty quickly and be available for selection.” – Frank Lampard

Not surprisingly, Chelsea’s ever-present Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) has now played more minutes than any of his colleagues (206).

Crucially, the bulk of that time has been at right-back rather than at centre-back.

It now appears unlikely that Davide Zappacosta (£4.5m) will emerge as a budget option for the Chelsea defence.

The only way that the Italian could become a regular starter would be if Azpilicueta got injured, or if enough centre-backs were unavailable to force the Spaniard into the middle of the defence.

With Antonio Rüdiger (£6.0m) still out injured until September, it is probably between Andreas Christensen (£5.0m) and Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) to join David Luiz (£6.0m) at centre-back in Gameweek 1.

Zouma is currently ahead of Christensen on pre-season minutes by 180 to 138.

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa; Emerson (Alonso 46′), D Luiz (Zouma 46′), Christensen (Tomori 48′), Azpilicueta (Bakayoko 71′); Kovačić (Zappacosta 70′), Jorginho (Drinkwater 71′); Pulisic (Giroud 60′), Mount (Barkley 60′), Pedro (Batshuayi 70′); Abraham (Kenedy 60′).

Fleetwood Town 0-2 Burnley

The Burnley team is hard to predict in a lot of key areas thus far

Goals: Ali Koiki, Chris Wood (£6.5m)

Assists: Matej Vydra (£5.5m), Phil Bardsley (£4.5m)

Chris Wood (£6.5m) extended his pre-season scoring form as he found the net in Burnley’s 2-0 win over Fleetwood on Tuesday evening.

The forward now has six goals and one assist across appearances in four friendlies.

We do have to remember though that form over the summer does come with plenty of caveats.

Firstly, these games are just friendlies and secondly, the quality of opposition has yet to match what Burnley will face in the Premier League.

All but one of Wood’s pre-season goals have come against teams that operate at League One level or below – that solitary exception scored past Fulham, now a Championship outfit.

However, it is worth noting that Wood’s confidence probably in a good place on this run, even if Burnley’s early fixtures don’t particularly inspire (SOU | ars | wol | LIV).

Sean Dyche continues to rotate his squad in these pre-season friendlies with 19 outfield players getting 45 minutes against Fleetwood.

The only options to record more than that were Joe Hart (£4.5m) and Kevin Long (£4.5m) who both played the full 90 minutes at Highbury Stadium.

The centre-back’s contribution is easy to explain with Burnley reporting that both Ben Mee (£5.0m) and Ben Gibson (£4.0m) were “both nursing knocks.”

However, it is unclear why Hart was treated to an extended outing against Fleetwood as Burnley’s goalkeeper situation continues to perplex Fantasy managers.

The former Manchester City shot-stopper has now played more pre-season minutes than any other Burnley goalkeeper (225).

Tom Heaton (£4.5m) was named on the bench at Highbury Stadium but remained an unused substitute amid further speculation over his future.

Joining him on the bench was Adam Legzdins while Nick Pope (£4.5m) was rested with a tight groin.

There is, obviously, a long way to go in pre-season, with Burnley three more matches between now and Gameweek 1, so, hopefully, we get a clearer idea of who the number one goalkeeper is.

The more positive news saw Charlie Taylor (£4.5m) return to full fitness following a slight injury, allowing him to make his first appearance of pre-season.

It is believed that, when fit, the former Leeds United defender will be the first-choice left-back but so far, Erik Pieters (£4.5m) is ahead of him in terms of preparation and pre-season minutes.

Another name missing as Burnley beat Fleetwood was Robbie Brady (£5.5m), who has struggled with injury in recent seasons.

“It is nothing too major. He got a bang on his ribs, bruising and a bit of stretch in the ribs so we are not going to force players who are not quite ready.” – Sean Dyche

It is also worth pointing out that Matej Vydra (£5.5m) is also enjoying a profitable pre-season campaign.

His assist for Ali Koiki‘s opening goal was his second of the summer and took his goal involvement to five (three scored, two assisted).

