Scout Notes

Kane scores again as Liverpool’s GW1 opponents concede four

Harry Kane (£11.0m) issued another reminder of his goalscoring abilities as he bagged the winner in Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-0 win over Real Madrid on Tuesday afternoon.

Spurs’ victory over Zinedine Zidane’s side is the primary focus of our latest Scout Notes article but we will also reflect on yesterday’s matches involving Norwich City and Crystal Palace.

Real Madrid 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur

  • Goal: Harry Kane (£11.0m)

Kane scored the game’s only goal on 22 minutes, pouncing on an error by Marcelo before coolly slotting the ball past Keylor Navas.

The Madrid goalkeeper was the busier of the two sides’ custodians, denying Kane and substitute Dele Alli (£8.5m) from close range and Tanguy Ndombele (£6.0m) and Son Heung-min (£9.5m) from distance.

Young striker Troy Parrott also struck the woodwork late on.

Mauricio Pochettino reflected on his team’s dominance and overall performance after the game:

I think Keylor Navas is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and he showed again today with his great performance as he saved Real Madrid from conceding more goals.

It’s only a result but we are looking to try and be better every single day, improve in the way we play and start the season strong. I think our objective is to start the season in a very good dynamic and try and start to win. That is why I am happy because our dynamic from the beginning of pre-season we are doing well.

Formation

Kane was deployed as the lone striker in a 4-2-3-1 in the first half and it was notable that he mostly stayed as Spurs’ furthermost forward player against Real, in contrast to some of the deep-lying positions he took up last season.

The relatively quiet Christian Eriksen (£9.0m) made his first start of pre-season behind Kane, with Son and Erik Lamela (£6.0m) catching the eye in the attacking midfield trio.

Injury Watch

There were four notable absentees at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

Serge Aurier (£5.0m) has undergone surgery to a hand injury suffered on international duty with the Ivory Coast and is now “undertaking a period of non-contact training before reintegrating with the first team”.

Eric Dier (£5.0m) and Ben Davies (£6.0m) are continuing their rehabilitation after surgery, while Victor Wanyama (£5.0m) wasn’t risked after reporting irritation in his knee after training.

Right-back Void

Kieran Trippier’s departure has left a three-way tussle for the right-back spot.

Aurier’s hand injury meant that Juan Foyth (£5.0m) and Kyle Walker-Peters (£5.0m) were each handed 45 minutes to impress against the Galacticos.

In truth, Foyth – who played at right-back for Argentina in the Copa America this summer – didn’t have a great deal to do but nullified Eden Hazard whenever the Belgian was on the ball.

Foyth is suspended for the first two league matches of the season so it may be that Walker-Peters will feature in Gameweeks 1 and 2, barring further recruitment and a recovery from Aurier.

Beyond that, there would appear to be a great deal of uncertainty over the right-back position with Pochettino a known fan of Foyth.

Foyth made ten league starts last season compared to Walker-Peters’ four, although some of those were as a right-sided centre-back in a three-man defence.

Lamela

Injuries have dogged Lamela in recent times and indeed the Argentinean hasn’t played more than 1,000 league minutes in any of the last three seasons.

An FPL ownership of 0.3% is reflective of the lack of trust we now have in Lamela as a Fantasy asset but he was perhaps Spurs’ best player in the first half, looking sharp in a 45-minute showing and creating a superb chance for Kane before the break.

Rewind 12 months, of course, and Lamela was also prominent ahead of the 2018/19 season – so the proof will be in the pudding once the upcoming campaign gets underway.

Spurs’ first-half XI: Gazzaniga, Foyth, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Winks, Ndombele, Lamela, Eriksen, Son, Kane.

Spurs’ second-half XI: Lloris, Walker-Peters, Sanchez, Tanganga, Georgiou, Skipp, Sissoko, Son (Nkoudou 66), Dele, Lucas, Kane (Parrott 66).

Norwich City 1-4 Atalanta

  • Goal: Todd Cantwell (£4.5m)
  • Assist: Moritz Leitner (£4.5m)

Owners of Liverpool’s attacking Fantasy assets would have been gleefully rubbing their hands at the result at Carrow Road last night.

