Scout Notes

Martial and Barkley turn heads in final pre-season games

Fantasy Premier League managers got a final chance to look at Manchester United and Chelsea’s teams on Saturday.

There has been plenty of interest in the cheaper options available at both clubs and we are starting to get a clearer idea of which ones have the most potential.

We also saw budget out-of-position options secure their places in our thinking at Sheffield United, while Bournemouth and Norwich also concluded their pre-season schedules.

Borussia Mönchengladbach 2-2 Chelsea

Ross Barkley took another penalty for Chelsea on Saturday

Goals: Tammy Abraham (£7.0m), Ross Barkley (£6.0m)

Assists: Mateo Kovacic (£5.5m), Mason Mount (£6.0m)

Ross Barkley (£6.0m) provided further complication for Fantasy managers on Saturday as he scored another pre-season penalty for Chelsea.

The central midfielder, who has largely been deployed in the number 10 role, finished the summer campaign involved in more goals than any of his colleagues.

Barkley scored four times, twice from the penalty spot and assisted a further three goals.

It was a penalty that put him on the scoresheet on Saturday, won after a foul on Mason Mount (£6.0m).

It was Tammy Abraham (£7.0m) who took the first penalty Chelsea won against Mönchengladbach, but this was when Barkley was not on the pitch.

However, Jorginho (£5.0m) happened to be on the pitch for both of those penalties which all but confirms he will not be the taker this season.

Furthermore, as we mentioned last week, there seems to be a suggestion that Willian (£7.0m) might assume the penalty-taking duties when he returns from international leave.

The other complication with Barkley was the fact that he did not start this final match of pre-season.

While the England international has been involved in more goals this summer than any other player, 10 of his colleagues registered more minutes.

Among those options is former Derby County loanee Mount, who played 320 minutes compared to Barkley’s 278.

It was Mount who started the Mönchengladbach game ahead of Barkley, although they were both on the pitch for the final 20 minutes, with the former pushed out wide and winning that penalty.

Either way, Lampard probably has something of a selection headache this season picking between Barkley and Mount.

By all accounts, Barkley has upped his game over the summer but Mount has also impressed and played his way into Lampard’s thinking, having also worked with him at Derby last season.

“(Mason has) done a lot. Coming back here, obviously, I worked with him last year, and I’m really happy with how he’s trained and his status within the group. The players recognise quality instantly, but they also recognise the work rate and character. Mason’s got all of those and he’s given me a problem. Ross Barkley’s also had a good pre-season and Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be back later on. It’s good because they’re all adaptable and can play in a variety of positions amongst themselves. I couldn’t ask for more from what Mason’s done.” – Frank Lampard

After starting the last two matches in a row, Abraham looks to have secured the number one striker slot at Chelsea.

In those two games, Michy Batshuayi (£7.0m) managed just 15 minutes while Olivier Giroud (£7.0m) got 23 minutes.

As previously mentioned, Pedro (£7.0m) is the most secure of a start on the flanks of attacking midfielder. Only Cesar Azpilicueta (£6.0m) got more pre-season minutes than him this summer (423 and 412 respectively).

That said, Barkley (seven), Mount (four), Abraham (three), Giroud (three), Batshuayi (three) and Pulisic (three) were all involved in more pre-season goals than the former Barcelona man (two).

“More or less (I know what my Gameweek 1 team will be). Again it’s a long week and I don’t want to say that because I think players have to train every day to get themselves in the team or get themselves out of the team. The door isn’t shut any way on that and we’ll need all the squad. We need players to be competitive and we need players who aren’t playing to come on like Giroud today and show a desire to come on and impact the game with work rate and desire to try and turn the result. That’s what we need throughout the season and I want to set that tone going into it.” – Frank Lampard

While there is plenty to be excited about when it comes to Chelsea’s attack, it must be said that their defence is yet to impress.

In three matches against Reading, Salzburg and Mönchengladbach the Blues conceded eight goals.

That might put Fantasy managers off looking to Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) initially, despite his kind pricing.

Marcos Alonso (£6.5m) is very much off-limits at this point. It was Emerson Palmieri (£5.5m) who started against Mönchengladbach and he outplayed the Spaniard during pre-season by 322 minutes to 218.

