Scout Notes

Salah and Firmino get first pre-season minutes as Chelsea assets impress

Mohamed Salah (£12.5m), Roberto Firmino (£9.5m) and Alisson (£6.0m) featured for the first time in pre-season as Liverpool beat Lyon 3-1. 

Three of the other ‘big six’ teams were in action on Wednesday evening, too, with Chelsea’s attacking assets particularly impressing in a 5-3 win over Red Bull Salzburg.

West Ham United beat Hertha Berlin by the same scoreline, with Sebastien Haller (£7.5m) and Pablo Fornals (£6.5m) scoring their first goals for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.

Our Scout Notes article below explores all five matches in detail.

Liverpool 3-1 Lyon

  • Goals: Roberto Firmino (£9.5m), own-goal, Harry Wilson
  • Assists: Ki-Jana Hoever, Bobby Duncan

Jurgen Klopp used 27 different players as Liverpool bounced back from a 3-0 hammering by Napoli with a fairly comfortable win over Lyon.

Sadio Mane (£11.5m), who returns to training next week, is the only member of the Liverpool squad yet to feature in pre-season.

As well as Salah, Firmino and Alisson getting their first minutes on the board, Xherdan Shaqiri (£6.5m) and Naby Keita (£6.0m) also returned from injury to feature.

The Reds had struggled to carve out too many opportunities in the defeat to Napoli but were understandably a lot sharper and more creative with some of their big-hitters up front back.

Speaking after the match, Klopp said:

I think Mo is naturally fit and he can sprint all day, which helps us of course. It opens up the pitch, you can play much more football – not always between the lines, if you from time to time chip the ball in behind the line then Mo makes these offers which is very important for us.

Bobby in between the lines and in the box, present, really important.

Shaq did well and Naby Keita enjoyed the game as well, so that was really cool. With Mo it helped us a lot and with Bobby. 

Asked if Salah, Firmino and Alisson would be ready to feature against Manchester City in Sunday’s Community Shield, Klopp added:

I don’t know yet in the moment, so that’s how it is. We have to see. I don’t say 100 per cent not, there’s a chance that they will play, yes. They will be involved whenever, from the start, maybe we cannot make these changes like today after half an hour or whatever, that’s maybe not possible in that game so we have to see.

We have to see how they react tomorrow, now training is not the highest intensity anymore, now training is about the detail [and] we really need to prepare the game.

Firmino soon got off the mark when pouncing on a deflected Shaqiri cross to fire low past the Lyon goalkeeper and, while Salah’s shooting boots were left back in the changing room, the Egyptian nevertheless looked lively down the right flank.

Salah was withdrawn at half-time, with Firmino – along with Shaqiri – having been substituted after just half an hour.

Lallana Deep

Not for the first time in pre-season, Adam Lallana (£6.0m) was used in a deeper role in central midfield.

The former Southampton midfielder impressed as a ‘number six’, with Klopp opting to go without a recognised anchor in the centre of the park.

The tactic may be one Klopp considers in ‘easier’ fixtures, as the German coach was quick to point out the defensive drawbacks of such a set-up:

It helped a lot how Adam Lallana played in that position; it is difficult to play in that central position when you have such a good footballer who wants each ball.

It’s not too cool when you lose a ball there, to be honest, but all the rest was brilliant.

Today he looked really fresh, so for him the pre-season was very successful. On the position, it depends to the opponent and to the alternative and what you have. In a friendly, you can accept you can lose a ball there, but in a proper match, I am not sure.

He is a very smart footballer – a very, very smart footballer. He likes it but it is not his only position now, we don’t say he is a number six or nothing. 

Alisson’s Aim Not True

Following the trouble of Liverpool’s first-choice back four – especially Trent Alexander-Arnold (£7.0m) – in the defeat to Napoli, it was the turn of the normally dependable Alisson to drop a pre-season clanger.

The Brazil international fumbled an innocuous low cross from Liverpool’s right flank and then fouled Moussa Dembele when trying to retrieve the ball, with Memphis Depay converting the subsequent penalty.

Klopp wasn’t too concerned, saying:

We conceded an interesting goal with the penalty, that’s how it is [and] you can see in these situations that all the boys need to adapt to it again. It was only three weeks but now Ali is two days in training like Mo, like Bobby, like Naby and like Shaq, so that means they need just a bit of time but you see the natural quality of them as well and that helps us of course. All round it was a much better performance, but again, I said that will happen. 

Alexander-Arnold, along with Virgil van Dijk (£6.5m) and Andrew Robertson (£7.0m), emerged as a 62nd-minute substitute and underscored his attacking threat, teeing Jordan Henderson (£5.5m) up for a chance and then seeing a free-kick sail just wide.

