Transfers

How each Premier League club did in the summer transfer window

The Premier League summer spending came in at a hefty £1.4 billion, but how many of the 99 new permanent signings will cut the Fantasy mustard?

We’ve taken a look at each club’s transfer window to single out a few assets worth your Fantasy time.

Arsenal

INS

Nicolas Pépé (MID £9.5m) Winger signed for a club-record £72m from Lille. Scored 23 goals and provided 12 assists in 41 games of a highly impressive season.

Kieran Tierney (DEF £5.5m) Celtic’s Scottish international left-back cost the Gunners £25m, but is currently sidelined with a groin injury. Managed five assists from 20 league appearances last term.

David Luiz (DEF £6.0m) One of the deadline day’s more eye-opening deals, the Chelsea centre-half moved across London for £8m. Highly experienced, if not always the most dependable at the back.

Dani Ceballos (MID £5.5m) Spanish U21 midfielder signed on loan from Real Madrid. Used sparingly in La Liga last season, scoring three times.

OUTS

Alex Iwobi (MID £6.0m) – see Everton

Danny Welbeck (FWD £6.0m) – see Watford

VERDICT

A good transfer window for the Gunners and Pépé has the potential to form a devastating partnership with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) and Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) up front. Defensive shortcomings remain, despite the fresh faces, with Luiz so much better on the ball than off it and Tierney a work in progress.

Aston Villa

INS

Tom Heaton (GK £4.5m) An £8m capture from Burnley, Heaton is a proven Premier League performer – he pulled off 142 saves in 2016/17 – hampered by injury in recent years.

Tyrone Mings (DEF £4.5m) On loan from Bournemouth for the second half of last season, the centre-half’s permanent move to Villa could cost up to £25m.

Matt Targett (DEF £4.5m) Left-back signed from Southampton for £11m. Limited to only 16 appearances for the Saints last season, he still managed a goal and three assists.

Kortney Hause (DEF £4.5m) Another loan to permanent deal (from Wolves), Hause made only 14 appearances last term, but did feature in Villa’s play-offs run.

Bjorn Engels (DEF £4.5m) A £9m capture from Reims, the Belgian centre-half has Champions League experience with Olympiacos and was a regular in Ligue 1 last season, scoring one goal and setting up another across 33 appearances.

Ezri Konsa (DEF £4.5m) The England U21 defender, who cost Villa £12m to prise him away from Brentford, is very much in the ‘one for the future’ bracket.

Anwar El Ghazi (MID £5.5m) Six goals in 36 appearances, including the opener in the play-off final against Derby, capped a successful loan spell from Lille last season. He also chipped in with six assists from the flanks.

Jota (MID £6.0m) The West Midlands’ other Jota is Spanish and a former Birmingham City winger who worked under Villa boss Dean Smith at Brentford. Jota scored three goals and set up a further nine in 40 Championship appearances last term.

Douglas Luiz (MID £4.5m) A £15m buy from Manchester City, where he never made a first-team appearance, the defensively-minded Brazilian offers limited attacking threat.

Trezeguet (MID £5.5m) Another pacey winger for Dean Smith’s stable, the Egypt international impressed for Turkish outfit Kasimpasa last term, with nine goals and ten assists.

Marvelous Nakamba (MID £4.5m) An £11m capture from Club Brugges. As owners of Isaac Success (£5.0m) will confirm, a great name will only get you so far. And as a defensive midfielder with only four career goals to his name, that’s not very far at all in Fantasy terms.

Wesley (FWD £6.0m) The £22m signing from Club Brugge managed 17 goals and ten assists last term and should be Villa’s main man up front if he can adapt to the Premier League quickly enough.

VERDICT

Busy is an understatement when it comes to Villa’s summer dealings. Dean Smith has vowed that his side won’t ‘do a Fulham’ after buying up an entire new XI, and a number of the fresh men do at least have experience either in England or at Villa. Key Fantasy assets are likely to be El Ghazi, Wesley – should he find the Premier League to his liking – and the save point magnet that is Heaton.

AFC Bournemouth

INS

Jack Stacey (DEF £4.5m) A £4m signing from Luton, Stacey offers versatility in defence and an eye for goal – he hit four in 45 games for the Hatters last year.

Lloyd Kelly (DEF £4.5m) Another young player who can operate across the back four, the left-back cost the Cherries £13m from Bristol City. He is, however, currently out with an ankle injury

Philip Billing (MID £5.0m) £15m has got Eddie Howe an athletic central midfielder, but his muted attacking output while at Huddersfield (two goals and no assists across two seasons) confirms his limited Fantasy potential.

Arnaut Danjuma (MID £6.0m) The winger cost Bournemouth £13.7m from Club Brugge, with the Dutch international providing six goals and four assists in all competitions last season.

Harry Wilson (MID £6.0m) A loan signing from Liverpool, the 22-year-old winger will do well to hold down a regular first-team place, with stiff competition coming from the likes of Ryan Fraser (£7.5m) and new boy Danjuma.

OUTS

Tyrone Mings (DEF £4.5m) – see Aston Villa.

Lys Mousset (FWD £5.0m) – see Sheffield United.

VERDICT

A fairly understated transfer window for Bournemouth, with new blood at the back perhaps offering more potential than immediate Fantasy gains.

Key assets are more likely to be found further up the pitch. Danjuma and Wilson look like good fits for Eddie Howe’s progressive philosophy – if they can secure sufficient pitch-time.

Brighton and Hove Albion

INS

Aaron Mooy (MID £5.0m) A season-long loan from Huddersfield looks like canny business done by new Brighton boss Graham Potter. In an otherwise workmanlike Terriers side, Mooy offered a spark of creativity – and seven goals and four assists across two top-flight campaigns.

Leandro Trossard (MID £6.0m) The £15m arrival from Genk caught the eye in pre-season as part of a fluid front three for the Seagulls. He had a stand-out 2018/19, scoring 22 goals and producing 11 assists in 47 appearances, but was on the bench in Gameweek 1.

Adam Webster (DEF £4.5m) A club-record £20m signing from Bristol City, Webster can play both centre-half and right-back – a key attribute given Potter’s liking for changes in both personnel and formation.

Neil Maupay (FWD £6.0m) Fantasy veteran Glenn Murray (£6.0m) might well have to settle for the bench this season if the £20m signing from Brentford hits the ground running. Maupay is a strong, mobile striker who has scored 41 goals over the last two Championship seasons and already has his first Premier League goal.

VERDICT

Brighton will be as much about their manager as their players this season. If Graham Potter’s attack-minded philosophy proves more fruitful than Chris Hughton’s defensive set-up, then the Seagulls could fly.

If so, Trossard and Maupay look like Fantasy bargains. But it remains, for now, a big if, as Watford were exceptionally poor in Gameweek 1.

