Scout Notes

Heavy Chelsea defeat offers hope to owners of Leicester assets

Manchester United’s demolition of Chelsea could be a positive omen for those amongst us who have invested in Leicester City’s attacking players.

The Foxes drew a blank against Wolves on Sunday but owners of Jamie Vardy (£9.0m) et al will be hoping that Chelsea’s second-half capitulation in Manchester is indicative of deeper defensive problems, with Brendan Rodgers’ side in action at Stamford Bridge in Gameweek 2.

United got their season off to a dream start but their victory, as we will discuss, was not quite as one-sided as the scoreline suggested.

Our final Scout Notes article of Gameweek 1 also examines the main Fantasy talking points on Tyneside as Arsenal edged past Newcastle United.

Manchester United 4-0 Chelsea

  • Goals: Marcus Rashford (£8.5m) x2, Anthony Martial (£7.5m), Daniel James (£6.0m)
  • Assists: Andreas Pereira (£5.0m), Paul Pogba (£8.5m) x2

Marcus Rashford (£8.5m) downplayed suggestions that he was Manchester United’s new first-choice penalty taker after scoring from the spot in Sunday’s 4-0 win over Chelsea.

Rashford won and converted a 17th-minute spot-kick to give the Red Devils the lead but afterwards said that there were ‘four or five’ United assets who could potentially step up from 12 yards.

The England striker said:

I wouldn’t say I’m the penalty-taker. There’s four or five players that are 100% comfortable being in that situation. For the keepers it’s more difficult, they don’t know who’s going to take it.

Paul Pogba (£8.5m) took ten of United’s 12 Premier League penalties last season, scoring seven of them, while Jesse Lingard (£6.5m) and Anthony Martial (£7.5m) also netted on one occasion each.

Rashford, meawhile, scored from the spot against PSG in the Champions League in March, while Juan Mata (£6.5m) found the back of the net from 12 yards against Reading in the FA Cup in January.

It is worth noting that Pogba, Martial and Lingard were all on the field when Rashford took this latest penalty, although it could be that United’s players are adopting a similar approach to Burnley’s Chris Wood and Ashley Barnes (both £6.5m) and taking penalties that they themselves earn.

Whatever the system, the suggestion that Pogba doesn’t have the monopoly at spot-kick situations is something of a blow to his Fantasy appeal.

Seven of Pogba’s 13 goals last season came from the spot and his expected goals total of 15.11 was halved when penalties were taken out of the equation (an xG non-penalty of 7.23, inferior to 31 other players).

Having occasionally played as a number ten under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Pogba’s role in the double-pivot of a 4-2-3-1 would also seem to be detrimental to his goal threat – the Frenchman had just one effort on Sunday.

Assists will no doubt continue to flow, however.

The France international has reached double figures for those in the last two seasons and he began 2019/20 with another two, setting up Rashford and substitute Daniel James (£6.0m) for United’s third and fourth goals – his assist for Rashford’s goal being a superb lofted ball from deep, while his pass for James’ strike followed a lung-busting run upfield.

Speaking after the game, Solskjaer said of Pogba:

I think Paul can do many, many jobs. He can do the attacking midfield job. Today, he was more of the link player and when you’ve got Lindelof, Maguire and David at the back, they can feed Paul the ball.

Paul can do everything a midfielder can. Today, he was asked to play that sitting role and first half, I thought Chelsea pegged us too much back so he had to do loads of running.

That pass for the third goal was fantastic and the run for the fourth – I just wanted him to go all the way and open up his legs.

Lingard and Andreas Pereira (£5.0m) lined up on the right flank and in the hole of a 4-2-3-1 respectively, with Pereira providing the assist for Martial’s goal.

Most of the Fantasy discussion will surround Martial and Rashford, though.

It was, as predicted, the Frenchman who got the nod to lead the line, with Rashford stationed on the left flank.

Martial naturally gravitates to the left wing and Rashford tends to drift inside, however, and the two players are fairly interchangeable in the roles mentioned.

Martial was bang centre of goal when he bundled in Pereira’s cross from four yards but Rashford was the one making the dart in behind to capitalise on Pogba’s pass for United’s third goal.

While we have seen the two players frequently changing position in pre-season, Solskjaer’s post-match comments suggest the set-up at Chelsea is something he wants to stick with.

Talking of Rashford, Solskjaer said:

Marcus Rashford played that left-hand side striker role more or less to perfection more or less today.