Things could still improve in the future for Chelsea’s defence as Antonio Rüdiger (£6.0m) continues his recovery from a long-term knee injury.

More importantly, N’Golo Kanté (£5.0m), the protective shield for the back-four, has missed almost all of pre-season too.

He made his first appearance of the summer as a substitute in the 72nd minute against Mönchengladbach but is still considered a doubt for Gameweek 1 given Lampard’s concerns over his match fitness.

“That was always the plan (to bring him on). He’s working a little bit now and it was just to give him the feeling of match time as he hasn’t been able to do that yet as it’s an awkward injury. I just wanted him to feel it and us to see it as you cannot replicate it unless you do it. It was a good opportunity to do that for him and we’ll work hard on getting him fit. Who knows if he’ll be ready for next week or not, but we’ll work hard for that. We also have to be a bit careful as he’s played so many games over the past three seasons and we don’t want to rush him back if it’s going to be negative. We’ll do our best to get him back.” – Frank Lampard

Chelsea XI: Kepa; Emerson (Alonso 67’), Christensen, Zouma, Azpilicueta; Kovacic (Kenedy 67’), Jorginho; Pulisic (Barkley 67’), Mount, Pedro (Kanté 72’); Abraham (Giroud 67’).

AC Milan 2-2 Manchester United

Marcus Rashford (right) and Anthony Martial have both looked good in pre-season

Goals: Marcus Rashford (£8.5m), Jesse Lingard (£6.5m)

Assists: Nemanja Matic (£5.0m), Anthony Martial (£7.5m)

Anthony Martial (£7.5m) looks set for a start in Manchester United’s attack for the Gameweek 1 visit of Chelsea to Old Trafford.

The Frenchman has enjoyed a successful pre-season campaign under Ole Gunnar Solksjaer over the last few weeks and added an assist as the Red Devils beat AC Milan on penalties in Cardiff.

No Manchester United player has registered more minutes than Martial this summer (339), with a number of his appearances coming as a centre-forward.

Against AC Milan, he was deployed alongside Marcus Rashford (£8.5m) in a front-two, the latter scoring his third goal of pre-season.

Ahead of that visit of Chelsea, who come to Old Trafford with some defensive issues, both Rashford and Martial have been involved in three pre-season goals each.

How they line up against the Blues is not completely certain. While both players are likely to start, it is not certain whether Solskjaer will go with a front three or front two. A forward trio would probably see Martial on the flanks and Rashford through the middle.

Meanwhile, Mason Greenwood (£4.5m) failed to get another start against AC Milan and he has not played more than 45 minutes per appearance all summer. In total, he managed just 201 minutes, compared to Juan Mata (£6.5m) recording 257, Jesse Lingard (£6.5m) 283, Daniel James (£6.0m) 283, and Martial and Rashford both getting 339 each.

That might make Greenwood a less than reliable budget forward option and the wealth of interest in him from the start of the campaign could trigger price falls if he is not used extensively.

However, Solskjaer did sing the youngster’s praises after the most recent match and insisted he’d have a part to play this season. In fact, he even hinted he could start against Chelsea.

“He’s got a chance of starting that one. He’s more than capable and will always be there, in and around the box, creating chances. And I won’t say it’s not a possibility, no, it’s a good possibility. If he keeps going as he does. It’s difficult to keep players out who perform well. He can play all four front positions, he can play 10, seven, 11, nine, he’s a natural footballer. With his left foot coming in, he can play anywhere along the frontline.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Midfielder Paul Pogba (£8.5m) missed the match with a back problem. Solskjaer seems optimistic about his chances of starting the season.

“Paul will probably be back early next week in training. It’s not an injury, just some pain. He’s not injured but I wasn’t going to risk anything this weekend. He should be okay [for Chelsea]. I would hope so, anyway. I wasn’t expecting Paul [at the airport]. I spoke to him after training and he didn’t feel right.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Manchester United XI (4-3-1-2): De Gea; Shaw, Rojo (Tuanzebe 64’), Lindelöf, Wan-Bissaka (Young 64’); McTominay, Matic (Fred 64’), A Pereira (Lingard 64’); Mata (James 64’); Martial (Greenwood 82’), Rashford (A Gomes 82’).