Jurgen Klopp’s side meet Norwich in the 2019/20 curtain-raiser a week on Friday and the Canaries are without a clean sheet in their six pre-season friendlies contested so far.

Daniel Farke’s outfit came up from the Championship with a reputation for being less than watertight at the back, having shipped 57 goals in 46 league games – 16 more than Sheffield United conceded.

Norwich’s injury problems at centre-back over the summer would only have further incentivised owners of Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) et al to hand the armband to a Liverpool player in Gameweek 1 and Tuesday night’s result provided more encouragement.

With the possible exception of Sam Byram (£4.5m) at right-back, Norwich’s back four against Atalanta will likely be the one that lines up at Anfield, too.

Farke’s troops have now conceded exactly 12 goals in pre-season at a rate of two per game.

Atalanta, who finished third in Serie A last season, were the Canaries’ first real stiff test of the summer – with the greatest of respect to Schalke, who weren’t far off the drop in the Bundesliga last season.

As we will discuss below, Norwich had the better of the first 45 minutes and had gone in front early on but shot themselves in the foot when Timm Klose (£4.5m) gifted the ball straight to goalscorer Luis Muriel on the stroke of half-time.

There were individual errors in the lead-up to the second, third and fourth goals, too, while Ralf Fahrmann (£4.5m) looked shaky between the posts and would only have furthered Tim Krul‘s (£4.5m) chances of nailing down a starting role.

Atalanta got plenty of joy against Norwich on the break in the second half and Kenny McLean (£5.0m) had to clear another effort off the line.

Farke said:

We had an individual mistake on 45 minutes and conceded a goal out of this and the same style went further on. We had several chances in the second-half but with their second strike on goal they were able to score.

They played with lots of effectiveness. Okay, the third and the fourth goal was after 20/21 changes – this won’t happen during the normal games.

We have to learn that on this level, you have to be unbelievably effective and also that small details and small mistakes can change a whole game.

But it’s also important we learn the details to be unbelievably effective when we use our chances and be fully switched on and concentrated.

Better Going Forward

Tuesday’s match was also a reminder of Norwich’s attacking prowess and their potential to ruin a Liverpool clean sheet next Friday.

The Canaries have scored in all six of their pre-season friendlies and broke the deadlock in Norfolk last night when budget FPL midfielders Moritz Leitner and Todd Cantwell (both £4.5m) combined for the latter’s goal on 14 minutes.

The fit-again Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) had several opportunities to add to Norwich’s lead but found either the Atalanta goalkeeper or a visiting defender in the way, while he also diverted a Jamal Lewis (£4.5m) cross over the bar early on.

Farke, justifiably, pointed out that Norwich were the dominant side in the opening 45 minutes:

It’s a joke that we lost this game 4-1. We played nearly a perfect first half and dominated against a Champions League side and created so many chances. We should have been three or four-nil up.

In general, the performance was worth more than a defeat tonight.

We will have to face teams who play in the Champions League during the season. On the one hand, we can take lots of self-confidence because we showed that we are capable to compete at this level.

My feeling was, the first 65 minutes we were the better side and so much on the front foot.

Injury Watch

Pukki and Emiliano Buendia (£6.0m) recovered from their respective fitness concerns to start Tuesday’s match, while Marco Stiepermann (£5.5m) was on the bench after his recent dead leg.

Fantasy managers also got their first glimpse of the fit-again Mario Vrancic (£6.5m), who arrived as a 76th-minute substitute and fired a late free-kick narrowly over.

Grant Hanley (£4.0m) missed out with a groin problem but Farke expects the budget defender back soon.

The Norwich boss said:

Grant stretched his groin at Luton, he has been out since, in terms of team training, but if everything works we should have him back on Thursday and available for the last pre-season game.

Farke also provided an update on defensive midfielder Alex Tettey (£4.5m):

Good news. No surgery for Alex. We have to handle it in a predictable way, although we don’t know how many days it will last. I am looking forward to having him back because in this type of game you would wish you could throw a defensive-minded player into the game.

£4.5m Midfielder Shines

Cantwell was perhaps the pick of Norwich’s players last night, linking up play well in the number ten role.

