Scout Notes

What are Lundstram’s chances of starting for Sheffield United?

Fantasy Premier League managers learned more about some interesting £4.0m defenders in Saturday’s friendlies.

There were further starts for bargain bucket options available at Sheffield United and Norwich.

Each one deserves some scrutiny to see if they can become viable assets this season…

Meanwhile, Watford rolled out a new formation in a win at QPR.

Barnsley 1-4 Sheffield United

Sharp may be paired with Robinson up front for Sheffield United this season

Goals: Ben Osborn (£5.0m), Callum Robinson x2 (£5.5m), Luke Freeman (£5.5m)

Assists: John Lundstram x2 (£4.0m), L Freeman, George Baldock (£4.5m)

Interest in Sheffield United’s John Lundstram (£4.0m) continues to rise after another impressive performance on Saturday.

The central midfielder, classified as a defender on FPL, has been involved in every single one of the Blades’ pre-season friendlies so far this summer and his total of 334 minutes is the second-highest at the club.

Crucially, defensive midfielder Lundstram has also been contributing to the attacking phase of the game this summer, increasing the excitement around him as an FPL asset.

Against Barnsley he came away with two assists, bringing his pre-season tally to three, also impressing with his ability to win the ball back in midfield.

Sheffield United have just one friendly left before Gameweek 1 as they travel to face Stade de Reims and Fantasy managers will be hoping to see Lundstram involved again.

However, we must still assess his competition for a place in the Blades’ midfield before the start of the campaign.

Chris Wilder currently has five options to choose from for Sheffield United’s three central midfield slots including Lundstram, Oliver Norwood (£5.0m), John Fleck (£5.0m), Luke Freeman (£5.5m) and Ben Osborn (£5.0m).

As things stand, Norwood and Fleck have played the most minutes behind Lundstram, 310 and 297 respectively, while Freeman and Osborn are behind on 268 and 90.

However, applying some context to the pre-season game-time for all five midfielders does attach some remaining risk to Lundstram starting in Gameweek 1.

Freeman and Osborn both arrived at the club over the summer which, certainly in the case of the latter, could explain why they have not been as heavily involved in pre-season preparations as the three who were on the books at Bramall Lane last year.

All five central midfielders can offer reasons why they could start against Bournemouth on Saturday August 10 too.

With Lundstram, his extensive use in pre-season, plus Wilder’s recent comments on his usefulness, indicate he is in the frame.

With Norwood, he is the creative heart of Sheffield United’s midfield, registered 43 starts last season, and may even have claimed the penalty-taking duties.

Fleck started all but one of the Blades’ league fixtures in 2018/19 and also came away with two goals and 10 assists.

Recent addition Osborn earned plenty of credit at Nottingham Forest and quotes from Wilder upon his arrival should keep Sheffield United’s central midfielders on their toes.

“He will want to play, as all of them will, that’s the attitude we want from everyone. He’s not just come here to make the numbers up. He’s an intelligent footballer who plays in a number of position and he’ll put enormous pressure on our current players who might think they’re cemented into the team.” – Chris Wilder

Meanwhile, the case for Luke Freeman (£5.5m) to start in that central midfield trio is also strong, especially after his most recent outing.

Coming on for Lundstram in the 64th minute he added a goal and assist to his increasing total of pre-season attacking returns (two goals, three assists).

In fact, no Sheffield United player has been involved in more goals this summer than Freeman (five) and Wilder recently name-checked the player in his list of options to help his side find the back of the net in the Premier League.

“I’ve said all along we need to score goals in the Premier League. We’ve already got Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick, Callum Robinson, Luke Freeman, Ravel Morrison. We’re not coming in to sit back on our own box. We will go out to win football matches.” – Chris Wilder

Therefore, despite the encouragement of Lundstram’s displays and heavy involvement so far, we will have to wait for the final pre-season friendly and possibly any other quotes from Wilder before being able to guarantee starts for him.

Meanwhile, it appears that Mark Duffy (£5.5m) is unlikely to be in with a shot of starting, despite proving an important player last season.

Amid discussions between him and Wilder over a new contract, which the manager seems unwilling to discuss, he has not been used in any of the last three friendlies.

