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

    Hows this 442 looking?

    Heaton/Henderson
    TAA/VVD/Zinc/coleman
    Sterling/Salah/Fraser/Grealish
    King/Vardy

    Dendoncker/Greenwood/Lunstram

    Fraser and King too much? Pulisic for a gamble? Or other 7.5 or lower?

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

      Hendo and King to Deeney imo. Like it

  2. Fordy40
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    In need of opinion, so far I have:

    Pope-Button
    VVD-TAA-Coleman-Zinchenko-Lundstram
    Salah-KDB-Siggy-Perez-Dendoncker
    King + ? + ?

    Do I go for Vardy & Wesley (2 x pen takers) or Kane & Greenwood

    1. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      K&G

    2. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      K&W by downgrading Siggy to 6.5m mid, loads of good options

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

      I've gone with the former

  3. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    recommended City midfilder if not Sterling?

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

      KDB

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

      Mahrez time to shine with Sane leaving for Germany!

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

        Yeah for that first game he will be good but once the strikers are back he returns to his natural habitat

    3. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I’d go KDB

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

    Man city sold / selling Sane No way !!!!

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

      Bayern just denied rumours that he has agreed to join them

      1. goriuanx
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        The fact they've had to address it probably means there's something in it.

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

        Money talks, Fantastic signing for Bayern . Surprised Man City would get rid off this incredible talented young fella

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

      sources not very credible

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

        Bayern coach literally said he was "certain" they would buy Sane some days ago.

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

      I could well imagine so,KH Rumenigge is asking for no more comments from anybody involved in FC Bayern, until an official statement can be made in terms of him.

  5. kime67
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Im giving up on pool double def now when pep is in prem.

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

    Trying to decide between

    a) Kane - King
    b) Vardy - Wilson

    Both with KDB and Fraser, or

    c) Sterling - Vardy - King (with a 6.5 mid)

    Any thoughts appreciated.

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

      C with Barkley, have 0.5 left over ?

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

        Thought about it, not entirely convinced by Barkley though. Think I'd prefer Perez but not that keen on double Leicester either!

    2. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like C with Perez/Tielemans or maybe even Lanzini. Think Sterling is essential

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

        I worry about going without Sterling, but KDB makes the team look better balanced. Sterling wins out easily on RMT though and double Leicester may be the way I go in the end.

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

    My U22 Season ticket arrived today 🙂 slowly becoming more real, how many on here have season tickets and for who?

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

      I used to have a members card with all the credit needed at Liverpool for every game for a while, but not anymore.

      Tickets are like gold now of course.

      Thinking about going seeing Bolton Wanderers instead this year when it doesn’t clash with tv matches.

      1. Hog Roast Junkie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Like the idea of supporting buff - can’t let clubs die

        1. Hog Roast Junkie
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          *bwfc

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

    Best £5m defender?

    A) Zouma
    B) Walker-Peters/Aurier
    C) Ake
    D) Holebas
    E) Other?

    1. MyBall MyRules
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      KWP for first few weeks. By then we'll know more about zouma

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

        Thanks, its risky but for a reason! Probably will go with him, the rest are less appealing

    2. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      duffy

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

        I dont think Brighton will do all too well this season, plus i'm going with Ryan in goal like many others

    3. Lovren an elevator
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Valery maybe

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

        I hadnt considering Soton, he was great last season

    4. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Boly

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

    Not making my team, but interested to hear thoughts on Grealish. (Purely as a FPL candidate, otherwise will get offensive).

    I hear some Villa fans thinking he can manage a 15+ goal season.

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

      Loads of potential. Depends if he stays on his feet, we put in a few challenges early on which kept him quiet for the whole game. Needs a trim though

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

        One to watch then. Fellow Blade here... trying not to put 3 Utd in my team

        1. Lovren an elevator
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 8 months ago

          Who would you go with as far as nailed/attacking return options...Robinson or Norwood? Don't care about the price difference

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

            I’m currently on Robinson and O’Connell.

            From preseason it looks likely Robinson will start but not necessarily up front, still not 100% with recent acquisitions how the lineup will look come GW1.

            1. Lovren an elevator
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 8 months ago

              Cool I've been looking at enda stevens as in a draft league so price isn't putting me off. Looks nailed on and Sheffield look good for clean sheets. Enda likely to get attacking returns? Got a couple of assists in pre season

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

      What about McGinn, lads?

  10. Bambi
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    None of the 6.5 forwards appeal as much as they used to.

    Deulofeu limited fitness and pre-season minutes
    Jota - bad fixtures and europa distraction
    King - limited pre-season minutes

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

      Yep, I wouldn't have confidence in any of those personally

    2. jimmy.floyd
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Niether

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

      Might as well punt on a 6.0 like Adams, Ings, Wesley or Joelinton. Easy to swap to one if they look good.

