Scout Notes

Problems for Everton as Emery discusses Aubameyang role

Marco Silva is faced with problems at both ends of the field for Everton this summer.

With potential personnel problems in defence, they are also struggling to show much attacking cohesion too.

Elsewhere, Arsenal’s friendly against Real Madrid was exactly the sort of stern test that was able to give us reliable and accurate information for their 2019/20 set-up.

Meanwhile, a heavy win for Aston Villa at Walsall has some Fantasy managers searching their ranks for a bargain option.

Wigan Athletic 0-0 Everton

After the promise of how 2018/19 ended for Everton, there are now concerns about their defence

Goals: None

Assists: None

Everton recorded a third consecutive clean sheet of pre-season as they drew 0-0 with Wigan on Wednesday night.

However, it is still too early to tell whether that will lead to defensive returns when the Premier League campaign starts in earnest.

Their last three opponents were FC Sion, Monaco and Wigan, who operate in the Championship.

However, there are plenty of developments off the field that could jeopardise Everton’s defensive stock.

Firstly, it was reported on Wednesday that the Toffees had agreed on a transfer fee with Paris Saint Germain for Idrissa Gueye (£5.0m).

While this hasn’t come to fruition yet, the central midfielder’s departure would leave Everton short of protection for their back-four.

With Kurt Zouma‘s (£5.0m) still turning out for Chelsea during pre-season, Yerry Mina (£5.5m) was charged by the FA on Wednesday with misconduct concerning a breach of betting regulations.

While no punishment has discussed as yet, there is the possibility that the Colombian could receive a ban, which could leave Everton short in the centre-back area at the start of 2019/20.

To make the Goodison Park faithful more nervous still, Michael Keane (£5.5m) was taken off after 35 minutes with a head injury against Wigan.

The club revealed after the game that he had received a cut to the head and that Marco Silva “hopes” he will be involved in upcoming pre-season action on Saturday.

In the worst-case scenario, the options that could cover for Keane, Mina or both will not inspire confidence in Fantasy managers.

The first is youth player Lewis Gibson, who has played more pre-season minutes than any other Everton player (268).

The second is Mason Holgate, who spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion. He has 217 pre-season minutes to his name so far, the fourth highest in the squad.

Fantasy managers might also be a little concerned about Everton’s lack of goals so far in pre-season.

They have found the back of the net just twice in four matches and have also had the luxury of most of their key offensive players for many of these.

The only attacking assets yet to be involved for Everton so far this summer are Richarlison (£8.0m) and Cenk Tosun (£6.0m), while Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m), Gylfi Sigurdsson (£8.0m) and Lucas Digne (£6.0m) have all made at least three appearances.

The Toffees’ need for a new striker has been quite evident this summer and they may need to secure the services of one to fulfil the potential of their early 2019/20 fixtures.

First-half Everton XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Digne, Mina, Keane (Holgate 35′), Coleman; Delph, Gomes; Bernard, Sigurdsson, Walcott; Calvert-Lewin.

Second-half Everton XI: Pickford (Lössl 60′); Foulds, Gibson, Holgate, Mirallas; McCarthy, Schneiderlin; Gordon, Davies, Broadhead; Hornby.

Real Madrid 2-2 Arsenal
3-2 on penalties

Aubameyang has been praised for his pre-season performances so far

Goals: Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m), Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m)

Assists: Lacazette

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) scored his first goal of pre-season as Arsenal drew with Real Madrid in normal time.

The Frenchman netted a first-half spot-kick, awarded after a Nacho handball, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) was on the pitch.

He also provided an impressive assist for his forward colleague but according to the local press, was still not at his best.

Aubameyang garnered much higher praise, especially for his movement, which was part of what led to his first-half goal.

However, it was Lacazette who led Arsenal’s 4-2-3-1 formation with Aubameyang officially stationed on the right-wing again.

After missing the 3-0 win over Fiorentina, this was the second time on the tour that Aubameyang played in attacking midfield.

To be fair, he still roamed from position to position, sometimes pushing up to act as a second striker alongside Lacazette or dropping deep to initiate play.