Stade de Reims 3-1 Sheffield United

Callum Robinson looks to have serious potential as an out-of-position asset

Goals: Callum Robinson (£5.5m)

Assists: Enda Stevens (£5.0m)

John Lundstram (£4.0m) set himself up as a viable budget defender by starting the final match of Sheffield’s United’s pre-season campaign.

The FPL defender started in the central midfield trio for a fourth successive match and remains the most-used option there this summer.

Oliver Norwood (£5.0m) and John Fleck (£5.0m) were the other two members of this combination, with Luke Freeman (£5.5m) and Ben Osborn (£5.0m) among the substitutes again.

At this point, we can be fairly confident that Lundstram will start against Bournemouth, although whether he can hold on to a clean sheet is another matter.

For the second match in a row, Freeman replaced Lundstram in midfield around the hour-mark.

That could be a recurring tactical substitution we see this campaign, Lundstram more of a defensive-minded midfield player, although he did get three assists in pre-season, Freeman the more attacking one (two goals, three assists this summer).

If that were to be a regular set-up for Chris Wilder this season, maybe Lundstram’s clean sheet chances will be boosted? If Sheffield United have been able to keep things tight in the first hour, Lundstram could end up banking clean sheets before the more attacking Freeman takes to the field.

Meanwhile, another out-of-position asset at Sheffield United continues to offer some appeal to Fantasy managers.

Callum Robinson (£5.5m) was on the scoresheet for the Blades again on Saturday, taking his pre-season tally to four goals and one assist, more than any of his colleagues.

For the third match in a row, he was deployed in the front two of Wilder’s 3-5-2 system and looks to have a good chance of starting in Gameweek 1.

However, some doubt still hangs over the Sheffield United forward line following the recent record signing of centre-forward Oli McBurnie (£6.0m).

The former Swansea City man has featured as a second-half substitute in each of the Blades last two matches.

Meanwhile, David McGoldrick (£5.5m) has the most pre-season minutes of any Sheffield United forward (309), with Billy Sharp (£6.0m) just behind him on 272.

Dean Henderson (£4.5m) is already very locked in as the starting goalkeeper having been the favourite there last season and playing 90 minutes in each match since returning on loan from Manchester United.

Enda Stevens (£5.0m) and George Baldock (£4.5m) look confirmed as the wing-backs again, while Chris Basham (£4.5m) and John Egan (£4.5m) have been used the bost at centre-back.

However, key player from last season Jack O’Connell (£4.5m) has not featured in any of the last three pre-season matches in that centre-back trio.

He has been struggling with a pre-season injury but Wilder is optimistic he can start Gameweek 1.

“Jack’s okay. He’s fine, we just didn’t think it was worth the risk. He’s working back at our place, he should be available for the big one coming up and then going forward from there. We’re not worried about him. Like I say, we just felt doing it this way was for the best.” – Chris Wilder

Sheffield United XI: Henderson; Bryan (Osborn 46’), Egan, Basham; Stevens (Jagielka 76’), Fleck, Norwood (Morrison 76’), Lundstram (L Freeman 65’), Baldock (K Freeman 76’); McGoldrick (McBurnie 46’), Robinson (Sharp 65’).

Bournemouth 3-0 Lyon

Callum Wilson has been Bournemouth’s most dangerous player in pre-season

Goals: Callum Wilson (£8.0m), Gavin Kilkenny, Joshua King (£6.5m)

Assists: Nnamdi Ofoborh, Wilson x2

Bournemouth’s pre-season campaign has come to an end with virtually no clarification over who will be the first-choice goalkeeper in Gameweek 1.

In total, Eddie Howe used four different shot-stoppers across six games, with none of them featuring for 90 minutes more than once.

Top of the pile were Mark Travers (£4.5m) and Aaron Ramsdale (£4.5m) on 180 minutes each, while Asmir Begovic (£4.5m) and Artur Boruc (£4.5m) both played 90 minutes apiece (two 45-minute outings each).

