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. Brosstan
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    God damn it stupid Laca injury... Cant have him in my team now with him not even on the bench for the last friendly. Probably a blessing in disguise but its so boring when a good differential goes missing which means I now have to go the KDB template route instead.

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

      Last I heard he was recovering well.

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

        Not even on the bench today suggests otherwise. Not taking the chance.

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

      Random Name would be upset too...

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

      He'll be fine

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

      Not last friendly, we play Barca on Sunday

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

        Oh, theres another chance then. Cheers 🙂

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

    A) Bilva and VVD
    OR
    B) Fraser and Robbo

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

      Definitely B

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

      B

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

      B

  3. Lukakus talking
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this team please:

    Ryan (Button)

    Coleman Robbertson Zinc Wan-Bissaka (Lundstram)

    Salah Sterling Perez Brooks (Dendonker)

    Kane Jota (Greenwood)

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

      Reports of Brooks being injured circulating.

      1. Lukakus talking
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Ah, thanks for the heads up.

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

      Brooks having ankle surgery
      AwB < Shaw < other 5.5m options
      Slight start risk to Zinky & Jota but probably they will be fine

      1. Lukakus talking
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thanks for the heads up on Brooks. Any suggested alternatives? Redmond seems to be doing ok pre-season?

        If United don't sign an actual right winger, I think AWB will have plenty of licence on the overlap, and seems fitter than Shaw.

        1. Jafoole_88
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Jordon Ibe

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

    Who has taken penalties when both Wood and Barnes have been on the pitch together?

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

      Both

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

        Cheers - Wood the better pick but would be great if he was the main pen taker

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

          With JRod in the mix, which of the three is the secure starter? I'm currently on Wood. As it were.

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

    Opinion on

    A) 442 with Coleman, 1x4m def, donkey
    B) 352 with 2x4m def, Barkley/Mount

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

      I like B) better, also feel Barkley might be a great pick if he plays the 10-role

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

      I'm currently on B, but with Trossard instead of Barkley. Got Kelly & Lund as 4m defs > only concern is that if I downgrade a mid, that money will have to go straight into defence to avoid one of them being in the 11.

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

    Rico BACK on the watchlist ...

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

      Good news this

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

      Not on the watchlist, straight into my squad replacing kelly

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

      Some people suggesting Smith at LB and Stacey at RB. Last two games should tell us.

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

        Where does Simpson play?

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

          CB I believe.

    4. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Why what’s happened?

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

        Basically, the Bournemouth defence are injured. Specifically Kelly, although Cooke is now suffering a niggle too.

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

      Brave enough to go Rico AND Lundstram?

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

        Don't think I am, no. But I like to keep on top of stuff. 🙂

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

          It would be very short term, no? I can see people getting all smug when their trio of Rico, Kelly and Lundstram all play GW1, only to never see them set foot on a pitch again.

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

            Indeed!!! 😀

          2. ENZO SZN™
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Remind me of Peltier. £4.5m is the lowest I'd go this season. No AWB or Bennett

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

    Is Pepe deal done just waiting to be presented or can it still fall through?

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

      Just waiting to be presented. There’s pictures of him with the Arsenal photographer floating about and at Colony yesterday.

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

    Any love for Sissoko here? He looks nailed. Or which MID would you choose for 5.0m?

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

      Go down to 4.5 or as a punt Norwood for 5.0

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

      No

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

      He looks a good player these days but don't know how much his performances will manifest as points. I like Jorginho as a 5.0 as he'll likely still be on pens & won't be playing the 'Kante' position this year

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

        Right. I see Ndombele moving up the pitch, leaving Siss to stay back and create nothing.
        I'm on Norwood.

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

          That's my worry, but Sissoko has been playing really well the last few months and looks a certain starter. Is Norwood nailed?

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

            Well he's the club captain, so I'm assuming he is.

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

            Sissoko is far from a certain starter.

      2. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Needed to see this re Jorginho

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

      Solly March

  9. OldBenKenobi
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this 3-4-3?

    Ryan
    TAA Robbo Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling KDB Barkley
    King Jota Deulofeu

    Button Dendoncker Lundstram Rico

    Any other considerations for that 4th mid slot for 6.0 other than Barkely?

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

      Not my favourite - sorry.

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

        You're a harsh man Doosra but at least you apologised 😀

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

          😀

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

      Nah

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

      I like the Sterling+KDB combo too. Maybe upgrade Barkley to Tielemans/Perez and downgrade Deu to Wesley/Murray?

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

      Pereyra could be a decent shout for Watford if he gets off to a flyer again.

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

        Yeah - think he bagged 2 goals GW1 last season against Brighton, who he's up against again in GW1 this season..