Only Wood has been involved in more than the former Reading and Derby forward.

Where he stands in the striker pecking order at Turf Moor is still very much up in the air though.

Wood and Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m) have both played 270 pre-season minutes so far with Vydra on 250 and Ashley Barnes (£6.5m) on 180.

First-half Burnley XI (4-4-2): Hart; Taylor, Long, Tarkowski, Lowton; Koiki, Westwood, Hendrick, Lennon; Vydra, Rodriguez.

Second-half Burnley XI (4-4-2): Hart, Pieters, Dunne, Long, Bardsley; McNeil, Benson, Cork, Gudmundsson; Wood, Barnes.

Chesterfield 0-5 Sheffield United

Billy Sharp scored a hat-trick as Sheffield United beat Chesterfield 5-0

Goals: Billy Sharp x3 (£6.0m), Callum Robinson (£5.5m), Luke Freeman (£5.5m)

Assists: L Freeman x2, Kieron Freeman (£4.5m), Enda Stevens (£5.0m), David McGoldrick (£5.5m)

Billy Sharp (£6.0m) scored a hat-trick to solidify his place as one of Sheffield United’s most important players ahead of the 2019/20 season.

He has now netted four goals this pre-season and has recorded more minutes over the summer than any other recognised forward at Chris Wilder’s disposal (227).

FPL midfielder Callum Robinson (£5.5m) and David McGoldrick (£5.5m) look likely to fight it out to claim the other striker spot in the 3-5-2 system in place at Bramall Lane.

Both of them were involved in the goals at the Proact Stadium.

Robinson started and scored the second of the game, while McGoldrick provided the assist for Sheffield United’s fifth and final goal.

The Blades have now played four of their five scheduled pre-season games so, barring any announcements, are relatively near the end of friendly matches.

That is why we should keep an eye on John Lundstram (£4.0m), a central midfielder listed as a defender by FPL.

As has been mentioned before, the 25-year-old was only a bit-part player in 2018/19, and is not considered important by much of the fanbase either.

However, Lundstram has been one of the most heavily used assets in pre-season, only Enda Stevens (£5.0m) getting more minutes than his 270.

Crucially, Wilder said recently that the midfielder definitely has a part to play this season, which should certainly increase the Fantasy interest in him given Sheffield United’s potential for clean sheets.

“I thought John Lundstram yet again impressed. He’s possibly a player that many would have thought we’d have moved on in the summer but he’s got a definite part to play.” – Chris Wilder

Meanwhile, Simon Moore (£4.5m), Jack O’Connell (£4.5m) and John Egan (£4.5m) were among the unused substitutes.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): Dewhurst; Basham, Jagielka (Stearman 77), Bryan; Stevens (Fleck 77), Lundstram, L Freeman, Slater (Norwood 67), K Freeman (Baldock 67); Sharp (Boyes 79), Robinson (McGoldrick 65).

Cambridge 0-3 Leicester City

Harry Maguire scored for Leicester as speculation continues over his future

Goals: Harry Maguire (£5.5m), Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m), Hamza Choudhury (£4.5m)

Assists: Ben Chilwell (£5.5m), Harvey Barnes (£6.0m)

There was not too much to be learned from Leicester’s win over Cambridge on Tuesday night.

The Foxes are still handing out first pre-season appearances to a number of players, which makes it hard to assess the preferred options in several positions.

The centre-forward position is naturally, as nailed on as it’s going to get with Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) although Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m) got his first goal of the summer to get ready for understudy duty again.

Kasper Schmeichel (£5.0m) and Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) had been left out of the first two matches but made their pre-season bows at the Abbey Stadium.

After half-time, James Maddison (£7.0m), Harvey Barnes (£6.0m) and Hamza Choudhury (£4.5m) all made their first club appearances of the summer, the latter two involved in the goals.

With interest in Leicester midfield options, it’s worth pointing out that Ayoze Pérez (£6.5m) was not involved again following an injury in Leicester’s first pre-season match.

