Scout Notes

Rodgers provides clue to Leicester line-up in latest friendlies

There were two Leicester City friendlies contested simultaneously on Saturday, with a Brendan Rodgers-led Foxes team defeating Stoke City 2-1 and another City side drawing 2-2 at Rotherham United.

There was plenty to discuss from a Fantasy perspective and our Scout Notes article below rounds up the main talking points, as well as detailing the goalscorers, the assist-makers and the minutes played by each player.

Stoke City 1-2 Leicester City

  • Goals: Marc Albrighton (£5.5m), Youri Tielemans (£6.5m)
  • Assists: Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m), Ben Chilwell (£5.5m)

Rotherham United 2-2 Leicester City

  • Goals: Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m) x2
  • Assists: Harvey Barnes (£6.0m)

Brendan Rodgers provided Fantasy managers with a big clue as to his favoured starting XI as Leicester split their squad in two for a double-header against Stoke and Rotherham on Saturday.

The unquestionably stronger-looking side headed to the Potteries, with Rodgers overseeing a 2-1 win over Stoke.

Most of the names on the teamsheet at the Brittania Stadium were predictable but the inclusion of Marc Albrighton (£5.5m) over the likes of Harvey Barnes (£6.0m) and Demarai Gray (£5.5m) was perhaps telling.

Albrighton was the favoured option in the last four Gameweeks of 2018/19, starting all of Leicester’s matches in Gameweeks 35 to 38 after making his return from a hamstring injury as a substitute against Newcastle in Gameweek 34.

Gray and Barnes, by contrast, were both substitutes in Leicester’s last three fixtures of last season and it may well be that they again begin 2019/20 on the bench – barring any further injuries in the Foxes’ remaining pre-season fixture, of course.

Hamza Choudhury (£4.5m) started at the base of the Leicester midfield but it may be that he is merely a placeholder for Wilfred Ndidi (£5.0m), who has yet to feature for his side after his involvement with Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations this summer.

Ndidi has started all ten league matches under Rodgers’ stewardship so far, with Choudhury brought in alongside the Nigeria international when the Leicester boss opted for two defensive midfielders in matches against the ‘big six’.

Formation Experiment

While the personnel were fairly predictable at Stoke, the formation wasn’t.

Rodgers has largely favoured a 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3 in his time in charge so far but chose Saturday’s match to experiment with a 4-4-2 diamond.

The final pre-season game against Atalanta on Friday may provide the ultimate signpost as to what system Rodgers opts for in Gameweek 1 but the Foxes’ head coach was content with the results of the weekend’s formation trial.

Rodgers said:

From a tactical perspective, we played with a different system. I was very pleased with how we functioned within that.

Stoke play with a diamond and their structure is very good. Nathan [Jones] is an excellent coach who has developed that system since he’s come in and they’ve played it a lot over the course of pre-season.

We played a system for the first game I was in (a 3-4-3 in the defeat to Watford) but I quickly recognised that I needed to simplify it, so we play 4-3-3 through to the end of the season, knowing that in pre-season I would get the opportunity to experiment both in training and in games.

I was so pleased, especially the second half when our passing was quicker. It’s not easy. You’ve got a stadium that’s a quarter full and it’s teeming down with rain but I thought the concentration was very good and we were able to find the spare man in the middle of the field. We worked on some movement patterns in order to do that.

So I think the players enjoyed it. It showed their adaptability because we want to have different ways that can surprise teams and it was a really good exercise for that.

Leicester’s back four was much the same as it was towards the back-end of last season but the positions of the players in front of them was worth noting.

Choudhury was stationed at the base of the midfield, with Albrighton to the left of him and the classy Youri Tielemans (£6.5m) to the right.

James Maddison (£7.0m) was deployed in ‘the hole’, meanwhile, with Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) joined up front by the fit-again Ayoze Perez (£6.5m).

Perez ‘out of position’

Having played and scored as an inverted winger/inside forward in the win over Scunthorpe earlier this month, Perez marked his return from injury at Stoke with a 90-minute run-out alongside Vardy in attack.