Liverpool XI (4-3-3): Alisson (Mignolet 62′), Hoever (Van den Berg 46′, Alexander-Arnold 62′), Gomez (Matip 62′), Lovren (Van Dijk 62′), Larouci (Robertson 62′), Lallana (Henderson 62′), Keita (Lewis 46′, Wijnaldum 62′), Shaqiri (Milner 30′, Fabinho 62′), Salah (Duncan 46′, Elliott 62′), Wilson (Oxlade-Chamberlain 62′), Firmino (Brewster 30′, Origi 62′).

Red Bull Salzburg 3-5 Chelsea

  • Goals: Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) x2, Ross Barkley (£6.0m), Pedro (£7.5m), Michy Batshuayi (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Pedro, Pulisic, Barkley x2

With not one of their players costing more than £7.5m in Fantasy Premier League, Chelsea always looked as if they could potentially offer us up some bargain assets in 2019/20.

Wednesday’s eight-goal thriller in Salzburg would only have furthered the cause for optimism, with the Blues producing a slick attacking display at the home of the Austrian champions – although there are still question marks over the defence.

Mid-price Midfield Candidates

Saturday’s final pre-season friendly against Borussia Moenchengladbach may be the ultimate signpost to Frank Lampard’s Gameweek 1 line-up but the starting XI against Red Bull Salzburg may not be too far away from the one we see at Old Trafford.

With N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) still injured, Chelsea again lined up in a 4-2-3-1 with Jorginho (£5.0m) and Matteo Kovacic (£5.5m) as the deep-lying midfield pair.

The FPL midfielders we are most interested in are further forward, of course, and, in the absence of Willian (£7.0m), it was Pedro (£7.0m), Ross Barkley (£6.0m) and Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) who got the nod to line up behind lone striker Tammy Abraham (£7.0m) in Austria.

Pedro and especially Pulisic were excellent on the flanks but it was arguably Barkley who caught the eye most in ‘the hole’, producing two superb assists for his fellow attacking midfielders and scoring from the spot after Pulisic had been felled.

Pulisic said of Barkley’s raking pass for his second goal of the night:

I wasn’t even sure he was going to see me! That was the one I kind of received with my face, it was funny, but what an amazing pass and obviously I did the rest.

Our midfield has amazing quality, and the passes they can make and the movement in there is really good. It helps me so much with my game.

I’m really enjoying my football at the moment. Being at a new club is amazing, I’m really happy to be here, and the guys have been really welcoming. I have enjoyed every moment of it so far.

Barkley’s assist for Pedro’s goal was perhaps overshadowed by the Spaniard’s wonderful backheel lob but the winger paid tribute to Barkley after the game, saying:

Ross’s was a great ball to me and it was a special touch and a beautiful goal and I am very happy to do this.

Pulisic’s pace in behind the opposition backline caused plenty of problems, with a backpedalling Salzburg defence unable to do anything about the American’s two goals and then forced into bringing him down for the penalty award.

Lampard said of Pulisic’s display:

He showed his quality and I love the nature of his goals where he has an intention to run behind the line and not come short, and the finishing was good.

It is what he is going to have to do because he is going to play in the Premier League and the Champions League, this is the top end. A winger has to have the desire not just to be tidy but to be getting in behind people and then with his quality he can be a really big player for us.

He is a big signing for us with big potential but the big question is he has to adapt to a different league, but I have seen already a really good attitude and a willingness to listen to information. He is 20 years of age so we have to remember he is young. I am happy to work with him, I want him to improve him.

Don’t bank on Barkley for penalties

With Jorginho on the field, it was perhaps a surprise to see Barkley step up and take the spot-kick that Pulisic won in the first half.

It remains to be seen if the England midfielder is ahead of the absent Willian in the penalty-taking running order, however, with ‘in the know’ Twitter account CarefreeYouth suggesting that the Brazilian remains at the front of the queue.

William is not guaranteed to be a regular starter, of course, and as Salah proved last season, a deputy penalty-taker can still have plenty of joy from 12 yards.

Defensive Wobbles

While there was much to be positive about in attack, there were more problems at the back.

Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) and David Luiz (£6.0m) struggled at centre-half after the break, while Chelsea’s vulnerability at set plays was again apparent when they conceded from a corner early in the second half.

Salzburg’s second goal came from the penalty spot, while their third strike followed some hesitant defending in the Chelsea box.

Lampard said of the game:

Some really good play from us, some good goals, good combinations. Great attacking of the line from front men and wingers, which is a huge thing for me, and obviously conceding some goals with some sloppy moments from us.

They tested us on the ball, we succeeded at times and not at other times but I am pleased generally. Conceding in pre-season is something you don’t want to do but it is not the worst as it gives you things to address before the business starts.

Forward Thinking

Much uncertainty still surrounds the striker’s role at Chelsea.

Abraham got the nod to lead the line on Wednesday and has more pre-season minutes to his name than any other Chelsea striker but he was one of the Blues’ least-effective players and posed little goal threat.

Michy Batshuayi (£7.0m) came off the bench to grab Chelsea’s fifth goal so all eyes will be on Saturday’s starting XI to see which of Lampard’s three forwards he favours ahead of Gameweek 1.