Burnley

INS

Jay Rodriguez (FWD £6.0m) The £10m capture from West Brom has major Fantasy pedigree – 15 goals and three assists in a breakout 2013/14 season at Southampton. He showed flashes of that form for the Baggies two seasons ago, but will have to oust more dependable forward options if he is to flourish at Turf Moor.

Danny Drinkwater (MID £4.5m) A loan signing from Chelsea, Drinkwater has never been the greatest of Fantasy draws, with his finest hour (and three goals and eight assists) back in the heady days of Leicester’s title-winning season.

Bailey Peacock-Farrell (GK £4.5m) We can probably file this £2.5m signing from Leeds under the back-up category at Burnley.

OUTS

Tom Heaton (GK £4.5m) – see Aston Villa

VERDICT

The quietest of windows for Burnley, although Rodriguez could become a major asset if he stays injury-free and the Clarets can avoid a repeat of last year’s deeply underwhelming campaign.

Chelsea

INS

Mateo Kovacic (MID £5.5m) As befits a team currently dealing with a transfer ban, the £40m conversion of the Real Madrid midfielder’s loan to a permanent deal has been the only piece of paper in Frank Lampard’s in-tray. The deep-lying Croatia international, however, offers little in Fantasy terms.

OUTS

David Luiz (DEF £6.0m) – see Arsenal

Danny Drinkwater (MID £4.5m) – see Burnley

VERDICT

Move on, nothing to see here. The key questions surrounding Chelsea revolve around who of the existing squad will make the cut under Lampard.

Crystal Palace

INS

James McCarthy (MID £4.5m) McCarthy’s move from Everton to Palace is unlikely to excite much more than the fact that his name is so very similar to James McArthur’s (£5.5m).

Jordan Ayew (FWD £5.0m) A decent enough loan spell (a goal and three assists) from Swansea has led to a permanent move to Selhurst Park, although his Fantasy appeal remains decidedly dim.

Gary Cahill (DEF £4.5m) The veteran centre-half, released by Chelsea, joined Palace on a free transfer. The Eagles kept 12 clean sheets last season and Cahill could offer decent value if he gets the minutes.

Victor Camarasa (MID £5.0m) A canny loan signing from Real Betis, via Cardiff City. Camarasa added a rare touch of flair at Neil Warnock’s Cardiff, scoring five goals and setting up another four.

OUTS

Aaron Wan Bissaka (DEF £5.5m) – see Manchester United

VERDICT

Arguably the highlight of Palace’s transfer window was not those who came in, but the one who didn’t leave. With Wilfried Zaha (£7.0m) still at Selhurst Park, until Christmas at the very least, Roy Hodgson’s side retain a chunk of excitement. Cahill could prove a worthy defensive acquisition – and he scored six goals the last time he was considered a guaranteed starter.

Everton

INS

Andre Gomes (MID £5.5m) A successful loan spell from Barcelona became a £22m summer signing. Gomes is the glue that holds the midfield together, but he is rather less important in Fantasy terms, as a goal and two assists last season attests.

Fabian Delph (DEF £5.5m) Around £9m was spent to bring Delph from Manchester City, with manager Marco Silva talking up his midfield credentials. The possibility of out of position returns faintly raises his attraction on the Fantasy chart, but he is pricey and, currently, injured.

Moise Kean (FWD £7.0m) A fee in the region of £27m secured the services of the teenaged Italian striker. Kean scored six goals in 13 Serie A appearances for Juventus last term. Only time will tell if that is good, or risky, business.

Alex Iwobi (MID £6.0m) The talented, if inconsistent, midfielder moved to Everton for £35m after four seasons at the Gunners. Unless he impresses from the get-go, he will be seen as the poor man’s Wilfried Zaha by many a disgruntled Toffee fan.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin (MID £5.0m) A defensive midfielder signed from Mainz, the Ivory Coast international is seen as a direct replacement for Idrissa Gueye. That, and his ability to drop back into central defence, stifles his Fantasy allure. Furthermore, his introduction against Palace jarred the side a little.

Djibril Sidibe (DEF £5.5m) A France international right-back signed on loan from Monaco. Sidibe managed three assists in 26 Ligue 1 appearances last season and will duke it out with Seamus Coleman (£5.5m) for the starting spot at full-back.

Jonas Lossl (GK £4.5m) A free transfer for the former Huddersfield Town stopper. Lossl racked up some good returns, and saved three penalties, across two seasons for the Terriers, but he is unlikely to get the minutes unless Jordan Pickford (£5.5m) implodes.

OUTS

James McCarthy (MID £4.5m) – see Crystal Palace

Muhamed Besic (MID £4.5m) – see Sheffield United

VERDICT

Some solid squad building by Silva, but not too many exciting Fantasy options at first glance.

Kean could be a steal at £7.0m if his explosive potential tallies with some form, although Goodison Park has been a graveyard for strikers in recent seasons.

Elsewhere, Iwobi looks (fittingly) more Theo Walcott (£6.5m) than Wilfried Zaha, while Sidibe has his work cut out to eclipse Coleman’s Fantasy pedigree.

Leicester City

INS

Ayoze Perez (MID £6.5m) A whopping 17.4 per cent of Fantasy managers have been attracted by the £30m signing from Newcastle. He finished last season strongly, scoring 12 times and notching two assists, and the possibility of out-of-position returns is proving hard to resist for many. Was not particularly in the game against Wolves in Gameweek 1

Youri Tielemans (MID £6.5m) If not Perez, then Tielemans… An impressive half-season loanee from Monaco, involving three goals and five assists, became a £35m move over the summer. Brendan Rodgers’ side is widely tipped to flourish this season and Tielemans could be key to that.

Dennis Praet (MID £5.5m) An £18m arrival from Sampdoria, central midfielder Praet managed two goals and three assists in 34 Serie A appearances last season.

James Justin (DEF £5.0m) The 21-year-old right-back was in the League One team of the year at Luton. His potential is undeniable, but replacing Ricardo Pereira (£6.0m) at full-back looks a way off for now.

OUTS

Harry Maguire (DEF £5.5m) – see Manchester United

VERDICT

Optimism abounds at Leicester, with Rodgers’ canny acquisitions fuelling the feel good factor. Both Tielemans and Perez are well-known and well-liked and at least one of them could well live up to the hype this season.

Liverpool

INS

Adrian (GK £4.5m) A free transfer from West Ham United, Adrian might be in for an early run in the side following Friday night’s injury to Alisson (£6.0m). A bargain if playing, just another back-up when not.

VERDICT

Not much is broken at Liverpool, so Jurgen Klopp has felt no need to fix it.

Manchester City

INS

Rodri (MID £5.5m) A £62.5m buy from Atletico Madrid, Rodri is seen as the long-term successor to Fernandinho (£5.5m) as City’s holding midfielder. That statement alone should deter all but the most contrary of Fantasy managers.