After the game, Emery discussed Aubameyang’s versatility which, for Fantasy managers, could be something of a poisoned chalice.

The fact that he can be used in several different roles could make it hard to predict when he will be handed a centre-forward berth, but it might boost his chances of starting matches.

“Yes, really their combination is very good but they can play both. They were playing both and sometimes we are playing with one striker or two strikers or with one as a winger. Aubameyang can play like a striker alone, like a striker with two and can play as a winger on the right or the left. But above all with him we want to be very aggressive in the attacking third and moving forward to score with him. When we are deciding to play with another player maybe they are more of a one-to-one winger or a player like Mesut, a player who goes deep to take the ball and keep our possession with him in the pitch. It’s different in each moment and each match. But above all, with Aubameyang, we can take different options with him and he is very good and very rich for us.” – Unai Emery

Emery also updated Fantasy managers on Sead Kolasinac‘s (£5.5m) role within the team, and it’s good news for the Bosnian international.

Last season he often lost his place to Nacho Monreal (£5.0m) when Arsenal used a four-man defence, Emery preferring only to use him as wing-back when deploying his troops in a 3-4-1-2 formation.

However, Kolasinac was trusted with the left-back berth in a four-man defence against Real Madrid and there’s a chance that could continue into the start of 2019/20, although there were still a few shaky moments for him.

“Last year we used different systems during the season. Each moment, each match was thinking about how we were better in our positioning for defence or attack. We are starting last year working in general with a back four and trying to use two players like Ainsley and Sead, working a lot in this back four and also with Jenkinson, maybe Nacho, his natural habit was to play back four and sometimes like a left centre back in a back three. But we want to use two systems and we are working with two systems, but our first objective is to play with a back four. We are continuing working on that and, above all, feel that we defensively get stronger with a back four with Sead, with Ainsley, with Sead, with Jenkinson and with Hector when he comes back. But we can take the performance with two systems and I think it’s rich for us tactically to use two systems and have two options.” – Unai Emery

That said, owning an Arsenal defender for the start of the season still looks like a questionable decision as their problems in that area of the pitch continue.

Sokratis Papastathopoulos (£5.0m) did not play too poorly against Real Madrid but was sent off in the 40th minute.

Shkodran Mustafi‘s (£5.5m) questionable pre-season displays saw him remain as an unused substitute.

Meanwhile, Laurent Koscielny (£5.0m) still has not played a single minute for Arsenal this pre-season after refusing to come on tour amid transfer speculation.

“I’ve spoken about him, with respect to him. I tried to be with us in the position here and continue working and finding one solution between the club, between him and us. When he decided not to come here with us on tour, the solution is now only for the club and him. He decided to be out. I respect him but I have a responsibility, he has a responsibility, and the club have their responsibility. Now it’s one issue only for the club and him. My idea is to continue with the players we are working with, and the players that want to be here.” – Unai Emery

Koscielny’s absence on tour has allowed Calum Chambers to make a strong case for inclusion in Arsenal’s starting line-up for Gameweek 1.

After returning from a loan at Fulham last season, Emery has thrown the defender straight into his plans, with no Arsenal centre-back registering more pre-season minutes than his 224 so far.

Currently, not priced up by FPL, his extensive game time and admirable performances during the summer should see him added to the game soon. Perhaps the only thing up in the air will be his positional classification given that he played holding midfielder for Fulham last season.

Also making an unexpected case for a starting berth is Carl Jenkinson (£4.5m) as Arsenal’s injury problems at right-back continue.

With Hector Bellerín (£5.5m) still out with a long-term knee problem, understudy Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.0m) pulled up with a reported calf injury in the warm-up of the Real Madrid game.

He had been pencilled in to start the friendly but was withdrawn and replaced with Jenkinson. The former West Ham loanee has now played more pre-season minutes than any Arsenal option. That preparation would put him in a good place to start in Gameweek 1 if Maitland-Niles is still touch-and-go by then.

However, whether he is of the level required to stop Arsenal’s defensive slide under Emery, is another question. He looked out of his depth against Real Madrid, particularly struggling to cope with Ferland Mendy and Eden Hazard.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Kolašinac, Sokratis, Chambers, Jenkinson; Willock (Monreal 46′), Xhaka; Mkhitaryan (Nelson 75′), Özil (Saka 74′), Aubameyang (Burton 75′); Lacazette (Nketiah 74′).