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

      Wood is the pick for me

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

        A knew I was missing someone!

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

        And he comes with bigger concern than any of above - playing in front of Burnley midfield. Wouldnt buy Aguero in Burnley for 6.mil if Burnley mids were assisting him

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

      I’m on wood and Deeney atm. Pukki as a back up option if one falls to injury

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

      Is Deeney the best €6.5m forward to start? I think Chris Wood is worth a shout as well.

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

        :O

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

          Great minds think alike ^_*

      2. Bumbaclot
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Yep wood the most goals of any prem player pre season so hopefully
        This carries over but rarely does

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

        Ive been honking Deeney's horn for a while. Nice to see its catching on.

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

          I’ve been with you mate all the way just been hoping Origi would start GW1. It’s becoming less likely but I still have hope, Deeney is a worthy replacement tho x

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

    Lampard on Pulisic: "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."

    For me this is quite an important quote from Lampard. Midfielders who have been encouraged to run in behind and not support the play tend to be heavily involved in goals. They are the main outlet for through balls, resulting in lots of touches in behind the defensive line. Got my eye on Pulisic...

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

      He's in my latest draft, although can see why so many are looking at Barkley for 1.5m less

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

      Looks like they are building towards a system where the wide players are instrumental to the team, a bit like city

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

      He said the same thing about Barkley. Or Barkley said something similar about how Frank wanted him to play. Seems to deploy a very direct style

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

      We will all have 3 Chelsea players in our team soon enough, cheap and will get the points.

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

    Which do you prefer ?

    A. Ryan, Digne, Laporte

    B. Ederson, Coleman, Wan B

    1. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Both good. A but only just. B if Utd sign Maguire

  13.  ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Think im set on this team any recommended changes or good to go. Thanks

    Ryan
    Robertson. Walker. Coleman. Diop
    Salah. Sterling. Fraser. Barkley
    Kane. King. 

    Subs
    Button. Dendoncker. Greenwood. 4.0(Gibson/Lundstram or Kelly)

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

      King to Deeney or Jota and gtg

      1.  ⓖⓐⓩⓩⓐ™
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        Cheers yeh thought about those 2 gonna see the next Bournemouth friendly see how King does he burned me last season so not a big fan

    2. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Prefer Pope / Heaton / Henderson to Ryan
      Otherwise gtg

  14. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Who's place could dybala put under serious threat?

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

      Lingard and Mata, maybe?

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

      No one worth having

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

      He’s wait and see if he comes at all

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

      Dybala's transfer will probably end Lingard's career at Manchester United. Mata will stay around as second string.

  15. balint84
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    why not love enough of Pulisic?

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

      Only on days where he scores a brace is there excitement for him. It’s like sleeping with a girl that looks great at the time but after you finish you realise it was a bit disgusting

    2. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think mainly because Pedro, Willian, CHO, RLC and Barkley all cheaper

      Wait and see for me. A CHE mid could turn out to be gold but no idea which one

  16. Karan14
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Heaton
    TAA - Robbo - Digne - Zinchenko
    Salah - Sterling - Fraser - Perez
    Wilson - Deulofeu
    (4.0 - DD - GW - LS)

    Thoughts on this lot?
    Double Bou attack too much?
    Stones or Zinchenko?

    Cheers! 🙂

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

      If laporte is out I would stay away from city defence
      Much faith in Bournemouth but playing newly promoted teams early isn't easy
      Lacking arsenal players, I expect them to start with a bang

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

      Don’t think Sheffield United will be easy meat for a team like Bournemouth myself

  17. Bumbaclot
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    So what is the consensus on siggy guys? Worth the 8mil or should it be bilva or even downgrade to Fraser and use the .5 elsewhere?

    Thanks

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

      Bilva >>>>>>>>>>>

      1. Bumbaclot
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 8 months ago

        We worried about Bilva minutes or confident he should start every game?

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

          Definitely confident he starts every game. Pep’s most important player, pep’s next messi imo

    2. United10
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I had him in my team for a while but had to downgrade to use funds elsewhere

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

    A. King (bou) and benchfodder 5th mid
    B. Barkley and benchfodder 3rd striker

    1. United10
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      a if u dont have wilson

  19. United10
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    a) Walker
    b) Azpili

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

    .................Haller
    Anderson Fornals Lanzini

    Pretty sexy front four West Ham played last game. Fornals and Haller with a goal & assist each gets the pre-season blood flowing. Are West Ham a wait and see for you, or an opportunity to get your nose in front?

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

      That first game is well annoying a so don’t expect us to score but oh boy what an attack we have for the fixtures after that. Haller the best bet, he is crucial to every attack. The midfielders will share the points a lot but Haller I expect 50% GI in a team with a lot of goals. Very exciting. Anderson and Lanzini are on the other side btw x

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

        Think I'll start Wilson with the intention to move to Haller in a couple of weeks. Seems the most sensible option.