Reclassified as a Fantasy Premier League midfielder upon the game’s relaunch in June, Perez was always a candidate for an ‘out of position’ tag after making his £30m move from Newcastle United and so it came to pass in Staffordshire on Saturday.

The Spaniard arguably produced the most eye-catching display of the two Leicester strikers, although did drop deep on occasion to link up with the visitors’ midfield.

Both Perez and Vardy wasted decent openings in the first half, producing tame efforts when well-positioned in the centre of the Stoke box.

The fact that the Foxes’ strike pair were both involved in each other’s chance perhaps bodes well, however, with Perez teeing up Vardy for the former England international’s opportunity having earlier forced Jack Butland into a comfortable save when following up Vardy’s blocked shot.

Vardy perhaps hasn’t quite clicked into gear yet in pre-season, with one goal in four appearances thus far.

The premium FPL forward was still lively enough, though, and almost got on the scoresheet after the interval when rounding Butland and firing into the side-netting.

Maddison Alright

Having had his pre-season disrupted by his participation in the European Under-21 Championship, Maddison is now firmly back involved with the Leicester set-up and made his first start of the summer at the Brittania.

The mid-price FPL midfielder lasted the full 90 minutes and was one of the game’s stand-out players, testing Butland with a low strike in the first half and a direct free-kick after the break.

A role in ‘the hole’ is arguably Maddison at his best and there was further evidence of this in the Potteries, with the England international dictating play from a central position and again showing signs of a telepathic understanding with Vardy.

Forward-thinking full-backs

The narrow nature of City’s midfield in the 4-4-2 diamond (and, indeed, when Rodgers has played a 4-3-3/4-1-4-1 with inverted wingers) means there is plenty of room for Leicester’s two full-backs to exploit in attack.

Ben Chilwell (£5.5m) and Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m) were again given license to get forward and it was no surprise that both players banked assists on Saturday.

Albrighton opened the scoring with a brilliantly taken goal from a Pereira cross and, after Nick Powell had drawn Stoke level, Tielemans – with his first goal of pre-season – restored the visitors’ advantage when turning in Chilwell’s low ball.

Pereira said after the game:

Yes, I think the system is good for me because the way we play, the full-backs have the freedom to [go forward] and have the chance to help. I feel good and I’m always ready to help the team.

Former Leicester defender Matt Elliott, summarising the game, said of the Portuguese full-back:

He was the main outlet in the first half for sure and it was a bit of a mismatch on that far side of the pitch.

Pereira was having an absolute field day with no end results. He was hitting crosses in the box, but nothing was happening as a consequence.

In the second half, that proved to be different. He was there for Albrighton’s goal, he assisted in that. He was getting forward more and more regularly. He’s got such a good engine.

Not-so-great Dane

It was a mixed bag from Kasper Schmeichel (£5.0m) on Saturday, with the Leicester goalkeeper unable to register a second consecutive clean sheet after returning from his extended summer break.

The Denmark international saved a first-half penalty from Sam Vokes but was beaten by an overhit cross from Powell and twice passed straight to Stoke players when attempting to play the ball out from the back.

While his distribution may in itself be a worry on the clean sheet front, Schmeichel looked to exploit the opposition high press on one occasion when punting a long ball to Vardy – as he did with success in the win over Arsenal in Gameweek 36.

Mendy Injury

Leicester’s second string drew 2-2 with Rotherham in Saturday’s other game, with Kelechi Iheanacho (£6.0m) scoring twice.

Barnes and Gray flanked the Nigerian in attack, with the former providing the assist for Iheanacho’s first goal.

Nampalys Mendy (£4.5m) limped off early in the second half, with assistant manager Chris Davies saying:

I don’t know, it’s very difficult to tell at this stage. It will have to get assessed in the next couple of days and see where he is at.

He has had a great pre-season, he has done very well, Papy. It’s a shame he’s got that knock and has had to come off, but that’s football.

Leicester City XI v Stoke City (4-4-2 diamond): Schmeichel, Ricardo, Maguire, Evans, Chilwell, Choudhury, Perez, Tielemans, Maddison, Albrighton (Leshabela 76′), Vardy.