One of Travers or Ramsdale seems likely to be number one but the gap of just 90 minutes between that pair and the other two is hardly a big one.

Predicting Bournemouth’s back-four will also prove difficult as Howe spent most of pre-season splitting his firs-team across two matches.

Against Lyon, there were 90-minute outings for Diego Rico (£4.0m) and Nathan Aké (£5.0m) but Chris Mepham (£4.5m), Jack Stacey (£4.5m) and Jack Simpson (£4.5m) were all involved the day before.

The left-back slot is one Fantasy managers are most interested in given Rico’s price point but it is hard to guarantee him a Gameweek 1 start.

Aké, Mepham, Stacey and Rico all tied for most minutes among Bournemouth defenders, but Adam Smith (£4.5m), capable of playing on the left, was not far behind on 255.

Furthermore, even though Lloyd Kelly (£4.5m) is out injured, there is still competition from Charlie Daniels (£4.5m) who returned from injury on Friday night.

As for predicting who will start at centre-back, Steve Cook (£4.5m) was back from injury against Lyon, playing 67 minutes.

Further up the pitch, Callum Wilson (£8.0m) finished pre-season in exceptional form, involved in all three goals scored against Lyon, scoring the first and assisting the other two.

After the six summer friendlies, the forward was top for attacking returns (five), Jordon Ibe (£5.0m) in second place on four.

Josh King (£6.5m) got his first goal of the summer against Lyon highlighting that he might not be in the sort of shape or form to cover Wilson at the start of the campaign.

As for Ryan Fraser (£7.5m), his involvement against Lazio on Friday night was why he didn’t play against Lyon.

Howe’s splitting of squads across pre-season means that Fraser and Wilson have played together for just 90 minutes together this summer. Whether that has an impact on their partnership at the start of the campaign remains to be seen.

Bournemouth XI: Ramsdale (Boruc 45’); Rico, Aké, S Cook (Dobre 67’), A Smith (Zemura 75’); Danjuma, Ofoborh, Billing (Jordan 60’), Kilkenny; Wilson (Surridge 75’), King (Sherring 86’).

Norwich City 1-0 Toulouse

Norwich won their final pre-season game against Toulouse

Goals: Kenny McLean (£5.0m)

Assists: Emi Buendía (£6.0m)

Teemu Pukki (£6.5m) and Emi Buendía (£6.0m) are very much back in with a chance of starting Norwich’s trip to Liverpool on Friday night.

They had injury problems earlier in pre-season but have now started the last two matches in a row.

Buendía got himself an assist for the only goal of the game as Kenny McLean (£5.0m) converted his corner.

Also of note for Fantasy managers was another start for Grant Hanley (£4.0m) who has recovered from a groin problem.

He finished the pre-season campaign as the most-used centre-back for Norwich (474 minutes), as Timm Klose (£4.5m) and Christoph Zimmermann (£4.5m) both missed the Toulouse game with injuries.

Norwich City XI: Krul (Fahrmann 46’); Lewis (Heise 86’), Godfrey, Hanley (c), Aarons (Byram 86’); Trybull (Leitner 61’), McLean (Vrancic 61’); Cantwell (O Hernández 61’), Stiepermann (Roberts 72′), Buendía (Srbeny 72′); Pukki (Drmic 65’).

1,994 Comments Post a Comment
  1. grayedog
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    a) Zaha+Callum Wilson
    b) Pulisic + Moise Kean + 0.5 ITB

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

      Wouldn’t be keen on either tbh. Kean might get eased in and Zaha hasn’t played much in preseason

      1. grayedog
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Pulisic + Josh King, then swap in Kean once he's starting? Could swap Pulisic back for Zaha later if needed.

        Saves me 1 ITB...

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

          Pulisic could be good but haven't seen enough of him to include. Perez & Wilson?

          1. grayedog
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            As an American, I've seen my share of Pulisic. Happy to make the punt. Still lets me make a single-transfer swap for Kean once he's starting, which he probably will be by GW2 or 3 latest (also an Everton supporter).

            Question is: do I save the 0.5 ITB (saving enough for King->Kean) or do I upgrade Heaton to a 5.0 GK?