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

          Now you're just being lazy 😀
          Brighton again at home, then Everton (a) WHU (h) Newc (a)

  10. Crystal Alice
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A Pickford & Laporte
    or
    B Ederson & Digne?

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

      Easy B

  11. Maddi Son
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Do you follow your gut instinct in FPL? It's actually something I'm trying to do less of this season... because realistically it means nothing. I'm not necessarily talking about punts (which are fine), I'm mostly talking about doing things that go against logic. For example, if I were to follow my gut instinct, I'd be starting the season without any City defence. I look at their opening fixtures and can see them conceding in each of their first three. Did the same thing last season and got punished time and time again by Laporte.

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

      Generally I go eye test/gut feeling over stats.

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

      Eye test over everything for me.

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

        I look at stats to determine a baseline for a player. If x player has 5 season and all 5 season are somewhere around 100 points than you can assume that they will do similar. If stats were the be all end all then Joe would have won FPL already.

        1. Maddi Son
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Kind of agree, but I think the luck element goes up massively to actually win the whole thing. You can consistently get in the top 10k by knowing your stuff, but top 100 and beyond is luck territory.

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

            I agree with that. Luck has a lot to do with it but I also believe that trying to win plays into it. A lot of the 'top managers' play for top 10k. I've had some BAD seasons and some good seasons but the goal has always been to win and not just to finish high.

            1. Maddi Son
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Thinking about it, being 'good' at this game probably hinders your chances of winning FPL. To win FPL, you have to make many outlandish decisions along the way. Doing the sensible thing is what many other good managers are doing too.

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

                Absolutely. 'Good' is so subjective. I think we value consistency here which is all well and good. At the end of the day this is a game, we are all trying to have fun.

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

      Agree, opening 3 not ideal for their defence...But it's Man City

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

      I had my worst ever season last time because I went with my instincts over a clear strategy. This time I'll endeavour to stick to data and a plan.

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

      Always follow your gut, nothing worse than listening to someone else’s advise and it backfiring on you

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

        Amen brother

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

      Well that sounds like your gut was right all the time, you just should have done the opposite, thats a clear case of 2nd guessing. Therefore go with your gut, as from experience exactly the opposite is going to happen, stick to the plan 😉

      To answer your initial question, most of the time I go with the gut, doesn't always work but its more fun that way. Sometimes like in 08/09 when I won my mini league because I trusted Zaki (Egyptian fellow) and later (C) Arshavin (Russian fellow) it was a poor enjoyment.

      1. Maddi Son
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        That's a solid point. I would agree that going with your gut is much more satisfying when it works out.

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

      Going fixtures over form cost me last season at least a few times.

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

      The problem I have had every season is not so much following my gut instinct, but going off piste. This season I am aiming to stick to my strategy through thick or thin, and avoid making knee jerk decisions (especially after I have had a tipple or two.)

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

      Yes, over 11 seasons I have learned that it is the lesser of two evils in this game to go with your gut (within reason) and be wrong than to go against it and be wrong.

      This season for example, I just don't believe in Kane. I'm well aware he could hattrick in GW1, but I'm more than prepared to take it on the chin if he does, as my gut (and several different cuts of the stats which have been done to death) tells me Salah & Sterling are far superior FPL picks

      If Salah & Sterling fail and Kane smashes it I've no one to blame but myself & I'm totally comfortable with that. And vice versa

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

    Any love for Azpi around here?

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

      Yes, but Chelsea is still to much of a questionmark. I might bring him or Alonso in after the first few gws

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

      yes much love, the first defender on my sheet. 6mil epic price compared to the 6.5's and 7.0s. And what else can Chelsea do, but defend

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

        the only annoying thing is do you go Luiz instead, but no I dont think so

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

      a bit for me. nailed in the chelsea defence. always ends up the season on a good number of points

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

      Count me in. I'm tipping Chelsea to have the third-best defence and he's the most dependable. However, if Alonso nails his place I'll try to find 0.5 to get him.

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

      Currently in my team, nailed on and some assist potential

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

      Can't see the attraction at 6.0, when players from superior defences are available around the same price. I actually see them conceding more under Lampard than Sarri too.

  13. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    a) Ederson + Brooks
    b) Ryan + Sigurdsson

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

      brooks is dead.

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

          Ah yes so he is. Thanking you

  14. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts? I feel like most wont like it. It’s not too template but I think it’s in iteresting. 0.5 ITB I could use for Zin > Walker

    Heaton* Woodman

    TAA Robbo Zinchenko* Taylor Fredricks

    Salah Sterling Pereyra Hayden Dendoncker

    Vardy Wilson Wesley

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

      Would you consider downgrading Robbo or TAA so you can beef up your midfield options? Robbo to a 5.5 couldgive you better balance in midfield.. I like the front 3

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

    Toughts?