Angelino (DEF £5.0m) The Spanish defender cost just over £5 million as a buy-back from PSV Eindhoven, where he spent a season having left the Etihad. Potentially behind both Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.5m) and Benjamin Mendy (£6.0m) in the left-back pecking order.

Joao Cancelo (DEF £5.5m) Part of the deal with Juventus that saw Danilo heading off to Italy. Cancelo will offer serious competition to Kyle Walker (£6.0m) at right-back. Both are attack-minded with defensive shortcomings. Factor in Pep’s rotation roulette and consistent Fantasy returns could be elusive.

OUTS

Patrick Roberts (MID £5.5m) – see Norwich City

Douglas Luiz (MID £4.5m) – see Aston Villa

Fabian Delph (DEF £5.5m) – see Everton

VERDICT

Decent cover at full-back was clearly Pep Guardiola’s main concern over the summer, and he has definitely delivered that. Such solid squad management – and the acquisition of Rodri as a holding midfielder – works for Pep, but creates little Fantasy interest in the newcomers.

Manchester United

INS

Harry Maguire (DEF £5.5m) One of the summer’s more tedious transfer sagas, the England centre-half joined from Leicester for an eye-watering £80m. Even allowing for injuries and the desultory nature of Claude Puel’s regime, Maguire still managed a personal best three goals last term. Helped United to a clean sheet on opening weekend.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DEF £5.5m) The exciting young right-back cost £45m from Crystal Palace to replace the not at all exciting Young right-back. He produced three assists and 18 bonus points during last year’s breakthrough campaign and must now prove that was no fluke. He already has one clean sheet and two bonus to his name already.

Daniel James (MID £6.0m) Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s first summer signing, the Swansea City youngster cost £15m. The decidedly pacey left-winger had an excellent 2018/19, scoring four times and providing nine assists in 33 Championship games. He hit the ground running in Gameweek 1, netting off the bench on his Manchester United debut.

VERDICT

Everybody, it would seem, hates Ed Woodward and his transfer ‘policy’. But it’s been a half-decent summer for United, with all three new boys offering the prospect of Fantasy fruit.

Maguire should provide central stability and always delivers goals at some point, while Wan-Bissaka is a bonus point magnet.

Both are already well owned, leaving James as the Fantasy punt in Solskjaer’s first full season at the helm.

Newcastle United

INS

Emil Krafth (DEF £4.5m) A £5m buy from Amiens. Krafth is a Sweden international seen as a direct competitor to the currently injured DeAndre Yedlin (£4.5m) for the right-back slot. Five goals and 13 assists over a 204-game career point to a defender with a certain amount of attacking threat.

Joelinton (FWD £6.0m) An impressive (and club record) £40m was spent on securing the services of the Hoffenheim striker. He produced eleven goals and nine assists from 35 appearances in all competitions last year.

Jetro Willems (DEF £4.5m) The Holland international left-back signed on loan from Frankfurt. Experienced he may be, but a measly two assists and no goals from 36 appearances last season do not mark him out as a Fantasy must-have.

Allan Saint-Maximin (MID £5.5m) The winger from Nice signed a six-year deal that could end up costing Newcastle £20m. He comes with a decent tally of six goals and five assists in 34 Ligue 1 appearances last time out.

Andy Carroll (FWD £5.5m) The big man, back home, on a free after years of injuries elsewhere. Carroll’s ability has never been in doubt, nor his unerring knack of breaking down at the drop of a hat. Unless Joelinton crashes and burns, he’s likely to be bench fodder at Newcastle, and not even that for all but the most adventurous of Fantasy managers.

OUTS

Ayoze Perez (MID £6.5m) – see Leicester City

VERDICT

The announcement of Steve Bruce as head coach did little to raise the excitement levels at Newcastle and the team, as a Fantasy prospect, offers little for now.

Joelinton, as a strong striker with an impressive work rate, could become a fan favourite. But as a Fantasy favourite and the new Salomon Rondon? Time will tell.

Norwich City

INS

Josip Drmic (FWD £5.5m) A free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach. Two years of injuries and a bit-part 2018/19 (five games, two goals) hardly speak volumes as to his quality, although his overall Bundesliga record of 31 goals and seven assists in 107 appearances suggests a certain pedigree. Likely, however, to be an understudy for Teemu Pukki (£6.5m).

Patrick Roberts (MID £5.5m) Season-long loanee from Manchester City. Former England youth international winger Roberts has spent almost his entire City career out on loan.

Sam Byram (DEF £4.5m) The right-back joined from West Ham United for £750,000. Byram was a bright young thing when he joined the Hammers from Leeds, but he never really kicked on and made just 26 appearances over a disjointed three years.

Ralf Fahrmann (GK £4.5m) Loan signing from Schalke, where he accumulated 196 Bundesliga appearances across 14 years. Back-up for Tim Krul (£4.5m), although few from Norwich’s defence will attract much Fantasy interest based on Friday night’s performance at Anfield.

VERDICT

Head coach Daniel Farke has essentially kept faith with last season’s title-winning squad, and his few summer signings aren’t exactly screaming for Fantasy attention.

Drmic, if he can stay injury-free, could prosper in what is an attack-minded team, but only if he is included as well as, rather than as a replacement for, Pukki.

Sheffield United

INS

Lys Mousset (FWD £5.0m) Striker signed from Bournemouth for £10m. Five goals in 71 appearances for the Cherries is less than inspiring, although most of those came as a substitute.

Oliver McBurnie (FWD £6.0m) Club-record £17m signing from Swansea City. McBurnie scored 22 times and provided four assists in a profitable Championship campaign last season. His Premier League record is one of limited minutes and, to date, no goals.

Ben Osborn (MID £5.0m) Versatile midfielder/left-back joined from Nottingham Forest. Versatility, alas, can be a bit of a dirty word in Fantasy, with out-of-position midfielders playing in defence being deeply unattractive.

Ravel Morrison (MID £5.0m) The once bright young thing at Manchester United signed on a free from Swedish outfit Ostersund. Morrison’s long career of under-achievement – just 139 appearances since 2011/12 – suggests Blades boss Chris Wilder’s reputation for getting the most out of a player will be seriously tested.

Callum Robinson (MID £5.5m) Signed from Preston North End, the midfielder was his side’s top scorer last season, with 13, despite missing a large chunk of the campaign through injury. His career stats – 61 goals and 28 assists in 214 appearances – are equally impressive, as his deployment as a centre-forward for the Blades.

Muhamed Besic (MID £4.5m) Season-long loanee from Everton. Besic has consistently struggled to make an impact at Goodison Park, not helped by a number of injuries.

Phil Jagielka (DEF £4.5m) Free transfer from Everton. Someone who definitely did make an impact at Goodison, veteran Jagielka brings vast experience of Premier League football with him on his return to Bramall Lane. Whether he has the physical ability to play regularly remains to be seen.