Leicester City XI v Rotherham United (4-1-4-1): Ward, Justin, Soyuncu, Morgan, Fuchs, Mendy (Amartey 48′), Gray, King, Silva (Ghezzal 55′), Barnes (Muskwe 84′), Iheanacho.

1,418 Comments Post a Comment
  1. sentz05
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How should I change this?

    Fabianski
    Trent - Robbo - Digne - Laporte
    Salah - Sterling - Fraser - Perez
    King - Jota

    Subs: Button - Lundstrum - Greenwood - Dendonker

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

      seems good to go imo 🙂

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

      Is Fab worth the money in goal over a 4.5? I don't fancy that B'mouth double up in attack either so would switch one of them out. Maybe downgrade fab then Fraser > Siggy/Rich which keeps it pretty template (a good thing not a negative btw) . Bench is toilet so I assume you'll be in for a early WC?

      Absolutely zero punts on potential differentials.

      Overall 7.5/10 🙂

      1. sentz05
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you, do you think Rich will be back for first game?

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

          I'm gonna have Siggy myself for exactly that reason.

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

      Personally I'd go Laporte to VVD, and one of TAA/Robbo to a 5.5, then King to Wilson or Perez to Siggy

  2. The Yorkshire Pirlo
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best midfield combo for 13.5m?

    Could downgrade Laporte/Digne for extra funds.

    4.5
    TAA - Robbo - Laporte - Digne
    Salah - Sterling - X - X
    Wilson - Adams

    1. bitm2007
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Perez and Frasar and downgrade Digne to Coleman

      1. Karan14
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This.

        But I would downgrade Laporte to Walker/Zinchenko

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

          Thanks both.

          Robbo + Coleman over VVD + Digne?

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

    Which us better option?

    A. Sterling, Firmino, Digne
    B. Aguero, B Silva, Robertson/ TAA

    Have Mane in both options.

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

    57th draft is currently 3-5-2, but I have some doubts:

    Ryan
    TAA / Robbo / Digne
    Salah / Sterling / Fraser / Perez / Jorginho
    Wilson / Wesley

    Pope or Henderson / Lund / 4.5 / Greenwood

    1) Is Jorginho worth it as a 5th mid? Better to downgrade to Donk and invest elsewhere?
    2) Is TAA and Robbo overkill?
    3) Should I be moving funds to upgrade Fraser to a 9.5 MID in preparation for Son coming back?

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      wesley from the start?!

      Maybe wait a game or 2 on him and go for a striker who might score from the first game.

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

        Yeh it's a risk. Looking at other options like DCL. Got 0.5 ITB so might consider Deu.

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

        nah...strikers always have a chance to score, no need to use a valuable FT to get him in after 1 GW
        I feel, if you're set on having him in your team then just get him in from the start

        difficult fixtures are mainly for defenders imo

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

      1) Not sure I’d fancy starting Jorginho in a 3-5-2
      2) TAA and Robbo struggling in preseason by all accounts and two LFC defenders seems one too many on current form.
      3) Maybe

    3. In and Out
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Jorginho is a good shout on pens with Kante likely to be deeper this yr

  5. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this?

    Hendo
    AWB Robo Walker
    Bilva Sterl Robinson Salah
    Vardy King Jota

    Button Dendonk Diop Lundstram

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

      I’ve gone with the same Blades so this gets the green light from me!

    2. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd downgrade diop and improve walker to laporte. Laporte is solid and will turn over points.

  6. No Kane No Gain
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Bottomed...

    Hey guys, please go medieval on my team if you have too

    1. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ryan

      Digne TAA Cathcart Adam smith

      Salah Sterling Lucas Perez

      Auba King

      Button Dendonker Greenwood Aarons.

      Genuine Auba fan here so its hard for me to remove him. Are there any better options at 4.5 than adam smith?!?

      Any other thoughts?!

      Cheers.

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Looks really good tbh. Nice how Aubam can easy become a 6.5 etc to upgrade a mid. Bench not ideal but isn't the worst... Thoughts on mine above?

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

        Moura is good for GW1, but then City away and Son is back after that. You planning on keeping him or getting rid in GW2?

        1. No Kane No Gain
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          probably get rid. I usually wildcard after the first few weeks anyway.