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

          Good plan.

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

          That’s a good idea. He is the safest route as he is undisputedly nailed on, should get pens too now Wilshere is fit and forming a partnership with rice at CDM over noble, although this won’t be the case absolutely every match. We have a lot of depth and room for rotation in attacking midfield with Antonio, Snodgrass, Yarmolenko and diangana all offering great quality too. Avoid our mids apart from Anderson is my advice

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

      Maybe
      GW2 option or wk4 WC options if their playing well.

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

      *Lanzini and Anderson switched

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

      I have price points in my team to fit in a West Ham player come GW2-3.

      7.5 mid, 6.5 mid and 7.5 att.

      I actually think they could pull a shock in GW1 too, but I rather wait a week or so to see how they shape up.

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

      As a Hammer we have to score goals because our defence is poor and Pellers sets his team up to attack

      Everyone of the front four will score points and offer good value for their price imo

    6. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I think they may spring a surprise v city gw 1

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

      It's West Ham.

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

        Another wonderfully constructed and thoughtful comment from the Drip Doctor.

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

    For me the biggest dilema is what to do with my last 22m for three positions

    4.5
    TAA VvD _
    Salah Sterling Perez Barkley _
    Jota _

    4.0 4.0 4.0 4.5

    A) Auba/Kane, Fornals, 4.5 defender
    B) Wilson, KDB/Son, 4.5 defender
    C) Wilson, Fraser, Laporte/Digne

    Basically, is it worth having three heavy hitters?

    Or is it wiser to spread it all over?

    Thoughts?

    Cheers

    1. Jordan Stott
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I like A long term, B with KDB looks better for GW1.

    2. United10
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      easy, C

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

      C seems clearly better than the others

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

    Thoughts on this side? (Walker-Peters may be Zouma depending on final preseason games). KDB easy switch to Son week 3.

    Heaton
    TAA Walker-Peters VVD Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling Pérez De Bruyne
    Wilson Wesley

    McGovern Dendoncker Greenwood Lundstram

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

      What’s the score with Wesley?

      Was he fairly well establish playing in Belgium?

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

        32 goals in 107 appearances for Bruges in 2016-29 so ok and after week AV good fixtures

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

        10 goals and 28 appearances for Brugge last season.

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

          So poor. Why are people so excited about villa ffs

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

          10 goals but also 9 assists

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

            Rather have my striker score goals than set up chances for disasters like jota and el ghazi

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

              I like the fact he isn't only relying on goals scored
              spread of points is not that bad
              His height will be useful for Villa's set pieces. They scored 24 goals from set pieces last season. 5 from last 10 Wesley's goal scored for Brugge were headers.
              Last but not least there aren't many 5.5-6.0 FWD with decent fixtures. If you can't find 0.5 to upgrade he could be great punt, potential bandwagon with those fixtures from GW2.

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

      looking good
      Chelsea's defence shaky so not sure about Zouma, stick with KWP

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

    A) King, McGinn, Coleman, Van Dijk
    B) Greenwood (bench), Perez, Digne, Robertson

    Both options have TAA in the teams, i'm leaving on B as i have Kane up front

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

      A

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

        Out of interest why? The slight downgrades to each defender don't sit right with me

  24. Canary_Kid
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Wilson + Fraser worth it? Thoughts?

    1. Harper (No more Penandes)
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      I don't think so. Just the one

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

      Maybe for GW1

  25. Andy Unsocial
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Think I'm pretty happy with this.

    Pope
    Robertson TAA Digne Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling Barkley Robinson
    Vardy Wilson

    Bench : Button, Wickham, Dendoncker, Kelly

    1. 1912 F.A Cup Winners
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 8 months ago

      Very similar to mine mate!!
      Heaton
      TAA Van Dijk Zinchenko Coleman
      Salah Sterling Tielemans Barkley
      Vardy Wilson
      Subs- Button Dendonker RICO Greenwood

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

    Of the newly promoted teams who do you think will be:

    The goal scoring ones:
    The defensively stable:
    The pushovers:

  27. New Post
  28. Azzastaan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Ederson
    Vvd Robertson Coleman Dunk
    Salah Sterling Fraser Barkley
    Kane Greenwood

    Thoughts please and thanks

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

    B Silva will and should be a huge differential guys. I see lots going for KDB who's 1.5 more expensive.

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

      May go for both and not Sterling

  30. HercAles_12
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 8 months ago

    Guys any suggestions

    Ryan
    Coleman - Robertson - AWB
    Sigurdsson - Salah (C) - KDB - Perez
    Murray - Kane - Wood

    Heaton Quina Pieters Rico