Yes once in a while he’s caught out of possession defensively but that means we can counter-attack. His second goal was absolutely outstanding. That’s where we want him, running in behind. We don’t want him out on the touchline, crossing the ball.

On Martial’s tap-in, the Norwegian added:

That’s a number nine’s goal. Anthony knows what I expect from him and where I want him. I don’t mind if he drifts wide once in a while and tries a curler but that’s where the number nines get the goals.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire (both £5.5m) made their competitive United debuts and helped the Red Devils to a home clean sheet, which is already half of the number of shut-outs United kept at Old Trafford in 2018/19.

While there were some impressive individual contributions from both players over the course of the game, particularly Wan-Bissaka, to say United were rock-solid at the back would be stretching the truth.

Tammy Abraham (£7.0m) and Emerson Palmieri (£5.5m) both rattled the woodwork in the first half, while David de Gea (£5.5m) had to make a fine stop from Ross Barkley (£6.0m) and a half-dozen more routine saves from distance.

Chelsea were arguably the better team in the first half and it’ll be interesting to see how much joy United get against a less-obliging defence when they visit Molineux next Monday.

For owners of Leicester assets, Gameweek 2 is an appetite-whetting prospect based on Sunday’s evidence.

While Chelsea gave it a go going forward, they were repeatedly exposed at the back and Kurt Zouma (£5.0m) had a nightmare afternoon at centre-half alongside Andreas Christensen (£5.0m).

The Blues actually conceded fewer chances than United but the way they were sliced open in the second half will be of great encouragement to Vardy’s owners, given how easily Frank Lampard’s side were exposed on the counter-attack.

The imminent return to fitness of Antonio Rudiger (£6.0m) will be a boon, of course, while N’Golo Kante (£5.0m) got another substitute’s appearance under his belt following a knee injury and his inclusion in central midfield ought to further shore things up.

Lampard had benched Christian Pulisic (£7.5m) to make way for both Barkley and Mason Mount (£6.0m), with Barkley stationed on the left to allow Mount to play as a number ten.

The experiment didn’t really work out and it may be that the two £6.0m-rated assets are left tussling for one spot against the Foxes next weekend, although it is worth reiterating how much on top Chelsea were in the early stages.

Mount, interestingly, took all five of the Blues’ corners and completed the full 90 minutes as Barkley was hauled off before the hour-mark.

Asked about his tactical decision involving Mount and Barkley, Lampard said:

Christian Pulisic is 20 years old. He will be a fantastic player for the club. He has got great ability. You saw little moments with his acceleration on the ball.

But I have also got other options in midfield and in those areas, and I don’t want to stick Christian straight into the fire without trying to help him along the way. It was one of those games where I felt it was better to start with Ross and Mason, who have been very strong in pre-season, and bring Christian on.

Pedro (£7.0m) and Abraham were lively early on, meanwhile, but, like so many of their teammates, quickly wilted.

Reflecting on the game, Lampard said:

We were clearly the better team for 45, maybe 60 minutes, but what was evident was we made individual errors that led to four goals out of their five shots. There’s the harsh reality for us.

If we go in half-time 2-1 or 3-1 up, as we probably should have done, if we were more clinical ourselves and had maybe a stroke of luck here and there, the game would be completely different.

What I felt on the pitch and in the dressing room afterwards, and although the players are obviously disappointed, there were lots and lots of elements of the game I liked. There were four or five elements I really didn’t like and they proved fatal for us.

Solksjaer, meanwhile, said that Alexis Sanchez (£7.0m) is nearing a return.

Alexis came in very late, so he’s had now almost two weeks of training and a game behind closed doors against Blackburn. So he’s getting close to full fitness.

Members Analysis

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): de Gea, Wan Bissaka, Maguire, Lindelof, Shaw, McTominay, Pogba, Andreas Pereira (James 74′), Lingard (Mata 85′), Martial, Rashford (Greenwood 85′).

Chelsea XI (4-2-3-1): Arrizabalaga, Azpilicueta, Christensen, Zouma, Emerson Palmieri, Jorginho (Kante 73′), Kovacic, Pedro, Barkley (Pulisic 58′), Mount, Abraham (Giroud 66′);

Newcastle United 0-1 Arsenal

  • Goals: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m)
  • Assists: Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.0m)

Not one of Arsenal’s new signings featured from the start as the Gunners narrowly beat Newcastle at St. James’ Park.

Dani Ceballos (£5.5m), Nicolas Pepe (£9.5m) and Gabriel Martinelli (£4.5m) were all thrown on as second-half substitutes while David Luiz (£6.0m) remained unused on the bench as Unai Emery kept faith with the players that had played the bulk of pre-season.