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

    So, I came to conclusion that definetely want Leicester mid in my team, but absolutely impossible to understand who is better option from Maddison/Tielemans/Perez. Your thoughts and reasoning?

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Im going with Perez cheaper than Maddison and plays further forward than both.

    2. ShaunGoater123
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Perez for me. Possible that he plays up front, but even if doesn't he scores a fair few goals which should only increase in this leicester team.

      Not much to pick between them all but my order of preference would be Perez , Maddison, Tielemans

    3. No Kane No Gain
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      perez. I think he plays the okazaki old role of just behind Vardy.

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

      Maddison is the best but he costs more.
      Perez plays as a second striker.
      Tielemansis quality and will get plenty of assists.
      They're all good and no probs having 2 if you don't also own Vardy.
      But if you want only one, Perez tips it for me.

    5. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      All offer great value. I’m going for Perez, cos I like the idea of him being OOP, but I wouldn’t argue against any of them...

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

      personally I've my eye on the final friendly to see if Bodgers continues with the diamond. Albrighton definitely i the mix for me then.

    7. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Is anyone else really not convinced on Leicester until GW9? 5 of their first 7 fixtures are horrible..

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        5 of 8 sorry

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

          There you go making assumptions about Man U and Chelsea 😉

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

        FFS Ticker: LEI has the worst 6 attack fixtures in the entire EPL.

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

          Tickerschmicker. Look at the defences - holes all over the shops.

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

        Just look at first 4 gameweeks - 3 decent fixtures. You will have enough transfers to drop some of Leicester players before 5 or even wildcard.

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          3? I see 1 decent fixture, 2 tricky and one hard. Sheffield had best defence in the championship and will be strong at home. Wolves and Chelsea speak for themselves..

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

            Championship number of conceded goals have almost nothing similar with EPL for promoted teams, Wolves concede 3 from Leicester last time when Leicester don`t have such strong squad (no Tielemans, no Perez). We speak about attacking side of their fixtures and only Chelsea away looks really hard for goals, in all other cases Leicester can score minimum 2 goals per game.

      4. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Honestly thinking this but feel Vardy is fixture proof and Perez is the standout 6.5 mid imo. So if I don't have Vardy then Perez is almost certain I guess

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

      Perez - simply because I’d have had him at 6.5 if both he and Rafa were at Newcastle.

    9. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Great question! 🙂

    10. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Perez, 6.5 and likely to play more offensive than the other Leicester Mids.

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

      If the Perez deal had went through before the price release I suspect he'd be either a 7.0 striker or a 7.5 midfielder

    12. Ajax Hamsterdam
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I have maddison right now. Looks like he's been the standout man for Leicester this pre season.

  8. DA Minnion (Former great)
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Players are seen too expensive this season. Can't get the team I want . Should make things more interesting.

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

      At least Liv defenders are still cheap 🙂

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

      That's how it should be. The harder the better.

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

      Ederson/Pope

      TAA, Robbo, Laporte, Luiz, Digne
      Salah, Sterling, KdB, Son, Dendonks
      Auba, Kane, Kun

      I cannot get either this team, probably only 4-5 of them 🙁

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

      I still can't believe they let me afford my ideal pre-price release team with a full 6.0 left over for my 11th player - I was hoing to have 5.0-ish left over, if that even

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

        Post your team...

  9. ElliotJHP
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who's the player(s) that you have had in various drafts but haven't made the cut atm? Therefore guaranteed to make you kick yourself in GW1.

    Going without Kane & Vardy feels like it is going to hurt

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Kane, Trent possibly and Delu

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Maddy Vardy Fraser Perez Wilson Tiel
      I need two only, it's tough.

    3. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Without doubt it’s Sterling for me. I just hope KDB can at least provide some sort of contribution to make up for it...

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

      Sterling for me is being edged out by KDB

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

      About 50% of the players available. I beat myself up GW1 every year.

    6. The Ejiptian King
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Whichever I don't go for out of Vardy and Wilson.

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

      Was switching between KDB & Kane vs Sterling and Wilson for a while, but settled on the latter.

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

    Can someone lend me 0.5 ?

