Scout Notes

Kane’s FPL appeal examined after brace against Villa

Harry Kane (£11.0m) ended his opening-day drought with a brace in Tottenham Hotspur’s 3-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday but the Lilywhites left it late to see off Dean Smith’s stubborn side.

We discuss all the main Fantasy talking points in the article below.

Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 Aston Villa

  • Goals: Tanguy Ndombele (£6.0m), Harry Kane (£11.0m) x2 | John McGinn (£5.5m)
  • Assists: Lucas Moura (£7.5m), Moussa Sissoko (£5.0m) | Tyrone Mings (£4.5m)

After the earlier successes of fellow premium options Mohamed Salah (£12.5m) and Raheem Sterling (£12.0m), Kane followed up with a double-digit haul of his own.

Heading for a frustrating blank with 85 minutes on the clock, Kane struck twice in the dying stages and emerged with his biggest single-Gameweek FPL return of 2019 (13 points).

Kane had begun the match in a front two with Lucas Moura (£7.5m) and the familiar drawbacks of Kane starting up top with the Brazilian were again apparent, with Moura staying in fairly central positions as Kane dropped deep and wide.

Kane was presented with few sights of goal in the opening 45 minutes but fluffed his lines on two occasions, heading over from the edge of the six-yard box and screwing badly wide when clean through – although that second chance was later called back for an offside flag.

The introduction of Christian Eriksen (£9.0m) and the switch to a 4-2-3-1 in the second half seemed to aid the England striker’s cause, with Lucas moving to a wider role and Kane becoming the focal point of the Spurs attack.

The premium forward’s two goals indeed arrived after these tactical changes, with Kane first firing in after Erik Lamela‘s (£6.0m) shot had been blocked and then finishing expertly from a Moussa Sissoko (£5.0m) pass.

Despite the concerns, Kane still finished Gameweek 1 with more than twice as many goal attempts to his name as any other FPL forward.

No player in his position had more penalty box touches or shots in the box this weekend, either.

With Kane and Spurs in general, the consensus seems to be that the Lilywhites have looked a lot more comfortable when playing in a 4-2-3-1 than in the 4-4-2 diamond that Pochettino started the game with.

A compact Villa side frustrated their hosts in the opening 45 minutes and the fact that Spurs’ two gilt-edged first-half opportunities – headers from Kane and Lucas – came from crosses underscored the fact that there was little joy to be had when play was being funnelled through the centre of the pitch.

Spurs’ average position map below shows just how narrow Pochettino’s side were for much of the game:

While Lamela – who interestingly was on corners and free-kicks in Eriksen’s absence – and Lucas toiled to no great effect, Eriksen had a significant impact upon his second-half introduction.

The Dane drew a superb save from Tom Heaton (£4.5m) with a free-kick and set up Davinson Sanchez (£5.5m) for a ‘big chance’ that immediately preceded Tanguy Ndombele‘s (£6.0m) equaliser.

Eriksen continues to be linked with a move away from north-east London and the speculation over his future may have been a contributing factor in his benching yesterday.

While the Denmark international was far from his best for much of 2018/19, Spurs looked much better for his presence in the second half against Villa.

Asked if Eriksen’s introduction had made all the difference, Pochettino said:

I don’t agree. I will agree that we were a little bit predictable on the first half, but we never found our best position to play and move the ball quickly. They were very compact. In the second half we played very well.

Of course, when Christian went on to the pitch he was more fresh and had more quality, of course he is a top player. He helped the team to win the game, I am so happy. That is the advantage of a player that cannot play 90 minutes, but is on the bench and his quality can help you to achieve the victory.

Ndombele opened his Spurs account with a rocket of a goal but whether the Frenchman can enter the Fantasy radar in the long-term is questionable: the summer signing from Lyon had just one league goal to his name in the two preceding seasons before joining Spurs.

Ndombele did bank 14 assists in 69 Ligue I appearances and it may be that he is the supplier of more goals than he actually scores: certainly, there were several instances of the France international opting to play a pass when he was presented with a shooting opportunity.

Having started on the left of the midfield diamond, the Frenchman was later shifted back into the double-pivot alongside Sissoko when Pochettino shifted to a 4-2-3-1.