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

              I would keep. Happy to get Kean myself once hes starting

    2. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would say A but Zaha hasn’t played pre season so B

    3. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

      1. #FPLBhuna
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        but like Jamo97 explains above, I probably wouldn't go Zaha just yet as he hasn't featured in pre-season so it isn't a certainty that he starts..

        1. grayedog
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Pulisic + Josh King, then swap in Kean once he's starting? Could always swap Pulisic back for Zaha too.

          Saves me 1 ITB...

          1. Bucket Man
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Good idea

  2. #FPLBhuna
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed - blimey pages moving fast again (not been on here for a while)

    Going a bit different with my team than most I've seen, Rico the one concern but I'm willing to roll the dice on this one.

    Thoughts?

    heaton
    vvd - awb - zinchenko - rico
    salah(c) - sterling - fraser - moura - perez
    kane

    button - greenwood - lundstram - wickham

    1. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      What would you do in GW3 when Rico faces City? Lundstram isn't nailed.

    2. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Bald 😉 I would downgrade Fraser to like McGinn/Robinson and upgrade rico to Digne for example.

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not a fan of 4-5-1 in general, leaves you very thin on the bench. Downgrade Moura to bench player and upgrade Greenwood or Wickham. Also try to fond funds for VVD to Robertson - should have more attacking threat

  3. RichieW
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    A) KDB & King

    B) BSilva & Wilson

    1. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

  4. Gudjohnsen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Moura and Kane double up too much?

    1. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Gw 1? No
      Gw 2? Yes
      Gw 3? No

    2. Yankee Toffee
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      y

    3. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

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

      Well it's a strong opening home fixture, so no. personally i only have Kane (C)

  5. CelticBhoy1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I've 6.5 left to spend on a midfielder and can't decide.
    (Not Tielemans btw already got Perez & Vardy)

    A) Barkley

    B) Lanzini

    C) Redmond

    D) Other

    1. Gudjohnsen
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      The PK taker

    3. RichieW
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    4. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B- he looks key to all WH are doing offensively. Also look at Fornals.

    5. Link
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I like B

  6. Christina.
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Enough with money in the back...

    Heaton
    Vvd 4.5m 4.5m 4.5m
    Sterling Salah Perez 5.5m
    Kane King Auba

    Donkey 4.5m def Lundstrum

    WC first int break.

    1. Christina.
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      *ignore king

    2. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Defence will be a bit too weak IMO, downgrade one striker

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

      The opposition will have goal pie all over his face!

      (not sure about the defence here though)

    4. El Puqi
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Holy moly... Kinda like it 😉

    5. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You going with this?

    6. #FPLBhuna
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      4-4-3

      I like your style

    7. MASTER ROSHI
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would prefer King > 4.5 and 5.5 MID > Fraser

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

      I knew you would see the Kane & Auba love. Nice team

  7. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How's she looking?

    Pope (Heaton)
    VVD Zin Coleman Dunk (Rico)
    Salah Sterling Martial Perez (DD)
    Kane King (Wickham)

    Defense too light?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Coleman will now have competition from Sidibe.

      Pope/Heaton to 4.0m GK & Coleman to Digne

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        cheers

  8. jon.terry.tfh
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope heaton
    Vvd taa coleman kelly lundstram
    Salah sterling mcginn barkley perez
    Kean wilson king

    Give me options on mf. Want everton attack cover given fixtures.

  9. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Do we have any idea or any reasons to believe one of either matip or Gomez are likely to start GW1?

    1. swobe
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Gomez started Community Shield.
      Matip came on and impressed, obviously got a goal too. Matip should be retaining his place in my eyes.

  10. FPL Blow-In
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Am I wasting money on my bench or is it wise to have a decent bench to start the season?

    Pope
    VVD, Digne, WB
    Salah, Sterling, Martial, Perez
    Wilson, Wesley, Wood

    Button, Barkley, Lundstram, Guilbert

    1. TheSteel
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wasting. Start of the season is the least amount of rotation.

      1. FPL Blow-In
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Also the hardest to predict line ups. Managers trying to figure out the best XI still.

