Scout Notes

Injuries to FPL defenders as Wood hits second pre-season hat-trick

Our pre-season coverage continues with a look at the lessons learned from three games contested on Tuesday.

Manchester United left it late to see off Kristiansund, while there were wins for Burnley and Newcastle United.

We’ll round up all the main talking points – including a treble for Chris Wood (£6.5m) and injuries to two mid-priced Fantasy Premier League defenders – in the Scout Notes article below.

Kristiansund 0-1 Manchester United

  • Goals: Juan Mata (£6.5m)
  • Assists: None

There was a curious choice of penalty taker as Manchester United saw off Norwegian side Kristiansund with a stoppage-time spot-kick.

Despite Paul Pogba (£8.5m) being on the pitch, it was fellow substitute Juan Mata (£6.5m) who stepped up to convert from 12 yards after the Spaniard had himself been brought down – Pogba having provided a superb through-ball to Mata just before the foul.

Therein may lie the answer: the fact that Mata won the penalty may have earned him the right to take the subsequent spot-kick, with any penalty-taking hierarchy temporarily forgotten due to this game being a meaningless pre-season friendly.

Mata hasn’t taken a Premier League penalty in almost four years, although he did net from 12 yards in the FA Cup win over Reading earlier in 2019.

Mata had indeed been fouled for that penalty against the Royals, while Pogba wasn’t in the team.

Line-up Lessons

Solskjaer has used 27 players in pre-season but we may finally be inching closer to the Norwegian’s favoured starting XI and system.

With the exception of Pogba (who had dropped to the bench after sitting out a training session), one could justifiably argue that United’s team against Kristiansund was close to the one that will take on Chelsea in Gameweek 1.

The contrast between Nemanja Matic (£5.0m) and Scott McTominay‘s (£5.0m) performances in central midfield perhaps suggested that the Serbian midfielder may make way for Pogba, with McTominay impressing in a box-to-box role and striking the woodwork in the first half.

Dan James (£6.0m) started on the right wing as Marcus Rashford (£8.5m) and Anthony Martial (£7.5m) frequently traded places in-game between the left flank and the lone striker’s role.

Rashford said of this tactical approach:

It’s never been my aim to be a number nine. It’s about being able to adapt and play in different positions and to be the ultimate forward. I think I can score goals from all positions and I think that’s something that’s shared among the forwards.

If one person is scoring all the goals you get a different feeling as a team than if all the forwards are contributing. It’s definitely a good feeling and it keeps us all on our toes. That’s important.

Jesse Lingard (£6.5m) operated in the hole in a 4-2-3-1, meanwhile.

Full-backs Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw (both £5.5m) again spent most of their time camped in the opposition half as the hosts’ attacking forays were few and far between.

When asked about his Gameweek 1 line-up, Solskjaer replied:

It’s not about one team for the first game and that’s the team for the rest of the season. We’ve got a strong squad and I feel there’s not too big a difference when we make the subs. We’re going to have to find the right balance. I’ve not really picked the first XI yet, but most of the relationships we’ve tried. Milan will be another last test and then let’s see how we decide. I think when Paul Pogba doesn’t start, I think you know it’s not the first XI.

Struggle for goals

United weren’t shot-shy in Norway: Solskjaer’s side chanced their arm on 32 occasions, with ten of them landing on target.

Rashford stung the palms of the hosts’ goalkeepers on three occasions with efforts from distance (one a direct free-kick) but there weren’t too many clear-cut chances carved out by the Red Devils, in spite of the high number of saves made.

Solskjaer said after full-time:

I’ve said before in press conferences that we need to be more clinical. That’s where you win games. I think we’re looking solid at the back. They had a great chance early in the second half and we should have done better.

We’re going to keep working, keep improving, keep making the relationships between the players and the patterns work even better. It’s not a concern but it’s something we’re going to have to improve on.

Injury Blow

The expected bad news about Eric Bailly (£5.0m) came in Solskjaer’s post-match press conference.