There aren’t many FPL attacking midfielders available for £4.5m and Cantwell is a name to monitor, although a fully fit Stiepermann probably remains the favourite for that role at the time of writing.

Norwich City (4-2-3-1): Fahrmann; Byram (Aarons 76), Godfrey, Klose, Lewis (Heise 83); Leitner (Vrancic 76), Trybull (McLean 63); Buendia (Idah 83), Cantwell (Roberts 63), Hernandez (Srbeny 66); Pukki (Drmic 63).

AFC Wimbledon 2-2 Crystal Palace

  • Goals: Brandon Pierrick x2
  • Assists: Connor Wickham (£4.5m), David Boateng

There was very little interest for Fantasy managers at Kingsmeadow as a second-string Palace side drew 2-2 with Wimbledon.

Mamadou Sakho (£5.0m) got another 60 minutes under his belt, at least, with the French centre-back making his second appearance of pre-season following his return from a long-term knee injury.

Sakho departed the field with a clean sheet to his name before the Eagles conceded twice in the last half an hour.

The former Liverpool defender’s return may have implications for Martin Kelly (£4.0m), who currently sits in around one in four FPL squads, although it remains to be seen if Sakho is match-fit enough to feature in Gameweek 1.

Speaking after the game, Sakho said:

I feel good and really happy. Step by step coming back I’m coming back. During the holiday, I’ve worked really hard. I had just ten days off – three days with my charity work [in Senegal], a week with my family – apart from that I worked really, really hard every day – training in Miami and in Dubai too.

Budget FPL forward Connor Wickham (£4.5m) played the full game up front and provided the assist for Brandon Pierrick’s first goal, although the fact that he was involved in this friendly at al all perhaps says much about his position in the first-team pecking order.

Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Tavares (D Boateng 45′), Hobbs, Sakho (Inniss 61′), Woods, Riedewald (Flanagan 79′), Dreher, McGregor, Daly, Wickham, Pierrick (Lokilo 79′).

1,099 Comments Post a Comment
  1. navyadav
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How does this look guys quite settled on it . Any pointers.

    hart
    Van Djik Digne TAA Holebas
    Moura Frazer Sterling Salah
    Wilson Wood

    Button Lundstorm Wickham Dendoncker

    With pope injured and very few pre season minutes surely hart should play with heaton going to Villa.

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Nice team solid all round, Hart and Moura are transfers waiting to happen though

  2. Vamos Los Celeste
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Any Aston Villa fans ?

    Wesley or Grealish ?

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

      Wesley for sure. Grealish plays much deeper and Wesley seems to be playing well preseason

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

      wesley looks good, hes also on penalties!

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

      Grealish will chip in with goals and assists but I think in general they will be spread out quite evenly across the midfield. Wesley will be leading the line every game and has looked good in pre season. I expect him to get plenty of assists too.

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

        So Wesley to actually answer your question!

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

      I trying to choose between Wesley + Siggy / Deu + Fraser.

      Tough!

  3. mattyb09
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Starting to rethink Siggy over Richarlison...Please talk me back off the ledge!

    Richarlison surely can't have a 3rd straight year of coming out of the gates on fire, right?

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

      Yes he can. Why can't he?

      I was on Rich until recently but his late return from the Copa Americano (he obviously has fatigue issues considering he drops off in the second half of the season) and the desire to work Kane into my team has turned me off him.

      1. mattyb09
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        He is just so inconsistent. His fast starts turn into horrible form in no time.

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

      Stick with Siggy!

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

    Right iv settled on this. Rate this team /10 boyos.

    Heaton
    Robertson / Trent / Zinchenko / CharlieTaylor
    Salah / Sterling / Perez
    Wilson / Vardy / Wesley

    4.0 / Fredericks / Dedonk / Hayden

    Rotating between Fredericks and Taylor(burnley) also gives me a lil squad depth

    I think the midpriced forwards offer better value than the midfielders this year!

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

      Quite nice. Would probably prefer Grealish over Wesley in a 442 if you're looking to go down that route.