    I'll return 1M at the end of the season

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

      look below, i got 2m spare

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

    Is it mad to start the season with 2.0 in the bank?? My plan is Fraser -> Son in gwk3 with it.

    Fabianski (4.0)
    Robertson TAA Laporte Coleman (kelly)
    Sterling KDB Fraser Perez (Dedonker)
    Wilson Jota (greenwood)

    Anywhere youd spend the 2.0? Or better just waiting for gwk3

    1. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Ludicrous. Spend the 100mil, save a transfer in GW2 and make a double change in GW3

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

        I guess i could start with Siggy or Rich ahead of Perez for first 2 gwks, think thats wise ?

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

          Imo Perez better than siggy/rich

    2. All For One
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would spend the 2 mil itb and just use the transfers when you want Son in

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

      Looks nice.

      And yes send me .5 million for the time being

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

      I'll bet you overthinker's half million you don't have that 2m itb by deadline!

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

      who will be your captain in GW2?

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

        Sterling.

        City are fixture proof, especially at home

    6. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No, not if you don't need it. A more expensive team isn't necessarily better.

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

      That’s a very nice looking team imo.

      Bit sceptical of Son until he starts blowing hot. He was a terrible hold by most people at the end of last season - Pogba form really.

      I’d get a playing bench somewhere for 0.5 anyway. Spurs can be found from KdB Wilson if it looks good in 3.

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

      You're missing Salah.

  12. All For One
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A)

    Ryan
    Taa, Vvd, Coleman, Zinchenko
    Sterling, Fraser, Salah, Siggy, Perez
    King

    Bench: Button, Rico, Nketiah, Greenwood

    B)

    Ryan
    Taa, Vvd, Digne
    Fraser, Salah, Siggy, Perez,
    Deulo, Aguero, King

    Bench: Button, Rico, Dendoncker, Kelly

    A or B guys?

    With A I can downgrade: Fraser> Felipe Anderson
    Siggy>Son

    B a 4.5 player would have to start

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

    Ederson-4.0

    TAA-VVD-Walker-Taylor/Guilbert

    Salah-sterling-Fraser-Perez-4.5

    Or the all out team...

    Ryan-Button

    VVD-Zinchenko-Taylor/Guilbert

    Salah-KDB-Jorginho-Perez

    Aubameyang-Kane-King

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

      Very interested to hear feedback on the all out team

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

      the first team doesnt have attackers, but i still prefer it

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

        Haha meant to have Wilson-Wesley

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

    Pope
    TAA, VVD, Digne, Zinchenko
    Salah, Fraser, Sterling, Zaha
    Wilson, Jota

    Button, Dendoncker, Kelly, Wickham

    Any thoughts?

  15. Wılly
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    TAA Robertson Digne Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling KDB Perez
    King Wesley

    Button Greenwood Dendoncker Lundstram

    Happy with this, unsure about Wesley but I think he could do well. Just not sure whether I should stick to the punt or find 0.5m from somewhere to upgrade?

  16. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Quick question... All people going double on Bourne or Leicester because of the 'easy' Sheff U fixture. Do you think they'll piss on us and get 3 or 4? Wouldn't surprise me if there was only a goal in it either way. Love how we're already written off

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

      Have only 1 Bournemouth

    2. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nah! I'm a believer in your defense, hence I'm only getting one.

      1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        In fact, maybe I should feck the Cherries off altogether and double the Fox attack with Vardy / Perz.

        Hey! That's it__Yes!! 🙂

        Which Blades defender is best?

        1. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'm avoiding Bourne I think. Not had the best preseason and always seems to be quite spread so finding the one is hard espeicaly with Solanke now involved. I'm going Lundstram for bench fodder and then Hendo in goal for save points also. JOC at 4.5m is probs best starting option. Feel like there's a lot of sarcasm here though haha

          1. THE SHEEP HUNTERS
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            😆 Seriously, this would solve all my headaches.

            I just bloody might! tx

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

      I wouldn’t get too wound up by the views of a few people who probably haven’t seen much Championship football.

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not wound up, just find it interesting. I like it tbh, reckon we'll surprise many, certainly that nob on talk sport

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

          As a QPR fan I can tell you that opening day of the Premier League can be a real eye opener for newly promoted clubs.