“He came to see me on Thursday, I think it was, and talked about a new contract. I reminded him that he signed one 18 months back and got a rise to Premier League money. Unless it’s a special case, my work has to be improving the first-team squad by bringing players in. Not looking after players already under contract. He’s had a rise. That’s a decision I will make (whether he will rejoin the main group). He clearly felt his future was elsewhere. If you ask the best manager in the business, if a player isn’t happy, well.” – Chris Wilder

Also impressing in pre-season and potentially offering value as an out-of-position asset for Fantasy managers is Callum Robinson (£5.5m).

After plenty of time on the flanks of attack at Rotherham, he was classified as a midfielder by FPL but Robinson looks set for life as an out-and-out centre-forward at Sheffield United.

After he scored twice for the Blades in their 4-1 win at Barnsley, taking his pre-season tally to three goals and one assist, Wilder explained that Robinson will be used exclusively in the middle this season, which bodes well for Fantasy managers.

“We don’t really play with wide forwards so he’s a forward. He links, he stretches and he wants to run in behind. He’s just an athletic modern-day centre-forward. Part of his game is that he can score and we need that in our game.” – Chris Wilder

In terms of whether Robinson will start games this season, his chances do look good.

Billy Sharp (£6.0m) is very nailed on in the front pair of the 3-5-2 formation, but it’s probably between Robinson and David McGoldrick (£5.5m) for that second slot.

The latter is ahead on pre-season minutes (264 to 200) but there are mitigating circumstances here. McGoldrick got 45 and 62 minutes in the first two friendlies, with Robinson getting just 15 in the second one as it was shortly after signing.

In the last three pre-season matches, Robinson has played up-front for 185 out of a possible 270 minutes while McGoldrick has been there for just 157.

Elsewhere, there was an interesting development in defence as Wilder shifted wing-back Enda Stevens (£5.0m) into the centre-back trio with Jack O’Connell (£4.5m) reportedly out with a minor ankle injury.

Finally, Dean Henderson (£4.5m) made his first appearance of pre-season at Oakwell and, given he was the first choice in 2018/19, the Manchester United man should start in goal against Bournemouth in Gameweek 1.

Sheffield United XI (3-5-2): D Henderson; Stevens, Egan, Basham; Osborn (Bryan 75′), Lundstram (L Freeman 64′), Norwood, Fleck, Baldock; McGoldrick (Sharp 70′), Robinson (Morrison 75′).

Luton Town 1-5 Norwich City

Pukki is currently missing with a toe injury

Goals: Marco Stiepermann (£5.5m), Josip Drmic x3 (£5.5m), Patrick Roberts (£5.5m)

Assists: Kenny McLean (£5.0m), Max Aarons (£4.5m), Todd Cantwell (£4.5m), Roberts

Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) missed a second pre-season match in a row with a slight toe problem as Norwich beat Norwich on Saturday.

“We didn’t want to take any risks with Teemu’s toe and get another hit. I am pretty sure he will be available for these last two tests.” – Daniel Farke

In his absence, Josip Drmic (£5.5m) has started both matches, not offering a great deal against Brentford but netting a hat-trick at Kenilworth Road.

His first two were intelligent poacher’s finishes, while the third was a towering header from a corner.

As we discussed in our recent Scout Report, Drmic has a long way to go to prove whether he can offer the same level of reliable goal-scoring as the injured Pukki, but this performance will have no doubt helped his confidence.

Those concerned about Liverpool’s defensive potential after a 3-0 defeat to Napoli can take some encouragement about Gameweek 1 from further fitness issues in Norwich’s attack.

Not only is Pukki currently out, but creative midfielder Emi Buendía (£5.5m) also missed the Luton game as Daniel Farke revealed his struggles with a few injuries during the pre-season.

“Emi has been out with a few little injuries and he needs some more game time but with no setbacks, he will get that.” – Daniel Farke

Patrick Roberts (£5.5m) is certainly making a strong case to start on the right flank of attacking midfield in Gameweek 1.

The Manchester City loanee has been involved in every friendly match for Norwich so far this summer, has been taking corners, and has now been involved in more goals than any of his colleagues.