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Kepa, Azpilicueta (Zappacosta 82′), Zouma, David Luiz (Tomori 75′), Emerson (Alonso 75′), Jorginho (Kenedy 75′), Kovacic (Christensen 81′), Pedro, Barkley, Pulisic (Mount 75′), Abraham (Batshuayi 75′).

Tottenham Hotspur 2-2 Bayern Munich

  • Goals: Erik Lamela (£6.0m), Christian Eriksen (£9.0m)
  • Assists: Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, Harry Kane (£11.0m)

Spurs lifted the Audi Cup after defeating Bayern Munich in a penalty shootout after the two sides drew 2-2 in normal time.

This was Spurs’ second game in two days following their win over Real Madrid and Mauricio Pochettino again restricted most players’ game-time to 45 minutes or less, with the exception of Moussa Sissoko (£5.0m) and Lucas Moura (£7.5m).

Line-up Lessons

Pochettino again favoured a 4-2-3-1 for this match, with an ‘out-of-position’ Lucas leading the line in the first half.

Dele Alli (£8.5m), who has operated in increasingly deeper midfield positions in the last year or so, was back in the number ten role and was flanked by Erik Lamela (£6.0m) and Georges-Kevin N’Koudou in the midfield three behind Lucas.

It was the two Spurs wingers who combined for the opening goal, with Lamela – one of the Lilywhites’ stand-out performers in pre-season so far – getting on the end of an excellent low cross from N’Koudou in the 19th minute.

Nine changes followed at the interval as Harry Kane (£11.0m) was brought on to lead the line, with Lucas dropping back into a wide role.

Son Heung-min (£9.5m) was stationed on the opposite flank and had two presentable chances when running through on goal, while Christian Eriksen (£9.0m) looked brighter than he had been against Madrid in ‘the hole’ and scored his first goal of pre-season when Kane teed him up in the Bayern box.

Kane was predictably more involved than Lucas had been as the spearhead of the attack, seeing a fierce shot parried over by Sven Ulreich and setting up Son for his best chance of the game.

Right-back developments

Spurs conceded two second-half goals to force the match into a shootout but a bigger concern for Pochettino would have been the loss of Juan Foyth (£5.0m) to injury.

With Serge Aurier (£5.0m) sidelined and Kieran Trippier sold, Foyth – who is admittedly suspended for Gameweeks 1 and 2 anyway – was one of two remaining options for the problem right-back slot.

The Argentina international was again deployed in this position in the second half but had to be substituted in the final quarter of an hour with an ankle injury.

The severity of the issue is yet to be determined by Pochettino said after full-time:

I need to talk with the doctor now. He twisted his ankle but at the moment I cannot update. I saw when he was leaving the pitch and he said to me it was his ankle and it was very painful. I don’t know but for sure we will get an update in the next few hours or few days.

Kyle Walker-Peters (£5.0m) remains the front-runner to start in the opening two Gameweeks and a medium-to-long-term injury to Foyth would only strengthen his hold on the position, barring further recruitment.

Spurs first half XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris, Walker-Peters, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Rose, Winks, Sissoko, Dele, Lamela, Nkoudou, Lucas.

Spurs second-half XI (4-2-3-1): Gazzaniga, Foyth (Marsh 77′), Alderweireld, Tanganga, White, Sissoko (Georgiou 84′), Skipp, Lucas (Roles 70′), Eriksen, Son, Kane.

Hertha Berlin 3-5 West Ham United

  • Goals: Pablo Fornals (£6.5m), Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m), Sebastien Haller (£7.5m), Grady Diangana (£4.5m), Michael Antonio (£7.0m)
  • Assists: Haller, Fornals, Robert Snodgrass (£5.5m), Carlos Sanchez (£4.5m), Javier Hernandez (£6.0m)

West Ham United doubled their pre-season goal tally in one fell swoop in Germany on Wednesday.

Sebastien Haller (£7.5m) and Pablo Fornals (£6.5m) both emerged from the match with a goal and an assist to their names, with Manuel Lanzini (£6.5m) also on target.

Fornals opened the scoring after being teed up by Haller and then freed Lanzini on the edged of the box for the Hammers’ second goal.

Haller himself scored West Ham’s next strike – their third equaliser of the match – when his header from a Robert Snodgrass (£5.5m) free-kick crept across the line.

Grady Diangana (£4.5m) ran onto a Carlos Sanchez (£4.5m) pass to put West Ham ahead for the first time before Michael Antonio (£7.0m) finished the scoring when rifling in from inside the Hertha box.

Injury updates

Angelo Ogbonna (£4.5m) returned from injury as a substitute in this match but there was still no sign of Mark Noble (£5.0m) or Ryan Fredericks (£4.5m).

The pair, who have a dead leg and a groin injury respectively, are not expected to remain sidelined for long.

Lukasz Fabianski (£5.0m) was a late withdrawal from the starting XI against Hertha but initial reports suggest his groin strain isn’t serious.