The Ivorian defender was a casualty of United’s 2-1 win over Spurs last week and his manager provided an update on Tuesday night:

He’s had an operation. He’ll miss the best part of four or five months. Hopefully, we’ll get him back around about Christmas.

It was positive news from the surgeon, he had the operation this morning. He was positive it was all repaired and that he’ll be fine.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea (Romero 60′), Wan-Bissaka (Dalot 60′), Jones (Tuanzebe 60′), Lindelof (Rojo 60′), Shaw (Young 60)’, Matic (Pogba 60′), McTominay (Fred 60′), James (Andreas 60′), Lingard (Mata 60′), Martial (Chong 60), Rashford (Greenwood 60′).

Burnley 6-1 Nice

  • Goals: Chris Wood (£6.5m) x3, Jeff Hendrick (£5.5m), Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£6.0m), Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Ashley Barnes x2 (£6.5m), Gudmundsson, Ben Mee (£5.0m), Matthew Lowton (£4.5m)

No Premier League player has scored more pre-season goals than Chris Wood (£6.5m) this summer.

The Burnley striker has found the back of the net on nine occasions in six friendly appearances, although the large caveat is that his previous half-dozen strikes before Tuesday evening’s treble were all against opponents from the Football League.

Patrick Vieira’s Nice side were supposed to present more of a challenge to the Clarets in their latest pre-season encounter but the Ligue I club were 4-0 down at the break, with Wood having scored two of the goals.

The mid-price FPL forward pounced on a loose ball to open the scoring before tapping in a Johann Berg Gudmundsson (£6.0m) cut-back to double the hosts’ advantage.

Both of Wood’s opening two strikes were characteristically from inside the six-yard box; no other Premier League player had more efforts from this zone of the pitch in 2018/19.

Wood had further opportunities to add to his tally but completed his hat-trick after the interval, intercepting an awful pass from a Nice defender – just one of umpteen errors from the French side at Turf Moor – and firing into a half-unguarded net.

Goals Abound

Jeff Hendrick (£5.5m), Gudmundsson and substitute Jay Rodriguez (£6.0m) were also on target for the home side.

A well-worked free-kick saw Hendrick control a Ben Mee (£5.0m) header and fire past Yoan Cardinale for Burnley’s third, before Gudmundsson’s speculative effort beat the visiting goalkeeper all too easily on 35 minutes.

Rodriguez came off the bench to finish a Matthew Lowton (£4.5m) cross to round off the scoring.

Ashley Barnes (£6.5m) wasn’t among the goalscorers but claimed the assists for Burnley’s first and fourth strikes.

Competition for Places

Sean Dyche used 20 different players in Lancashire on Tuesday and both he and Wood highlighted the competition for places in the Burnley squad.

The New Zealander said:

It looks like we’ve got two players in each position and it’s a fight for places. Everybody is putting their hands up and it making it hard for the manager, which is a good thing for us.

The boys that have come in – Jay and Erik (Pieters) – have done fantastically well and fitted in brilliantly, so they’re good additions so far.

Dyche added:

I thought the attention to detail, the shape, the energy and the quality were all excellent. Those are the things you are after and the over-riding thing is the players are looking fit and sharp and that was on show as well.

There is definitely a good feel and a really competitive edge about the group and we want that to continue, so I must look at that for the weekend because you want that hunger going into the last week.

There were a lot of really strong performances and people coming off the bench affected the game as well.

The good thing is we have a really good, competitive squad and the way we have balanced their minutes allows us to look at options.

On top of the players used on Tuesday, the Clarets were still without the injured Robbie Brady (£5.5m), Ben Gibson (£4.0m) and Nick Pope (£4.5m).

Goalkeeper Uncertainty

With only one pre-season game remaining before Gameweek 1, we are still not much closer to resolving the Burnley goalkeeper situation.

With Pope sidelined, Tom Heaton and Joe Hart (both £4.5m) were each handed 45 minutes against Nice.