VERDICT

The temptation to brand the Blades as ‘the new Stoke’ should be avoided, despite the potential for Bramall Lane to be a very unwelcome place to visit. Chris Wilder has forged a progressive, patient and possession-based side that creates good chances, if not a great deal of them. New signings who could prosper and emerge as Fantasy assets could be limited to the prolific Robinson and the in-form McBurnie, but only if the team as a whole can step up to the new level demanded of them.

Southampton

INS

Che Adams (FWD £6.0m) A £15m capture from Birmingham City. Adams prospered in a struggling Birmingham side last year, scoring 22 goals and setting up another five. Mobile and industrious, he seems to have settled quickly into a front three under coach Ralf Hasenhuttl, although blanked in his Gameweek 1 outing.

Danny Ings (FWD £6.0m) Liverpool loan signing made permanent for £20 million. Seven goals in 24 appearances for the Saints last season was enough to persuade the club to sign him permanently. Injuries remain the main threat to consistent returns.

Moussa Djenepo (MID £5.5m) A £15m buy from Belgian outfit Standard Liege. Djenepo is a fast winger with a decent goalscoring record – he scored 11 and added six assists in 39 games last season.

OUTS

Matt Targett (DEF £4.5m) – see Aston Villa

VERDICT

Southampton were much-improved under Hasenhuttl last season, but kicking on is an altogether different prospect. All three signings have Fantasy potential, with Ings’ quality and experience complemented by his likely spot-kick duties.

The Saints’ first eight fixtures are not the easiest, however, giving Fantasy managers plenty of time to assess their new arrivals.

Tottenham Hotspur

INS

Giovani Lo Celso (MID £7.5m) Attacking midfielder on a season-long loan from Real Betis. The Argentina international thrived in La Liga last season, scoring 16 times and producing six assists in 45 domestic and European appearances. A good passer and finisher, he is seen by many as the perfect replacement for Christian Eriksen (£9.0m).

Tanguy Ndombele (MID £6.0m) All-action midfielder signed for a club-record £56m from Lyon. The 22-year-old seems to have it all – pace, power, passing and the technique to beat a player or two. Perhaps the only thing he lacks is consistent goal threat, with just three strikes (and eight assists) from 49 games last campaign. That said, he lit up Spurs’ new stadium with an incredible goal from range against Aston Villa on Saturday.

Ryan Sessegnon (MID £5.5m) Starlet signed from Fulham for £30m. Sessegnon has been a transfer waiting to happen for a while now, but his undoubted talent might not play out in Fantasy terms. Should Spurs elect to use him as a left-back, his FPL designation as a midfielder should cripple his Fantasy attraction.

VERDICT

The world and its significant other agree that Spurs have had a brilliant transfer window, although previous inactivity meant that was never going to be a difficult conclusion to reach. The Fantasy impact of their three top-class new arrivals is much harder to call. Lo Celso could be a big hit, but being ‘the new Eriksen’ will be tricky if the old one is still there. Wait and see looks to be the wisest course of action for now.

Watford

INS

Danny Welbeck (FWD £6.0m) – Snapped up on a free transfer after being deemed surplus to requirements at the Emirates. The striker has always been intelligent and hard-working, but also wasteful and injury-prone. He might struggle to keep the likes of Gerard Deulofeu (£6.5m) and Troy Deeney (£6.5m) out of the team on merit alone.

Ismaila Sarr (MID £6.5m) A £40m buy from Rennes, the winger enjoyed a productive 2018/19, scoring 13 goals and providing 11 assists in 50 games. Could prosper if Deulofeu remains in a more advanced role.

Craig Dawson (DEF £5.0m) Experienced West Brom defender snapped up for £5.5m. Dawson has been a firm Fantasy favourite over the years, boosting his defensive output with consistent attacking returns. He scored ten goals over his last three top-flight seasons.

VERDICT

A fairly muted transfer window for coach Javi Gracia, which should prompt an equally studied reaction from Fantasy managers. Sarr has the dynamism to excel, but might need time to bed in. Dawson is a proven Premier League performer, but only time will tell if he gets the consistent starts needed to warrant investment.

West Ham United

INS

Albian Ajeti (FWD £6.0m) Striker bought from Basel on a four-year deal for just £8m. Switzerland international Ajeti scored 15 goals in 35 appearances last season and hit 43 goals and 21 assists in 96 games at Basel. A rising star in Switzerland, likely to be an understudy at the Hammers.

Roberto (GK £4.5m) Free transfer from Espanyol. Experienced keeper with 300+ appearances in various European leagues, Roberto will be Lukasz Fabianski’s (£4.5m) back-up.

Pablo Fornals (MID £6.5m) Young, but experienced, midfielder signed from Villareal for £24m. Capped by Spain at 20 and with 150 La Liga games at 23, the attacking midfielder is a curious mix of the prodigal and the seasoned. He has scored 16 times and provided 22 assists in 159 club games.

Sebastien Haller (FWD £7.5m) Prolific striker signed from Eintracht Frankfurt for £45m. Frenchman Haller was highly productive in Germany last season, hitting 20 goals and providing 12 assists in 41 appearances.

OUTS

Andy Carroll (FWD £5.5m) – see Newcastle United

Adrian (GK £4.5m) – see Liverpool

VERDICT

A lack of consistently threatening attacking options clearly vexed coach Manuel Pellegrini last season, and his summer signings reflect that. Fornals has some serious pedigree, but competition for the more advanced midfield roles is likely to be intense.

Haller has less to fight off up front and could be a fine mid-price option if he can bring his Bundesliga form to England.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

INS

Jesus Vallejo (DEF £5.0m) Real Madrid centre-back signed on season-long loan. Spain’s under 21 captain, Vallejo has made just 19 appearances for Real since signing in 2015. Injuries restricted him to just seven matches last year.

Patrick Cutrone (FWD £6.0m) Striker bought from AC Milan for £23 million. Cutrone, a firm fan favourite in Milan, came through the club’s youth ranks, scoring 27 goals in 90 games. The 21-year-old faces a stiff test to oust the likes of Raul Jimenez (£7.5m) and Diogo Jota (£6.5m) from Wolves’ starting XI.

VERDICT

Wolves’ major summer business involved making last year’s loan deals for Jimenez and Leander Dendoncker (£4.5m) permanent. Those deals represent a successful window by themselves, with the truly new arrivals unlikely to have nearly such a major impact, particularly in Fantasy terms.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 1

692 Comments Post a Comment
  1. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Lundstram looked fantastic in the game vs BOU. Their defense looked solid too and he got subbed out early.

    OOP defender at 4.0 who could get subbed out with CS. Kinda a no brainer, right?

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

      Yeah so long as he plays the full 60 I'm happy to have him. Kelly is also another option at £4.0 who also picked up a clean sheet this week.

    2. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I wouldn't rush to buy him, no. Next 2 look good, but after that it's pretty bleak

    3. Forza Papac
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      He's going to be exactly what WanB was for me towards the start of last season. Can never justify starting him but ends up with a cleanie and baps.