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Read 3 comments up, Wesley seems to be the more popular choice

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

        Grealish isn’t a good option

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

          This

    2. De Gea is GOAT
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Probs the best team ive seen so far. Tempted to copy you if im honest haha

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

        Be my guest! This is like draft #100

        After weighing up options i like the midpriced strikers, think people are just going off last season where midfielders were best value. Last season i started 4-5-1, so i like to think i can spot good value in the players

        1. De Gea is GOAT
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Agreed! Cant be the same every season thats for sure. Mind if i ask for your OR last season?

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

      Looks great with good balance! Nice to see a front three without the template 6.5s!

  5. De Gea is GOAT
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hows this lads? Or should i go back to 4-4-2?

    Pope 
    Robbo TAA Zinc Taylor
    Sterling Salah Perez Fraser Moura
    Wilson

    Button Greenwood Nketiah Lundstram

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

      Risky gme you're playing with that bench but I like the first team. I'm personally a big fan of balance so I'd downgrade one of Fraser or Moura by going back to 442 and then beefing up your bench.

      1. De Gea is GOAT
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the tip mate. Ive been on 442 this whole time and thought id try something different today. Could pay off just like it couldnt. Who would you have as a second striker? Im currently between Wood and Jota.

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

          Moise Kean could be a good option if comes in under 7m. Tough to predict how they're gonna price him though..

          1. De Gea is GOAT
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Thanks mate. Probs wait and see for him imo

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

          For second striker I'd go with Delofeu or Jota. King could potentially be good but I'd rather not double up on Bournemouth if you've already got Wilson.

  6. Zero
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Think I'm beginning to over-tinker. Thoughts on Perreira?

    Back line would be:

    Pope (or Leno - I know, and don't laugh 🙂 Button)
    TAA - Laporte - Perreira (Fredericks, Cathcart)

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don't mind it any particular reason you like Perreira over say any other 6 million defender or even Chilwell

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

        A more attacking role in a decent attacking team. Looks good in preseason and appears to offer more of a threat (eye test and last season's stats). I do like Chilwell too though.

        Digne I'm not convinced on yet!

    2. Rock Papiss Cissès
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looked very solid last season, also considering it was his first in the EPL. As you say, passes the eye test with flying colors and has the stats to back it up. I think he's underpriced but don't have in my team because there's teams with better fixtures than LEI

  7. Thomas Magnum
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How's this Kane Salah Sterling 3-4-3
    Ederson 4.0
    Robbo Holebas C.Taylor Guilbert Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Perez Pereyra Dendonkey
    Kane King Jota
    Cheers in advance!

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

      It looks like all SSK teams - weak in several areas.

    2. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry, Pereyra is actually Robinson

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

      That defence needs serious re thinking, downgrade Ederson to 4.5 & pereyra to 5.5 and see what you can do

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the response! Can do Ederson to Heaton then Holebas to VVD for a Liv double up. Definetly food for thought

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

      Three premiums isn't the best value imo as you're not going to captain them enough to make them worthwhile. The damage to the rest of year team causes too much of an imbalance (again, my opinion only!).

      1. Thomas Magnum
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I agree, comparing my drafts with and without Kane (who i would sell from the 3) you can definitely see an imbalance when he is in the team. Although his rising ownership levels scare me atm and can already see if he starts the season firing most people will be scrambling to bring him in their sides which would rely on a total redo of the squad. Thanks for your feedback mate

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

    Pope
    Digne taa laporte awb
    Siggy salah fraser perez
    Wilson kane
    How is this looking
    Subs: button dendoncker kelly greenwood

    My initial team was aguero instead of kane and brooks instead of fraser.

    1. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      With you owning Digne, who is a great shout, would you not consider B Silva instead of Siggy? I think they'll both do well but it would make watching Man City games easier for you. That said, I expect both to do well. Though I think seeing one more sky blue shirt in your team would make you happier

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

        Yes mate, i am trying to fit bsilva in but means i will need ti downgrade siggy or perez and i think i might downgrade perez ibstead cause siggy is taking penalties as well as free kick...

        Tough choice man

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

          And also jus thinking with bsilva over sterling or aguero, will i regret my choice, that being said out of sterling ageuro kane i can only choose one.