The rumours surrounding Heaton’s long-mooted move to Aston Villa intensified on Wednesday, however, and the 33-year-old goalkeeper seems to set to sign for the newly promoted Midlands club in the coming hours.

With Pope’s injury situation not thought to be too serious but ultimately still unclear, Hart may well be on standby to line up between the posts in Gameweek 1 – as happened 12 months ago.

Burnley XI (4-4-2): Heaton (Hart 46′), Bardsley (Lowton 75), Long (Tarkowski 46′), Mee (Dunne 69′), Pieters (Taylor 75′), Lennon (Rodriguez 69′), Westwood (Cork 69′), Hendrick, Gudmundsson (McNeil 46′), Wood (Wells 83′), Barnes.

Hibernian 1-3 Newcastle United

  • Goals: Joelinton (£6.0m), Sean Longstaff (£5.0m), Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m)
  • Assists: Javier Manquillo (£4.5m), Joelinton, Rolando Aarons

Matt Ritchie (£5.5m) handed Newcastle United an injury scare in Tuesday night’s pre-season friendly in Leith.

Ritchie limped from the field after just 11 minutes of the Magpies’ 3-1 win over Hibs, having previously dropped to the ground with no opponent around him.

Steve Bruce said after full-time:

We hope it’s not serious. That’s the awful thing tonight because we’re a bit shy in that area. He’ll have a scan in the next 48 hours and hopefully, it’s not too bad. 

He’s nicked a hamstring. Whether it’s a strain or how serious it is, we do not know. But for him to come off is not a good sign.

The Evening Chronicle reported on Wednesday that the injury isn’t as serious as first feared, although this hasn’t yet been verified by the club.

The 3-5-2/5-3-2 Continues

Ritchie was again occupying the same position as he did last season, as the left-sided wing-back in a 3-5-2/5-3-2.

Rolando Aarons – yet to be priced up by FPL – was the man given the nod to replace Ritchie in that role and crossed for Jamaal Lascelles (£4.5m) to head in United’s third goal of the evening.

United’s midfield three was made up of budget FPL options Isaac Hayden (£4.5m), Sean Longstaff (£5.0m) and Jonjo Shelvey (£5.0m) and there was a sense that, the goalkeeper aside, this was about as strong a starting XI that Newcastle could possibly put out at present, accounting for injuries.

Joelinton (£6.0m) made his full Magpies debut and was joined up front for the second game running by an ‘out of position’ Miguel Almiron (£6.0m).

Almiron has not quite convinced in front of goal in his time on Tyneside and he is yet to find the back of the net for the Magpies either in a competitive match or a friendly, having missed from the spot in the 2-1 defeat to Preston on Saturday.

Against Hibs, the Paraguay international again missed a couple of excellent opportunities as his barren run continued.

Almiron otherwise linked up well with Joelinton, who was arguably the pick of United’s players with his physical hold-up play and promising movement.

The Brazilian striker got off the mark for Newcastle when converting Javier Manquillo‘s (£4.5m) cross from close range and then claimed a Fantasy assist when his blocked shot fell to Longstaff, who fired in from the edge of the box.

Bruce said of his new strike partnership:

All strikers want to score, let’s hope this is one of many. He is up and running, you can see the huge appetite in the boy (Joelinton).

They’re a threat and they’ve already enjoyed playing with each other, you can see that straight away. They will be a threat to anybody. They both can run and they complement each other.

They could be a little bit more clinical but overall I was very, very pleased with the performance of the two of them.

Goalkeeper Situation

Martin Dubravka (£5.0m) missed his second successive Newcastle game but Bruce poured cold water on the rumours circulating that the Slovakian wanted a move away from Tyneside.

Speaking after the match, Bruce said:

Dubravka is fine. He’s at home. It was always our aim to give the two other lads 90 minutes. Martin will be in goal in Saturday. 

He is our number one goalkeeper and will remain so. The stuff that’s circulating about him is not true, there’s nothing sinister going on at all.