    Heaton
    VVD/TAA/Digne
    Salah/Sterling/Fraser/Perez/Ceballos
    Wilson/Ings

    Henderson/Guilbert/Fredericks/Greenwood

    Thanks!

  16. Ruinenlust
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who is the Kelly everyone is talking about? Palace Kelly or Bournemouth Kelly?

    1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Bou

      1. fclackless [Brazil Nuts]
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        In the sense that Rico (4m) maybe better chance of making the eleven as Bou Kelly 4.5 is injured

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

      Palace

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

      the 4.0 Palace one, but you might as well have a non-starter anyway cause he aint going to be getting you any cs lol

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

    Not seen Zaha in any RMT's lately, he's very kindly priced but is the thinking that he won't be focused on the job at hand due to not getting the move he wanted? Assuming he does stay at Palace, which is how it's looking now.

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

      Great option if he stays - weird how everyone wanted him last season as a striker, and after a decent season and now he's a midfielder again nobody wants him.

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

        His output last season was closely linked to Bats if you wanted value. When he was the main man then he was deeply inconsistent - barely more productive than Townsend.

        FWIW eye test said the same - last season wasn’t really his best despite end of season goals etc. When everything got funnelled through him he was very miss and hit. He looked much sparkier when there was someone else to occupy a defender or two. That I suspect is why he hit the target more often.

    2. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      And Zero pre season

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

      One of three players who has been an ever present in every draft so far, with Digne, and Kane.

      I think the transfer saga, and AFCON involvement have put people off.

      But I think for 7m, a midfielder who I think will score around 10 - 12 goals, and probably the same amount of assists is very nicely priced.

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

        The only thing that bothers me, are their fixtures.

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

          Three of the promoted sides in the first seven games.
          I mean it's Palace (assuming he's there) they are rarely going to be favourites in any game, but he's their star player by far, everything they do will involve him, I'm happy with his price, and midfield classification.

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

    If Bournemouth sign Wilson, does he take some set pieces off Fraser?

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

      Maybe.
      That would also be a nightmare for Callum Wilson owners.

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

        😉

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

        And all the deliberately misleading "Wilson" shouts on matchdays

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

          Also got to feel for the poor souls who will get him by mistake, like Leicesters Mendy last season.

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

      I would think so. Some direct free kicks at least.

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

    Thought on this flexible 442

    Heaton/Henderson
    VVD, TAA, Laporte, Coleman
    Sterling, Fraser, Grelaish, Moura
    Vardy, Firminho

    For GW 3 - Firm to King and Moura (with sons return to Mane)

    TIA

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

      Points over Flexibility.

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

    Burnley linked with Bailey Peacock-Farrell (Leeds goalkeeper) according to Sky.

    I don't want to pre-judge anyone, but I'm guessing that guy has rich parents.

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

      Or they are divorced chavs who like chocolate liqueur.

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

        😆

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

        This post really highlights the polarising ends of the double barrelled surname

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

          Just checked Wikipedia and he is from Darlington. Make of that what you will...…..

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

            I'm visiting an old friend and going out there on Saturday, I'm worried I won't survive it.

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

              Was nice knowing you mate.

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

              Ever been to Blackpool, or Margate?

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

                Oh I've been before but not for many years, probably over a decade, surely it can't be as bad as it was then.

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

                  Basically if you've survived either of those places, Darlington will feel like the garden of Eden.

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

          Sire, I believe that would be "double-barrelled surname", forsooth

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

            Bugger, you're right, what an oaf I appear to be

      3. My heart goes Salalalalah
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        😆

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

      I think Sasha Weatherby-Foreskin has taken offence. 😉

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      RMT?

      BPF
      VVA TAA AWB AMN
      KDB CHO RLC AOC JWP
      DCL

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

        Bench: Kelly, Dendoncker, Greenwood?

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

          Yeah but DDG for Button

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

        10/10.
        Mostly for typing convenience.

  21. BigBillyBass
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts?

    Ryan (Button)
    TAA Robbo Digne Dunk (Lundstram)
    Salah Sterling KDB (Jorginho Dendoncker)
    Jota King Deulofeu

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

      Good team, I keep flip flopping with Digne as their defense is a shambles with various issues however with Kean coming in Digne could get good attacking output this year

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

        Cheers buddy

    2. My heart goes Salalalalah
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Double BRI defense not for me

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

    Guys, can you let me know your thoughts on this please?