Walsall 1-5 Aston Villa

Jota was widely regarded as Villa’s best player at Walsall on Wednesday

Goals: Jota x2 (£6.0m), Wesley x2 (£6.0m), Jack Grealish (£6.0m)

Assists: Frederic Guilbert (£4.5m), Jota, Wesley

Aston Villa’s summer signing Jota (£6.0m) was widely regarded as the best player on the pitch as Walsall were thrashed 5-1 on Wednesday night.

Local press and fans alike heaped praise on the winger as he scored twice and contributed an assist in an impressive performance. He also took some corners, even though both Jack Grealish (£6.0m) and Conor Hourihane (£6.0m) were on the pitch at the same time as him.

When we researched the player for a Scout Report earlier this summer, we found that he might have to improve a little to become part of Dean Smith’s plans regularly.

Even though it was only Walsall, the confidence shown by Jota at the Bescot Stadium, and the fact that he is currently joint-first for most pre-season minutes among Villa players, might help him nail down a slot in the attacking midfield trio by Gameweek 1.

Jota’s fellow recruit Wesley (£6.0m) also scored twice and got an assist as he demonstrated the sort of presence he can provide as a target man for Villa this season.

One of his goals was scored from the penalty spot, which could indicate he will replace Tammy Abraham (£7.0m) as the penalty taker this season.

Probably against Wesley from a Fantasy perspective for now was his propensity to drop back and support play from midfield.

The fact he scored twice against League Two opposition should not generate too much interest from Fantasy managers and we have to assume at this stage that when he plays against Premier League defenders, he may end up dropping deep even more often than he did at the Bescot Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Grealish also looked good as he got himself a goal but also demonstrated one slight drawback from an FPL perspective.

The central midfielder’s positioning meant that he was often one pass away from the assister, playing the ball into that player before they set up the goalscorer.

With Jota and Wesley sharing Grealish’s price point this season, and likely to be one step closer to the goals and assists, maybe they might offer more to Fantasy managers than him in 2019/20.

Much is being made of Villa right-back Frederic Guilbert (£4.5m) after a swashbuckling performance against Walsall.

His runs into the opposition’s final third meant that he spent large spells effectively as an attacking right-winger.

The Frenchman’s crosses into the box were also decent, earning him one assist, and it was Guilbert who played the ball which led to Villa’s penalty.

There is already some excitement about Guilbert’s potential for the Sky Sports Fantasy Football game given his defensive capabilities.

In Europe’s top five leagues, only Gueye and Wilfried Ndidi (£5.0m) have made more tackles than him since August 2016, which could help Guilbert perform well in Sky’s bonus points system.

Admittedly, he will have to compete with Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.5m) for a place in the starting line-up first, with the Egyptian very much the first-choice last season during Guilbert’s loan spell to Caen.

At this stage, it is hard to say who is ahead in the pecking order given that El Mohamady is yet to return to playing for Villa following involvement with Egypt at the African Cup of Nations.

Finally, the Aston Villa goalkeeper situation remains a little unclear.

Jed Steer (£4.5m) was given the full 90 minutes in the win over Shrewsbury on Sunday but put in a questionable display.

Smith opted to give a full match to Lovre Kalinic (£4.5m) against Walsall.

Aston Villa XI (4-3-3): Kalinic; Targett (N Taylor 70′), Mings (Hause 70′), Engels (Suliman 70′), Guilbert (Bree 70′); Grealish (O’Hare 70′), Lansbury (McGinn 70′), Hourihane (Bjarnason 70′); Green (Hepburn-Murphy 70′), Wesley (Hogan 70′), Jota (K Davis 70′).

The original Fantasy League game is back for the 2019/20 season – PLAY HERE!

746 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Charlie Taylor nailed?

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

      I think so

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

      Should be. They brought Pieters in from Stoke but he'd just be cover I'd have thought.

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

      Hope so, he's in my squad. Not many pre-season minutes though so far.