  11. TheSteel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Anyone considering DDG 5.5 set and forget? United a wall at the back AWB Lindelof Maguire Shaw

    1. Yeezy FC
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I was for a while...but ended up with Ederson.

    2. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not exactly a wall. Pre season defensive form doesn’t show it, and DDG wasn’t great last year. Wait and see

    3. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Could be gold, but would wait and see. Rather start with Ederson and downgrade then.

    4. Four Hit Wonder
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Back line is great but no defensive midfield. I'm seriously considering DDG but...

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

      Could be a good move.

    6. ENZO SZN™
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would go with their defender for 5.5

  12. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best three 5m DEFs?

    Ake (5.0)
    Holebas (5.0)
    Duffy (5.0)
    Evans (5.0)
    Cresswell (5.0)
    Aurier (5.0)
    Walker-Peters (5.0)

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

      Walker Peters for the first 3 weeks.

    2. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not interested in any of them.

      1. Von Lipwig
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah, that's what I thought

    3. _nod
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No Boly?

    4. moz_1983
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Boly?

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

      Would only consider Boly/Ake but no interest in any def at 5.0 for now. 5.5- maguire coleman stones/zinch maybe matip if he plays first few. Prob better value in 5.5+ or 4.5 def imo.

  13. gonzalocampos
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Final starting 11. Rate 1 to 10?

    Ryan
    Van Dijk - Robertson - Digne - Zinchenko
    Sterling - Sigurdsson - Salah (C) - Perez (weakest link)
    King - Wilson (maximize points)
    Wickham - Dendoncker - Lundstram

    I have been thinking on getting Jota but the first 2 games are really difficult (Leicester away then Man United), Deulofeou was another player I was contemplating but now he is injured. In terms of Wickham instead of Greenwood, my bet is that he will not start and because he is highly own, his price will drop.

  14. Iceball
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Martial looks like a starter now... 7.5 surely a good value?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You bet your sweet bippy.

    2. _nod
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      been in my team for a while now.

      1. Yeezy FC
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Same

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd be tempted to go Fraser for example and switch when we can be sure - but it is a good one potentially yes

  15. Yeezy FC
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Which 6m player?

    Barkley in a 4-5-1
    Wesley in a 4-4-2?

    1. Four Hit Wonder
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Barkley

  16. jsd202
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    This is my first RMT....been delaying until the final pre-season games are out the way.
    Pope (Button)
    Zinch, Coleman, Robbo, (Rico, Kelly)
    De Bruyne, Salah, Perez, Fraser, Perez (Dendo)
    Ings, Auba, Wilson

    I really wanted both Salah, and Sterling but couldn't seem to make it work with both. Currently thinking there must be a better 5.5 Def than Coleman and I really fancy Auba this year and think De Bruyne will prove essential. Thoughts/advice?

    1. Four Hit Wonder
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm facing the same challenge as I attempted to squeeze in Salah, Sterling and Auba too.

      Yours is a good solution.

      1. Aubamewho
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Ings+De bruyne > Sterling+4.5 FW

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

      Wilson>King would enable Coleman&Zinch to Digne& Laporte

  17. Gooner Kebab
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is Hojberg worth considering? 5.0 4th mid?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Probably the less shite of a terrible bunch.

    2. jsd202
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      As a Saints fan I can tell you he is nailed, can score/assist but is also very likely to get booked. Hopefully learned to control his aggression a bit since last year!

  18. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Dunk or Montoya?

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

      hard one.. prob dunk.. goal threat

  19. _nod
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    How crazy is Gündogan as a pick? I know he doesn't get much time, but does get a lot of points in that time for (5.5m)! Maybe a possibility paired with a 4.5 to come of the bench if Gündogan doesn't play.

    Or have I just been tinkering too long?

    1. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Think you have been tinkering too long. Very good player but not FPL. Also may want that City spot for another

  20. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Yerry Mina as a differential. Discuss.

    1. Link
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No discussion with Coleman at same price.

      1. ENZO SZN™
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yup. Mina & Keane should be priced same as Zouma, not Coleman.