Line-up lessons

West Ham are blessed with a multitude of attacking options in midfield but the fact that Lanzini, Fornals and Felipe Anderson (£7.0m) started behind Haller for the second game running might be significant come Gameweek 1.

Anderson was again stationed on the right with Lanzini on the opposite flank, meaning that Fornals was free to roam behind Haller in a central position.

There were certainly promising signs in the attacking positions, with some lovely interplay between the Hammers’ front four.

Jack Wilshere (£5.0m) and Ben Johnson (£4.0m) were arguably the placeholders for Noble and Fredericks in the 4-2-3-1, while Roberto (£4.5m) filled in for Fabianski between the sticks.

Defensive Struggles

As slick as West Ham were in possession, they were worryingly fragile at the back – good news, perhaps, for owners of Manchester City assets ahead of Gameweek 1.

Declan Rice (£5.0m) was often left exposed as the sole defensive midfielder in the side, although Wilshere dropped deeper to help him out as the game went on.

Fabian Balbuena (£4.5m), arguably West Ham’s best centre-back, had an unconvincing game while budget FPL defender Johnson also struggled at times.

Roberto, meanwhile, didn’t fill his backline with much confidence and has now conceded nine goals in pre-season to Fabianski’s one.

In essence, little has seemingly changed from last season: only relegated Fulham and Huddersfield kept fewer clean sheets than the Hammers and there is no real sign that the defensive frailties have been addressed by their attack-minded manager over the summer.

West Ham United XI (4-1-4-1/4-2-3-1): Roberto, Johnson (Zabaleta 71′), Balbuena (Ogbonna 60′), Diop, Cresswell, Rice (Sanchez 60′), Wilshere (Snodgrass 60′), Anderson (Yarmolenko 60′), Fornals (Antonio 60′), Lanzini (Diangana 71′), Haller (Chicharito 71).

Angers 1-1 Arsenal (3-4 pens)

  • Goals: Reiss Nelson
  • Assists: Eddie Nketiah (£4.5m)

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) wasn’t involved as Arsenal defeated Angers on penalties in their penultimate pre-season friendly.

The French striker had injured his ankle in Saturday’s defeat to Lyon but the news sounds fairly positive despite his lack of involvement in France last night, with media reports suggesting he has already returned to full training.

Mesut Ozil (£7.5m) and Sead Kolasinac (£5.5m) were also not part of Arsenal’s latest matchday squad, a week after they were the victims of an apparent carjacking attempt.

Young Gunners

From a Fantasy perspective, Arsenal’s match was possibly the least useful of the five friendlies contested on Wednesday night.

Unai Emery’s starting XI was a mixture of academy prospects and second-string players, although Nacho Monreal (£5.5m) could feasibly be part of the Gameweek 1 line-up.

The young Arsenal side never really clicked into gear and registered just two shots on target all match – one of which was their 49th-minute equaliser.

Reiss Nelson was the scorer of Arsenal’s only goal of the game, firing in the rebound after Eddie Nketiah‘s (£4.5m) shot had been blocked.

The likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.5m), Sokratis (£5.0m) and Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m) made it onto the pitch in the second half as Emery chased the game.

Aubameyang – on as a striker after several run-outs on the right flank this summer – had a goal ruled out for offside and ballooned a shot over, with both chances being created by Mkhitaryan.

The Gabonese striker, along with Maitland-Niles, Granit Xhaka (£5.5m) and Joe Willock, all scored from the spot in the subsequent penalty shootout but Mkhitaryan missed.

Pepe latest

Emery was asked about new signing Nicolas Pepe after the game, saying:

He played here in Angers a few years ago, and then in Lille. He has progressed as a player. We are speaking about a lot of players, we want to select on players who can really help us, give us big performances and improve our squad. We have different options.

Yes [he can play with Aubameyang], first because he is left-footed. We have a left-footer in Bukayo, a young player who has a big future for us. For example on the winger one left-footed player can play on one side or the other. It can give us different options.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Martinez; Chambers (Maitland-Niles 46′), Mustafi, Medley (Sokratis 46′), Monreal (Thompson 46′); Guendouzi (Mkhitaryan 63′), Burton (Xhaka 46′), Martinelli; John-Jules (Willock 46′), Nelson (Olayinka 82′), Nketiah (Aubameyang 63′).

741 Comments Post a Comment
  1. R.C
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Kean will be having a medical at Everton tomorrow apparently

    Back to the drawing board

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

      Hopefully he's 6m
      Can do something with 0.5 remaining

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

      Everybody’s changing but I still feel the same.

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

      I'll be trying to make a move just to stay in the game.

  2. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    How nailed are the 4.0 defenders? So far I've got Rico, Lundstram and Kelly on my radar.

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

      They aren't nailed but having atleast 1 is worth it. Lundstram and Rico have better upsides to Kelly, Lundstram is the best pick because when he does start he has a better chance of being subbed between 60-70min for a cleansheat being a midfielder. Sheffield Utd have a good chance of a respectable clean sheet output.