The Spurs boss said of the debutant:

It was a fantastic performance. But to be honest there is a lot to improve, he only showed 30 or 40 per cent of his potential. He has amazing potential to improve.

Kyle Walker-Peters (£5.0m) put in a decent shift at right-back, meanwhile, even if his end product was sometimes lacking: indeed, not one of his crosses found a teammate against Villa.

Jan Vertonghen (£5.5m) was a surprise omission from the Spurs back four, with Davinson chosen alongside Toby Alderweireld (£5.5m) at centre-half.

Asked about Vertonghen’s omission from the match-day squad, Pochettino said:

I want to play the players who deserve to play, who I think to deserve to play and who are playing well. My decision today was to play Toby. If the players didn’t play today, they need to work hard to get their opportunity.

With all the players fit you struggle to find a starting 11. We have more than 25 players and everyone needs to understand we have plenty of good players in every position. We can only play with 11. It’s always the judgement of the manager and the coaching staff.

After five years I’m going to play the players who deserve to play, there is not any issue but my decision today was play with Toby and Davinson to provide a good balance for the team.

With the trip to Spurs out of the way, Villa now sit top of our Season Ticker from Gameweeks 2 to 9 and there were faintly encouraging signs for those Fantasy managers looking to invest in Dean Smith’s side.

The Villans did concede more goal attempts and shots in the box than any other Premier League team this weekend but the performance of their backline, in particular goalkeeper Heaton and centre-halves Tyrone Mings and Bjorn Engels (both £4.5m), was impressive under sustained pressure and they came within 15 minutes of an unlikely clean sheet.

The fact that they had taken the lead early in the game shifted the focus to a backs-to-the-wall approach and Spurs may not have racked up 31 shots had they not been trailing for over an hour.

Mings was especially impressive, registering more than double the number of clearances, blocks and interceptions (CBIs) as anyone else on the pitch.

The former Bournemouth man’s defensive contributions, combined with his assist for Villa’s goal, indeed resulted in him picking up two bonus points.

On the subject of his defence, Smith said:

There were some really good individual performances, especially defensively.

Bjorn Engels did very well at the back with Tyrone Mings in his first game.

It’s unfortunate we got caught in possession and they got the goal that ultimately killed the game.

There were interesting choices in the full-back department, with Mohamed Elmohamady and Neil Taylor preferred to summer recruits Frederic Guilbert and Matt Targett (all £4.5m).

The attack-minded Guilbert and Targett had featured prominently in pre-season (Elmohamady had admittedly been away at the Africa Cup of Nations) and may well be recalled for games in which Villa are on the front foot but the fact there is already a rotation risk associated with these assets is immediately off-putting.

Asked about Guilbert’s omission from the 18-man squad, Smith replied:

It was just a selection. I decided to go with the team I went with. I felt I wanted two defenders, two midfielders and two forwards on the bench. Either Matt Targett or Freddie Guilbert had to miss out and, unfortunately, he’s had a good pre-season as well. There’s only 18 players I can choose. Ezri Konsa was on the bench and Ezri has played a number of games [at right-back] who could go there if one of our full-backs got tired. Matt Targett got the nod over him on the bench.

Smith added:

Three of the back four played the last 15 games of last season and only conceded 11 goals.

We understandably didn’t see a great deal of Villa as an attacking threat after their goal, with lone striker Wesley (£6.0m) having just one attempt all game and spending most of his time tussling with Spurs’ centre-halves.

Trezeguet (£5.5m) caught the eye on the right flank after being included at the expense of Jota (£6.0m) and tested Hugo Lloris (£5.5m) with one first-half effort that was teed up by Jack Grealish (£6.0m).

With Villa seeing only 30.9% of the ball, the talismanic Grealish didn’t have much chance to dictate play but we will likely have a truer test of his FPL credentials in the more ‘winnable’ games to come.

The post-match words of Smith suggested that Grealish and goalscorer John McGinn (£5.5m), who latched onto a long pass from Mings to calmly slot past Lloris on eight minutes, will continue to get opportunities.

Talking of the goal, Smith said:

We worked on that. We felt we could get some deep runs from John McGinn and Jack Grealish. It was a good ball through from Tyrone Mings, too.

McGinn certainly looked the bigger goal threat, as we will discuss in the Members’ section below.