Newcastle United XI (5-3-2): Darlow, Manquillo (Sterry 77), Lascelles, Dummett (Clark 71), Schar (Fernandez 77), Ritchie (Aarons 11), Hayden, Shelvey (M Longstaff 77), S.Longstaff (Ki 60), Almiron (Murphy 69), Joelinton (Muto 69).

1,775 Comments Post a Comment
  1. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Chris Wood you naughty man

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

      Could be a nice trap

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

        Yea agree. But you never know!

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

      One week punt?

    3. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      He seems like a classic pre-season trap to me. A player with mediocre returns in the Premier League, scoring for fun in training matches. Think I'll go for proven Premier League quality.

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

        I agree about the trap, but he’s actually pretty reasonable in the prem. considering the side he plays for are not known for swashbuckling attacks, he still chips in with readonable returns.

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Probably, but not good enough for 6.5m.

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

    Seen a few blades saying Lundstram not a starter but they seem to br basing this on him being peripheral at best in the championship. Not seen a decent explanation as to why he's been so prominent this pre-season

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      They play a midfield 3 and have 5 or 6 viable options there. At the moment I think it's Lundstram, Norwood, Freeman

  3. It’s gonna Ben Mee
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who will finish higher:

    A) Villa
    B) Norwich
    C) Blades

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

      I say Villa

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'll go with A at the moment.

      Could see Sheffield doing well if a few of their signings turn out to be PL-worthy.

      Can't see Norwich escaping the drop

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

      Villa, but not like last season Wolves high. Maybe 15th.

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

      Blades but none have made signings capable of staying in the PL

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

        Hmmm

        The strength of promoted sides isn’t necessarily in the players they sign. Often it’s making the best of players who were successful in the Champ and make the step up.

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

      Villa for me, think they have some quality pre £100million expenditures.

      Norwich pretty leaky, and I haven’t got a clue about the blades in all honesty!

  4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Barkley nailed now after his pre season performances. Also took the penalty yesterday very well, might be on pens from now on as Jorginho was on the pitch at the time as well? Great at 6.0

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’ll wait and see. Chelsea feels way too uncertain at the minute. Easy to transfer in if it turns out he is nailed.

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah could just be worth starting with him as well and then transfering out if not nailed. Stay ahead of the game

        1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Each to their own. If the rest of your team is nailed then maybe.

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

      I’d wait, no need to have against united. See how he gets on and if he even plays, then can easily fetch if needs be.

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

    The 6 mil mid. zone doesn't look half bad at all this season. I think it's worth having this slot locked and see who emerges from the bracket.

    1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Barkley on pens?

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

        He is one of them to watch for sure

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Do you think he is worth a punt to start with?

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

            No, not to start

    2. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Should fill it with Trossard first imo. Anyone can come at that price point, Barkley, Mount, Yarmolenko, Grealiah or cheaper Mc Ginn

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

        He’s my current 6 too with form and fixtures

    3. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If you want to be frustrated....get Barkley

  6. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Am I crazy to consider starting the season without Salah?

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      No

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not at all

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sterling outscores him in first 11 weeks imo

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

      Who would you have instead?

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Some people going for the liverpool trinity with Sterling and Kane with maybe KDB

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

          liverpool 3 sterling kane and Kdb.....in your dreams pal

      2. Respect My Authoritah
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Auba/Kane and KDB seems the popular alternative to Salah + a cheaper striker.

        It also allows for a triple up on Liverpool defence.

        Risky, but could we'll pay off

      3. The Man Pastore
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Sterling/Kane/KDB

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

      I'd say have him for atleast the first 2. He could very well get a brace if not more vs Norwich

    5. Rhinos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      not crazy.but you need a good gw1 cap. Hard to imagine Mo blanking at home to Norwich

      1. nisag17
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Plus Norwich seem to want to play attacking football even against big team as per pretty season and manager comments. While it may be a good strategy for them, against Liverpool that is the worst strategy. Even Pep played defensive vs them.