Alexandre Lacazette (£9.5m) didn’t make it onto the field, either, although his ankle injury had improved sufficiently for him to be among the substitutes.

With Mesut Ozil (£7.5m) and Sead Kolasinac (£5.5m) also not involved for personal reasons, the Gunners’ starting XI had something of a makeshift feel.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m), who played a chunk of pre-season on the right flank, led the line in Lacazette’s absence but there was the unfamiliar sight of teenagers Joe Willock (£5.0m) and Reiss Nelson (£5.5m) – plus Henrikh Mkhitaryan (£7.0m) – playing in the attacking midfield trio behind him.

As well as Nelson and Willock performed, there was an understandable lack of spark to Arsenal’s attack: indeed, only four Premier League clubs registered fewer shots on goal (eight) than the Gunners in Gameweek 1.

Aside from Aubameyang’s well-taken 57th-minute goal, Emery’s troops only had one other shot on target.

With the Gabonese forward in the side, of course, Arsenal always pose a threat.

Aubameyang looked to exploit Newcastle’s high defensive line in the first half but was afforded few opportunities, taking too heavy a touch with his first chance before stinging Martin Dubravka‘s (£5.0m) hands after a ball over the top from Mkhitaryan.

The Gabon international didn’t need to be asked a third time and coolly slotted past Dubravka following a cross from Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.0m).

Mkhitaryan had earlier blazed over and Granit Xhaka (£5.5m) flashed a header wide but the Gunners didn’t have one shot in the final half an hour, with Pepe and Ceballos unable to make much of an impression.

In truth, there was probably little to glean from Sunday’s victory and we will learn much more about Arsenal in the weeks to come as their new recruits begin to bed in and their absent first-teamers return.

When asked about the likes of Pepe and Luiz, Emery responded:

David Luiz did pre-season with another team and he is okay to play physically but he only trained completely with us yesterday. On Friday he did 30 minutes with us. I was thinking to give them confidence to work together because they were working well together, Sokratis and Chambers.

Nicolas Pepe came one week ago and physically he needs to get his best fitness to be ready to play 100 per cent for 90 minutes. I think that today 20 minutes is good for him.

And Ceballos is in the middle because he came before Pepe but he got an injury and he stopped training. But he needs to know the Premier League, so today was important for him and for us.

I also used Reiss Nelson and Willock because they deserved to be with us and to give them confidence can help us. It’s the same with Martinelli, he played the last 10 minutes because he deserved it.

On whether Ozil and Kolasinac would be ready to return against Burnley, Emery added:

The club is managing that circumstance. We want to be with them as soon as possible and with normality in training and normality to be ready to play. I don’t know now.

Arsenal at least kept a rare clean sheet on the road and have already matched their away shut-out count from last season.

Calum Chambers (£4.5m) had a decent match at centre-half although the Gunners still occasionally looked suspect against a limp Newcastle attack and stiffer tests await in the next three Gameweeks, so a truer gauge of Arsenal’s backline will be how they perform against Burnley, Liverpool and Spurs.

On the subject of Chambers and his absent defensive contingent, Emery said:

Really, last year for Calum Chambers was a very good year because he played all the matches with Fulham. They played him as centre-back in a three, in a two and they played him as a midfielder. From pre-season, he deserved to play today in the first XI and he was very focused and with Sokratis was also very serious.

I want to have very competitive players in each position. With David Luiz, with Holding when he is coming back to help us, with training regularly and playing with the under-23s because he will play again tomorrow.

And with Hector Bellerin, one month more. Today we also had Sead out and the injury to Kieran Tierney. I think we can and will want to become stronger defensively, but above all being one offensive team.

The Magpies battled gamely against their visitors, with Joelinton (£6.0m) going close with an early header before producing a tame shot when bulldozing his way through the Arsenal backline.

Jonjo Shelvey (£5.0m) also struck the upright but any attacking threat evaporated after the break, with an ‘out of position’ Miguel Almiron (£6.0m), playing up front alongside Joelinton in a 3-5-2, unable to break his duck for the hosts.

Goalscoring looks a concern for Newcastle this season but it should be said that Ayoze Perez (£6.5m) and Salomon Rondon failed to score in the first ten Gameweeks of 2018/19, when the Magpies faced a similarly tricky opening set of fixtures.