Reflecting on the game overall, Smith said:

I was disappointed with our second-half performance really. We were too cheap on the ball, gave it away very cheaply. Never retained the ball and giving the ball away and chasing as hard as we did today, defensively, I just thought their physicality shown through at the end hence them getting the win.

We want players to express themselves. I thought Wesley was a handful up front without having too much of the ball. I didn’t think he was protected enough, to be honest, throughout the game. A number of challenges weren’t given against him and that’s something we’ve got to get used to.

Members Analysis

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-4-2 diamond): Lloris, Walker-Peters, Alderweireld, Sanchez, Rose, Winks (Eriksen 64′), Sissoko, Ndombele (Skipp 90′), Lamela (Nkoudou 88′), Lucas, Kane;

Aston Villa XI (4-1-4-1): Heaton, Elmohamady, Engels, Mings, Taylor, Hourihane (Luiz 82′), Trezeguet (Jota 59′), McGinn, Grealish, El Ghazi, Wesley (Kodija 74′).

CLICK HERE to view the full player and team data from Spurs v Aston Villa

Lessons learned from Gameweek 1

2,620 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lovren an elevator
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Would anyone mind giving me a quick assessment of chelsea and who their best/most likely nailed players are?

    1. Threat Level Midnight
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Azpi,Pedro, Kepa

      1. Threat Level Midnight
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        And Azpi looked awful for the record.

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

          what about Zouma?
          i'll give him at least another week then look to downgrade to 4.5m - seems to be decent options

          1. Manani
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Zouma played even worse

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

              thanks - guess we'll get another view in Super Cup midweek

          2. J.A.R.V.I.S
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Rudiger plays ahead zouma surely

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Terrible, Azpi.

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

      If you want value for money there's Barkley because he's dangerous and Abraham because he's #9.

      It ends there until Pulisic starts performing.

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

        None seem to be nailed though. Pulisic could be soon.

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Both could easily be benched next game.

    4. FPL_JAAFAR
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Willian when hes fit
      Rudiger same thing
      Lampard chelsea pretty much attack minded philosophy .
      Though they scored heavily in pre season, have also conceded too many .

    5. tutankamun
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Just avoid for now

    6. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      For me i liked mount and emerson, but would wait 2 more gwks before getting any chelsea player

    7. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      None

      Defense is a bit of a shambles and no mids or attackers quite nailed yet

      avoid

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

    Maguire, Wan Bissaka or walker?
    Considering I already have laporte
    Thank you

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

      Walker

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

        Manchester United seem to have an easy run of fixtures though? And I have no Man U defence currently

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Aaron of the Wan Bissaka clan

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      awb for me

    4. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      AWB

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

    How long until price changes?

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

      Around 2:15 bst

    2. tutankamun
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Imminent

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

      About an hour, why? Planning anything?

    4. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hey Kiwi, can you shed any light on Guilbert for me, do I need to start thinking about a transfer?

  4. Da Funk
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Your preference please.

    A) Siggy & King

    B) Martial & Kean

    1. FPL_JAAFAR
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    2. Balls of Steel
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

    3. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      b

    4. tutankamun
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A

    5. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

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

      A

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

      b

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

      B

    9. Bob.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  5. SH
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 4.5 GK now for mid term? Which defense looked stronger - Burnley or Brighton? Need to transfer Alisson out before price drop.

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      mid term may as well Adrian?

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

      Heaton

    3. Nightf0x
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Adrian

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

      I'd go Adrian if I owned Allison.

    5. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Heaton with the fixtures

      I've Pope with a slight disregard the closer fixtures but set and forget for me

    6. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Thank you all

  6. Teahupo'o
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Tempted by an early hit and kicking the Origi can down the road. Moura King ➡ McGinn Rashford. Yay or nay?

    Pope
    TAA Zinchenko Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Moura Perez
    Kane King Origi

    (Button, Dendoncker Rico KWP)
    1FT 0ITB

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I like the moves but not sure I'd take the hit.

      1. Teahupo'o
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks. I'm not averse to hits. Usually enjoy playing the game that way.

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

          Me too! Contemplating Perez and Auba to Sterling Pukki before the price changes what do you think?

          1. Teahupo'o
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Sterling looks a must but I wouldn't shift out those two for him. Can't have them all.