Meanwhile, Youri Tielemans (£6.5m) got 60 minutes and is among the crop of players at the top of the pile for involvement so far (150).

Furthermore, he earned great praise for his display from the Leicester City commentary team.

“The one player that stuck out in the first half for me is Youri Tielemans. He was at the centre of everything, he’s always looking to be positive and as a young player watching on the bench, even though he’s a young player himself, he plays way beyond his years.” – Gerry Taggart, LCFC commentator

Finally, Brendan Rodgers was forced into a change when Jonny Evans (£5.0m) had to be withdrawn with a potential thigh problem.

However, it has been revealed that the centre-back will not take long to recover.

“You try to get out of these games with no injuries but unfortunately Jonny took a knock on the thigh. But it’s a dead leg, so it’s thankfully not a thigh strain. It was just a dead leg that was difficult for him.” – Brendan Rodgers

Leicester XI: Schmeichel; Chilwell (Fuchs 60′), Maguire (Morgan 60′), Evans (Söyüncü 46′), R Pereira (Justin 60′); Mendy (Choudhury 46′); D Gray (H Barnes 45′), Tielemans (Silva 60′), A King (Maddison 46′), Albrighton (Ghezzal 60′); Vardy (Iheanacho 60′).

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1,104 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Marmalade Forest
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Lundstram played 10 games (out of 46) for a promoted club as a holding midfielder.

    He had one assist and 3 shots on goal.

    He plays for Sheffield United.

    At least a defender might be a threat at corners and free kicks.

    I can’t see why anyone would pick him.

    He is not this years AWB.

    His only asset is that he saves you 0.5m on the 3rd bench spot compared to a 4.5 player.

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Look above and you'll see the manager acknowledges he didnt get in the team last but says he'll have a bigger role to play this season. Still nowhere near an AWB level prospect ofc

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

      The difference is their defence is a good one. A lot of his appearances were from the bench, being a CM in that midfield you inevitably create chances. He got an assist in ore season already

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

      Has a chance to get 1 point rather then the standard kelly who will get 0

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

      That 0.5 is HUGE

    5. Dokdok666
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      "His only asset is that he saves you 0.5m..." which is absolutely huge

  2. Obi Wan Elokobi
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi guys. First rate my team of the season. Would appreciate opinions

    Pope (Button
    VVD Robbo Zinchenko Digne (Lundstram)
    Salah Sterling KDB Perez (Dendoncker)
    King Jota (Greenwood)

    Thanks guys

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

      Template so decent apparently

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

      Not sure on Zinchenko or pope. But if they both can nail down their positions it’s all good.

      I like KDB but siggy fixtures are making him hard to ignore

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

    RMT, please?

    Ryan
    Laporte VvD Digne Diop Taylor
    Salah KdB Sigurdsson Zaha
    Firmino Wilson

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

      6.5

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

        Downgrading Firmino gives me about 2.5 - 3.0 to spend somewhere else, but then who to upgrade?

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

          4th defender, Zaha, KDB to Sterling.

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

            Happy with the defense & quite content with KdB.

            Zaha to?

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

              Dunno how much money you'd have. Happy with Diop and Taylor? Why?

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

                Their fixtures rotate well.

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

                  Never a fan of rotating GK or Ds..."Set and forget" is my preferred way. Take that 0.5 and put it into a 5.0 D and 4.0 D (Lundstram) who will never see the light of day.

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

                Rotation

  4. Yossi
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best possible team coming through:

    Ryan
    TAA, Van Dijk, Dunk
    Salah, KDB, Perez, Mount
    Kane, Auba

    Button, Kelly, Dunk, Dendoncker

    Ratings between 9.5 and 10 only please 🙂

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

      Aguero over Auba and that gets a 10 from me

    2. Andy'81
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If the plan is to have Mount as a starter then you're going to need more then two Dunks.

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

        Can never have too many Dunks!

        Should be Lundstrom obvs 😉

    3. POLSKA GOLA
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Got Dunk twice? I guess the bench one is the Donkey 🙂
      It’s different to most teams here but has 4 big hitters and two Pool defence. Your team gave me food for thought.