Shelvey and wing-back Matt Ritchie (£5.5m) shared dead-ball duties but an injury to the former saw Ritchie move infield early in the second half and Jetro Willems (£4.5m) introduced on the left flank.

It was during this positional reshuffle that Newcastle were caught out for Aubameyang’s winner, with Steve Bruce bemoaning after the game:

A lack of communication with him [Willems]. We wanted to play Matt Ritchie inside. He played there for two minutes until we got the information to him.

We were OK first half and unfortunately against a good team we’ve gifted them a goal, which is never easy to recover from. We left ourselves a bit exposed then but overall, I was pleased because there wasn’t anything in it. 

I can’t remember playing against Arsenal and the goalkeeper has had so little to do but unfortunately, we’ve made a mistake which has cost us.

On the subject of Shelvey’s injury, Bruce said:

Shelvey had a knock. We don’t think it’s too serious – we’ll see tomorrow but that’s why it [the substitution] happened.

Members Analysis

Newcastle United XI (3-5-2): Dubravka, Lascelles, Schar, Dummett, Manquillo, Hayden, S. Longstaff (Saint-Maximin 67′), Shelvey (Willems 54′), Ritchie, Almiron, Joelinton.

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Leno, Monreal, Sokratis, Chambers, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Guendouzi, Nelson (Pepe 71), Willock (Ceballos 64), Mkhitaryan (Martinelli 84), Aubameyang.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 1

1,583 Comments Post a Comment
  1. King Huth
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Haven't really had a good to the season due to my "balance way" and skip mr. hattrick sterling all together...

    Henderson Button

    VVD Coleman Diop Montoya Lundstorm

    KDB Salah Trossard Moura Dedoncker

    Vardy Auba King

    1. Trossard should i remove him this week but don't really know who to get... barkley doesn't seem nail...

    2. Vardy seem very iffy but i must hold...

    3. Do i really need sterling or I have to follow up on what i start at least couple weeks...

    4. Moura to Martial? The herds?

    5. Adrian??

    6. Save... be calm... and pray...

    Very Long post... not expectin answer for most but a few would be nice!

    Thanks in advance guys!

    1. JRO093
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would prob do Moura to Martial if it were me

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

      If Trossard isn’t a guaranteed starter then that’s your first priority. I’d say someone like McGinn.

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

      I would only due Adrian if I had Allison.

    4. King Huth
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Thanks guys!!

      leaning toward the martial move... or hold... hopefully trossard start playing next week!

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

      With that top-heavy front line, I wouldn't consider it balanced in a 2019 sense.
      I would prioritise getting Sterling but you'll either need serious hits, or take 2-3 GWs to do it. The quick and easy way would be to lose Trossard and Auba; if you're intent on keeping Auba it would have to be Vardy and an 8-point hit, or over 2 weeks.

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

      6. Trossard will play in GW2.

  2. b91jh
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Good to go?

    Pope
    TAA VVD Digne Zinc
    Salah sterling Perez Martial
    Wilson King

    Woodman Dend Lunds Greenwood

    1FT 0.5itb

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

      Yep.

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

      Reasonably similar to my team so I hope so!

    3. JRO093
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Obviously. Great team.

  3. Nabs Kebabs
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Rashford and Martial are very awkwardly priced.

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

      Interesting comment, I would have said the opposite.

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

      How is 7.5 for an OOP striker in a Big 6 team awkward?
      Don't really see 8.5 for a Big 6 striker awkward either, really.

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

        So both are strikers now. Things people say to prove a point 😆

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

          Uh huh

    3. Nabs Kebabs
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Siggy could easily be the better option over Martial for 0.5m more. Or Zaha for 0.5m less.

      And Wilson could still be better than Rashy.

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

        They're just different options, like with every other player. What's the "awkward" dimension?

        1. Nabs Kebabs
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          hard to fit in as most have us started the likes of Siggy or Wilson. Going to be hard to remove these guys when they still look like very good options.

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

            Oh, for getting them in on a transfer - I see. You're prolly better off waiting a week and using 2FT to make changes.

            1. Nabs Kebabs
              • 12 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              That's what my plan is. But the point still stands.

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

          This.

  4. white lightning
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Seeing the post above of Sillett Bang he has Mina who I think is a great pick. He outscored both Digne & Coleman & with Everton not producing anything like the attacking football we're expecting then they will continue getting those 0-0 scores & Mina will clean up re baps. Also gauging by his header prowess at the world cup it's not as if Mina won't get any attacking points himself. Thoughts & thanks.