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

              Yea, I just feel like Sterling and Salah are going to be head and shoulders above the other premiums. Arsenal didn't look great and are usually very inconsistent.

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

    Wan Bissaka or formation switch to Pogba?

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

      Wan B

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

    Thought please?

    Martial + McGinn for Perez +Zaha

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      whatever you have now, would just save FT. No real clear answer yet this week IMO

    2. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      None the wiser for those latter lads at this stage

  9. dribblinturtles
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    heaton (button)
    awb robbo vvd (simpson, kelly)
    salah sterling perez mcginn (dendoncker)
    greenwood wilson kane

    A: -4 hit (perez > martial, vvd > maitland)
    B: save

    Main goal is to profit from price increase

    1. Manani
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      b

    2. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd cool the jets on the money making game as rises do be super slow and get worse every year. + unpredictable at this stage

      Ain't no one got no patience no mo

  10. bigbudgie
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    The answer to every question here is : No, save your FT

    If you're going to freak about a player YOU picked blanking in one gameweek, or lose your mind when a player you didn't pick scores a brace, you're not going to do well.

    Number one tip: Patience

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

      Even if you own Trossard

    2. J.A.R.V.I.S
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Actually number 1 tip is don’t buy Mauro bosselli
      Number 2 is patience

    3. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      it depends what players we are talking about:

      Bernardo Silva, seemed nailed - isn't.
      Trossard, in all predicted lineups and on set-pieces - wasn't.
      Bournemouth, good first fixture didn't prove to be - and why 3 at the back?
      Barkley at no.10 - wasn't.
      Perez OOP - wasn't (and never was but not going into that).
      Moura/Origi/to a certain extent King - placeholders for emerging players, could be good to keep, might not be
      4.5 keepers - Adrian could be a bargain if Allison is out for longer than currently predicted

      blah blah - Siggy? keep, Zaha? keep, Jota? keep etc. the above players could be a 'keep' also but making a FT could work out well; blanket statements like 'be patient' are a load of shite

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for your constructive critique

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          not a problem, you're very welcome

      2. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        You start off by saying that City mid seemed nailed. That was my first clue...

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

        This is good. Make your research and do something whiich one is better

        1. Transfer
        2. Patient

        Its not always patient if u have Allison and non playing keeper.

        1. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          of course there are exceptions

        2. bigbudgie
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          All the rest...Silva will start, Trossard (could) start, Bournemouth are hardly world beaters and who said Sheffield United was an easy fixture? Perez wasn't absolutely OOP in this game, but could be in others. Etc etc.

          1. 3 A
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yes. Agree with that too.

    4. Ci Siamo
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Well said boss, well said

    5. enrico.palazzo
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I've never done a GW 2 TF in my 7 seasons of FPL

      1. bigbudgie
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Amen

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

    95 points still 105k rank !!! Madness 😀

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

      I thought I did decently and not even top 1m.

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Massive opening GW!

    3. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Feel your pain: 86 points and 523k gw rank. That Man U game was painful

  12. boroie
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What day is Martial likely to rise this week?

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

      Tough to predict, not rising tonight so don't worry.

    2. boroie
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Also... how many times do you think he will rise this week?

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

        Once, if he does at all. Rashford more likely for twice I'd say.

    3. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Probably nothing.

      Might scrape a .1 on Friday night

  13. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Pope
    Digne VVD Laporte TAA
    Salah Sterling Perez Martial
    Jota King

    Subs: Button, Rico, Greenwood, Dendonker

    Is Pope to Ryan/Heaton worth it for next few GWs?

    1. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Nope imo.

  14. the dom 1
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Moura & KDB > McGinn & Stirling for a hit? I know it’s early to take a hit but feel I need to have Stirling! Thoughts?

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

      Would't do that but I'd get Sterling in pretty sharpish

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

      I've done -4 to get Sterling plus Pukki for Vardy and KDB

  15. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Barkley owners keeping or dumping? And for who?

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

      If you could trade him for a wet bag of sand you'd be doing well

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Just watched the first half and he played very well imo and I''m not a fan of his at all!

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

        I know but the fact that he got subbed off at 58 mins is concerning

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          True and it was a strange decision by Frank, Mount was pretty rubbish imo!