It was his corner that found Drmic against Luton, while Roberts finished off the Kenilworth Road rout with an impressive strike from range. He now has one goal and three assists across the course of pre-season.

Just as he showed against Brentford, Max Aarons (£4.5m) showed off some more exciting runs, his advanced positioning contributing to Drmic’s opening goal.

Exchanging passes with Todd Cantwell (£4.5m), his squared ball to the centre-forward was played from inside the six-yard box.

With five of Norwich’s pre-season matches played, centre-back Grant Hanley (£4.0m) remains the most-used player by Daniel Farke this summer.

His pre-season minutes tally of 384 is 47 more than the second-placed Jamal Lewis (£4.5m) on 337 and could indicate that a start in Gameweek 1 is on the cards.

Admittedly, central defence has proved problematic for Farke this summer with Christoph Zimmermann (£4.5m) sustaining an injury that should see him miss the start of 2019/20.

Meanwhile, Timm Klose (£4.5m) himself had to recover from a minor knock before he could contribute to pre-season matches.

Despite having both Klose and Ben Godfrey (£4.5m) available to start against Luton, Farke still opted to play Hanley ahead of the latter.

The former Newcastle man himself also went off with a minor knock against Luton, as did Marco Stiepermann (£5.5m) but Farke is not too worried about either player.

“Just a dead leg for Marco. He got a knock in the first half and it got more painful. Grant went to make a tackle and stretched his groin a little. The initial diagnosis was not too bad, but we got him off and now we see how he will react.” – Daniel Farke

Even if Hanley does get some appearances at the start of the campaign, Hanley may not hold on to his place for too long as Zimmermann is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery.

“I don’t expect him to miss more than two or three games. I expect him to be back much earlier than the first international break. We’ll see how it develops. We still have to be careful in his rehab and scan the knee often to judge how the knee reacts but it looks good and he is not far away.” – Daniel Farke

Norwich City XI: Krul; Lewis (Heise 59′), Klose, Hanley (Godfrey 80′), Aarons (Byram 59′); McLean, Trybull (Leitner 73′); Cantwell (O Hernandez 73′), Stiepermann (Srbeny 59′), Roberts (Idah 73′); Drmic.

QPR 0-1 Watford

Prödl (left) congratulates Capoue (right) on his winning goal at QPR

Goals: Etienne Capoue (£5.0m)

Assists: None

Javi Gracia experimented with a 3-5-2 formation as Watford beat QPR 1-0 on Saturday.

The Hornets manager has typically been a fan of either 4-4-2 or 4-2-2 but he changed things up at Loftus Road.

Christian Kabasele (£4.5m), Craig Dawson (£5.0m) and Sebastian Prödl (£4.0m), making his first appearance of pre-season, were the three centre-backs chosen.

Gracia introduced Adrian Mariappa (£4.5m), Craig Cathcart (£4.5m) and right-back Dimitri Foulquier for those centre-backs around the hour-mark.

The system allowed Adam Masina (£4.5m) and Kiko Femenía (£4.5m) to play as wing-backs and have opportunities to involve themselves in the attacking phase of the game.

Watford were somewhat reliant on Ben Foster (£5.0m) at Loftus Road as some sloppy losses of possession allowed QPR plenty of chances in the game.

In the end, there was a stroke of luck about Etienne Caopoue‘s (£5.0m) winner as he tried to place an effort on goal, the ball finding the net after taking a wicked deflection off Ryan Manning.

Troy Deeney (£6.5m) and Isaac Success (£5.0m) led the line as a strike partnership with Andre Gray (£6.0m) and Stefano Okaka replacing them on the hour-mark.

Meanwhile, Gerard Deulofeu (£6.5m), Jose Holebas (£5.0m) and Nathaniel Chalobah (£4.5m) all missed the game with injuries.

“Little problems all of them. Chalobah, even Holebas, Gerard – our players today who we preferred to rest. But, in a couple of days hopefully, they will be ready. In this moment we prefer to be prudent.” – Javi Gracia

Watford XI: Foster; Kabasele (Foulquier 60′), Prödl (Mariappa 60′), Dawson (Cathcart 60′); Masina, Quina, Hughes, Capoue (Cleverley 60′), Femenía (Janmaat 60′); Success (A Gray 60′), Deeney (Okaka 60′).