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

      I like Mina, but hard to look past Digne with his attacking intent. Digne and Martial are the players I fear the most.

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

        I have triple Everton at the back. After Digne and Pickford, I've gone for one of the CBs rather than Coleman who might find his spot challenged.

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

          I think Coleman will retain his spot. Captain, consistent, and Sidibe is nothing special.

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

    Hey guys, finding ways to get Sterling into my team.

    Digne and Siggy out
    Pieters and martial In

    a) Yay
    b) Nay

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

      Not at All

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

      Nope

    3. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Does not look pretty... What's the rest of your team?

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

        Ryan - Heaton
        Zinc- TAA - VVD - Digne - Kelly
        Salah - Kdb- Siggy - Dendoncker - McGinn
        Kane - King - Greenwood

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

          Short of playing a wildcard, I'd say the least painful way is to drop Siggy and Kev.

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

    Hold my free transfer or get a regular 90min contributor for Trossard or Barkley? 0.5itb 1FT.

    Ryan
    Robertson VVD Zinchenko Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Trossard Barkley
    Kane King

    Button; Dendoncker KWP Wickham

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

      I think I'd hold on, but start Donkey over Lundy.

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

      Hold

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

      Hold. Your team is very strong and Trossard will play.

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

    Hi all, sorry if this has been asked a thousand times but I have Pope, Button and 0.5ITB. Do we think Adrian is worth a transfer in to navigate Pope's tricky Arsenal and Liverpool fixtures?

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

      No. Save points for Pope, and Adrian is a future transfer out, and that could hurt you.

    2. d1g2w3
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Having a keeper playing against a top side isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes they make 10 saves and only concede ones which is a good number of points...unless its man city....

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

    90 point GW. Buzzing with this start. Save transfer here?

    Pope
    Robbo VVD Digne Lundstram
    Salah Sterling Perez Dendoncker
    Kane King

    Button Diop H.Wilson* Greenwood

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

      If you would captain him, I'd hokey-cokey Kane to Auba. But if you're captaining Salah or Sterling, probably just hold the FT. Looks good.

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

        I absolutely wouldn't do that! These hokey-cokey people don't factor in price rises. If they perform as you hope and both rise 0.1, you can't go back.

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

          Meh, you're right in that I don't care much for price changes. It's a game of points, I take it week to week and ignore value. Worked out fine for me.

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

            You're not getting it. You can't "not care" for price changes if it means you can't make the transfer you're strategy depends upon.

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

              I get exactly what you're saying. If he wants to keep Kane long term, then no he should definitely not hokey-cokey. But I would do it if it were my team then reassess, purely because Auba has the far superior fixture. Then I would look to downgrade him to someone like Kean/Haller for fixtures and upgrade a midfielder to Son. From a purely price change risk perspective, you are correct, obviously.

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

                No no, let me spell it out re the 'hokey-cokey'.

                Kane 11.0
                Auba 11.0
                Kane > Auba 11.0
                Price rises:
                Kane 11.1
                Auba 11.1
                Sell Auba 11.0 > Kane 11.1
                See the problem?

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

                  Mate, I absolutely understand what you're saying. he would be priced out of getting Kane back for GW3. It's not rocket science.

                  What I'm saying is that if it were my team I would do it anyway because that's the way I play, and unless I definitely wanted to keep Kane (which I wouldn't with Son coming back) I would happily sell him and restructure my squad using the funds moving forward. As I've already said, he can't hokey-cokey if he wants to get Kane back. I get it.

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

                    We just haven't different ways of playing the game. It's not that I don't understand how price changes work or the fact you can't buy Kane back in GW3 if his price rises. For me the chance of an Auba haul vs Kane away to City is worth the transfer. But I'm a very attacking FPL manager, that's the only difference.

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

                    Okay, I don't regard "hokey-cokey" as just 2 transfers and leave it at that. In pre-season people were analysing the Arse-Spuds fixture rotation for half a season and suggesting doing it every week. Unless you've got a spare million itb, that ain't gonna work.
                    Anyway, none of us in this thread are considering it, so the point is moot!

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

                      Fair enough. If there is a technical definition of 'hokey-cokey' then yeah you're right, it implies going straight back to Kane. I wasn't clear. I meant taking the Kane points and immediately shifting to the best option for the next GW, which is Auba. Then shifting again to the next best option in GW3. It's not for everyone.

                      But no, you can't swap between Kane and Auba constantly with cash ITB. And yes, moot point!