        2. J.A.R.V.I.S
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Got subbed at 1-0 ...so maybe perhaps Franks regretting that decision now

  16. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Playing around with premiums in for 100m

    4.5/4.5
    VVD 4.5 4m 4m 4m
    Salah Sterling Martial 5.5 4.5
    Kane Rashford 6.5

    Looks appealing

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      that's not a million miles away from my set up and I'm already worried about my defence (almost matched premiums this week by some sort of miracle), I wouldn't advise it tbh

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

        Downgrade Martial looks better

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          yeah one of him or Rashford need a downgrade (and only one 4.5 keeper)

    2. Clintymints
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      At least swap a 4.5 keeper for a 4.0 to get 3/4 nailed playing defenders

      Could work but not for me and prob not worth it in the long run

      Too much value in the premie defenders

    3. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      In trouble when the 4.0s stop playing though

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

        Purely exercise in post GW1 Salah Sterling Kane for 100m

  17. michudagawd
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Happy as an Auba owner he got a goal but a bit disappointed he got no bonus. There were very few chances in that game.

    Contemplating handing him the armband at home to Burnley now.

    1. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Classiest striker in the league and good chance he wins the golden boot. Watched the Burnley game and they looked good tbf but still going to stick with my plan to captain Auba I think...GL!

  18. Painter
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Let’s face it arsenal were poor today but auba still got his goal with plenty of talent to come into the team still.
    Trying to justify auba > rashford.
    Rashford looks like the main man at utd and he’s on penalties.
    Thoughts?

    1. michudagawd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Rashford said in his post-match interview that they will be rotating penalty takers throughout the season to keep opposing keepers guessing.

    2. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not sure if he is on penalties, was talk throughout pre-season that whoever wins it, takes it.

    3. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm a MUN fan but Auba is different gravy altogether...be great to see Rashford have a big season though but I think consistency will still be an issue for him.

  19. Dutchy
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Start Montoya or KWP

    1. michudagawd
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Montoya

  20. Stephenpala94
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I’m playing in a H2H league for cash do the -4 hits apply to my next round score or are they taken from my current total ?

    1. J.A.R.V.I.S
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Next

  21. Ci Siamo
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Could FFS create a separate thread called ‘The Kneejerk Thread’ which is just ongoing throughout the season and is filled with just panic

    1. J.A.R.V.I.S
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I remember (about a hundred years ago) John obi Mikel scored twice away at Wigan on opening day....as we all know he never got more than 1 pt in a game after that...ever

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

        Think you may thinking of somebody else, not J Obi.

        1. J.A.R.V.I.S
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Does sound unlikely that he ever scored, Maybe it was three assists..in any case a hundred thousand people transferred him in and back out within a month

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

            There's been a few one gameweek one wonders over the years, I just couldn't remember JOM being one or certainly scoring two.
            Checked to look and he only ever scored 1 league goal in 11 seasons
            That's the J Obi I remember 😆

  22. jia you
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    My wife is wondering why I'm on my phone and laptop so much lately...tried to explain that football season has started again and I'm back playing that game that gives me pleasure and wrecks my head in equal measure...lets face facts, she'll never understand 🙂

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

      Let me save you a few minutes and many arguements

      https://www.gov.uk/divorce/file-for-divorce

      1. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        🙂

    2. J.A.R.V.I.S
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      The real test is to buy fifa as well, if she doesn’t leave u after that then ur stuck with her.

      1. Point-one short
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Think that's classed as constructive dismissal

      2. jia you
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Well I do spend hours playing FM so yeah...stuck with her unfortunately 😉

  23. SlowStart
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Moura > Martial ?

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

      Prob not

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

    Please advise- thank you
    A)Kdb and Auba
    B) Sterling and Rashford

    1. waldo666
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      B

  25. Kiwivillan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What's story with Martial and Rashford? Didn't see game. Player rating site said Rashford looked awkward Left wing but great central. Red Cafe many saying Martial was average at best

    1. Niho992
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Awful both but pretty lucky.

    2. jia you
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Watched the first half and second half highlights this morning. Chelsea could have scored 2 or 3 but we did look very quick and dangerous on the counter.
      Think both Martial & Rashford will be good this season if they start regularly and get their confidence which in turn might bring consistency (one can hope). Andreas looked very decent and might be the answer to our no.10 spot, McTominay very solid and should nail his spot.