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

          be amazed if Norwich attack Liv, their manager isn't stupid. Either way defence aint great

    6. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Pretty much. Liverpool face Norwich and Southampton. Only Bournemouth and Arsenal have easier first two fixtures. Man city second match is Tottenham.

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

      Don’t think so

      Looking at combined fixtures early on you can make a case for one of Auba Kane anyway and Sterling looks equal value generally even if not in weeks 1 and 2 combined.

      It depends on if you can bear week 1 fear. It’s a fallacy imo that a Mo haul kills you and even if you do fall behind early it is just one week. Other premiums are allowed to return to!

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

      Maybe yes as he against Nor, then Sou and leaky Arsenal. Kolasinac may not defend his goal likes what he did to defend Ozil's car...

      1. 3 A
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        But u can still safe if your other premium players like Sterling score big too!

    9. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Not mad, no. If it was anyone else no-one would be getting him; not played a minute of pre-season yet! But we all know what he's likely to do this season and it's hard to bring him in later on.

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

      No, but I don’t think there will be a better fixture this season.

      Look at it from the point of view that you don’t get him for the one.

      Arsenal and Spurs have a dodgy derby, and City have spurs as well.

      Liverpool play Norwich (h) Southampton (a) and Arsenal (h). Pretty good starters.

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

      Im going without.

      More than one way to skin a cat.

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

    I feel like I’m getting somewhere (could be wrong):

    Heaton Button
    Robertson VVD Digne Walker Lundstram
    Salah Sterling KDB Barkley Dendoncker
    Jota King Greenwood

    How’s this??

    Thanks

    1. Better off with a pin and a…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Template and solid. Barkley has looked good in pre-season, but there's a lot of options in that Chelsea midfield. Imo Lundstram will play, but maybe not every week and he may be used in the harder games, but for that price he's fine. King is great value, Jota feels like a safe pick, though I think better options will emerge for that price.

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

        Thanks man

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

    Which team looks more balanced?

    Fabianski Button
    Robbo Coleman Dunk Pieters Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Perez Fornals Dendoncker
    Kane Jota Wesley

    Ryan Button
    Robbo Coleman 4.5 Pieters Lundstram
    Sterling Pulisic Perez Fraser Dendoncker
    Kane Firmino Haller

  9. Piggs Boson
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If Wolves finish off Crusaders today and then progress through Q3, these are their fixtures:

    Thursday 8th August: Europa Q3 Leg 1
    Sunday 11th August: Leicester v Wolves
    Thursday 15th August: Europa Q3 Leg 2
    Monday 19th August: Wolves v Manchester United
    Thursday 22nd August: Europa PO Leg 1
    Saturday 24th August: Wolves v Burnley
    Thursday 29th August: Europa PO Leg 2
    Sunday 1st September: Everton v Wolves

    It all seems okay until the playoff stage. They play United on Monday, then Europa Thursday night, then Burnley Saturday afternoon, just 1 day between.

    Is three games in one week fine this early in the season?

    1. Goalscorer Challenge
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think it’s fine, but the uncertainty of how they deal with it combined with not-great fixtures makes me want to avoid them for now. They were conspicuous in barely changing their side last season, not having that luxury this team could hamper them.

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

        Jimenez will keep on blasting those points

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      *3 games in 6 days

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

        Are they playing away on the 8th of Aug?

        1. Piggs Boson
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          They play the 2nd leg of Q2 tonight, so don't think we know yet.

          They're up 2-0 on aggregate but playing away tonight on an artificial pitch. Kind of hoping Crusaders make a comeback.

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

      Leicester will drill them a new one

    4. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think actually this will make them sharper

      They managed fine in jan and feb

      1. Eat my goal!
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        However it’s not the games but the travel that could hurt

    5. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If any team is going to break the Europa curse, it could very well be Wolves. Made a couple of good signings, and they do have a fair few reserve/youth players.

      I think they'll handle it. Maybe won't be as strong as last season, but I wouldn't want to assume they'll suddenly start losing in the PL.