          Whatever you think, the Championship is honestly nowhere near this level.

          Defensive lapses that you get away with in the Championship get punished with the greatest severity at this level.

          It usually takes a couple of months to really get to speed with it.

          You will pick up results along the way but don't be surprised if Bournemouth and Leicester teach you very painful early lessons. The key is learning fast and adapting as quickly as possible.

          Don't be fooled into thinking that your Championship performances will automatically translate to this division.

          They won't.

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

      I have Leicester attackers. I think they're capable of doing just as much damage against Chelsea, United and Spurs defences. It's not about Blades.

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

      This surprises me too. Many choose to target the newly promoted clubs early season without too much knowledge of how they play.

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

      How good are sheff Utd defensively?

      I'm looking at their goals conceded and it's impressive

      Are they are defensively minded team with a defensively minded coach etc?

      Henderson really interests me, but I'm trying to figure out if he is an Etheridge or a Patricio

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

        We'll organized.

        But, and I keep stressing this, it's the Championship.

        Night and day between that League and the Prem.

        It's like being a teenager and beating a load of kids and then thinking you can play with the adults now.

        It takes time to adjust to this level. Only exceptional Championship teams like Wolves and Newcastle can make that step up look seamless.

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

          Wolves conceded 39 goals their promotion season & Patricio was a disaster

          Cardiff conceded 39 goals that season also, yet Etheridge was one of the best GK's in history in value (pen saves helped obvs)

          SU conceded 41 goals so hence my quandary - my gut tells me Henderson will be very good value as they'll have zero pressure on them, will be written off going into every game and can therefore play as defensively as their hearts desire without fear of reproach, and be can rack up save points in the hand where he doesn't CS

          1. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Yup. Hendo is for sure my GK. Good home record with occasional Cs and plenty of save points maybe even pen saves

        2. Tsparkes10
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Guess we'll see. Same was said when we went from the League one to the Championship. Obvs a difference but we adapted then so reckon we can now

      2. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Play a 3/5 at the back system. We would be like city at home last season in a sense... Teams would park the bus and we'd have all but 1 player in their half trying to find the gap in. Our cbs overlapped bit it will be very different this season. Still have 5 at the back but will probably be the ones sat back so going to be interesting. Great GK and centre half's though with a cm who sits. Honestly think we'll manage pretty well against teams outside top 6 especially at home.

    7. FPL Elephant
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What is your opinion on Callum Robinson? Sharp still on penalties?

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Robinson is in my team 🙂 been great in preseason and OOP. Sharp won't get loads of game time imo and Norwood been on pens in preseason so could quite easily not be. He'll take some but wouldn't bet on it

        1. IRBOX ⚽
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Fixtures are awful though

          1. Tsparkes10
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Palace, leicester and Bourne are far from awful

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

              Yes, obviously at least 7 points there for you.

  17. ChickenTikkaMoSalah
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT out of 10:
    Pope
    Zinchenko,TAA,VVD,Coleman
    Sterling,Salah,KDB,Perez,Robinson
    Wilson
    Fodder bench.

    Cheers

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm not sure on the 4-5-1, I was tempted but any issues with Wilson after deadline and you're potentially fielding 10 players. Not sure on Robinson, rest is solid. 7/10.

      1. Tsparkes10
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I'd downgrade Zinchenko to a 4.5 and upgrade a midfielder or attacker personally

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

          yeah would agree with this

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

      7

  18. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Gunn
    TAA / Robbo / Digne / Zinchenko
    Salah / Sterling / KDB / Mount
    Jota / King

    Greenwood / Dendoncker / Gibson

    Mount too risky at this stage? Could Do Robbo > VVD and Mount to Perez

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

      If you do that transfer then it’s a nice team

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

      Wait and see on Chelsea

      Decent move

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

    Simple question :-

    Premium Striker or 2 Premium Midfielders?

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

      Premium striker are premium for a reason

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

      The latter for sure.

    3. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      2 Premium Mids for me. Sterling could even start some games up top for City going by pre-season

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

      Premium Striker and Premium Midfielder I’d say

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

      You can have all three if you choose to, but if its a choice - two premium midfielders.