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

        Mount is just personal preference, guessing there are better options out there if you wanna max point potential and consistency

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

      Disgusting

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

      Gotta love a 3-4-2

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

        Greenwood third striker, damn phoneposting 🙂

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

          Ah too many sacrifices all in all then!

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

    If you could only have one of Greenwood and Nkethiah, who would it be?

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

      Toss of a coin really but if Lukaku goes and no striker comes in then definitely Greenwood

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

        Cheers

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Think Ole will make point about using youth and you'll see a fair bit of Greenwood, but cant see him bagging many goals.

    3. Bielsa's Bucket
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’m going Greenwood with an eye on Holding. Mostly cause I’d rather not have double Arsenal assets.

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

      Neither but Greenwood if I had to.

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

    People still want Everton attack :/ can’r score Vs Wigan :/

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

      PRE SEASON!

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

      Won't be playing Wigan every week

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

        In fact no weeks

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

          Not a good thing

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

      Richarlison always starts well and pre season doesn’t really influence much as teams can rarely put out their favoured 11s.

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

    Best combo guys?

    a) VVD, Perez, Wilson
    b) TAA, Fraser, King

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

      b

    2. Your Man With The Hair
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A
      double bournemouth is overkill

    3. el polako
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

  8. The Train Driver
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So Pope isn't as nailed on as people on here seem to believe?

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

      He had muscle strain I think so didn’t play

  9. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any thoughts on this? Thanks

    Pope/Heaton
    TTA/VVD/Digne
    Salah/Pérez/Sterling/Fraser
    Deulofeu/Wilson/Jota

    Button/Dendonk/4.0/4.0

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

      Horrid bench, starting 11 is good but only Wilson is a real goal scorer out of your 3 forwards.

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

        Jota had a better points ratio than jimmy in the last half of the season I believe

  10. Your Man With The Hair
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Evening ladies,
    so this was my team until I read here that KDB could be getting slid back into a CDM position. So i'll monitor that, but assuming he keeps his usual spot on the pitcj, what are your thoughts on this Sterling-less team?

    Ederson (4.0m)
    VVD | Robertson | Coleman | 4.5m | (4.0)
    Salah | KDB | Siggy | Perez | (4.5m)
    King | Kane | (Greenwood)

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

      Very good if happy to be without Sterling
      Which is dilemma for everyone! My (current) draft very similar with Sterling and Wilson over KDB and Kane which allows City defender over 4.5 one

      1. Your Man With The Hair
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers, wouldn't go as far as "happy" !! But hoping it gives me enough cover.

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

      Nice to see I am not the only one without sterling.
      Pep wants to use him as a central striker in the first few fixtures with the absence of kun and Jesus.

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

    Comments welcome on these choices
    352 (A/B)
    Team A : Steer (Pope) (AST/BUR rotation) TAA/Coleman/Laporte (Taylor BUR and Kelly CRY) Salah/Siggy/Fraser/Perez/Dendoncker Kane/Vardy (Greenwood)
    or
    Or B: Steer (Pope) AST/BUR rotation TAA/Coleman/Walker (Kelly CRY, Taylor BUR) Salah, Sterling, Milivojevic, Perez, Dendoncker Vardy, Wilson (Greenwood)

    or 442 with either of these

    Team C: Steer (Pope) (AST/BUR rotation) TAA/VVD/Digne/Laporte (Kelly) Sterling/Fraser/Zaha/Perez (Dendoncker) Kane/Wilson (Greenwood)
    Team D: Steer (Pope) (AST/BUR rotation) TAA/VVD/Coleman/Walker (Kelly) Sterling/Fraser/Zaha/Perez (Dendoncker) Kane/Vardy (Greenwood)

    Thanks!!

  12. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which combo is better?