905 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Ask Yourself
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Masuaku signs a new contract until 2024. Pellegrini thinks he is quality and is the reason we didn’t sign a new LB this summer. This is a reminder of why:

    https://twitter.com/westhamutd/status/1155848544999358465?s=21

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

      Nailed 4.5m attacking West Ham full back. Hello from the top

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

      Masuaku at 4.5 screams value IMHO.

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

        Every Haller highlight from Frankfurt seemed to come from flat, hard crosses from the left wing. Masuaku always delivers beauties like that in but never had someone who could finish them. He could be huge I hope.

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

          Are you rotating Masuaku/Dendoncker?

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

            I wouldn’t choose either personally but that could be nice

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

      Good shout

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

      Anyone that’s watched a single game knows he’s not a LB. Defending is very poor but he is decent going forward, him & Creswell will be rotated for that spot so he’s far from nailed.

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

        Correct and wrong

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

        Is Fredericks nailed on the other flank. He got naff all assists and golas last time but do you think he's a better 4.5 option than Diop?

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

          Yes and yes and yes

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

          I feel like ASK YOURSELF is giving some strange advice relating to West Ham...

          The answer to your question is no, Fredericks isn’t nailed. He will compete with Zaba & more worryingly for owners Johnson, a young right back that’s been given minutes in pre season & played out of his skin last game. Tipped for a big future & will be blooded this season. Easiest route into defence is Diop, he & Balbuena are the starting CB partnership with Reid likely being used in the Cups & as back up.

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

            You are overthinking and overrating our back up defenders. Fredericks will fave no competition regarding being first choice zaba is finished and Johnson is so far from ready. Cresswell has been disgusting to watch for 3 years now and pellegrini knows it.

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

        Agreed. If I remember correctly Cresswell was injured a lot last season but started a lot when he was fit. Can definitely see them sharing minutes this season

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

    A. Coleman and Robinson (Sheffield's, 5.5 mid oop, punt as a 4th mid)
    B. Guilbert and Pérez (have Vardy already)

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

      B

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

        Cheers!

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

    Bottomed!

    Ederson
    Zouma
    Coleman

    Or

    Alisson
    Alonso
    K walker Peters

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

      EZC. Alonso and KWP are questionable to start.

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

      Not even the more expensive one looks better here

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

        A with azpi >>>>>>>

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

    Any thoughts?

    Ryan
    AWB Coleman VVD Laporte
    Siggy Pogba B.Silva
    Kane Auba Wilson

    Bench=Fodder

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

      I'd re-balance this with Sterling instead of Auba.

      Would avoid Utd for the start. Double-up definitely feels a risk too far

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

        Planning on switching Auba & Bilva > Sterling and 7.0 striker after GW2.

        Feel Arsenal better first 2 fixtures and gives me 2 weeks to look at striker options(a lot of them at that range)

        Joelinton
        Wesley
        Ings/Adams
        King
        Giroud/Tammy
        Deulofeu
        RLC
        Wood/Barnes

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

      Ah someone with my 30 mill forward line. I double up with Fraser and get Perez KdB in the middle. Same gw3 plan.

      Good luck

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

        I'm starting with Laca and Jota. Sort of thinking about Laca to Chelsea striker to afford Son in GW3

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

          Isn't Laca in a protective boot?

  5. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Will Stones be rotated with Otamendi? I see quite a few teams with him in it in the past week

    1. Well you know, Triffic
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      We don't know yet. I still think City may try and get a central defender in as Stones is injury prone and Otamendi isn't as good as he once was. Unless they plan on Fernandinho being the cover?

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

      Not usually a good idea to rotate CBs, so I think he'll stay in the side. Him and zinky make a bargain 11m pair-up

      1. Well you know, Triffic
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Except Zinchenko is a rotation risk himself.

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

          minor enough for me not to be concerned

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

      Over the season yes, but Stones will definitely at least start as first choice

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

    Why has Robbo fallen out of favour in all the RMTs recently? Because of price?