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

      However, he’s the defensive option who’s likely to only play tough/away games. They’ve signed two AMs (Freeman and Osborn) with the intention to play them in the easier/home games.

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        That true? Didnt know about that. Was considering him as a starter in my team

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

          Yup, highly unlikely to start GW 2 imo.

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            🙁

      2. avfc82
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Has Wilder said something about this or are we just presuming?

        1. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wondering this myself but apparently Sheffield fans can’t stand Lundstram starting 😆

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

          Nope, just what the fans think based on logical deduction of the signings made, and of course the fact that Lundstram is pretty bad and the hope is he plays less 😆

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

      I think Lundstram looked poor despite his stats. Just seems completely out of his depth. The two balls over the top for McGolddrick were good though.

  2. Angin out the Begović
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Who can i replace Lamela with in my draft team?

    A) McGinn
    B) Trossard
    C) Whos assisting Pukki this season ?
    D) Callum Robinson (Playing up front)
    E) Hold

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

      Robinson or McGinn are great options but really I'd hold onto him unless you have no other changes in mind.

      1. Angin out the Begović
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I think if i dont get one of them the other guys will pick him up and then im left with lamela who is probs out the team when Son is back.

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Mcginn

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

            I kind of prefer Robinson.

  3. Big W
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed! Shall I save my transfer or replace a Moura/Zouma?

    Heaton (Pope)
    Robertson, Digne, VVD (Montoya, Zouma)
    Trossard, Perez, Sterling, Salah, Moura
    King, Jota (Greenwood)

    As king will be scoring against Heaton or is that ok?

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

      Moura to Martial could be a good idea, I don't really see the need for changes this week though I think you could play that team out of the box.

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would be tempted by Moura to Martial. Either that or save.

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I like your confidence in King

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        But yeah ive done Moura > Martial. No brainer

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

          Or maybe it is in fact a brainer. :p

          1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            No brainer for me I meant.

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

              T'was a joke.

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

    sterling rising tonight?

    1. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Think the markets close at 5pm but there was 0.5% increase against the Euro

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

    Was never planning a first week transfer but there were a few things I couldn't ignore.

    B.Silva getting dropped with a bench Fodder bench was never good. Mahrez played well and can't see B.Silva coming straight back in. With Martial playing as the main Striker is B.Silva > Martial a good swap ?

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

      Yes from me.

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

      I assume you have nobody else that's any good start this gameweek ahead of Bilva? Could be worth waiting to see what happens with regards to him.

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

        Bench of Fodder. Lundstram, Dendonker and Greenwood

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

          Ahh the cursed bench of Button, Lund, Den & green!

          I know it was a cheap option but you have to start the same 11 players now.

          At the very least Lund and Den do seem to be getting a little bit of gametime.

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pep said Bernardo had a muscle problem. Mahrez did play well but it wouldn't surprise me if Pep wanted Bilva's work rate against Spurs.

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

        This.

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd hold Bernardo. Once he recovers from his muscle issue he's back in the eleven, IMO.

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

      This is the problem with weak benches - Bilva this week, will probably be someone else next week. A tricky spot.

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

        True, but I'd except Donckers from the 'fodder' moniker. He really ought to be priced 5.5 as a starting attacking midfielder. You should have no worries with him in a starting XI.
        And as to Bilva or Mahrez starting - well that's what Peptation's all about. You need to factor it in when picking any City player.

    6. EMBOLOFAN
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      bilva will play the same amount of mins as last season, every city player will be rotated, just have to deal with it

    7. Alan Watts
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Someone on here earlier suggested that Bilva could rotate with Dilva, with Mahrez keeping his place if form continues, if Mahrez starts against Spurs he looks a great option

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

        could

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

          ....is the salient word here.

          Could also be Foden or Gundogan. Can't second-guess Pep!

          1. Alan Watts
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Yeah thats what they say...but again if Mahrez starts against a top six side, and maintains form, he will get rotated during the season but will also play a lot more than last season...

            Dont think Pep likes dropping players who are in form

  6. only2
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Best 5,0 defender? Zuma still nailed?

    1. Respect My Authoritah
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Duffy

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks!

    2. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Who would come in for him with Rudiger out injured?

      Maitland-Niles at home to Burnley looks good but two tough fixtures after that.

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks!

    3. Andy_Social
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      As awful as he was, I think only the kids Tomori and James are in the wings, so yes. Bet Frank's really regretting telling Luiz he's past it.

      He's not the best though. Look at Wolves for a start.

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I would, but wolves fixs are awful

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

      He didn't look that good. I would go with Boly, Duffy, Montoya, Dunk, Pieters, or Tark.

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for the input!

    5. Sting in the Tail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Stevens of Sheffield United gets forward a lot. Zouma will probably keep his place but didn't look good. Hope he plays as I have Vardy.

      1. only2
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks guys!

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

      Boly / Maitland-Niles.

  7. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Rico looked really good against Sheffield too. BOU leak goals for fun though. He was on the attack a lot. Would’ve been an interesting pick if he’s stolen the spot from Daniels.

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

      Kun,are you still the man,or Raz is the alpha male now?

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        It’s “Balotelli, Aguerooooo” not “Balotelli, Razzzzzz”

  8. ste2510
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Would you get rid of Azpilicueta this week & if so who would you recommend

    1. Pinturicchio10
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Yes. Pereira.

      • Andy_Social
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Plenty of options from Manchester or the blue side of Liverpool.

      • EMBOLOFAN
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        nope

      • ste2510
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks for the replies
        Think I’ll go for maguire

    2. Pilgrim62
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Previous seasons I could watch my rival’s transfers and team’s value. Looks like this year the Fpl system doesn’t allow to do this. Or there is some way see?

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

        Give me their ID and I can get it for you. It's still available in the API. I assume they will bring it back.

        1. Pilgrim62
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thank you,
          I don’t need it right away

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

            Alright, np...

        2. Pilgrim62
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          What is API ?

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

            FPL's API, it's for developers to use.

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

      ooo that Trossard update is kinda promising

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

        the fact they won 3-0 isn't though really

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

          Yeh, would Potter change a side that scored 3 without him?

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

            who the hell knows

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

              him saying 'start' is interesting

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

            He wont. Trossard will come off the bench.

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

              fancy giving me the lottery numbers for this weekend?

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

      Heaton-Button
      AWB-KWP-Digne-Rico-Montoya
      Salah-Pulisic-Bernado-Fraser-Hayden
      Kane-Vardy-Jota

      Hold the FT for now or ship someone out? (Quite a few candidates)

      1. Pinturicchio10
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Save it then buy Sterling for free would be my plan here.

        • BattleOfDeBruyne
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I think you have play this week without using it, but you should consider selling Bilva in the event he doesn't start again. I think there's some rumors of injury.