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

    Who is still on the BBGW1 WCGW3 strategy?

    Current team:

    Leno / Foster
    TAA / KWP / AMN / Ake / Holebas
    Salah / Fraser / Lucas / Gross / Pereyra
    Kane / King / Origi

    Share your thoughts lads. May also switch Pereyra, King, and Foster to Norwood, Wilson, and Pope!

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

      This will go so terribly and horribly wrong.

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        You don’t know that

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

          He does, he just stated it like it was a fact

    2. Wild Rover
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Me, but my team is much better 😉

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

        I hope you’re Not counting on greenwood WR :/ looked terrible today :/

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

        I assume you are not sharing your team though lol!

        1. Wild Rover
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Nope 😛 I only have 6 of these

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

            It seems that you are starting with a couple of 4.5s then!

            1. Wild Rover
              • 13 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Just Pope and one def

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

      Loser boring strategy. Looks okay just not sure on Holebas or Pereyra starting x

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

        Lol we started the strategy together but you just left us, I know the bench money can be better used so still undecided myself. Holebas should start - Pereyra is a risk and that’s why I’m considering some kind of change there! You say AMN and KWP are assured to start first game at least?

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

          Joking my friend x
          AMN and KWP all set for first two yeah. Being so unsure about the Watford boys, my hatred for King in my team and my need to have Auba and Laca led me astray. I do wish you the best.

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

            Yeah I know your reasoning and I totally understand..
            I’m also unsure about Watford, and I don’t like the fact that Gross is playing against Holebas and Foster.. but I have a weird feeling regarding Gross so don’t feel like changing him! You are still happy without Sterling even if you are not BBing?

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

              My solution for you would be do King > Deeney and groß > Brooks.
              And yeah. Auba + 1m should seem right to beat Sterling over the first couple games. First name on my WCGW3

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

                Not a bad call, will consider that!

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

      WC for gw3 or after gw3?

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

        If I go with this, then I’ll WC For GW3

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

      Why on earth would you bench boost without the added benefit of double games / increased budget to squeeze in more heavy hitters. There's no good reason

      1. Wild Rover
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        There are several reasons and it has worked very well past two years. Bigger budget for players who cost more = no advantage and rotation means there is a good chance they only play once anyway

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

          You did this last year as well WR? What rank did you get after first GW?

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

    I was cursing Son for his red card at the end of last season.
    Now I realise he only did it to make all of our lives easier for planning GW1 this season.
    What a hero.

    1. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      The hero we don't deserve, or the Son we never had.

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

        Wise words.

        Confusing words, but wise.

        1. The Wise Owl
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Name says it all, it does.

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

    A. Brooks and Wilson

    Or

    B. Bernardo and Wesley

    ??

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

      IMHO, very easily B.

    2. Greek Flair
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Much prefer A. for the first two GWs

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

    A) James and Vardy
    B) Perez and Rashford

    Feel like James could be a differential

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

      Differential indeed. Sanchez has a higher tsb %.

      Rashford and Perez for me because James is not nailed, yet.

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

    Risk for reward is the saying right?

    Alisson ( Button )
    VVD, TAA, AWB, Walker-Pieters (Zouma)
    KDB, Sane, Bilva, Perez ( Donkey )
    Lacazette, Vardy ( nketiah )

    If the big hitters fall behind GW1 could be in a good position.
    Thoughts?

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

      Too much risk

  7. Netters2018
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    who is the best 4.5m gk to have who is nailed?
    Thoughts all please?

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

      Ryan

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

      Still some questions to answered before the season starts, but I think Pope is the best. Rotate him with Henderson if you can.

    3. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ryan has the kindest fixtures for a while, but don't expect any clean sheets.

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

        I disagree, Man City away, Chelsea and Tottenham in the first 8 or so games.

        Burnley by comparison has Liverpool and Arsenal, and some kinder fixtures in general.

        1. The Wise Owl
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I see your point, but in isolation he's probably the best of a bad bunch.