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

                        *without cash ITB

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

          I have no plans on getting rid of Kane, picked him for a reason. You reckon hold? I could shift Harry Wilson, but 2 FTs seems so nice.

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

            There's no pressing need to change anything for next week. Better to save it.

    2. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Just hold FT

  9. MINUS FOUR
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on how likely Pedro is to keep his position in the short term and/or what Chelsea's attack will be with Pulisic integrated? I'm thinking Pedro is not necessarily nailed but is fairly certain to be heavily involved - at least for the next few gameweeks, which is all I care about. Sound reasonable?

    I'm only really interested in his minutes, not whether anyone thinks he's a good pick. I'm a fixtures and underlying stats kind of manager and he has both going for him over the month. 4 shots and 5 chances created vs Man United, 90 minutes away from home, Norwich and Sheffield coming up soon.

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

      That midfield didn't really work. No one was individually culpable but I think Frank need to experiment further to find a balance. As such, I wouldn't feel confident enough in Pedro's minutes, personally.

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

        Hmmm interesting, thanks. Chelsea had the second most number of shots for the whole GW, and Pedro with 9 potential goal involvements including a chance inside the box. It's all about targeting Norwich for me. I do believe Chelsea are going to score goals, they got a bit unlucky and that game could have so easily been 3-3. But the minutes is definitely a concern, my only concern really.

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

          The problem is the midfield was too attacking with lack of tracking back, leaving the defence too exposed. Norwich demonstrated they will absolutely go for it, meaning Frank will need more restraint in attack.

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

      As a Chelsea fan, I would not feel confident. Lampard loves Mount, so I would essentially say he is nailed. Pulisic will be and has to be starting very soon. Willian should be in contention with Barkley, and CHO will be ready to go sooner than people think. I would stay away.

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

        So what do you think is Frank's preferred 3 across attacking midfield? From an outsider's perspective Pedro seems the safest, but I'm not a Chelsea fan.

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

          Honestly, I don't think Frank knows yet!

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

            Fair enough

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

          Odoi Mount/Barkley/Willian Pulisic

          RLC will factor in mid season.

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

            Isn't it the case that Frank liked to rotate his midfield a lot at Derby?

  10. King Huth
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Just realize there is no more SPYING this year??

    bugged or FPL tower did this on purpose??

    MIND BLOWN

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

      Purpose.

  11. niloh1
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    hey guys, here is my team

    ryan pope
    vvd digne rico diop taylor*
    sterling salah moura trossard* dendonker
    vardy king jimenez

    should i just do taylor out to lundstram? keep trossard for another week?

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

      There's at least a 50/50 chance Taylor starts - he's no longer injured. Rico and Dendon are perfectly serviceable backups. You'll prob need to get Moura out next week so I'd hang on and do 2FT when you have a clearer picture.

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

    Is it worth using my wildcard for transfers based off my current team?

    Ederson

    TAA-VVD-Ake

    Salah-Townsend-Barkley-Fraser

    Jiminez-Kane-Wilson

    (Button,Guendouzi,Kelly,Targett)

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

      It's never a good look to wildcard after the first week. Why did you go with that squad in the first place?

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

      Using my wildcard i was going to change to this-

      Ryan

      Dunk-VVD-Wan Bissaka

      Salah-Sterling-Martial-Dendoncker

      King-Rashford-Kane

      (Button,Kelly,Lundstram,Guendouzi)

      Is it worth making these changes using my WILDCARD?

      1. Mr Peanutbutter
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        no just get rid of Townsend for mcginn, ndombele or robinson

    3. The Man Pastore
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Why do you want to WC this team? It could actually do very well GW2. Use your 2FT after to fix it

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

        Thanks brother.

        Is it not worth trying to fit Sterling into the squad?

        Also are the Liverpool defenders still reliable with the injury of Alisson?

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

    Guys what to do with Vertonghen?

    1. d1g2w3
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I dont have him but poch did something similar with Alderwareld last season. He benched him and brought him back the next game. I fully expect him to play, especially with their frailties v villa

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

      There are allegedly contract issues - hard to see how that plays out in the next week or two.

    3. Party time
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Bin

    4. Emiliano Sala
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      TAA to VVD and Digne to Laporte in coming weeks madness?
      Don't have city defender

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

        Cross that bridge in coming weeks.
        Digne's just as likely to bag the points as Laporte. A City defender isn't essential - I've got Raz and Kev and it feels sufficient to me.

        1. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks. How was your gw?