        • Bob_the_builder
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thank you for the input!

        • Phillipsturn
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wow that teams bad

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

            There are no bad teams in FPL. Only bad GWs.

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

            how did wilson and deeney do for you?

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

        Change KDB + Kane to Sterling + Rashford??

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

          no

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

          no

        3. Alan Watts
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          If your going to be priced out of it, I'd say yes,

          Sterling can grab 2-3 against any team might be best captain option GW 3 vs BOU, while KDB likely to rack up assists....

          Rash likely to at least match Kane this GW anyway....

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

            1 so can kane
            2 not likely to match kane -4 often enough and season doesnt end at gw2

        4. Taking the Mkhitaryan
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          No.

        5. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Imo probably yes if no money itb

        6. One Wheels Enough
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          get them all...

      3. Too Mane Men
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Any Deulofeo owners out there? Keep or switch to Pukki?

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

        "Aaron Wan-Bissaka - The exciting young right-back cost £45m to replace the not at all exciting Young right-back". British humour is still alive, thank goodness.

      5. The Yorkshire Pirlo
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I’m good to save?

        Heaton
        TAA, VVD, Digne, Montoya, Lundstram
        Salah, Sterling, KDB, Perez
        Wilson

        McGovern, Adams, Dendoncker, Greenwood

      6. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Dendoncker looked fantastic against Leicester. Got in good attacking positions, scored a “goal”, looked really good.

        Also seen some stat that he had a similar XG and XA to Perez last season.

        (yes, as you can tell from my previous posts, I am looking for a cheap starter to fit in an expensive trio)

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

          I don't think he's that good.

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

            Why not? What's your reasoning for feeling this way?

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

              For £4.5m he's just bench fodder..... I'd never actually start him on my team, much rather Barkley, Perez, etc. They're streets ahead of him.

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

                So who are you starting instead of him. As in, who is on your team? You should link your team for all of us to see...

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

                  I coughed up the funds for Perez. Don't get me wrong he's good at £4.5m but I wouldn't start him.

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

            thought you might be captaining him this week

        2. Pep's Money Laundry
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Are you on a mission to talk about all the bench fodders?

          Hayden next maybe or Hanley or possibly Wickham

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            😆

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

          Can see him being a bit like Capoue that season he was 4.5 and always getting goals when on your bench.

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

          The day the prices were out I could see he was underpriced by a million. He was in my draft from day one - admittedly as a guaranteed sub, but I did start him this GW and will likely keep him in against Man U as well.

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

          been saying all preseason - good underlying stats over decent sample for a 4.5

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

          Probably i ll play him instead of Vert this GW.

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

          the end of last season he had some pretty decent chances in the box and messed them up - he's definitely a good option, I went for Cantwell instead because I stupidly thought the Lemina signing had gone through, wouldn't be against starting him against turd teams if I had him

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            I thought the Lemina signing went through as well! I only just realized that it didn’t from your post 😆

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

              😀 I have no idea how it didn't, I was convinced

      7. The Train Driver
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        "Trossard unlucky not to start"? What! Dude needs to look up definition of luck...

      8. Kristobal
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Help please.

        A) VvD, Wilson

        B) Robbo, Haller

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

          Got TAA also.

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Liverpool defence is suspect, and they have lost Alisson. I'd avoid until they shape up. Get Wan-Bissaka or Laporte. Consider Pukki or Rashford up front.

      9. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Let’s talk about Hanley. Goal scoring threat. Captain of Norwich. 4.0 defender. What’s not to like?

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Nailed?

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

          You trying to shoehorn Salah, Sterling, KDB, Auba and Kane into one team?

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            😆 saw some bloke a few pages ago with a full 4.0 defense. I ain’t that crazy.

            Was joking about Hanley. Lundstram, Rico, Dendoncker posts were more serious. All of them looked good this weekend.

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

              I do think Dendocker will prove to be good value but his returns will be hard to predict.

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

                Well, I don't know. He's basically playing in the hole behind Jimenez and Jota. Assist city, there. I've got all 3, hoping for a few very nice GWs (better than yesterday, anyway!)

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

              Rico played pretty shite tbh (owner, watched the whole game), Lundstram didn't have a bad game but they do have plenty of options, Donck is good

              1. ★Kuntheman★
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                I watched the game and I thought he got forward decently, from FPL standpoint I thought he looked interesting. But I agree that nothing really came of it. Agree on Lundstram. Big fan of the Donck

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

                  Yeah, he got in good positions tbf and will get crossing opportunities but he's just not very good imo, if they play 4atb this weekend his appeal lessens even more. If Lundstram starts in GW2 he could become a big consideration

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

          do one on birkir bjarnason

        4. Brian Boitano
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Own goal scoring threat

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

          also whats not to like is he is a defender for norwich

        6. ★Kuntheman★
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I think this kinda flew over everyone’s head and I’m disappointed

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

          Goal scoring threat? Aye, in his own goal.

          1. ★Kuntheman★
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            *sigh*

      10. Farke in hell
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Would you consider keeping Walker-Peters or sell him? If sell, for whom?

        1. El Lobito 10
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Wanny B

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

          if i wanted him a week ago id still want him now

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

            That's the thing. Think why you got him in the first place. Has anything changed?

        3. g40steve
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sissoko kept stealing the runs he used to make last year.
          Unless he is going to get forward & put the crosses in he is not the player I was banking on.

      11. El Lobito 10
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Something on United "kneejerks". Yes, they may be kneejerky, but something seems different to before. The most important thing to impact the game yesterday is something that most have missed: Yes, Chelsea were better first half, in particular their press forced United into a lot of mistakes. BUT, they ran out of petrol while United kept zipping about. OGS has got their fitness levels far higher. United might be the fittest team in the league now, or thereabouts with City and Liverpool. For this reason, they were able to take control from about minute 65 and I can see this happening against most PL sides, including Wolves as they play another game this Thursday (two games a week for Wolves for a while now). It is the foundation upon which Ole is constructing a devastating counter attacking team. We have yet to see how they break down teams that sit deep - Pogba is key to this of course. I bet United score more goals in the last 20 minutes than at any other point in games. Deep-lying defences will do well to keep them out all game. The question for me is not whether to bring in Utd players, but which to bring in. Rashford is the flavour of the week, but Pogba and Martial can haul, and Lingard looked good too. All at very attractive price points. Their fitness, exemplified by McTominay rallying them after scoring their third, shows just how intense their approach will be.

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

          90 minutes

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            What you on about

        2. Brian Boitano
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I was speaking to a Utd fan at work today (season ticket holder) and I get the sense of optimism, balanced with the knowledge they’ve had loads of false dawns in the last five seasons. They’re just as likely to get beat at wolves as win 4-0 again.