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

            None of the 4.5s stand out, especially as set and forget.
            Burnley and SHU rotate okay;

            1.SOU
            2.PAL
            3,LEI
            4.LIV or ars
            5.BRI
            6.NOR
            7.BUR
            8.EVE
            9.lei
            10.whu

    4. Fantasy Premington
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      still think it's Pope but everyone ignoring how bad their start is imo, be surprised if they get any clean sheets in first 4 because gw1 is always a bit nuts and next 3 are arsenal, wolves, liverpool

  8. Seamus Goalman
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on Che Adams at 6.0? Didnt see much of him at Birmingham but has decent numbers and Hassenhuttl tends to favour youth. If not any other ideas on the next jimmy?

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

      Wesley too looks nice. Adams is class though

      1. Seamus Goalman
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah Wesley could be a gem, big step up from the Belgian league though

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

          Sir Ben Teke managed it in his first season in prem at villa. He is about to become sir Wes Lee with penalties

          1. Seamus Goalman
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Big boots to fill

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

      Him and DCL are my favourite options at 6 for sure

      1. Seamus Goalman
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Nailed? Quality fixtures but their pursuit of a striker + Rich OOP risk are whats putting me off currently

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

      If Ings stays fit I think he is better than Adams.

      1. Seamus Goalman
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Why do you think this?

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

          His numbers are great. Staying fit is a huge if for him though.

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

      Not until around gw 12/14. Too bad fixtures for me for a low price option.

      1. Seamus Goalman
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This is a worry- any better alternatives?

  9. Greek Flair
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    KDB & Vardy

    Or

    Sterling and Deulofeu?

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

    OFFICIAL: Aston Villa have confirmed the signing of Douglas Luiz from Manchester City, subject to a work permit.

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

      Hopefully they dont do a Fulham. I like the villa fans on this forum.

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

      Marvelous

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

    What if I was to tell you I've got a draft with Salah, Sterling, Kane and Son (KdB as placeholder) and it actually doesn't stink the place out like I thought it would?

    1. Greek Flair
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would get you drug tested

      Please show

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

        Okay, thank you for asking. Inevitably some template assets are missing at the back, but I think it holds together:

        Pope (4m)
        Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Coleman, Zinchenko (Holding)
        Sterling, Salah, Son [KdB], Perez, Dendoncker
        Kane (Greenwood, Nketiah)

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

          Ban for lying

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

            You wanna take that back?

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

          I don't believe that that is better than my one ... 😉

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

            Thank you kindly. You still on Gundogan?

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

              Yep. 😀

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

                Had a draft this morning with a cheeky Sterling/Gundog/Foden trio. Didn't last long.

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

                  🙂

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

          If I were to do that - probably go for something like

          4.5 (4)
          TAA - Coleman/Vert - 4.5 - 4.5 - 4
          Salah - Sterling - KDB - Perez - Donks
          Kane - 6m (4.5)

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

            That's quite interesting. Let's see if I can squeeze a sneaky TAA in.

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

            I think that's 100.5, but I've got something close. Trouble is, the bench is 100% deadwood.

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

              Yep - that's what would put me off - always like having 1 or 2 that can come in. Ove the season - it's more valuable than the .5 saved I find.

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

            That’s nice

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

          No Liverpool defence is the worst idea in the world

          1. The Wise Owl
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Conceded in pre-season, it's not mad.

        5. Greek Flair
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          . I was expecting an absolute shambles. Bravo Andy that not bad. Im just missing Liverpool defence

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

      I’d say you’re lying

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

      Might be time to go inside have a little rest from the sun.

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

      Hmmm

      No Liverpool defence, either double man Utd defence or single man Utd single Leicester defence + dendonkmonster starting every week...

      I think it would take more than Son to save that team unfortunately 🙁

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

        Tweaked. Well 5 premium assets and 6 so-so's is not too bad. Main issue is the bench. Anyway,

        Pope (Button)
        TAA, Maguire, Wan-Bissaka [other 5.5s are available] Holding [or other nailed 4.5], Lundstram [or 4.0 de jour]
        Salah, Sterling, Son [KdB], Perez, Dendoncker
        Kane (Greenwood, Nketiah)

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

          I think if you're going down the top heavy route of Salah, Sterling, Kane, Vardy (or KDB/Son etc) it's possibly better to just bite the bullet and get 5x 4.5 defenders and try to rotate them as best possible

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

            True that. I could activate Nketiah by turning him into Jota if the 5.5s become 4.5s. Then I could keep TAA.