  21. Pompel
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pretty set on going without City defense for now, downgrading to 4.5def. Trying to make good use of funds by upgrading to Auba Need to lose on Bournemouth player, but which one:

    A) lose Wilson for 6.0 forward
    B) lose Fraser for 6.0 mid + downgrade Digne to Coleman

    1. Link
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Wilson to King/Woods (and downgrade Digne)?

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That is also an option, for sure. But can't see the 6.5's being that much better than e.g. Adams or Murray early on

    2. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Agree. Laporte may be out, Zinchenko will be rotated soon. I was on Ederson but with cheaper keeper I can get KDB and Sterling.

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Fraser to KDB , keeping Wilson is also possible. But I'm thinking Auba will be the explosive choice for first two GW's, will captain him in GW2.

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B and Barkley would be my thought

      1. Pompel
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah - a bit worried about whether Barkley is nailed starter, though

    4. ThisPostsOnFire
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Would go Fraser to Barkley if you're open to the risk

  22. Von Lipwig
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 5.5m DEF?
    Maguire
    AWB
    Shaw
    Chilwell

    1. ThisPostsOnFire
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      AWB - still on for Bonus aplenty

    2. Pompel
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Coleman?

    3. Bucket Man
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I’m on Vertonghen atm

    4. CelticBhoy1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      AWB

  23. Top Lad Dakes.
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Kean, anyone?

    1. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Is that your internet chatroom chat-up line?

    2. Blue&White85
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd wait a week or 2. Hasn't played in pre season with them and as he's also young he may be eased in.

    3. DIMITRIS
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Me, but I'm nervous whether he will start GW1.
      I have on option to witch him and Martial for Perez and Rashford, should I ?

    4. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      N0. Everton terrible in pre season offensively, and he may not start. Easy to wait on him.

  24. Differential C (Mark)
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Lanzini over Perez at 6.5, right? Especially if one already has Vardy.

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

      Yes that’s what I was thinking

    2. ThisPostsOnFire
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Lanzini could be a decent pick early on (after 1st fixture) if Haller continues to look the real deal. Perez is a great option once Leicester's fixtures turn (not as fixture proof as Vardy)

    3. cravencottage
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes

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

      No way. Perez is a striker in an attacking team being one of two focal points. Lanzini is a wide CAM in an attacking team that will share it’s points around a lot between 4 attackers

  25. Wings Fan
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Thoughts on this, folks?

    Ryan

    Coleman - Van Dijk - Cathcart - Robertson

    Salah - Sigurdsson - De Bruyne - Fraser

    Kane - King
    ---------------------------------------------------------
    4.0 - Dendoncker - Greenwood - Lundstram

    No Sterling fills me with dread but the only way to afford him is to remove Kane, and I don't really fancy too many of the alternative forward options.

    Are there better 'set-and-forget' cheap GK options than Ryan?

  26. Detweiler
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I’ve got an interesting bet against two friends where we need to select three players each - a defender, midfielder and a striker. Winner is the person who’s players score the most goals in total at the end of the season.

    Only kicker is one has to be from the team I support - in my case Leicester. Who do I go for?

    1) Ricardo, Salah/Sterling, Kane
    2) Laporte/TAA, Perez, Kane
    3) Laporte/TAA, Salah/Sterling, Vardy

    Or any other option?

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd go 3

    2. Chandler Bing
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Auba, Pereira and Salah surely

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

      3

    4. Detweiler
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks all. 3 seems the safe option!

  27. SHOWSTOPPERRR
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Out of 10 pls ..no decimal places needed... just round it those figures

  28. Oooof
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is Zouma nailed at Chelsea?

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

      i would think he starts with luiz.. but christensen threat there so not sure

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

        Thanks!

    2. _nod
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      It's looking good, but still feels a bit punty.

    3. Fire Chief Moe
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      about as nailed as glue

  29. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What’s the deal with Martial? Is he a starter?

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

      not sure..

    2. jsd202
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Yes definitely starting, looking like he could be a good differential.

  30. tyron
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    which would u choose

    A. Lucas wilson king
    B Fraser wilson jota

    1. Differential C (Mark)
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

        not worried about lucas vs villa or a kane owner?