    Henderson

    VVD / TAA / Wan B / Laporte

    Salah / KDB / Tielemans/ Ceballos

    Kane / Wilson

    Dendonker / Greenwood / Kelly / Button

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

      Solid

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

      Wilson to a 6.5-7.0 fwd means you can turn ceballos into a 6.5-7.0 as right now he could play quite deep

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

      Perez & mcginn Vs tielemans & ceballos In a same formation
      Unsure myself

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

    If I want to include 3 big hitters than this will be my squad :
    Isn't it sound enough ?

    4-4-2

    Heaton

    TAA VVD zinchenko coleman

    Salah sterling Perez mcginn

    Kane wood

    Bench-F-o-d-d-e-r (as template)

    Thoughts ?

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

      One of the better SSK teams I've seen

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

        Thankx unluckyxi u made my team lucky haha

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

      I just really wanted Fraser in my team. Think he's a class act who will be even better this season

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

        Yup Fraser good shout especially against weaker opponents they tend to score lot, cheers mate good luck!!!

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

      Very similar in some respects. I can't shake the urge to go SSK...

      Pope
      Zinch - Coleman - Zouma* - TAA
      Moura - Salah - Sterling - Barkley*
      King - Kane

      [Button - Dendonk - Rico - Greenwood]
      *placeholders

    4. A19
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, I have the exact same structure so I like it! I'm just not sure on the 5.5 mid - McGinn, Ceballos, Schlupp, Robinson. Difficult to pick the right one!

  24. Wag the Drog
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If going with a 4.5 striker, what's the best way to not lose value with this player? Greenwood will be shipped out rapidly I bet.

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

      just get Sam Gallagher now, just in case they remove him

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

        he can't lose value

        1. Wag the Drog
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          thanks

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

      Or shipped in rapidly if he comes off the bench and nicks a goal/assist.

      1. Wag the Drog
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Maybe but I don't see him playing. Dybala has one foot in the door.

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

          Dybala doesn't want to join.

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

            Source?

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

              Sky Italia/Di Marzio/Romano have been saying that from the start. The clubs are open to doing a deal but Dybala wants to stay at Juve.

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

              The professional footballers union.

              They released a statement on behalf of all professional footballers across the world;

              ''No one wants to join Man United, it's cold and wet all year round in Manchester, at least if we go to City we'll win trophies and play in the Champions League, but United, no chance''.

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

          Amazing how quickly people buy into rumours, we've supposedly reached an agreement for Maguire/Fernandez 2 or 3 times this summer.

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

            Yeah. I'm not saying the Dybala/Lukaku swap won't happen, it very well might, but "one foot in the door" is a stretch at this point.

            1. Wag the Drog
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I mean the clubs have agreed to a deal. United have the pockets to convince any player

  25. The Truth Is...
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Best 5m or 4.5m mid?

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

        None - Stephens or Donk for a playing 4.5 bench mid.

    • Revival
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Hopefully in about 11 days time on the Saturday morning FFS will be publishing another article with "Liverpool’s GW1 opponents concede four" in the title

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

        Mane 4 goals

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

        *score

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

        "Winjaldum scores 4 and no assists when Liverpool win 4-1"

        1. ENZO SZN™
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Ox & Shaq with 2 assists each.

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

      Playing around with Sterling & KDB draft. Any thoughts much appreciated.

      A. Ederson & Richarlison/Siggy
      B. Ryan & KDB

      Ederson(/Ryan)
      Coleman, VVD, AWB, Holebas
      Salah, Sterling, Rich(/KDB), Fraser
      Deulofeu, Wilson

      Woodman, Kelly, Dendonker, Wickham

      Team B:

      Ryan,

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

        A

    • Teror
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      U like it?

      Pope
      TAA - Robbo - Coleman - Targett
      Salah - Sterling - Perez - Schlupp
      Kane - Deulofeu

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

        And bench: 4.0 - Dendenocker - Diop - Greenwood

    • LangerznMash
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Richarlison nailed for GW1?

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

        If he plays the last pre-season game then there nothing to suggest he won't start

    • OFord
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Keep thinking about replacing Sterling & Wilson with Kane & KDB, what do people think? Really not buying the fact that Wilson could match Kane...

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

        That's a difficult one for sure. I have almost the same worry just Sterling + King vs. Fraser + Kane

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

        If KDB or B Silva impress on Sunday and are have goal involvement then you won't be the only one thinking it. I've already decided I want Kane in at the cost of Sterling. I've no doubts I'll own Sterling for many games this season but starting without him doesn't bother me. I'd always feel more confident captaining Kane over Sterling. I hate the slight doubts and niggles Pep gives me with every single team sheet (as much as Sterling seems nailed)