    A) Fraser and King

    B) Wilson and Gross

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

      a

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

      B

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

      A

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

      B

  13. Nice to Finally Michu
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pulisic missed time with the Gold Cup and is already with Chelsea and playing 60 minutes? Seems like real hunger there in a 20 year old who is probably more nailed than Mount or Tammy

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

      Reckon we'll all have him in at some point during the season. Just a question of when.

  14. Lord Flashheart
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A Maddison and Kane
    B eriksen and vardy

    1. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

      A but I’m not a huge Maddison fan for 7 mil.

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

        Cheers

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

      A

  15. Chilli Heatwave
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So a villa fans review after tonight’s game.
    X2 goals x1 assists for Wesley
    X1 assist for guilbert
    X2 goals for Jota
    X1 goals for grealish

    I’d say there’s two clear picks currently

    Wesley at 6.0 looking a decent pick, great hold up play and grabbed his first two goals for us today. 2 great finishes, with his second coming from a penalty. However, he did win the penalty so would have to see him take one someone else has won to be sure he will be on pens. Looks good so far and very limited striker competition.

    Guilbert for 4.5 looks a bargain grabbed another assist today and is very attacking with lots of overlaps with the winger. Another great cross too so final ball looking good. Looks the standout pick from the back line.

    I wouldn’t invest in our middle 3 look more to just be connecting defence to attack rather than getting into scoring positions, however grealish did score today.

    Trézéguet is one worth watching for the rest of pre season, will be him or jota starting but jota has looked good so far.

    Overall I’d invest in Guilbert and Wesley so far.

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

      Thanks mate.

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

        No worries

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

      Thanks great write up. Do you think Guilbert will get regular spot? Who is competition?

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

        Yes I do, competition is elmo and Bree. Bree going to offer nothing. Elmo was good for us last year but weak defensively, when we play 4-3-3 can only see Guilbert playing. Elmo only just come back from afcon too so Guilbert will get his shot, he looks a class above and has been the highlight of our pre season. Only time I see him coming under threat could be if we switched to 3-5-2 for a game but that’s about it really. I will be investing

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

          Cheers- rotates well with Taylor at Burnley as well

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

            Yeah agreed, I would say Targett is nailed but he hasn’t looked that good so Taylor could challenge him. Defo Guilbert more likely for the assists Targett final ball lacking a little

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

      Thank you. I have a feeling those 3 wingers you have will rotate a fair bit. Wesley and Guilbert look quality picks but a glance at guilbert’s Card record and it puts me off him

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

        Yeah agreed el ghazi Trézéguet jota all likely to rotate. And I know about his stats but honestly has been so attacking and looked like the best player in the team pre season so far. The team he was playing in got relegated, we loaned him back for the second half of last season as it was his condition for joining. But would be difficult to perform in that team

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

        Same, was waiting for him to be added for an age!

  16. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Maddison worth the 0.5m over Tielemans / Perez?

    I would go Perez but worried about this injury / whether he will start GW1

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

      Not in my opinion, I have Tielemans, never considered Maddison.

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

      If they can finally score from set pieces Mads will be gold.
      I think he was so unlucky last year

  17. Slitherene
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Help needed!

    A) Robertson + Eriksen

    Or

    B) VvD + Firmino

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

      B, Eriksen is a big no for me.

    2. Baps hunter
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Neither

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

      Thanks

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

    What’s people’s thoughts on Mount (6mil) and Pulisic (7.5mil), we have great opening fixtures bar Utd.

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

      Its still really hard to tell who the preferred starters will be. But it seems odd to me that Pulisic is priced higher than Willian and Pedro

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

        I thought that too which is why I’m 50:50, worried that he may be a steal and I miss out on the price rises if I don’t get on him early, however someone like Fraser is proven and for the same price.

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

      I'm actually considering Pulisic based on those fixtures.

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

      If Pulisic puts in performance as last game I will seriously consider getting in.

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

    A bit of a different team, what you guys think?

    Ryan
    Coleman VVD Zinc WanB
    Brooks Salah KDB Jorginho
    Auba Kane

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

      9/10, lose 1 point for Jorginho 🙂

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

        Lol, can’t think of anyone better at 5mil
        Maybe dunk at 4.5

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

          It’s KdB who unbalances it. Don’t see he’s necessary in 1 and 2. Fixtures are moderate at best in combo.