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

    I have Frederick Woodman (4.0M) as my backup goalie, if I keep him is there no danger of him falling in price as quite a few 4.0M goalies end up falling to 3.9M after a few weeks.

    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Well he's gone to Swansea for the season so I'd imagine anyone starting with him (me included) is planning on leaving him there for the season.

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

        Thanks for the reply, I was just thinking that departed players might have their price movement frozen.

        1. Irish Madridista ⭐
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Nah think they can still drop, but wouldn't expect it before the first wildcard anyway.

          Only really an issue if you WC to have two keepers for bench boost, might get unlucky and lose out on 0.1 but it's unlikely.

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

      I have a cheap 8.0 GK double with Woodman and Norris. Ensures I wont lose any value and I can spend 0.5 on one of my outfield players. GKs are useless anyway.

      1. Irish Madridista ⭐
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        lol

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

        Full credit for an alternative and ballsy strategy there. By sacrificing a playing GK you get a playing defender. At a rough calculation, I'd say a bog-standard 4.5 GK who keeps his place through the season is good for about 90 points. A bog-standard 4.5 defender gets about 70 points, a bit less. But then you'd be transferring that guy for a more successful emergent one, so overall it probably make marginal but difference in that sense, but only if you overlook the key difference that by having 2x4m keepers you're only putting out 10 players every week whereas the conventional route means an extra crappy 4.5 defender and his 90 points. So I'm sure on balance you have to lose out.

  4. thepancakeman123
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Very small differences but which of these would you pick?

    A) Van Dijk, Barkley, Digne
    B) Van Dijk, Perez, Coleman/AWB/Alderweireld
    C) TAA, Barkley, Coleman/AWB/Alderweireld
    D) TAA, Perez, KWP/Zouma

    1. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 8 months ago

        B with Coleman

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

      Choose one combo:

      A) Van Dijk, Coleman, Sterling, King
      B) Robertson, Digne, De Bruyne, Wilson

      (Already have Trent)

      1. Pinturicchio10
          4 years, 8 months ago

          A

        • thepancakeman123
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          A

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

        Hi, could i get some RMT advice on my team please.

        Ederson (4.0)
        AWB Digne TAA VanDijk (Lundstrom 4.0))
        Salah Perez B.Silva Fraser (Hayden/4.5)
        Kane Wood (4.5)

        Is it too risky to have 2 Liverpool and 2 Everton defenders instead of AWB? Fixtures through first 6-8 games means could be plenty of clean sheets and give me a great start?
        Is it better to have a 4.5 goalkeeper and therefore either have a 6.0 striker or midfielder?

      3. The Polymath
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Are you buying Kane just for the first few good fixtures or for the whole season?

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

          I don't think I buy anyone for the whole season, that's what transfer are for.

          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Woodman 😀

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

          Till we get frustrated by his tackles in Midfield 😀

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

            Kane 1-22 132 points
            Kun 23-38 102 points
            Sterling 1-38 234 points

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

              Problem is we don't know when the '22' will be this season again do we 😉
              I know you love Strikers but even you would agree that Kun & Kane are less explosive than Raz atm.
              Kun rarely plays 90 & Kane ... Well, Don't get me started

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

                22 was when he got injured so that’s an easy one to answer.

                I played it this way last year except I did better by swapping Kun to Vardy at the obvious time. My premium strikers were better scorers than Raz on season value.

                Read on Fix that every team in the top 50 had s premium striker last year so I feel I’m in good company 😉

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

                  Wow. That's an interesting stat.
                  Tbh if i had ££ I'd have gone for Kun.
                  Kane, i just don't feel it tbh

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

                    Actually Auba up to 22 scored one more point than Kane. It was about then he got rotated out and so his points fell. Remember the hokey kokey around the first DGW?

        3. Pinturicchio10
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Avoiding until affordable alongside Salah / Sterling.

          • schlupptheweek
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Kane is the safe choice for the first few fixtures and even season but I think Aubameyang is really underrated on this sub and can light it up in the first 2 fixtures. He's not a season keeper but pick Auba for the purple patches is very rewarding.

          • Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            Have they removed transfers?

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

            For as long as he keeps scoring

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

            Whole Season, injury permitting.

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

          So much value in the 7-8.5m bracket this season. 3 heavy hitters up top would be tempting if it wasn’t for Salah and Sterling...

          1. The 12th Man
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 8 months ago

            You don’t have to get them both

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

              In fact you shouldnt for exactly the reason he said. So much value in 6.5 - 9.5 bracket.

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

          Whats peoples thots on pepe for arsenal?

          1. Pinturicchio10
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Same as rest of their squad. Avoid.

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

                Why so ?

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

                  Rotation maybe

              2. Irish Madridista ⭐
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                How come? Can score goals aplenty and him/ceballos should only help.

