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. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So lads best options here??
    A- Siggy and 6.5 forward if so who??
    And
    B- Wilson and 6.5 midfielder if so who??
    Cheers gents!!

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

      B with Perez

    2. Warby84
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Wilson/Tielemans

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

      Wilson/Pérez

      1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Splendid thanks for your input fellas unanimous on the Wilson front then!!

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

    Have any of you got a 1 or 2 week punt? I think Lucas for example will rack up some score in the first week against Villa, but he might blank against City and then as of GW3, Son is back and he'll be rotated. The likely transfer is to Fraser who is probably the better long term pick. So do I then start with Fraser or Moura?

    1. Arctic_Orangutans
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Moura

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

      currently - Sane, Moura, KWP, Origi, maybe Auba but he could be keep-able

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

      My whole team is a 2 week punt if you want to look in previous page for inspiration x

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

      Origi.
      Billy sharp

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

      Brewster

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

      Lucas and Laca for me. Two punts, removing both in GW3 most likely

  3. Pep's Money Laundry
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If you wanted further proof that Matip is 1st choice, he starts tonight alongside the best available 11 at the moment

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

      Can't see Gomez not getting minutes so maybe that's bad news for TAA?

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

    Sorry.....bottomed with this.....how is this bunch looking tonight? Cheers

    Pope button
    TAA VVD Walker Digne kelly
    Salah sterling Fraser perez dendonk
    Wilson deulofeu Greenwood

    Thanks

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

      Very similar. Like it. Slight differences at the back and I only have 1 upfront and a triple BOU attack over Deul !!

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

    If you wanted Further proof Origi is first choice he starts alongside the best available 11. Bargain of the season at 5.5m

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

      I guess in theory it's between him and Oxlade depending on what Firmino does

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

        Salah, Origi, Oxlade GW1? get Pukki too and hope to god he scores 😀

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

        The post was a half joke but Jesus I forgot about the ox I thought we was gonna flip if he ever got played on the wing again but now I am scared he actually would play over Origi

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

      : 0

  6. Crazygopher
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any thoughts ?
    Foster Ryan
    Dunk kelly rob vvd lap
    Salah ster sigg noble fraser
    King murry/dcl green

    The idea is rotate keepers to avoid big six. And play a 442 or 352 depending on gw

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

      Rotating 9.5 in goal isn't a wise tactic when a good 4.5 can get 140/150.

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

        Do you see any good 4.5s this year? I don’t. Maybe Henderson of SHU but :/

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

          Hopefully a non-Hart Burnley keeper emerges but the Henderson loan seems to have cooled, sadly.

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

            I am very confused with the Heaton situation too. I am submitting to the possibility we may not even know burnley’s Keeper pre deadline. Leaving us with Ryan again ffs which certainly doesn’t go well. To start with I think a more expensive set up is good

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

              If Heaton stays he should get the gloves. If he goes Pope's in the lead. Liverpool and Villa reported to be keen on Heaton. Ryan's saves dipped to 63% last season, need a mid 70's keeper really.

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

                Alternatively Heaton could stay but because he caused such a fuss Pope is given the chance again.
                Yeah for now we cannot kid ourselves thinking a 4.5m keeper is going to storm it this season, whoever SHU sign I will fancy though

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

      My worry is watching more points on the bench. Than the goalie I have playing

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

      Was also looking at a west ham/wolve defenders rotation again to avoid big six.Would mean downgrading tho From lap to walker. If reid is playing if not. Then fraser to mill/zaha as well. Any thoughts on that

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

    @Ask yourself

    What do you think of Jota? He is a great player... very silly of Birmingham to let him go to a direct rival

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

      I’m not the greatest guy to ask but I am honoured you wrote me x

      I know he had a very average season last season but the current villa manager had him performing unbelievably well when they last worked together at Brentford. He obviously knows how to get the best out of him.
      Villa’s wingers are all a bit bleak. Personally I think they will rotate but logically the first choice set up for the front three should be:
      Trezeguet Wesley Jota
      With el Ghazi being the most average of an average bunch. Wesley is the man if you want villa attack, jota if he holds some form looks like he’ll be great after that performance today and what i’d Seen under smith before