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

            Gotta be happy with 92.
            Thought I was gonna break all records with my 3 Reds hauling, as did Raz and Kev and my triple Toffee defence.
            Sunday my triple Wolves strikeforce let me down, but 3 outta 4 ain't bad.

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

        I'm more interested in Cancelo 5.5m
        Will jump on him when he starts matches. Can't fit Laporte in my team.

        Re your team, i like it

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

          Will be too uncertain to guess how regularly he'll play. I don't see Walker disappearing into the wilderness.

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

            LB spot is also up for grabs i guess.
            Laporte is just too expensive for me atm 😕

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

              Yeh, same. VVD is the priority at that price and Digne is Laporte's equal with his early fixtures. Ederson would be the safest option, but again, saving 0.5 on Pickford seems the better route for me just now.

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

                Triple Everton was a great move. Well played

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

                  No template for me!
                  All my Starting XI are from 4 clubs - Liverpool and City are no-brainers, but Everton triple defence and Wolves triple attack are reckless in the extreme!

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

                    Extreme 😀

    5. 007 [RoboKlopp]
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      A or B?
      A. Moura -> Martial
      B. Wilson -> Rashford

      Already have King.
      Cheers.

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I would do both

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

        A

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

      Trade or hold KWP

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

        Why did you buy him? Just for one GW? Think about it.

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

          Was hoping for returns against Villa. Now has City but can start Montoya?

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

            Okay, so bench him for GW2. he has good fixtures from GW3 on and Foyth is still injured.

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

      After reading comments from OGS, it looks Tony Martial is in for CF role for this season (not a try n error thing)
      He looked bad, but well he'll get goals this season of that's the case. Fraser to Martial after gw 2 it is. Rashford can wait for a while ...

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

        Given that Ole has 3 strikers in his whole squad, and likes to have 2 of them on the pitch, a triple of Rash, Tony and Mason is eminently do-able.

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

          It definitely is. Agreed.
          But i have Mo Raz Vardy atm so can't fit Rashford & Martial due to £££.

          Fraser to Martial was a planned transfer anyway (now looks like should have started with Martial 😀 )

          Mason is an intriguing option tbh. Also, Dan James can be golden if nails a starting place as he's got blistering pace to run behind defenders .....

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

            It's easily do-able (obvs with hits if it's in a hurry)

            Salah, Sterling, Martial
            Vardy, Rash, Greenwood

            with a couple of premium defenders - yeah.

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

              Ha ha
              Yep. You're right mate.
              I currently have Wood Jota who can be Rashford + Greenwood

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

      Is it worth changing my defence from,

      Ederson

      TAA-VVD-Ake

      to

      Ryan

      Dunk-VVD-Wan Bissaka

      in order to fit Salah and Sterling into the same squad?

      1. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Not worth it for -8.

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

        yes

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

      Start one

      A) Lundstram
      B)Adams
      C)Donkey
      D)Greenwood

      Probably A, right?

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

        Come on bro ...
        Back your striker against a 'weak' GK 😉

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

          Touche, touche!

    10. jp3
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Draft league question! I'm interested in Pukki, who is still available. Do I:

      A) Keep Jota and King
      B) Drop Jota, pick up Pukki
      C) Drop King, pick up Pukki

      Right now, my gut says C) considering BOU's slower start and their new formation. Thanks!

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

        C

      2. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        C. King has 1 fixture left before facing MCI LEI EVE.

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

          Another blank

          1. jp3
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Thanks for the thoughts, guys!

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

      Save ft with this squad?

      Pope
      Taa vvd digne dunk
      Salah sterling Perez Barkley
      Kane King

      Button dendo greenwood lund

      1. Emiliano Sala
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Save. I have barkley too and feel bad

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

        Nothing wrong with that side. Hold

    12. nkc502
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Here is my team:
      Alisson
      Coleman/Rico/Zinchenko/Walker-Peters
      Salah/Sterling/Fraser/Trossard
      Kane/King
      Sub: Button/Kelly/Dendoncker/Ayew

      Unfortunately I have to make a transfer for GK,
      thinking Adrian or Ryan or DDG and upgrade Walker-Peters to VVD

      Any suggestion?

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Ederson or Ryan

      2. Duffy Dunk
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Go for a 4.5 gk.
        You'll need the 1.5 to upgrade your outfields in the coming weeks.

    13. Lucky Z
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Anything feom this worth for FT? Which position did Martial play vs Chelsea?