              3. Pinturicchio10
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Midfield is weak and forwards too inconsistent for their prices. Defence is a shambles.

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

                    Bellerin, Holding back

                    Probable Tieney and another centre back signing .

                    It’s 3 or 4 new defenders than last year
                    Torriera, Guendoizi should improve for 2nd season
                    High hopes for Cellabos .

                    Pepe, lacca,auba goals galore

                    I’m hopeful ...if we get the Tierney deal done

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

                We’re gonna win the league now

                Could be a good fantasy asset once he settles in too .

            • Amey
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              I miss Hazard already in FPL 😕

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

                Gonna miss watching him but don't miss him in FPL at all. One less headache.

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

                  Ha ha

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

                Sad to see him go but love the watch him leave 😉

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

                  Ha

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

                Barkley good replacement

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

                  Nahh
                  Not even 50 % of Hazard level. Plays deep so unfair to compare too.

              4. Chazz69
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 8 months ago

                Sané leaving could hurt Man City. Huge loss imo

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

                  Yep.
                  But would mean Raz perma LW which is best for us (imo) as whoever plays on LW for City is more likely to score/assist from whatever football I've seen them play.

                  Hell of a talent but not the Baldy's cup of tea.

            • Come on you Kante
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Anyone going to put Pepe straight into their team ?

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

                If he's 9.5 I may start with him and possibly change to Son later.

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

                  Having Sterling, would you prioritize Pepe over KDB?

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

                Depends on pricing really.

                Honestly I still not know what to expect - 8M or 10M lol

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

                I’m tempted depending on his price. His stats from France look incredible could be a new Salah - no one had him Gw1 2 years ago.

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

                  I had salah 2 years ago gw1

            • Tsparkes10
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Few Qs:

              1) If Aguero looks likely to start does that change anything?

              2) Thoughts on arsenal assets... Good first 2 fixtures but maybe hold til gw5?

              3) Anybody considering waiting for Mane?

              1. Pinturicchio10
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  1) not for me
                  2) avoid
                  3) no

                • Amey
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  1. Nope
                  2. Good Ebening
                  3. Mo only 1m expensive so it's a No for Mane (at least for now)

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

                    Lool

                • Hairy Potter
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  1) Not for me
                  2) Attackers only. Conceded more goals than Newcastle last season and don't seem to have strengthened
                  3) I prefer Salah, but things can change in a season

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

                    Fairs, Laca is tempting but probs avoid. Annoyed me last season

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

                  Nah
                  Nah
                  Nah

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

                  1) No as Aguero subbed off in 23 of his 31 starts last season. Fit Jesus = Less gametime for Kun.
                  2) Hold off till GW5, team needs time to gel.
                  3) No as Salah costs just 1m more anyways

                • Andy_Social
                  • 11 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  1. Yes. it changes Sterling's positioning, possibly to his advantage.
                  2. Tactical adjustments needed, I'd let them bed in first.
                  3. Yes. He'll on my bench GW1 so I don't need to use a transfer GW2. Have good cover.

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

                1. TAA
                2. Robertson

                Already have VVD...

                Thanks

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

                  https://www.fantasyfootballscout.co.uk/comment/20498124

                  Page 2 and 3 probably have it too.

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

                Lost on kast page
                A) Ederson + Dunk
                B) Ryan + Walker

                1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Really wouldn't go anywhere near Brighton defence under their new boss but B as Ryan might pick up save points.

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

                    Thanks madridista

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

                Guess what, I'm here with another draft 🙂 thoughts? Heaton best 4.5?

                Heaton
                Robbo TAA Digne Zinchenko
                Salah KDB Bilva Pérez
                Vardy King

                Button Dendoncker Lundstram Greenwood

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

                  Forgot to mention, 1M in the bank, any obvious upgrades?

                  1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                    • 13 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Digne + King -> Coleman + Wilson

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

                      Thanks, will think about it!

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

                how much is Moises Kean going to cost, what do people think.
                Straight into my team anywhere below 7.5m

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

                  As i said should be 6/6.5 imo

                  1. The 12th Man
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    No way. He’s straight in my side if he’s that cheap.
                    At least 7m

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

                  I'm thinking 7. Or 7.5 as Haller

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

                  I would have thought another 6.5

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

                  7

                5. Pinturicchio10
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Too much, most likely.

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

                    Surely 6.5.
                    Its not like he was playing for the 1st team at Juve.

                    Haller is a proven goal scorer.

                  • yakirh
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    I think 7

                  • Brosstan
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    With Chelsea boys at 7.0 he should also be 7.0.