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

        Don't mention it x

        It is a big risk to go with Wes purely for his price. As he is 6m, it will be hard to shift him out let's say GW3/4/5 if he is useless. It'd have to be part of another move

        I currently have 3 BOU strikers lol - Wilson, King (Surridge - bench)... who would you take out?
        If I do Wilson ➡ Wes - then I can upgrade my 6m mid to 8m which is nuts

        Mid would be: Salah, KDB, Eriksen, Siggy, 8m

        Sorry I am coming to you with my FPL problems, pls don't charge me

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

          Lol nice attack. I’d keep Wilson and lose king. If you can bench Wesley first up then it is well worth it but Wilson has one of the most impressive returns I have seen in FPL at that price so don’t lose him. I really like your midfield though

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

            Thanks, a side note that came into my mind when you said lose King... what do you think of pen takers this year with VAR?

            I remember the world cup where loads of pens were flying about as VAR was new. Feel like pen takers can really take off for the first maybe 10 weeks while numpty defenders that hold in the box get used to VAR.

            Even if these big meathead defenders stop grappling in the box I think it could cause an increase in header goals from corners which makes set play takers more appealing...

            Am I talking trash or na?

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

              Not a lot of people agree as everyone looks at the data from other European leagues where penalties given fell as a result of VAR. English referees seem to be extremely incompetent in the use of VAR and tend to go in favour of giving the penalty rather than against it in the cases which require thought.

              Your point about set pieces is an interesting one actually, the grappling is an issue I think referees with VAR would be scared to give in it’s first year as penalties have rarely been given for such things in the PL and the referees are too scared to dampen their reputation with the media so are influenced by pressure.

              Conclusion: penalties up overall but no extra room at set pieces yet. I like your logical thinking x

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

                Thanks mate x

                Just shifted in Ozil, Grob, Ritchie, Madders and Milli in. Up the corner bois

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

                  :O

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

      Rivals yes, but in separate divisions.

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

        If Wes goes crazy in the PL and helps Villa stay in the PL for years while Brum are struggling in the Championship then that will hurt... that local rivalry is big

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

    Wesley @ 6.00 balling already...

  9. Scots Gooner
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How's this looking?

    Pope / 4.0
    VVD / TAA / Laporte / Walker / 4.0
    Salah / Sterling / Siggy / Brooks / Zaha
    Deeney / 4.5 / 4.5

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Like it needs work...

  10. milanista10
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) Lloris & Digne
    B) Ederson & Coleman/Zinchenko

    A or B lads?

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B & Coleman

  11. Gooner97
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan Button
    TAA VVD Coleman KWP Kelly
    Salah Sterling Fraser ____ Dendonkey
    ____ Jota Greenwood

    A) Brooks Norwood & Auba/Kane
    B) Fraser Perez & Vardy/Laca/Wilson

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

      B Laca

    2. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      100% go with B and I think I'd go Wilson - Leicester have the worst opening fixtures of the 3 and there's still an unknown about how Arsenal will line up.

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

        Well we know Auba and Laca will be in it so he doesn’t have To worry

    3. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Is KWP guaranteed starting right back?

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

        One game yes but from then I don’t know due to aurier AFCON return and Foyth back from suspension in GW3

      2. Gooner97
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That's my only dilemma tbh...
        It's him or Aurier; or maybe even Foyth or a new signing

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

          Get AMN x

          1. Gooner97
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers mate, he's also on my watchlist as a BUR defender as well. But KWP could be a real bargain if he starts

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

    I think Trippier has made a big mistake in his career going to play in Spain.

    I can not remember any British player that went down there doing well and being accepted by the fans with maybe the exception of David Beckham and he was probably only tolerated because of the commercial bonanza he brought to Real.

    Atletico are a top club and i hope he does well there but i fear he will be thrown under the bus like so many others before him for no reason at all.

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

      He fooled everyone here into thinking he was a good player during the World Cup I reckon he can manage it there too

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

        He is a very good player and any country or club should be glad to have him.

        I can understand if he wanted out of Spurs but surely he should have pushed for a move to another PL club for his own sake.

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

        I think he is a decent player tbf - had a bad season though

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

      Bale won 4 CLs in 5 years...