    6. Concrete
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I look at it as being able to jump on players if they start funding form

      Not having a premium forward COULD hamper this as you’ll be trying to find money

      1. IRBOX ⚽
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        This. Imagine if Auba/Kane start the season on fire - 90% on here would have to rip up their teams or WC to get them. Hate the inflexibility of two 6.5’s and a 4.5 up top

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

          Yes...and if Kane blanks and looks to be off the pace it’s an easy downgrade and then a nice sum ITB to adapt if defences are tearing it up or mid to higher priced mids emerge

    7. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      So 2 against 1? I guess I'll take 2.

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

    Any updates on the Lacazette? I was set to have him in my team but Im not going to have anyone who is the slightest injury doubt in my GW1 team so looks like he has to be dropped...

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

      His being hooked after 10 minutes looked just precautionary, he was limping a bit. I would be surprised if it was more serious.

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

        Yea thanks, hope he plays in the last friendly to alleviate any concern

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

    Best 5.5 def?
    A) Lindelof
    B) awb
    C) stones

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

      Stones for the start

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Of those B. Coleman / Zinchenko have to be in contention though.

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

        Not keen on zinch and already have coleman.

        Thanks for the reply

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

      B for security of starts and potential bonus points

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

      Zinchenko

  22. Concrete
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pope 4.0
    TAA Zinc 4.5 4.0 4.0
    Salah Sterling Rich Perez Dend
    Kane 6.5 Locadia

    Too much imbalance?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      That defence will be rough I suspect

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

      Defence seems puny.

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

        You’re right. It’s something I always start with, two higher priced then rotate 2 or 3 of the rest

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

      why the faith in Locadia?

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

        No faith....moving money around

        Punty

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

          ah right

          bit too punty for me, would do Loc > Greenwood and upgrade defense myself

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

            Cheers, I’ll have a look at that move

  23. cescpistols111
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pretty happy with this team. Thoughts?

    Fabianski Button
    Robbo Coleman Dunk Lowton Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Perez Brooks Dendoncker
    Kane Jota Wesley

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

      Yea, for a big three!

      See mine above

      I’d go for a 4.5 keeper though

  24. In and Out
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How are Kane owners going to feel when he blanks GW1 playing City GW2?

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

      How will they feel when he bags a brace and an assist ?

    2. IRBOX ⚽
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      And on the contrary what if he scores a brace or hat-trick?

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

      I'm not one of them but I'd imagine they'll look forward to him combining with Son from GW3 onwards.

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

      Pretty happy.

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

      They will feel the same as Sterling owners when he gets benched in GW3

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

      Pretty good, cause he has newcastle gw 3

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

      Oh lawd he playin DM again

  25. Tomerick
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which is he best long term option?

    A) Siggy and 6m striker

    B) Perez and Haller

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

      b

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

      It’s a wait-and-see on Haller for me personally.

  26. FredrikH
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Siggy Ryan or Perez Ederson. Must be the latter right.

    1. Tsparkes10
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yup

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

      No brainer

  27. KingOllie
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Do you prefer:

    A) Pogba
    B) Siggy
    C) Richarlison
    D) Fraser

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

      B

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

      C

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

      Depends on your approach. I've gone D based on combination of ppm from last season, early fixtures and pre-season form. Rich not back yet and Siggy no form to speak of currently, but may well factor in later.

  28. @FPL_Chess
      4 years, 8 months ago

      What price do we think Nicolas Pépé is going to be? I'm assuming he'll be a midfielder.

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

        i hope hes 8 or 8.5m and hes in my team

        1. @FPL_Chess
            4 years, 8 months ago

            That would be nice.

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

        (A) Sterling and McGinn (or other 5.5)

        (B) De Bruyne and Siggy

        ?

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

          B

      3. HAMMERTIME107
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        How's this slightly differential?

        Fabianski
        Alexander-Arnold | Diop | Zinchenko
        Salah | Barkley | Sterling | Perez
        Wilson | Lacazette | Jota

        £4.0 | Dendoncker | Holding | Simpson

        1. G-Whizz
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Lacazette is injured...