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Considering it's highly unlikely they will win 4-0, you're saying it is highly unlikely they will lose

            1. Respect My Authoritah
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              😉

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

            They should be optimistic of 4th place. They finally have a very good first-choice defence, and strong and speedy attack. But the midfield - oh dear. They badly need a new Matic-when-he-was-good: why they were going after Dybala and Mandzukic I do not understand.

            1. El Lobito 10
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              You mean Matic from 2013 then. Nah, McTominay looks good and is improving.

            2. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Eriksen in January?

              1. El Lobito 10
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                He wants a Spain move

        3. Alan Watts
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Ah that's just a kneejerk, there only for the casuals, wont play Chelsea again ha ha !

        4. Salah’s Sonnet
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          It was ONE game, more needs to be seen, i’m a United fan and i still am very suspect.

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

            own any of them?

            1. El Lobito 10
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              😀 lol nice one Sadio Sane!

        5. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          The main differences are:

          - Fitness probably now up to par. Doubt we're much fitter than most sides.

          - Possible solid back 4. But we still don't have a good shield for it, which is a large part of keeping teams out.

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Shaw needs upgraded. He isn't good enough. Fat shite too.

            1. Respect My Authoritah
              • 10 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Eventually, yes. He's good enough for our current level. Really need a couple of CDM/CMs

              1. El Lobito 10
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                He is the weakest of the back four. Hopefully Bjorn Hardley can replace him sooner rather than later. He is still decent, just not a top LB. McTierney is considerably better for one. Yep, agreed we need a CDM. Also need a right winger. We signed five youth players so they're obviously building with a patient approach.

        6. EMBOLOFAN
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          you lot sound like how liverpool fans used to sound

          1. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Lol probably

        7. Alan Watts
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah it was one game, but we also have evidence of last season when they were on it, went on a run 10-15 games, freescoring

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

            “they”

            sure, mate

            1. El Lobito 10
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Lol you really hate Utd don't you mate

        8. The Train Driver
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Getting rid of Raiola players is the key of success it seems, injecting that poisonous mindset in the team is what sunk the great warship. Rebuilding it with youngsters and people who actually feel pride playing at the theater of dreams will in the bring us back to the top in 2-3 years IMO.

          1. The Train Driver
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            And yes, I know, Pogba is one of his. He needs to change his mindset or he won't be a part of the rebuild for long. Same goes for Sanchez.

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

            oh my god

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

          Go by eye test here. Lots of FPL managers who don't know much about soccer may find numbers to say otherwise. Mcguire - wins every header, great reading of the game, gets in attacking positions and not only has threat for goal on set pieces, but they target him at the back post for knock downs (again, he wins every header), which can lead to assists. AWB - incredible 1 v 1 defending, great service, great pace. Start with these two

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

            Shame McGuire doesn’t have great pace then you can tak about him in the same breadth as VVD. Nowhere near as good

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

              Pace is one component. Is VVD faster, more skilled? of course. Mcguire is an old school brute force defender, who again, wins everything in the air. He changes games. I'd prefer VVD to anyone, but I would take Mcguire of Toby, Stones, Laporte, and any other center back.

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

                Good point

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

          Neutral here. Let's not get carried away by one result, you guys tend to forget that if Kante plays this would have been a different outcome. If Tammy scores in those opening minutes when he hit the post it also would've turned out very differently. Also consider how young and inexperienced players like Mount, Tammy, Pulisic are and how this Chelsea team has barely played together. I also remind you that Ole started very well last season, and then faded off by the end. I know you guys are excited but seriously its one game, small sample size to be drawing drastic conclusions.

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

            I agree. That Utd midfield with James in it looks like polishing dog terd!

          2. El Lobito 10
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            When Kante came on, it turned into 4-0 pal 😀

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

              Kante still looks hurt, or recovery went poorly

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

              No he came on when it was already 3-0 but nice try

              1. El Lobito 10
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                That's what I said mate, but nice try! 😀

        11. tuvok
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          You're probably right but Wolves will be the acid test. Bar any major injuries Wolves aren't likely to be fatigued 3 games into a season, or on a Monday night after a Thursday game.

          Chelsea: adapting to a new system, tried to take the game to united, without Rudiger & Kante, got caught on the break.

          Wolves are drilled in their system, will seek to counter united, have a full squad to choose from.

          If United put a couple past Wolves, all aboard! But we can afford to wait

      12. BattleOfDeBruyne
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I think the biggest mistake a lot of people made was falling into the Greenwood trap this season. Just prevents you from being able to play with 3 up front, thus locking down your formation as you can only have £4.5m striker unless you do some major surgery (wc/taking some hits).

        Really happy that I managed to scrape up an extra £6.5m to get King and hold some value in my attack so that I can have a more flexible formation. 🙂

        1. Respect My Authoritah
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Easy change with 2 free transfers.

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

            How exactly do you plan to do it in 2? You are going to have to sell someone and upgrade him from 4.5 and then that leaves you with little wiggleroom for the person you have just sold's replacement.

            It'll require £2m in funds to fix correctly, so you're going to have to downgrade someone else by £2m. You're probably going to end up replacing them with another bad player.

            That'll require more transfers and it just leads into a trap, in order to avoid losing some points, you've got to fix the mess by spending 3 weeks worth of free transfers.

            1. Baps hunter
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I have Auba for first 2 gameweeks. Easy to downgrade him as planned.

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

                Cool at least you considered it. But a lot of people haven't, and it's a complete trap. Who do you plan to downgrade Auba to btw? Seems like you're leaving a lot ITB and it's not that efficient still.

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

          I have only 1 playing striker and I'm fine with it.

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

            So you have to play 5 mids or 5 defenders? Sounds like a disaster.

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

          Greenwood to outscore King next week 😆

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

            He won't even play a full game, if he even starts.

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

              Doesnt need to play a full game to outscore 2pts, just an assist
              On my bench anyways

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

                Yeah so you're not able to start him, that's the problem. Might as well have an injured player, it's all the same. He might get you 1 point at some stage if he comes off your bench, but really I don't value him at all.

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

                  And you want more than expected 1-3 points from your bench?
                  Coleman is my cheapest starter and hes already beating King by 4 pts 🙂

        4. Baps hunter
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          11+4.5= 15.5
          9 + 6.5 = 15.5

          What is the problem?

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

            The problem is that you have a cheap striker filling that position. In order to deal with him you need to sell another player, and very likely a third to supplement the loss and spread it out, as taking 2 mil off a single player to upgrade Greenwood would be a disaster.

            I've spread that £2m out already so I don't have to do that.

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

              Every team has weaknesses, I'm sure if you were to show yours we'd find one.

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

          i never want 3 strikers

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

            So you have to play more or less the same formation every gameweek?

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

              Suggest you go take a look at elite64 league, before continuing to post that having cheap strikers is wrong
              (Hint most of those legends have Greenwood)

              1. Pinturicchio10
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Doesn't necessarily mean it's the correct decision though.