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

              How about this:

              Pope (Button)
              VVD, Taylor, Targett, Bednarek, Holding [basically 4 playing 4.5s]
              Salah, Sterling, Son, Perez, Donkers
              Kane, Jota, Greenwood.

              Can play the fixtures with the minions, there.

  12. Link
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Mini conundrum.

    4-4-2 with Vertongen + Fraser
    vs
    3-4-3 with Wilson + Pereyra (or other 6m)

    1. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      352

  13. Seamus Goalman
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Haller's xG+xA per 90 of 0.83 last season in the bundesliga was only been bettered by Salah, Sterling and Aguero in the prem, facilitated Jovic well too; anyone else keen to see what he could do with such creativity behind him?

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      that's why he's on my watchlist yes

    2. Seamus Goalman
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Would have*

    3. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm doing Wilson > Haller gw3

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

        So am I, and King to Ings if I manage to save my week 1 transfer.
        Good planning

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

      i currently have him Jimmy and Auba as my front 3, Haller's fixtures are great after the City game so i'm prepared to take a punt 🙂

      1. Seamus Goalman
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That could be seriously rewarding

  14. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    1. Digne, VVD, Fraser +0.5mil
    2. Coleman, AWB, KDB

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

      According to your nickname, guess you own Kane and no Sterling.

      So option B) imho.

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

    Ederson
    Robbo,VVD,Laporte,Coleman
    Salah(c),Fraser,Sterling,Perez
    Jota,Deu

    Hope for the best any comment would be appreciate?

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

      Your midfield line + forwards look like this:

      Salah Sterling 7.5 6.5
      6.5 6.5

      Is it flexible?

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

        I need to balance mate,thats the reason.

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

          Ederson > 4.5 & Laporte > Zinchenko would give you some cash to spend upfront.

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

            Zinc i not trust will start, Laporte is the only defender that confirm starter.

      2. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        How you doing Arndff?

        How’s your team coming along ?

        16 days to go ....

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

    On TalkSport's drive yesterday Villq fans were convinced that McGinn will set Premier League aside

    Anyone here seen him play ?
    Worth taking a punt ?

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

      Villa. alight.

      Fecking foraigners cant spell and still taking our jobs....

    2. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He's a really good box to box player, great engine. At 5.5 he could offer value, but I'd try and find 0.5 from somewhere and get Grealish.

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

        Thanks.

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

          Mcginn is currently in my 15 and rotates well with Taylor at Burnley. Does he take set pieces at all?

          1. avfc82
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • Has Moderation Rights
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Sorry just seen this, not really, Hourihane if he’s on the pitch or Grealish will take most of them.

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

        Beauty.

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

    BREAKING NEWS

    Arsenal have announced the signing of midfielder Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid

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

      Are you working for SkySports? 😛

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

      Nice. That’s Xhaka’s CDM partner sorted

      1. The 5% Team
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        no Torreira?

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

        Is he playing in CDM position?? I really dont see spanish league. Would you say it will increase Arsenal CS?

    3. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm really behind this signing, can't wait to see him.

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

      Torreira, Guendozi, Xhaka, Elneny... Did they need another body there?

      Or are there outgoings expected

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

        Ceballos can easily play as a #10. For example at the recent euro U21 he played only there.

        1. avfc82
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah for sure, very versatile.

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

          Played very well worth adding, one of the stars of tournament.

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

            even Bielik had problems marking him 😉

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

              Cant deny we have been destroyed by Spaniards.
              Our players (inc. Bielik) were on their last legs - price we payed for beating Belgium & Italy.

              Wonder if Bielik will get a chance in Arsenal this season - he looked really good in Italy.

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        They're well stocked for deep midfielders, but since Ramsey's departure are missing a link player, someone who can connect them to their attack. I see him as a Santi Cazorla type.

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

          Cool he could be one to watch then

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

    Gonna give this another go this year.