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Pereira was pretty bad. Actually whole midfield was rubish but after 2nd goal was over...

        Unreal result

        1. jia you
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah 4 nil really flattered us for sure but seen enough positives from his movement that he could have a big season. McTominay and Pogba (if he applies himself) could be a very good partnership imo. Maybe I have rose tinted glasses on but we should be able to make top 4...MaGuire + Lindelof partnership will be key (need both to stay fit).

          1. Niho992
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            When you have Pogba you need 2 DM at least tbf. Great player but he is more CAM then CM

            1. jia you
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Against stronger opponents for sure, City or LV would have destroyed us yesterday! Vast improvement needed but I think its possible. But get your point , we probably need a CM as Matic looks a bit past it and Fred hasn't looked up to it!

  26. davies
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What to do with Barkley?

    1. J.A.R.V.I.S
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Avoid giving him the ball on the edge of your own area... in fantasy terms I’d hold for now if I had him

  27. Niho992
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Moura to Pulisic? Already have Martial and Chelsea have good fixtures in next 3 GWs

    1. SADIO SANÉ
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      one as punty as the other I think, could work but you might prefer Zaha or an 8m mid after this week

      1. Niho992
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Dont have funds for 8.0.

        Maybe Gross. Idk.

        1. SADIO SANÉ
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I'd wait tbh, might get more Alli news after next week too

  28. Stupendous
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I DON'T BELIEVE IT!

    Literally just exited my main league with the press of a button.

    When you go to league and click on the league of choice, as I think is normal, it offers you Standings or Leave League.

    Accidentally hit leave league and LEFT LEAGUE!!!

    No are you sure? No click to confirm?

    One tap and now out.

    MODS PLEAAAAAAAAAAAASE HAVE A WORD. It CANNOT be this easy. I've just spunked 86 points to my rivals and start with 0 in my league.

    And yes I am aware nobody else clicked the button!!

    1. Stupendous
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      First world problems. Ugh. So annoyed.

      No way on this Earth it should be that easy and those buttons so close with no security.

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

        What grinds my first world problem gears is the page not loaded back to the top after you move onto a new link/page

        I don't have time to scroll back up everytime

        Are you for real fpl

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

          Haha, me too. Really pisses me off.

          Overall the system is poor compared to before.

    2. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      You'll be on 86 when you re-enter.

      1. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        ??? Yea???

        So if you leave at any time you get back in with same points?

        Picture says new player to be added and then blank next to my name.

        1. TorresMagic™
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • Has Moderation Rights
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Simple solution is to click the league on your FPL page, not the leagues page.

      2. Stupendous
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Still. Add a confirm leave button/question!!!!!

        Phew.

        1. Niho992
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Your nick is just great. Really. Realistic.

        2. Point-one short
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Agreed, bad UI design.

  29. juho
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any Trossard and/or Guilbert owners here?

    What do you intend to do? Save FT and reassess after GW2?

    1. 3 A
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Some will advice u to save FT, but I already replace him with McGinn

      The reason is:-

      1. I want a nailed pleyer. Trossard looks have some competition there while McGinn is not.

      2. I will still change Trossard anyway in GW4 if I still have him . So i just make it faster.

      3. McGinn convince me that he can be better or at least same as Grealish although cheaper.

      4. Other players at price point like Barkley not nailed. Mount play for Chelsea too, a 'new develop team'.

      5. Villa top on fixture wise 2-9 gw.

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

        Thanks for the detailed analysis

        Trossard at home to WHU is a pretty good fixture but I’m unsure if Potter sticks with the team that just won comfortably

        1. 3 A
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah McGinn at home too versus leaky Bournemouth. McGinn normally start.

          He start every game in Championshiop bar suspension while Trossard can be start, can be a cameo or didnt start at all.

          You can still have Trossard if u have decent sub tough. If Trossard start maybe he can get a haul too, good prospect.

          1. 3 A
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            *didnt feature at all

  30. SpaceCadet
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best ever start to a season with 102 points. Trust this team for another gw or look at transferring out Barkley?

    Pope
    Taa vvd digne Dunk
    Salah sterling Perez Barkley
    Kane King

    Button dendo greenwood lund

    1. Point-one short
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Very nice. Stick