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

      Most only have one pool + Vvd and TAA on set pieces so most gone for him

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

        Or they'd prefer TAA and Robbo but that 0.5m to VVD is too tempting.

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

      Still owned by ~39% of all managers. VVD is at a ridiculous 44% tsb.

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

    Think I’m finally happy with a draft, thoughts? I really like the look of Che Adams and prefer him over the 6.5’s.

    Ryan
    TAA - Robbo - Laporte - Coleman
    Salah - Sterling - Fraser - Perez
    Wilson - Adams

    Button - Dendoncker - Wickham - Lundstram

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

      Very similar to mine, so I like it.

      I'll offer you a maybe unpopular opinion, but let's see. Coleman-Guilbert, Wilson-Vardy?

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

        Had loads of similar drafts with Vardy but think I’m set on Wilson now, thanks though.

        I think Perez is a nice option to try and get some of Vardy’s points 🙂

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

      Very nice - small point but would you go Greenwood over Wickham?

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

        Yeah possibly, I’ve not fully decided on which cheapo striker and defender to get yet

  8. chuckles26
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    A. Kane, KDB, King
    Or
    B. Wilson, sterling, jota???

    1. quayle99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  9. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anyone taking a risk and going with Chelsea forward/midfielder from the start? Preseason friendlies give a clue on starters imo, Lampard playing a stronger team for one half maybe.

    Vs Reading second half:

    Emerson Luiz Zouma Azpi
    Pedro Kovasic Jorginho Mount
    Tammy Batchuay

    Vs Barcelona first half:

    Emerson Luiz Christensen Azpi
    Kovasic Jorginho
    Pedro Mount Pulisic
    Tammy

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      *Emerson Azpi other way around

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

      Alonso played. I've got Alonso and Barkley in my current draft altho' it could be Azpili if I'm not sure Alonso's nailed.

      1. Pukki Party
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I have Alonso in my squad, but looking at lineups i think Emerson plays in the stronger lineup, agree?

  10. quayle99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ryan
    Holobas - Virgil - Trent.
    Salah - Fraser - Perez(maybe Tielesman) - Zaha(tbd) - Sterling.
    Deulofeu - Jota.

    Bench: Fabi. Nketia. Dunk. Diop.

    Thoughts?

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

      Keeper rotation will drive you nuts as you pick the wrong one every week. Fab is a great pick just get him.
      Both players up front who were classified as mids last year not a good idea in my mind.

  11. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    might of nailed it here
    ryan/pope if nailed
    vvd, robbo, walker,, digne
    eriksen, salah, sterling, perez
    king delboy
    subs- button, greenwood, dendo, kelly
    could have ederson and a 4.5 instead
    also could downgrade walker to chenko and get son when hes back

    1. quayle99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      like it

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

    Hey guys can't figure out which...Having Perez allows me to have more flexibility in my team, leaning on B.

    A) Vardy - loves to start with a bang

    B) Perez - great value at 6.5 and will be playing alongside Vardy.

    Thoughts?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

  13. Óró Sé…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What you reckon...?

    Fabs,
    Zinchenko, TAA, Digne, Holebas
    Salah, Sterling, Rich, Fraser
    Wilson, Deulofeu

    Woodman, Kelly Dendonker, Wickham

  14. Rotation's Alter Ego
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    New Community Article live now!

    https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/29/cashing-in-chips-in-gameweek-1/

    FP Elephant takes a look at the merits of bending from the norm and using a chip in Gameweek 1

  15. cheeky moses
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Which option would you prefer
    5-3-2 with:
    A) Coleman, Wesley/DCL (undecided)
    or 4-4-2 with:
    B) Jota, Ceballos

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

      A with Coleman + Wesley. Although I prefer Adams.

      1. cheeky moses
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thx! I like Adams, but Saints have too tricky starting fixtures for my taste. I may consider a punt on Sharp

  16. cylus11 ( Manager) - Russia…
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Zouma + 0.5 or Coleman

    Already have Digne.

    Throughts?