      From an FPL perspective, I'm still happy to consider a few of their options, and also think of games against them as fairly tough

  10. Goalscorer Challenge
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    If you’ve got space for another fantasy game, give GSC a go.

    You just pick one player per week. Any goals they score are added to your total. But you can only use each player once!

    International weeks are included so it’s great in addition to FPL to fill the void in those blank weeks.

    It’s free and the winner gets the football shirt of their choice, check it out:

    goalscorerchallenge.co.uk

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

      Open for non-UK?

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

        No entry restrictions and no entry fees so no reason not to play 🙂

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

      I heartily endorse this message - been playing the last few years and it's an excellent 'side game'.

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

    Azpi or Luiz?

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Azpilicueta

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

    Will Gosling & Brooks absence affects Bournemouth attacking?
    Might not start with any of their assets come GW1.
    Injuries all over the team.

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

      I don’t love king in my team anyway. Might look elsewhere. I have a lot of players who I like for a few weeks but then will likely want to move on. He’s definitely on that list

  13. - Z -
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Its funny how ppl are taking all from CFC after one game....Especialy Barkley, and they forget that Kante (who is nailed with Jorginho) and RLC (who wil rotate with Barkley and Kovacic are OUT.....

    1. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Don’t think anyone was being serious about Barkley

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

      You're saying Barkley plays in Kante's position? Mmmkay

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

    Which option do you prefer?

    A Coleman De Bruyne King (as team below) or
    B Digne Fraser Wilson

    Heaton (if at Villa)
    TAA Laporte Van Dijk Digne
    Salah Sterling De Bruyne Pérez
    King Wesley

    Woodman Dendoncker Greenwood Lundstam

    1. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      A

    2. Big boy Bowen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Consider BSilva an option too, E.g would enable Wilson still

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

        Good point thanks

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

      I don't trust Bourne with all their injuries

    4. - Z -
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You need to upgrade Kimg into Wilson...simple as that

  15. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Morning! Thoughts on this lot?

    Pope
    VVD | Ward | Dunk | Lundstram*
    Salah | Sterling | Jorginho
    Kane | Aguero | King

    Button | Dendoncker* | Hayden | Kelly

    *Dendoncker in if Lundstram is a no show.

    Thanks!

    1. - Z -
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      There is no balance and its too greedy....not for me

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        But I'm hungry

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

      I don't like that def. I thought Pep said Kun will not start wk 1?

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Oh did he? Is that same with Mane as well?

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

          I think he said Sterling might lead the line.

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Great thanks

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

          Going from last season when Sterling was back from Wc - he missed CS played week 1 against strong team then missed eek 3 against Huddersfield

          This suggests that Kun will get Spurs but miss CS and WH in week 1. The pattern is generally he and Sterling get rests for easier matches but always play top 6

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

            Worth noting that CS isn’t a guide to the early season where Pep is concerned.

    3. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You should downgrade Aguero to someone like Vardy/Wilson if you want to go big up top. Then put the extra 3/4 million into Jorginho, ward & Lundstram

      Then that would be a good looking team

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Thank you

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

      I think having Aguero and Kane up top just too expensive and rest of side suffering. I preferred some of you earlier drafts

  16. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Is Kyle Walker-Peters now a viable option for start of season, as it looks like Foyth is now injured?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Yep, but why go there? Spurs defenders PPG last season was dreadful.

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

        Not KWP’s tho check it out

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, I guess. I expect Villa to score though

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

        He's quite offensive in a top team. Hard to find other fullbacks at 5.0 in a good side.

      3. - Z -
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        I still belive in Spurs def....but i dont belive in KWP...especialy that Poketino loves to rotate them

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

        Quite a few cs opportuities at start of season, and KWP is good for an assist or two.

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

        With the signing of ndombele, they'll be solid at the back and the new stadium factor too

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

      Absolutely. Aurier not in training yet either

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

      guess so but you won't want him gw2 then Aurier and maybe even Foyth back

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

        Didn't realize Aurier also challenging his place. We'll still have to wait on Foyth injury updates

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

      Think so

    5. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      One to monitor but looks good

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

    How’s this for a BBGW1 WCGW3 team people?