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

                  Thoughts on my KDB team, does having him ruin the rest of the team? I wanted 3 pool and 3 city to start with.
                  Henderson
                  TAA Robbo Zinc Diop Lundstram
                  Perez Raz Salah KDB Barkley
                  Wood Wesley Greenwood

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

                    that's not bad.
                    Not a big fan of Wood...how much is he? If 6.5, then I still rather have Jota

                  2. The Pesci challenge
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Front 3 needs looking at

                  3. Limbo
                    • 13 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Looked GREAT until you get to the front-line... then, not so much

                  4. Chazz69
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    I'd have B Silva instead of KDB, Defo no Barkley

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

                    Thanks for the comments guys I’ll have a look at front 3. Maybe time to day goodbye to KDB ...

                7. L S P
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Which would you prefer? (11.0 to play with)

                  A) Fab + Zinchenko
                  B) 4.5 GK + Laporte
                  C) Ederson + 5.0 DEF

                  (Planning to set & forget the GK)

                  Cheers

                  1. The Pesci challenge
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    B

                  2. Kizza_10
                    • 9 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Heaton/Ryan & Laporte

                8. Kizza_10
                  • 9 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Any advice on how to improve this team is welcome.

                  Ryan
                  Digne VVD Laporte Robertson
                  Fraser Sterling Salah Barkley Perez
                  Wilson

                  Subs:
                  Button, Lundstram, Wickham, Greenwood

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

                    Looks pretty standard if that’s what you’re aiming for?

                  2. Alan Watts
                    • 5 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Like the 5 man midfield....seems like a lot of players that could do well in low to mid price brackets...Siggy, Martial, Leic mids, Son, Barkley / Chelsea mids, etc, or even Pogba if he finds some form..

                    Zinch in for Laporte could be an option...

                    Prefer TAA to VVD based on PPG, and might do better this season..

                    Prefer an additional forward spot - Jota could match Jimenez points from last season, Pukki could do well when fixtures turn..

                    Prefer Tielemans to Perez...

                    Barkleys opening two fixtures not great, maybe get someone else as placeholder

                    Could downgrade Digne to 4.0m Laporte to Zinch, to free up cash...

                    1. Alan Watts
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      ...or Wilson to King could free up funds, two opening fixture are nice but then they toughen...

                  3. Carlton P
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Pretty much my team so I like it. Toying with Auba/kane over Salah though

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

                  Anybody know if/when there will be Rate my FPL draft videos by FFScout?

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

                    Nothing mentioned yet but guess next week will have quite a few vids and a Scoutcast most likely.

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

                      Thanks TM

                10. The 12th Man
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  So which 3 would you rather have if no Salah/Sterling together?

                  1. Sterling,Aubamayang,Kane
                  2. Salah,Lacazette,Aguero

                  1. Chazz69
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    1

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

                      Neither I’m afraid

                11. PAVLYUCHENKOSAURUS
                  • 13 Years
                  4 years, 8 months ago

                  Final decision. These three to be kept all season providing no injuries, etc:

                  A: Hendo, TAA, Laca
                  B: Alisson, VVD, Wilson
                  C: Too tight to call it!

                  I’m currently on C.

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

                    why all season?

                    B

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

                  No La Liga on UK telly next year as things stand.

                  Have they got greedy or is the football bubble bursting?

                  FPL - KDB or Biva & extra filthy lucre?

                  1. Chazz69
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    I've the feeling B Silva is going to have a great year

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

                      Cheers

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

                      Had a great season last year, arguably city's most important player. Just not best in fpl wise, agree that will change

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

                        I can’t decide whether KDB or Bilva.

                        I agree that last year he had his moment with consistent high returns.

                        Hmmmn

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

                          *Inconsistent

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

                          Tempted for both and no Sterling. Idk myself haha

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

                  Reckon scores the most FPL points for a third consecutive season earning him a FPL season top score hattrick?

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

                    *Salah that is

                  2. Netley Lucas
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Sterling has a chance.

                    1. Drip Doctor
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Nope. He won't get enough minutes.

                  3. Pinturicchio10
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Yes

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

                    If Leicester are most people’s dark horse for this year at breaking the top 6.

                    Who do we think might implode?

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

                      Arsenal.

                      1. Drip Doctor
                        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                        • 13 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Fight me.

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

                          Their defense (or lack there of) is concerning.

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

                        No way. Their attack is far too strong.

                        Auba Laca Pepe with Özil behind is insane.

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

                      I think Spurs will drop out of the Top 4, which will be a post-CL final implosion.

                    3. Hairy Potter
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      With their fixtures, Villa may struggle to get many points in April and May.

                    4. Irish Madridista ⭐
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Liverpool

                      😉

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

                      I think Man Utd

                    6. The 12th Man
                      • 10 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Newcastle

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

                    Team adjusted.. thoughts?
                    Ryan
                    TAA, Zinch, Digne
                    Salah, Sterl, Pérez, Trossard, Robinson
                    Kane, King

                  6. Chazz69
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Aston Villa's transfer bill is the 5th highest in Europe and the highest for England !

                    1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                      • 13 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      Which is why I have two of em! Beautiful fixtures after GW1

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

                      Could hurt them like it appeared to hurt Fulham last year (trying to mesh together a quick team from multiple signings).