      A. B.Silva => Pogba
      B. B.Silva => Martial
      C. Wilson => Rashford
      D. or even B.Silva Green => 4.5 Rashford

      1. Lucky Z
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        D for -4 obviously

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

        He played # 9 and looks like will play their for the season.

        1. Lucky Z
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Thanks. Rash played wider then, so can be #9 with lets say Sanchez on thw wing?

          1. Party time
              4 years, 7 months ago

              I think they will inter-change for more fluidity in attack. Rashford can come in from the wide position, Martial can drift wide to lure the centre back to committ and disorganize the opposition defence or both can start up front in another system. All in all, Martial is a No- brainer pick for me, always loved him, still do. Straight into my team. I don't wait for another week like people say, to hell with that. I will jump on any wagon that has started already. Martial is my pick from United & hopefully he is included in the penalty rotation thing. I am even doing Pogba-> Martial 🙂

              1. Lucky Z
                • 6 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Cheers for the opinion!

                1. Party time
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    Cheers buddy

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

          Just payed attention there is no Free Hit button. The Fpl system removed this option ?

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

            Need to make transfers for it to be an option.

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

            It gives option when to transfer a player.

          3. PDM TOP 1,000 any Season Le…
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Ref : HELP

            The Bench Boost and Triple Captain chips can each be used once a season and are played when saving your team on the my team page. They can be cancelled at anytime before the Gameweek deadline.

            The Free Hit chip can be used once a season, is played when confirming your transfers and can't be cancelled after confirmed.

            The Wildcard chip can be used twice a season, once in the first half of the season (before Sat 28 Dec 14:00) and once in the second half of the season. The Wildcard chip is played when confirming transfers that cost points and can't be cancelled once played.

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

            Thanks

        3. Snipez21
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          What to do with Moura?

          Already own Martial....

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

            You can hold for a week and look to upgrade to son.

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

            You must have had a reason to have him. Nothing's changed.

        4. Emiliano Sala
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I feel l made mistake with just going with 3 defenders. 2 Liverpool defender, city, digne, man utd all seem better options than mid priced midfielders

          Current team:

          Pope
          Robbo TAA Digne
          Salah Sterling Martial Perez Barkley
          Wilson Jota

          Too soon for WC for this team?

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

            No WC needed, save ft

          2. 007 [RoboKlopp]
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Save WC

          3. Moose™
            • 11 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Stay put.

          4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            Easy to fix with two transfers.

            Barkley -> Donck
            4.0 Def -> Maguire/AWB

            1. Emiliano Sala
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Had planned to get Son + Kane for gw3 tho

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

          Did Pep mention anything on why Bilva didn't play a part against WHam?

          Was there something mentioned about an injury concern?

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

            Yes, very minor muscle thing. Will have cleared up by now.

          2. Party time
              4 years, 7 months ago

              He will play spurs imo. No need to worry Pep is my boy 🙂

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

                Should I hold Bilva for one more week then and risk it?

                1. Party time
                    4 years, 7 months ago

                    You have him for a reason. I am 99.9 % sure he will start against Spurs.I will keep him for the reason I brought him in but if you feel he won't return points in this match, it is as good as selling also

            • AMP
              • 11 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Hi everybody

              What do you hear abt Trossard?

              Is he going to start? Any Brighton fans here?

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

                Just read the FFS article on it here.

            • 007 [RoboKlopp]
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              A or B for gw 2
              A. Moura, Rashford
              B. Martial, Wilson

              Ta.

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

                B

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

                A

              3. Emiliano Sala
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                B
                Lol at moura

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

                Lol at Wilson

                1. Emiliano Sala
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  At least he plays 90 minutes every single game not a bench warmer

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

                    I still have him just hope he blanks against Villa 😆

                    1. Emiliano Sala
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 7 months ago

                      Lol

              5. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                B

            • IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 7 months ago

              Potential WC team from GW3. Thoughts?

              Adrian (4.5)
              Trent Digne 5.5 5.5 (4.0)
              Salah Sterling Son McGinn (Donck
              Jimenez Kean (Greenwood)

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

                Do you have 4m defender already?

                1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  Yeah.. could ignore going for Adrian and just get s set and forget keeper to upgrade that fifth defence spot.

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

                Would want 2m in bank with that lot.

                1. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                  • 7 Years
                  4 years, 7 months ago

                  So it looks like it's not worth 100m?

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

                    Nope.

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

                Forwards. Jimi may have European commitments that affect league form. Kean still unknown and Greenwood got 4 mins off bench

              4. IN SANE IN DE BRUYNE
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Thank you guys for the feedback.