    Leno pope
    TAA Coleman KWP AMN Rico
    Salah Sane Bilva Trossard Ibe
    Auba Origi Wood

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'd be surprised if this beats normal teams

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

        Fight me

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Moo

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

      pretty bad. Rico and Sane and Ibe on a bb is asking for trouble

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

        All nailed currently this will all be confirmed by the community shield

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

          you think Sane playing comm nails him for gw
          1? 😆 😆

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

            Yeah

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

      BB with so many doubt og starts? Seems to risky.

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

        Based on my research none of these are risky

    4. Thomas Jerome Newton
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      You sure Ibe, Rico, Origi, Sane starting?
      Looks very risky for a BB.

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

        99.99999% yeah. If it looks risky by the time of Community shield then I will change but this is what is best for now

        1. Thomas Jerome Newton
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Bold move.
          Go for it if you're happy with it!

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

            Now i’m Not thanks to yiu

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

          Origi isnt starting. potentially last 20 mins.

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

      Pope isn't starting , is he!?

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

        Would be whoever Burnley keeper is

  18. The Man Pastore
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Rate my Salah-less team :

    Pope
    VVD Robertson Coleman
    Sterling KDB Eriksen Perez Mcginn
    Kane Wesley

    Button Guilbert Lundstram Greenwood

    0.0ITB

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

      lacks Salah

    2. - Z -
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Mby 1st team with Eriksen in it. But Salah is crucial.

    3. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Double on Villa to get Eriksen seems a bit punty

    4. Eat my goal!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Eriksen is a bad pick

  19. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So this is my current team? Whats peoples thots?

    Heaton
    Taa, vvd, zinchenko
    Martial, siggy, salah, perez
    Wilison, Nketiah, aguero

    Bench, button, aarons, Targett, Dendoncker

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

      i thot Nkeitah as a starter is beyond bizarre

      1. - Z -
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Oh yes....i though he is on bench......simply NO

    2. - Z -
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Aguero is TBD for GW1.

      1. Where dahoud at
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Im taken a punt that he mite start the 1st game, if not aarons is my 1st sub, what about aguero?

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

          are you on drugs. Why would you want Aarons fist sub at Anfield. I hate rmt as they tend to be totally subjective but this one is objectively bad

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    https://t.co/P5605STxAu?amp=1

    Highlights from Hertha Berlin v West Ham (3-5).
    The obvious notes...
    West Ham rely on Fabianski so badly (Roberto played and is not even close to his level)
    Five different goalscorers from attacking players - Fornals and Haller both got a goal and assist. Lanzini very much in form too in pre-season.

    1. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Fabianski's 'xG prevented' stats are insane. He is their best player in my eyes, certainly the most important.

      If his form ever drops, West Ham are in trouble.

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

      How was Diop looking?

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

      Great info. Definitely eyeing Haller, thinking one needs a mid price forward slot for either of Haller/Wilson/Vardy

  21. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    The SCENES in week 1 when Chelsea get a penalty at OT and...... JORGINHO steps up to take

    1. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I'm a believer

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

      And completely fluffs it.

      1. Lebowski85
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        How dare you

      2. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Saved. Barkley scores rebound

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

    Posted in wrong article before..

    Matip to start the season as 4th Liv defender?

    For those who watched the Liverpool -Lyon game last night I'm sure you've noticed how Klopp made a quadruple change at minute 62' of Matip, Van Dijk, TAA, Robertson in for the remaining of the game. This is only my interpretation but as they look much stronger and solid in defense with this personnel it is a sign the manager wanted to give those 4 players some game time together with the community shield in mind, therefore being his first choice starting back 4 for gameweek 1.

    Gomez will certainly comes in the picture later on the season but the way I see it is Matip to lose.