  17. Marty McFly
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How’s this for a power 5?

    4.5 (4.0)

    TAA - Coleman - 3P1 (Cathcart/Dunk/Kelly)

    Salah - Sterling - Bilva - Siggy - Lucas

    Wilson - Origi (Greenwood)

    1. cheeky moses
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I don't feel the midfielders you've gone with (besides Sterling and Salah) are worth it considering the sacrifices you make in other positions of your team. I'd downgrade one of them to a 4.5 fodder and upgrade Origi -> 6.5 and a defender to 6.5-7.

      1. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        My other draft is a 442 with vvd/TAA/zinc/coleman and fodder instead of bilva or Siggy

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

      Where's the Power 5? I see 3.

      1. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Not a fan of Siggy or Moura?

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

          I wouldn't put them in a "Power" bracket like Kane or Kun or Robbo etc

  18. Oscar Slater
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Interesting comments from bookmakers' representatives in today's Racing Post regarding the pricing up of penalties this upcoming season. Basically, they're absolutely slashing their odds on one being awarded due to the VAR/rule changes double whammy.

    Checks Set Pieces menu.

    1. Marty McFly
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      VAR hasn’t increased the frequency of penalties being awarded in any other major domestic league.

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

        Handball rule...

      2. cheeky moses
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Over the course of the entire season, It's clear it won't make much difference. However, I think it may increase slightly in the first few weeks (haven't seen any statistic of this so just a gut feel), given that it will take a few games for players to adjust their playstyle to VAR. Then it will slowly regress as players get more familiar with it.

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

      Seen the same in all other bookies reports. People who say there wont be an increase are off their rocker.

      1. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I don’t think it’s will create a big enough difference to warrant a change of strategy

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

      Spread betting websites are predicting about a 30% increase. So looking at probably between 1 and 3 more penalties each per team this season.

      1. Marty McFly
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Looks to me like the bookies are edging their bets by around 8% which is essentially just covering themselves against a pretty big unknown.

        There’s not enough supporting data to convince me to start littering my team with penalty takers.

  19. MysticMac17
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Non Salah Draft #172. Rotating captains between Kane and Sterling. 2.0 left ITB so I can do Fraser to Son in GW3

    Henderson
    Zinchenko TAA VVD Robbo Stones
    Sterling Martial Perez Fraser
    Kane

    Subs: Button, Dendoncker, Greenwood, Wickham

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

      Really good. Saving a couple of million to spread around my having Zinky and Stones really helps.
      Hope Martial is nailed.

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

      Like this team. But I wouldn't use up three 'Pool slots at the back, personally.

  20. New Post
  21. falafel
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    What do you guys think?
    Pope (Button)
    Van Dijk, Walker, TAA, Digne (Diop)
    Salah, Dendoncker, Sterling, Fraser, Jorginho
    Kane (Greenwood) (Nketiah)

  22. Fantasyfootballryan
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this team, I’m new here!

    Pope
    AWB VVD Alexander-Arnold Laporte
    Salah Sterling Perez Dendoncker
    Kane King

    Subs: Steklenberg,

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

      Kelly, Greenwood & Hayden

    2. Doctor Zhivago
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sterling to KDB and upgrade Dendo

    3. Doctor Zhivago
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I would also pock Ryan in Pope's place, at least for the first gw. King has no preseason and in some way I feel Solanke is a threat for him. Penalties will be shared with Wilson, as he said days ago. Better Deulofeu or Jota

  23. Doctor Zhivago
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Please RMT:
    Ederson
    Digne TAA Robbo Zinchenko
    Moura Salah KDB Fraser
    Wilson Deeney

    Bench: Button Lundstram Dendo Greenwood

    Moura is becoming a Leicester asset after GW2

  24. Kirrielad
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT

    Pickford

    Luiz / Laporte / VVD

    Salah / Sterling / McGinn / Robinson

    Kane / King / Ings

    Steklinberg/Hanley/Lundstram/Dendonker

  25. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How is it looking?

    Ederson
    TAA Robertson Digne Holebas
    Salah Sterling Perez Groß
    Wilson King

    Button Dendo Lundstram Greenwood

    Cheers

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

    😆