          In my Kane Auba side I have Auba booked in for a transfer to Sterling in 3 from Fraser.

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

      Not bad.

      Think there’s a step change if you can go 5.5 in midfield. There’s a few there who can return. Even at Napoli Jorginho didn’t do anything in goals and assists. Dendoncker is as good probably.

      Think Shaw is a better FPL asset than AWB - he’ll still get quality tackles in at United but not the quantity- don’t see baps in the same way

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

    Anyone knows how many injures Ayoze perez has had last years?
    Is he prone to injuries?

  21. Inter Family Special
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Currently at:
    Ryan
    TAA Robbo Laporte
    Siggy Salah KdB Pérez Fraser
    King Jiminez

    Bench: Button, Prödl, Greenwood, Diop.

    I’ve no depth on the bench. Thoughts?

  22. jimmy.floyd
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Brooks or Perez?
    Have Vardy and Wilson

    1. Inter Family Special
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I had the same dilemma. Went Perez in in the end (for now!).

  23. Athletic Nasherbo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Do we think Stones starts alongside Laporte?

    Could be a good alternative if Zinchenko doesn’t start- this I don’t think is true but.

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

      Dont see many attacking returns and definitely not nailed. Too risky for me

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

        Scored goals in UCL tbf but not nailed really no

  24. Bruce Lee
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    To anyone that has seen Chelsea in pre-season...

    What do you think of Pulisic?

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

      Looks good, going to start, I’m having him for GW1, could be a steal at 7.5

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

      Yeah he looks decent enough. Not going to set the league alight from the off but he is a good player for sure. Willian will be the pick of the chelsea mids

  25. Siggy in the Middle
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Out of ten?

    Pope

    TAA VVD Coleman Laporte

    Salah KDB Richarlison Tielemans

    Wilson Rashford

    Button, Dendoncker, Greenwood, Rico

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

      10

  26. danlynch13
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Laporte + Coleman
    B) 5.5 + Digne

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

      A

  27. Our Tiny Windows
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    ooh a non template team.

    Leno
    VVD zinchenko Alonso Coleman
    Salah Bernardo Siggy Pedro
    Aguero Deulofeu

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

      Like the Pedro pick

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

      Burn the witch

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

      2 non template picks and 2 players who aren’t nailed

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

        Aguero isn’t template on here, neither is Pedro, Leno, Bernardo or Alonso. So 5 non template at least.

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

    Hi All,

    Draft 100! How am I looking?
    Ederson,
    Digne, Azpilicueta, TAA.
    Pereya, Tielemans, Pulisic, Moura, Richarlison.
    Wilson, Aguero.

    Woodman, Haller, Ludstrom, Kelly.

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

      Nice. Surprised more aren't considering a proper 5th mid instead of Donkey as that is where the value looks to be.

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

        Thanks, plan is to rotate Haller and one of my mids. Gone for two dead defenders as my 3 premiums will always start.

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

      You look different but not bad.
      I ma not sure for kun mate, he might be tired from cops America and manage his minutes even more this year with jesus on form

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

        True, worse case could take him out for Kane and upgrade Lucas to Bilva.

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

      Very nice balance super cool but only one, unreliable-ish captain choice. Not my ideal scenario

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

        Aguero?

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

          Yes can be benched any time and blanks for fun away from home aswell as playing up to 60 mins a game

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

      not sure I'd want to rotate someone as expensive as Haller but the rest looks decent - GW2 captaincy?

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

        Thinking Wilson.

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

          turn Haller into Pukki and captain him GW2? massively risky but could pay off

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

      Thanks for all the feedback guys, greatly appreciated:)

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

    A) Gross & Wilson

    Or

    B) Moura & King

    Repost due to reply fail 🙂

  30. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Sounds like Siggy got clattered tonight. Did it look serious? Hearing he played on, so he must be alright?