        2. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I know mate we can't have them all. The Community Shield might help with the decision. Personally I'd keep Perez. He could prove excellent value. For what it's worth, this is how I'm lining up:-

          https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/2019/07/31/kane-scores-again-as-liverpools-gw1-opponents-concede-four/?hc_page=2&hc_sort_by=comment_date#hc_comment_20490735

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

    Ibe or Solanke? 😀

    1. Thomas Magnum
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Neither for me, if any Ibe

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

      Neither guaranteed to start so i'd look elsewhere if i were you

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

    Jimenez or Wilson? I have Jimenez but I have 0.5 ITB

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

      Do you have bournmouth coverage they have good opening games! Wolves games are not as strong early...

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

    First Gueye going/uncertainty over Zouma return disrupts my plans to have EVE assets and now Brooks potentially being out is making me doubt having BOU assets in my squad! What to do!?

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

      No everton here, and im starting with Wilson with the probable move of Haller in gwk3 :d

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

      I'd need to check, but from memory, they struggled a little without Brooks last season.

      1. applebonkers
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        checked earlier thinking it wouldnt really matter but there was a good correlation between brooks missing and bournemouth struggling. only problem with the sample is there were a lot of tough games that brooks missed

    3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Get Pickford he will at least get save points - the everton full backs can easily be changed to AWB or PVA

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

        Considered him for a while, but already have Coleman. Hate doubling up on defence unless it's really necessary and there are decent points at stake.

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I am doing a liverpool treble defence and everton double up pickford and coleman.
          I never have a problem with double ups the secret is to leave them alone for a good few games so the risk levels out and it pays off.

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

            Fair dos. Each to their own I guess.

  12. I Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    https://twitter.com/BenDinnery/status/1156559074743504898

    Rico has to be the best 4.0 defender now.

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

      Lundstram and Rico double up

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I haven't set up a 3-4-3 yet but I'm interested to see what's possible with two 4.0 defenders.

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

          Free up more cash for midfield, attack or upgrade other defenders

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

      Damn, feel sorry for Bournemouth and their players

      But Rico goes straight into my squad

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

      Nice spot!

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

      Interesting, Adam Smith is still lurking tho.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Won't he play RB?

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

          Yeah no clyne anymore and Stacey only played league 1 last year

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

          Possibly, but they've just signed Stacey who is a natural right back, so Adam Smith could be moved across. He played there plenty of times last season and Howe signed him after watching him play on the left.

          1. I Member
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Cheers. Will monitor their last two friendlies.

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

      BBGW1 is back babies

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

      Noice, i think i might bring Rico in for my rotating pair

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

      Straight in my team.

    8. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He could get anything from 6 to -1
      But being a Bournemouth defender I would say 2 to -1 is more likely.

  13. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    In this article I like the way Neil gets a subtle little warning to those owning Liverpool defenders.

    "Tuesday’s match was also a reminder of Norwich’s attacking prowess and their potential to ruin a Liverpool clean sheet next Friday."

    As I currently have treble Liverpool defence - I did use a few expletives when I read this!

    1. Markus
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A clean sheet is only ever just over 50% probable at best really. So it is still fairly likely that Liverpool concede vs Norwich, its about managing expectations over a long period

      1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Fair point patience is key. I just do not see Norwich getting much of the ball at all v Liverpool.
        So it will be set pieces that will be thier most likely chance, or a loose late goal when Liverpool switch off.
        Given the southampton fixture is after it I think the treble liverpool defence is worth the gamble.
        It could even give me an edge if I get the two clean sheets.
        I have yet to decide what to do gw3 v arsenal though.
        Will probably have just double liverpool then.

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

    In principle which would you choose as a midterm (let's say 5/6 weeks or so) hold.

    A Wilson in a 4-3-3 (starting with Fraser Wilson)
    B Fraser in a 4-4-2 (starting with Fraser Bilva/Siggy)

    Things can always go wrong but I'd intend to keep one of them beyond week 3 unless Bournemouth attack is truly dire and is obviously not decent value.

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Interesting you say that because after gw 3 I will have a decision to make for which Bournmouth player to get rid of.