                • BattleOfDeBruyne
                  • 4 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Elite64 is completely overrated and biased.

          2. Hairy Potter
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Doubt I'll need my 3rd sub and happy to spend the 2.0 elsewhere.

          3. The 5% Team
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            3 striker formation is one of the worst imo

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

              I like the option to play the players who have the best fixtures instead of the same team each week.

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

                What is your squad?

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

              You are entitled to your opinion of course but these sort of posts come across arrogant and belittling.

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

                Yeah I'm entitled to my opinion. Who's going to get offended over an FPL discussion?!?

                1. Pinturicchio10
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    Many people strangely enough. Funny old game eh.

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

                      Heh that's quirky but pathetic.

                      1. Pinturicchio10
                          4 years, 7 months ago

                          True though.. there's a raft of fantasy managers that get offended when their opinions are challenged. Fairly sad.

                    2. The Seagulls and the Trawle…
                      • 6 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      You can come across as an arrogant and a Mr Know-it-all without people getting offended.
                      It seems you’ve figured out the whole game. Good for you, but then where’s the fun?

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

                Get with the times buddy, most strikers are worthless in this game

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

                  But you chose one who doesn't even start....

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

                It's funny you're posting this coz I'm looking at others' teams with 4.5 forward fodder and thinking how much better their midfield and defence looks.

                I have Che Adams! Now THAT was a trap.

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

                  Nah I look at their teams and just think, maaan oh maaan in a few gameweeks these guys are going to be playing the same 11 players and struggling to mix up their team. It's a boring tactic and it doesn't even work, you end up playing the same players each week and you lose out on potential points.

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

                    I hope you're right, and I agree on team rotation I think it over the course of the season it pays dividends. During pre season everyone is squeezing the value out of their teams so much to get the big guns it can be tempting to have a bench full of dross and one 4.5 keeper.

                    In my experience teams with no bench tend to do poorly in the long run but it wasn't fun seeing every single popular big hitter get returns this weekend!

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

                  3rd sub so not a problem always have a 4.5 sub sat on bench gives more money for rest of team with your knowledge i suppose you in the top 10000 every year

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

                Lol

              5. Over Midwicket
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 12 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Very insightful and well researched post..

              6. circusmonkey
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 13 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Happy to play 1 or 2 up front. Getting a 4.5m forward gives you a lot spare to spend elsewhere and 2 bench spots is enough. Plus OJS said he will get minutes, haven't seen another striker at that price yet.

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

                  When you come across arrogant and as if you are the best FF manager of all time it gets tedious.

            3. mazkills
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              AWB and Mcguire to start

              1. Respect My Authoritah
                • 10 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Seems likely!

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

                Of course.

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

                early days bud.

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

                  ignore this, meant as a reply to Tuvok

            4. WD27
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Any news on Alisson? thanks

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

                Can you see Klopp's comment in the twitter feed on this very page?

                1. WD27
                  • 5 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Seen it!
                  Thank you

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

                had a nasty slip and hurt himself

            5. mazkills
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Likelyhood Adrian decreases value of Liverpool defense? I'd like to get Mcguire/AWB in as quickly as possible.

              Defense: VVD/Zinchenko/Digne/Robertson

              Hold off on transfers and eventually Zinchenko > Man U def ?

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

                I'd wait until Zinc gets replaced by Cancelo (if that happens) - Zinc is one of the best defenders to have if that doesn't happen

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

              All the form va fixture talk.

              Im going Raz vs KWP at the Etihad. He has 5 goals (+ the var disallowed one) in the last 3 matches vs Spurs. And that includes a 1-0 win then City was using thwir defence in the tail end of the season.

              I think Man City will score more than a tired Liv (Istanbul supercup) at the weekend 🙂

              Also think Perez will get some pts vs Chelski

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

                vs*
                when*
                their*

                Geez, soz folks

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

                Do what you feel. Spurs are frequently pants against lesser opposition when you expect them to dominate, but also turn on their game against bigger teams. I'm not holding my breath for great returns for anyone in that game.

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

                How poor did KWP actually look?

                I can see both Spurs & City starting cautiously in this game and Southampton look pretty dodgy to be fair.

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

                  Didnt watch it but he was 3rd choice RB last season for a reason. Heard he was very poor in preseason and they did concede to Villa.
                  I don't think Pep starts cautiously at home, away is a different scenario altogether though.

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

                    Yeah good points. Sterling looks in brilliant form too. The only think that sways me for Salah is the spread of his points coz he's on some corners and pens.. it's gonna be a debate that rumbles on all week I guess

            7. ★Kuntheman★
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Anyone else getting on the Haller wagon early?

              I liked the look of him vs. City. Great first touch, great positional awareness, set up players around him well.

              Think he’s going to have a bit of a bandwagon soon. Surrounded by quality in the attack and some great fixtures

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

                I like his fixtures, but Lanzini could be better value

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

                West Ham front 4 have a lot of potential and hHaller is a big boy he'll definitely score goals and has that potential to be involved in multiple goals on any given week

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

                I thought he looked decent too. Rashford is probs more of a priority in that area though? Especially with a captain-able fixture in week 3?

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

              Stick to this, right? Think I should just bank the FT. United's assets are tempting ,though! Martial probably the frontrunner for the Fraser replacement spot.

              Heaton
              Robertson VanDijk Zinchenko Coleman Lundstram
              Salah Sterling Fraser Perez
              Lacazette(c)

              Woodman Adams Donkey Greenwood

              G2G?

              1. ★Kuntheman★
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Probably lasts another week. Might want to do Fraser>Martial if you have to beat a price rise though

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

                  Hear ya, mate. A price rise would be an incoonvenience, ofc, but I think BOU attack could have just had a bad day in GW1. We're all to familiar with Martial's problems with consistency. Might be wise to wait it out one more week.

                  Cheers, mate for the response!

            9. Drogo
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Got 90 points, so is it harsh to do Zouma -> Maitland

              Or should I save the transfer?

              1. The Wise Owl
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Bellerin back soon...

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

                Do not get an Arsenal defender Id say.

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

                Save imo. Arsenal have kept a CS is a rarity, last week was very much an anomaly imo. Chelsea should have a better defense next GW.

              4. mazkills
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Get an extra .5 and do Zouma > AWB/Mcguire

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

                that's a save for now imo, GW5 maybe but Bellerin will be back at some point

              6. Corgz Dark side of the Loon
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 8 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                I got exactly the same score and the same problem with Zouma........I have decided to bench him for the Leicester game and play Moura who I had benched and play Lundstram. I will use the 2 x FT for GW3 bring in Dunk for Zouma and see what I do with the extra cash............

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

              The Allison injury doesn't seem as bad as the initial report that came out over the weekend.

              https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49310490

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

                Klopp quotes seem ambiguous though.

              2. g40steve
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Could just be bluffing, not wanting to let competition know full extent?