  19. socho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Holebas anyone?

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

      If there is a guarantee he starts

  20. Coys96
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which team please and why? 🙂

    Team A: £0.0M ITB

    Gunn - Button
    TAA - COLEMAN - GOMEZ - Zinchenko - Taylor
    DE BRUYNE - Salah - Sterling - Tielemans - Dendoncker
    Wilson - Greenwood - Wesley

    Team B: £0.5M ITB

    Gunn - Button
    TAA - DIGNE - VAN-DIJK - Zinchenko - Taylor
    FRASER - Salah - Sterling - Tielemans - Dendoncker
    Wilson - Greenwood - Wesley

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

      B because it looks more balanced.

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

      kane-less

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

      B because I don't think Gomez will play with regularity.

    4. Coys96
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Thanks 🙂

  21. Srv210
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So arsenal have their first signing in Dani Ceballos on loan from Madrid for the season.

    1. Srv210
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry forgot martinelli

  22. Jebiga
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Chambers an option for 4.5 ?

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

      No

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

      Only AMN for few GWs

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

      No but Holding could be.

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

    Better 11th/12th player pairing?

    A) Maddison/Pukki

    OR

    B) Grealish/Jimenez

    1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If I had to pick one... I'd beat on Pukki over Grealish so A

  24. vmang
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ryan - Alisson
    Robertson - Walker - Ake - Kelly - Dunk
    Salah - Bsilva - Lucas - Tielemans - Dendoncker
    Auba - Jota - King

    Thinking of Fraser > Lucas but not keen on double-up Bournemouth...

  25. Godfrey
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    DCL will be moved if Everton signs a striker this week.

    Pope | Button
    Robertson | TAA | Zinchenko | Cathcart | Dunk
    Salah | Sterling | Bernardo Silva | Maddison | Dendoncker
    Wilson | DCL | Greenwood

  26. St. Joseph
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Seriously guys Pope or Heaton

    1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Hart

      1. The Wise Owl
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I don't think his is in it anymore.

        1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          😉

    2. The Wise Owl
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Seriously, Pope, but if Heaton doesn't leave, then Pope.

  27. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Delph likely to play with Gueye pretty much gone?

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

      If they don't sign anyone else then yes

  28. THFC4LIFE
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How does this lot look lads?

    Pope
    TAA VVD Zinchenko Digne
    Salah Sterling Moura
    Wilson Jota Deulofeu

    Button Jorginho Dendoncker Kelly

  29. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Afternoon gentleman!!! Anyone care to have a luck at this bunch and tell me what ya think???
    Lacazette and Fraser can become Son and someone in gameweek and Ward and Dunk rotates nicely to give a long run of home fixtures!!Cheers fellas!!
    Ryan
    TAA Van Dijk Zinchenko Ward
    Salah Sterling Fraser Tielemans
    Lacazette King
    Subs- Button Dendonker Dunk Greenwood

    1. The 5% Team
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      not bad. The Palace/Brighton rotation is a very nice one schedule-wise...I don't have much faith in both their defenses this season though

      Maybe replace Ryan with different 4.5 keeper, to avoid the weeks where you have the double Brighton defense

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

        Haha no neither do I mate if I’m honest!!! Just having a home defender every week is the appeal falsie hope maybe,yeah I am keeping an eye on the Burnley goalkeeper situation as well which would be much better!! Thanks for your input mate!!

    2. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      *meant to say Lacazette and Fraser can become Son and someone in gameweek 3!!

  30. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Appreciate it most certainly will not be the norm on here, but has anyone considered a 3-5-2 or similar formation with greenwood as a starting 2nd striker?

    Would free up some considerable funds, for example i could afford the below team:

    ryan
    robbo - TAA - taylor
    salah(c) - sterling - sane - moura - fraser
    king - greenwood

    button - dunk - nketiah - kelly

    1. Pumpkinhead *non-expert*
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nah - You'll be playing a 4-5-1 most weeks

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

      Ni I've done 3-5-2 but with 2 up top

      Ryan
      TAA Robbo Zinchenko
      Salah Sterling Siggy Perez Moura
      King Jota