      I will probably bench King,- sell wilson, and Keep Fraser.
      But if the chelsea 6.0m mid emerges it will be a tough choice.

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

        Chelsea is on my mind too.

        If I decide to keep Wilson I’ll be out of reach of a 7.0 striker in the short term and shopping in the 6.5 market when I move for Sterling. None look very tasty to me as at now.

  15. Whazza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thought I'd try out a 5-3-2 formation. Views on this team?

    Pope
    TAA Robbo Zinchenko Digne Coleman
    Salah Bilva Pérez
    Kane Vardy

    Button Dendoncker Hayden Greenwood

    1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks decent similar to many I assume.

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

        Thanks. I haven't seen a lot of Kane+Vardy teams

        1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          The Vardy and Kane picks are good solid fantasy picks.
          I have Kane myself - only for the wilson/king value I would have Vardy as well.
          Is a similar type of idea to my team except I have gone no Salah and will change between 4-3-3 and 5-3-2 (azpilecueta on the bench)

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

      No a fan of the Everton double defense and the midfield is lack lustre.

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

        Something has to give. In isolation there's only decent picks in that starting XI. Much rather Goalman than McGinn/Robinson

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

    Brooks injury is a shame, great player but makes me more confident of a result and no Bourne assets gw1 hehe

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

      you gotta stop fraser and wilson first

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

        No problem

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

          tell that to a combined 340 points last year

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

            This isn't Pep's City, or Klopp's Liverpool, it's Bournemouth. Fulham beat them 1-0, Burnley beat them 3-1 at their place last season, its hardly a fortress.

  17. adstomko
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    5-3-2. Thoughts?

    Pope - (Button)
    TAA - Robertson - Digne - Zinchenko - Walker-Peters
    Salah - De Bruyne - Perez - (Dendoncker - Stephens)
    Kane - Wilson - (Greenwood)

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Looks good, bench is a bit weak but that's just nit-picking

    2. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Zinchenko & Walker-Peters starting risks at this point IMO

  18. panda07
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Anything you'd change here?

    Pope (Norris)
    Robbo VVD Laporte Digne (Dunk)
    Salah Sterling Siggy Perez (Dendoncker)
    Wood Adams (Wickham)

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

    With Norris now red flagged does this mean he is less likely to have a price fall then previously?

    If so he could be my 4m keeper

    1. panda07
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah that's what I'm thinking but not sure

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

      Hmm, not sure if I want two Wolves slots taken up with him and Dedonck though.

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

      How would that work? If you have him in GW1, only a few people would need to wake up and get him out for the price to drop, no?

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

        What I'm trying ask doesn't the red flag protect his price like it does normally regardless of transfers out

        1. have you seen cyan
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Red flag injuries freeze prise increases/drops. So yea in one sense if you going with a cheap player and none of them play theres an argument to say pick the crocked one with a broken leg because he wont drop in price

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

            Would the red flag be permanent? Or could they remove it when he's got like 10 owners left and you've got a 3.7 on your hands?

  20. Kimmich
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    For those wondering who Bournemouth may play instead of Brooks. They’re close to signing Danjuma Groeneveld a winger for about 13m apparently.

    Would suggest to me Ibe might only play the first week or so.

    1. applebonkers
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      interesting, was wasted as a wing-back last season, wouldn't blame him for wanting to leave

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

      Wasn't Brooks playing centrally / No. 10 ?

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

        Played more games on the right I believe however yeah he was deployed as a #10 at times.

  21. _nod
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    OK. No Sterling or Salah and very defense heavy but I'm feeling good about this one:

    Fabianski
    VVD / Robertson / Laporte / Zinchenko / ABW
    Mané / KDB /Pérez
    Kane / Wilson

    4.0 / Greenwood / Dendoncker / 4.5 Mid?

    1. nico05
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Love the Kane pick, trying to work him into my draft

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

      Mane not going to start gw1

  22. Vamos Los Celeste
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    RMT bitte
    Heaton
    TAA | Stones | Coleman
    Salah | Sterling | Siggy | March
    Kane | King | Wesley

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

      If you can find 1m I'd do March > Trossard as he's been playing higher up in pre-season (March most recently at LWB).