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

        And is getting zero respect from RM fans for it.Looks like they are going to leave him rot now which is a disgraceful thing to do to such a talented lad.

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

          Bale cant even give an interview in Spanish after 6 years, its not like he has done what he can to demand respect

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

            Plenty of players in the PL past and present with sketchy or no English that were adored by the fans.

            Cantona,Aguero,Tevez.Di Canio spring to mind,in fact not mastering the local lingo only made some of these players even more of an enigma and endeared them to the fans.

            Hard to explain why the guys that went to Spain were not really accepted because some of them were truly gifted..Maybe the Spanish are just inherently anti Anglo for historic reasons

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

              I cringe every time I watch Aguero not being able to speak english after how many years in England. Its not endearing. Its lazy and disrespectful.

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

                He probably would cringe too if he heard you trying to speak Spanish.

                He did not come to Manchester to master the English language,even the locals there have a lot of trouble with it 😉 but he is a master of his art and that is all that counts.

                Some people pick up languages easy and some people find it impossible.If you ask me it is just part of your brain and noting to do with laziness or disrespect.

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

                  You make great points Ogie - my fav is that players like Tevez become an enigma. Great mind.

                  Thank you.

  13. sthelenslad92
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Jota or Deulofeu?

    1. Gooner97
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jota

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

      Diogo Hota

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

    my punty side likes B especially with the 1m to upgrade Origi, but last season's PPMs (and nailedness) suggests A...A is probably the right call but it feels so boring 🙁 thoughts?

    A) Vardy Wilson Siggy
    B) Auba Origi Moura +1m ITB

    1. sthelenslad92
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd go A, Origi lets B down for me.

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

      Disappointed you’re asking this

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

        honestly, so am I

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

          I do prefer the potential explosiveness (and differential-ness) of B but an early wildcard will probably be necessary - maybe I can join you in WCGW3! think I want Sterling, Salah, Son from that point onwards

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

            turns out I can eat the 1m ITB and get Laca-Sterling instead of Auba-Sane; then go Laca & Moura -> 7.5 & Son GW3, giving me the Salah-Sterling-Son combo without wildcarding...cheers AY

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

      I’m going origi for the first couple as a punt, but A is heaps better out of those options.

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

    hi

    A)
    Sterling
    Maddison
    Ake

    B)
    KDB
    Eriksen
    Walker

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

      A with someone other than Ake.

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

    Nailed it 🙂 Now rip it apart 🙁

    Leno (Button_

    Van Dijk - Robertson - Digne - Walker (guilbert)

    Salah (c) Strerling Iwobi fraser (donkey)

    DCL Jota (4.5)

    1.5 in bank

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

      Leno > 4.5
      DCL > Wilson

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

        Yeah not a bad call. Liked having some money in bank to be flexible but thanks for suggestion

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

      Donkey ➡ Rabbit pls

  17. No Salah
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson
    TAA Robbo VVD Digne zinchenko
    Sterling(c) Fraser Siggy
    Vardy Wilson

    Button Dendoncker Hayden Greenwood

    Any other suggestions than apparently the risks of going without salah?

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

      Hi No Salah,

      Hope you are well!

      I didn't notice you had no Salah.

      Regards,
      Lee

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why the hate buddy? Salah is a great pick

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

        No hate, Salah is a great pick! Just trying to do something different.

        I had Alisson and Robbo last year from GW1-38 and that went great!

        Only thing that let me down was poor captaincy choices the obvious downside of going without salah.

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Salah cappers get 500+ points from him in the season guaranteed. Brave, brave man

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Gotta get Kane/Auba for this team imo as a captaincy option

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

              It’s easy to do Vardy > Kane, if I downgrade ederson to a 4.5 which I will probably do once a proper 4.5 shows up.

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

                How’s this
                Ryan
                TAA Robbo digne zinchenko
                Sterling Fraser Siggy Pérez
                Kane Wilson

                Button Greenwood Dendoncker Kelly

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

      Not too sure mate. Not having Salah should give you a very good looking team in other areas, but mids and forwards still look average/template. I suppose you’ve just spent all the extra in defence.
      Personally I’d go more heavy in attack

  18. Boberella
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this looking. Bit punty up front and bench is a shocker but will no doubt WC in GW 3 as usual anyway...