    I'm sure most would not care and rather paid the extra 1M on VVD, however I'm starting the change my mind and have one of TAA/Robbo + Matip and re invest the 1M elsewhere. That could be a better goalkeeper ( 4.5M VS 5.5M) or a better mid.

    With Van Dijk so massively owned his price wont increase that much at the beginning and can always wildcard him in later.

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

      Shhhhhhhh 😎

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

        😉

    2. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Matip was poor last friendly. Gomez has pace and is a much better defender for the way Liverpool play. He showed that in this match, relying on his pace to prevent counterattacks from turning dangerous more than once. I wouldn't be too sure about Matip just yet. Fitness levels vary pre season and that is sometimes a bigger factor.

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

        Gomez starts GW1 imo... Picks up where he left off.

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

        Are you talking about last night game or the one before? Gomez had a good game last night he generally always do. He is a big favourite of mine of course, but the way Klopp introduced all 4 players at the time for the last 30 mins clearly gives an indication of his preferred back. I could be wrong but I dont think I am 😉

        Gomez will challenge for Matip ( and TAA) position but it is easy to forget how good Matip has been for the last 6 months or so..

    3. Fire Chief Moe
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Basically whoever starts in the charity shield will start against Norwich, barring injury.

  23. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Pick 1

    A. Aguero
    B. Kane
    C, Aubameyang

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

      C

    2. Weak Become Heros
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      B

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

    Fab out change thoughts on City WH?

    City have a great away record there in recent years but average home record vs WH. That makes sense when you consider WH will attack at home and leave holes.

    That could well be a 4 goal game without Fab to keep a couple out.

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

      they could put buffon and ddg in goal and id still back city

    2. Piggs Boson
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      If Salah has another crap game in the shield, I'm going to seriously consider Sterling(C).

      1. Piggs Boson
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Wait, is Fabianski out?

        Thought it was just normal pre-season rotation.

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

      It's hoped he'll still be fine for the game. Just pulled out because they didn't want to risk it.

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

        Ah

        Fab makes a big difference to me. He was player of the season there. It’s a dicey defence and he’s worth heaps to them imo

  25. juho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    2nd (of many) draft(s)

    Alisson
    Coleman TAA Zinchenko Luiz
    Salah Sterling KdB McGinn
    Deulofeu

    How does it look? Thanks

  26. 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!

  27. Woyofthewovers66
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    A or B...

    A - with sterling (3-5-2 or 4-4-2) depending on fixtures:

    Ederson (button)
    TAA VVD Digne (*Diop* Lundstram) Salah sterling Fraser Perez *dendoncker*
    Wilson deulofeu (Greenwood)

    B - without Sterling (3-4-3)

    Ederson (Button)
    TAA VVD Digne (Diop Lundstram) Salah KDB Siggy Perez (dendoncker)
    Wilson deulofeu Wood

    Basically Sterling, Fraser, Greenwood > KDB, Siggy, Wood (full teams provided to show balanced of the squads). I may be on A until IB as I think sterling will be nailed and Burnley’s fixtures then ease. Thoughts very much welcomed. Thanks

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

      A

  28. jake0910
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Thoughts on this team please chaps?

    Ederson
    VVD, TAA, Digne, Zinchenko
    Salah, Sterling, Siggy, Tielmans
    King, Jota

    Button, Greenwood, Lund, Hayden

  29. red_lfc
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Hi all first post cant wait for the football to start.

    Rmt please

    Fabiankski/ button
    Ake / vvd / robertson / diop / lundstram

    Salah / b. Silva / frazer / pulisic / geundouzhi

    Vardy / wilson / deulofeuo

    3/4/3

    1. Stat Sloth
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Bah, I give it a 6.4

  30. Stat Sloth
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Juan Mata took an embarassing dive to get the penalty against the Norwegian side.

    I am not a native speaker of the English language, so forgive me for asking, but do you really say that "Mata was fouled" if he dove and there really was no contact?

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

      He's such a top bloke we all just assume he got hacked down... No need for a reply.