      1. Vamos Los Celeste
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thx for the reply , 1.0 m is a lot of money lol

  23. GREEN IS GOOD
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Talk to me about Mason Greenwood. How likely is he to play?

    I'm seeing him as 1st forward sub in some 4-5-1 teams.

    Is this a risky strategy?

    If Greenwood isn't nailed, is 4-4-2 more sensible?

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

      He isn't nailed but could pick up good minutes and is 4.5. I would not play any formation that would rely on him starting.

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

      I don't think he will. Martial, Rash, James will start imo with Dybala replacing Lingard. James is the one to lose his spot here but he seems to fit into Solskjaers philosophy...

    3. Dr. Rog
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      he is a 3rd sub to enable x-x-1 or x-x-2 formations

      1. GREEN IS GOOD
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        yeah but in a x-x-1 formation, if your no.1 forward doesn't play for some reason, then you need one of your 2 subs to play.

        Game won't autosub to create a 5-5-0

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

      He'll get minutes, but he isn't good enough at the moment to make any impact. Seems crazy they haven't loaned him out to a Championship club for some experience.

  24. Budweiser
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How have King and Delefeou performed in pre-season?

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

      King has barely played

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

      Deulofeu hasn't scored in preseason I don't think. King has though.

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        King hasn't scored.

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

          You're right. I thought he scored a penalty.

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

      Pre season would suggest stay away from both

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

      Yikes they're currently in my team

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

    Auba better pick than Kane, surprised to see the lack of him in teams. The fixtures at start are juicy as well...

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

      i much prefer auba too

    2. have you seen cyan
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      arsenal fans :p

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

      And Laca better than Auba I reckon

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

      I agree that Auba is better than Kane, but given that I have Mo and Raz and want to spread value as evenly as possible through my team I went with Lucas and Laca.

  26. Emiliano Sala
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Best 6.5 and below midfielder for firat 2 weeks? Already got perez
    Had brooks but sadly he is injured
    Tielemans?
    Gross?
    Townsend?
    Ceballos?
    Almiron?

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

      Keep an eye on Trossard.

    2. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      none of those. Prefer the 6,5m strikers.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I want midfielder to direct swap to Son and KDB. Forward needs a hit

        1. Christina.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Why must it be a 6.5m one? Get Fraser or Moura?

          1. Emiliano Sala
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Because I want to sell salah + 6.5 mid to get Son + KDB for 19 £
            Can't downgrade other players

            Henderson
            Robbo VVD Zinchenko Kiko
            Salah Sterling Perez Tielemans*
            Kane Jota

            1. Christina.
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              😯

              1. Emiliano Sala
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                What about this?
                Henderson
                Robbo VVD Zinchenko Kiko
                Salah Sterling KDB Perez
                Wilson Jota
                Wilson + Salah to kane and son for gw3

                1. Christina.
                  • 14 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Could work, but personally I wouldn't sell Salah. Just get Son over KGB and hang onto Salah.

                  1. Emiliano Sala
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Unless kane scores a brace and rises 0.1

                    1. Christina.
                      • 14 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      ...or Moura could score 3 in his first 3 like last yr.

                      We are all guessing.

                      1. Emiliano Sala
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Which one after all?
                        A) wilson + salah to kane + son(kdb from start)
                        B) tielemans + salah to kdb + son(kane from start)

    3. Pep Pig
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      People overlooking Gross. I haven't got him but I think he'll do well this season

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

        Apparently less than nailed.

        1. Pep Pig
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          I'd be surprised he if didn't play a more advanced role under Potter

      2. have you seen cyan
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        yea I like him also, was talking to someone yestrday who thinks his starting is challenged. TBH Gross pretty important player for Brighton, cant see him getting benched.
        If he starts with those opening fixtures, he could be a great differential, there was a time when everyone had Gross in their team.

  27. SpagBol
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A) B.Silva + Van Dijk

    OR

    B) Fraser + Robertson

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

    Wesley or Adams for the 6m striker spot?

  29. Stevalek8
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    is Adam Smith nailed?

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

      I'd say so.

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

    Bournemouth linked with a move for Harry Wilson after the Brooks news