    Pope
    TAA | Laporte | Digne
    Salah | Sterling | Siggy | Tielemans
    Vardy | Origi | Sharp

    Button | Dendoncker | Lundstram | Rico

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

      Origi and Sharp up top is almost as brave as Mr No Salah

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

        Oh come on!
        Mine ain’t that bad 😛

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Laporte, Digne, Sharp, Siggy > Zinchenko, Coleman, Wilson, Fraser

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

        Not a bad idea. Really don’t want to lose Laporte though.

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

    Pope
    Vvd taa digne wanbissaka
    Siggy salah sterling brooks
    Wilson deulofeu

    Subs: button kelly dendockker greenwood

    Should i get aguero instead of sterling? He doesnt seems ti play for preseason.

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

      I’ve been tossing up the Aguero / Sterling conundrum for ages and still can’t decide. Kun has been legendary for me in previous seasons and usually first pick in my team. I’m going for Sterling at present though. That’s definitely the consensus on here.
      But we all know what Aguero can do, so it’s a risk not having him.

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

        Agree so much with u, i have sterling now but i really wanted aguero so that i can take out deulofeu , and have a 6.5 midfielder instead.. but well seems like everyone have sterling and not aguero. Aguero is not playing pre season right?

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

          Hasn’t yet. But that could in itself mean he’s fresh and ready to score a Garrick in GW1!

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

            *Hatrick

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

            But i am still taking sterling for now, and maybe take moura over brooks and downgrade wilson to king

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

      Decent team otherwise.
      Not convinced on the AWB & Deulofeu picks though

  20. Jay Jay Okocha
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Good evening

    A) Zinchenko, Siggy, Brooks
    B) Walker, Fraser, Ayoze

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A with Perez

      1. Jay Jay Okocha
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Nah, keen on the Bournemouth double up

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

    terrible from Mignolet, Liverpool concede

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

      That’s why he doesn’t play xD

  22. FlyingWithoutIngs
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is sane viable if we get any sort of indication he starts

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

      I thought he was getting sold?

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

        I thought that also but looks like he’s staying, he scored 2 today I known it was against a poor side but didn’t even look like he broke a sweat and still looked unbelievable

  23. Worsle90
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Does this look alright?

    Alisson
    TAA, Walker, Digne, Dunk
    Sterling, KDB, Pedro, Pérez
    Auba, Haller

    Button, Lundstram, Dendoncker, Greenwood

    Think there are a few tasty differentials. Hoping for Dunk - Leicester. Pedro is nailed on. Haller’s a punt.

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

    VVD connects with TAA corner...saved well

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

    DIVOCK!

  26. TorresMagic™
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    That Origi guy again.

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

      He is somehow always on the scoresheet

  27. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    😯

    Pope
    Coleman - VVD - Robertson
    BSilva - KdB - Sterling - Moura
    Lacazette - Wilson - Origi

    4m - 4.5m - 4m - 4m

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

      I really like this team. Smart punts and well balanced . Well done!

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

        I’d prefer Salah to Sterling, however

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          was just playing around with the Salah funds 🙂

    2. tbeans22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like it but who starts once Origi hits the bench in a couple of weeks?

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        not a serious team, I don't like the balance. Interesting the funds available by going one big hitter and several 7.5 to 9.5m picks, though.

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

      Get on the Villa train choo choo

  28. thorvaldsson
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Mignotet's has the confidence of a stunned goldfish. Be warned when you goalkeeper for Sunderland those memories stay with you. Jordan Pickford I'm looking at you. He is going to melt away my Digne points.

    1. LarryDuff
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That and Gueye leaving

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

    Hi chaps thoughts on below?

    Ryan / Button

    TAA, Zinchenko, Zouma / Kelly, Lundstram

    Salah, Sterling, Lucas, Brooks / Dedonker

    Wilson, Vardy, Wesley

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

      like it

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

        Thanks man

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you haven't got 3 x Liverpool why not punt on Origi instead of Wesley? Gives you an extra 0.5m

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

        Plan is to save a FT and make 3 for GW 3 to bring in Son

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          ah ok, then good luck!

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

    Wij goal, Ox assist, kinda fortunate all round really