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

                        It's only getting sillier. Latest from SKY:

                        VILLA STILL LOOKING

                        Aston Villa remain active in this summer's transfer market and want to further strengthen their squad - despite spending more than £130m on 12 new signings already, Sky Sports News understands.

                        Dean Smith is keen to add TWO more players to the group before the window closes a week today, we've been told.

                        Earlier in this window, we told you Villa were interested in Brentford duo Said Benrahma and Neil Maupay, with Smith confident that both of his former players at Griffin Park could make that step up to perform in the Premier League.

                        Whilst Villa have baulked at the £20m asking fee for each of Maupay and Benrahma, they could yet approach Brentford to try to strike a deal, they do have other targets too.

                      2. Hairy Potter
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Aren't most of their signings making loan moves permanent?

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

                          No, that's 3 or 4. They've signed 12 and are after 2 more.

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

                            Are you saying to 3 Spurs player essential?

                          2. Hairy Potter
                            • 8 Years
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            Ah okay, probably me misreading Kiwivillan's constant droning on. I think they will be in the relegation fight at the end of the season. They need to make the best of the very favourable run of fixtures early on as they have a tough run.

                      3. Irish Madridista ⭐
                        • 13 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Wolves did the same thing, worked out for them.

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

                          Who came in apart from Patricio, Mountinho and Jimenez? Felt like most of the key pieces were already in place like Neves.

                          Just seemed like Fulham ripped the heart out of their promotion team and could never really get any cohesion to me.

                          Just my opinion.

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

                            Agree. Wolves have a coherence about the transfers; Villa seems more scatter-gun like Fulham. But cohesion will be down to the manager. I see them more like Watford of a couple of years ago. I think they'll be okay, but they have gone way over the top. God 'elp 'em with wages and FFP if they do go down though.

                          2. Irish Madridista ⭐
                            • 13 Years
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            Raúl Jiménez
                            Jonny
                            Leander Dendoncker
                            Alexander Molberg
                            Benik Afobe
                            Willy Boly
                            Rui Patrício
                            Léo Bonatini
                            Pascal Juan Estrada
                            Diogo Jota
                            Rúben Vinagre
                            Paulo Alves
                            João Moutinho
                            Adama Traoré
                            João Caiado
                            John Kitolano
                            Max Kilman
                            Jamie Pardington
                            Dongda He
                            Sadou Diallo
                            David Wang
                            Michael Agboola
                            Ed Francis
                            Jonny

                            1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                              • 13 Years
                              4 years, 8 months ago

                              ...Jonny came in twice, whoops.

                        2. Hairy Potter
                          • 8 Years
                          4 years, 8 months ago

                          Didn't Wolves walk the Championship and then add some internationals? Villa scraped into the playoffs.

                          1. Irish Madridista ⭐
                            • 13 Years
                            4 years, 8 months ago

                            Yep, and I dont' expect Villa to come 6th.

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

                      Makes you think how well construction is in Cairo.

                      1. Chazz69
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        If Dean Smith manages to blend this new squad well together, they have a massive and interesting potential to cause upsets

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

                      madness imo. essentially you are trying to form a brand new team/squad in zero time. the players haven't worked together, dont know each other, dont know the manager, manager doesnt know the players. and this in the most competitive league in the world, at a cost of 130m pounds. could end badly for them but good luck, villa is a club that i like to see in the premiership

                      1. Chazz69
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Absolutely RichardNixon

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

                        Worked pretty well for Al Nahyan and Al Mubarak. It's a start and great teams take time.

                  7. Red Rock
                    • 6 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Thoughts on this draft?

                    Ryan
                    TAA Robertson Digne Zinchenko Ake
                    Salah Sterling Perez McGinn
                    Kane

                    Best defender at £5m? Doesnt look as appealing and don't want to downgrade one of the Liverpool boys to VVD to free up £0.5

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

                      What’s the bench?

                      1. Red Rock
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Button Greenwood Dendonker Wickham, the standard bench fodder

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

                      Zouma should start for Chelsea.

                      1. Red Rock
                        • 6 Years
                        4 years, 8 months ago

                        Looked a bit shakey in pre season, i know they're not full strength but doesnt fill me with confidence

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

                          Well that's what you get for 5m!

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

                    Hm why are these CHE assets being overlooked? Kinda want one instead of Siggy or Perez

                  9. n-doggg
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 8 months ago

                    Pretty happy with this draft. Risk without sterling from the start but can upgrade kdb without too much bother. Any glaring errors?

                    Ryan / Heaton
                    Taa, zinchenko, Lundstram, Cathcart, diop
                    Salah, kdb, Maddison, zaha, March
                    Kane, king, jimi

                    Thoughts on that?

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

                      Would downgrade Zaha to maybe Hughes to upgrade one of 4.5 defenders personally. Maybe Jota over Jimi for cash.

                    2. Chazz69
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 8 months ago

                      B Silva for KDB and Zaha who knows what's gonna happen with him