Scout Notes

Villa discover attacking form as Everton finally concede

Aston Villa 2-0 Everton

Goals: Wesley (£6.0m), Anwar El Ghazi (£5.5m)

Assists: Jota (£5.9m), John McGinn (£5.6m)

Bonus Points: Wesley x3, Bjorn Engels x3 (£4.5m), Tyrone Mings x1 (£4.5m)

Everton’s impressive defensive start to the season finally came to an end against Aston Villa as they were defeated 2-0 on Friday night.

After riding their luck to some extent in the first two Gameweeks, they were finally undone by Dean Smith’s men at Villa Park.

However, the opening match of Gameweek 3 was a largely uninspiring affair with very few quality chances created by either side.

The best proof of that was the fact that just two saves were made on Friday night, one each for Jordan Pickford (£5.6m) and Tom Heaton (£4.5m).

Even though they scored two goals, Villa only dominated short spells of the match, which perhaps makes it all the more discouraging that Everton conceded two goals, although defensive midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin (£5.0m) was missing with a muscle injury.

The Toffees dominated possession for the first 20 minutes, the hosts scoring with virtually their first foray into opposition territory on the night.

Everton may face an even sterner examination of their defensive capabilities when they host Wolves in Gameweek 4 too.

That said, there were still decent performances from attacking players in Aston Villa’s ranks.

Wesley celebrates scoring his first-ever Premier League goal

Centre-forward Wesley (£6.0m) took plenty of the praise post-match after excelling in his target man role.

The former Club Brugge man came in for serious criticism for his displays in the first two Gameweeks, but against Everton, he bullied centre-backs Michael Keane (£5.5m) and Yerry Mina (£5.6m) for much of the game.

Wesley was also at the heart of both goals scored on Friday night. The first one he put in the net himself after a perfectly weighted pass from Jota (£5.9m) connected with his well-timed run behind the Everton defence.

A few minutes after putting Villa 1-0 up, Wesley was in again, in what would have been an almost carbon copy of the opener, Mina this time getting a block on the Brazilian’s shot.

Wesley’s efforts also led to Villa’s second goal as Everton chased the game in stoppage time. He held up a long clearance offloading to John McGinn (£5.6m) who slotted in Anwar El Ghazi (£5.5m) to score.

“I said yesterday (Wesley is) only one (goal) behind Mo Salah, he’s now level with Salah. It was two games into a season and I said yesterday that there will be 14 centre-forwards who will go to Tottenham and not score. He’s a good player, I’ve been watching him for quite some time. He was one we wanted to get. I thought he was a handful all game.” – Dean Smith

McGinn now has two attacking returns in his first three Premier League matches, which will only further interest in him as a budget asset.

He got round the back of Everton’s right flank in the first half and held the ball up well, just as Wesley did. McGinn’s pass for El Ghazi’s late goal was also a perfectly-timed assist.

Villa Park erupted as McGinn set up El Ghazi for Friday’s second goal

Meanwhile, there was good news for those who had plumped for Frederic Guilbert (£4.4m) for their Gameweek 1 squads.

The right-back had been absent from the matchday squads for Gameweeks 1 and 2, Smith opting to use the more experienced Ahmed El Mohamady (£4.5m) on both occasions.

However, the Villa manager decided it was time for Guilbert to get his first taste of Premier League action in Gameweek 3, explaining that he offered a different dynamic to last season’s first-choice at right-back.

“I’ve always said you always have to earn the right to get into the team. You know, Elmohamady’s done okay but Fred’s been knocking on the door, working hard in training. I just felt after his performances in pre-season he might give us a different dynamic.” – Dean Smith

It is hard to tell at this stage, even with those quotes, whether Guilbert is nailed-on to start regularly for Villa yet, but he certainly gave a good account of himself against Everton.

Right-back Guilbert (right) did well for Villa in pre-season

With the Toffees using their left-flank a lot early on, he defended very well and offered plenty going forward too. The right-back was a regular attacking outlet for Villa and his delivery looked decent too.

Guilbert also displayed limited amounts of goal threat, although it is early days for him at Villa. In the 36th minute, he spearheaded a counter-attack with a run through the middle, shooting just over the bar from the edge of the box.

“(Guilbert is) a really good player. We signed him in January last year and loaned him out. He’s been developing with us, he’s done really well in pre-season. He’s had to earn the shirt from Elmo, who has been playing the first couple of games. He’s rapid as well. There’s not many that will go past him. He’s a really good defender. He was hanging on a bit towards the end but I thought our defensive organisation was really good.” – Dean Smith

Jota also came in for his first Premier League start and offered decent creativity from his right-wing station.

However, whether he continues to start matches remains to be seen, given the man he replaced, El Ghazi, scored in stoppage time to finally give Villa the breathing space they had been after all game.

That was a well-timed goal for the Dutchman, who had been dropped by Smith for reportedly not being ruthless enough in the attacking third. His response to these pre-match comments will have pleased his manager:

“El Ghazi’s not really been at his best in the final third for us and I just felt Jota, who also had a really good pre-season, can create a little bit down that side.” – Dean Smith

Engels (left) and Mings (right) played an important part in Villa’s first clean sheet of the campaign

The fact that Aston Villa kept a first clean sheet of the campaign was made all the more impressive by the fact that Tyrone Mings (£4.5m) struggled with a groin problem in the warm-up. He took a heavy blow to face from Heaton in the early stages too.

He overcame both of those incidents well, while Bjorn Engels (£4.5m) went on to take three bonus points for his defensive efforts despite being kicked in the face by Mings in the first half.

“Yeah I did (have a groin problem). I went to sprint for the first time and felt a pain in my groin so I had a painkilling injection and I feel alright now. I feel a million dollars.” – Tyrone Mings

However, it is worth saying that Villa’s clean sheet was certainly helped by continued problems in Everton’s attack.

It seems that Marco Silva does not believe Moise Kean (£6.9m) is the solution to the Toffees’ offensive problems yet, as he opted to bench him for the third match in a row.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (£6.0m) was asked to lead the line once again but offered very little.

“(Kean will start games) when he shows me in training sessions he is ready to. He needs a better moment than the others. 19-years-old player, we have to give him enough time to perform in the way we want. Now we start with Dominic up-front with a solution from the bench and Moise is one of them.” – Marco Silva

Calvert-Lewin struggled against Aston Villa

Calvert-Lewin had just one clearcut opportunity in the match but could not deliver.

In the 31st minute, an incredible through-ball from Morgan Schneiderlin (£4.5m) found Seamus Coleman (£5.5m) round the back of the Villa defence. He dragged back for Calvert-Lewin, whose fierce effort was blocked by Engels.

It was another disappointing game for Sigurdsson, who continues to operate below the levels of last season.

In fact, Silva turned to the Icelandic international when he needed to make his first change of the evening, introducing new signing Alex Iwobi (£5.9m) in his place.

The former Arsenal man was admittedly unlucky not to score as he hit the post in the 82nd minute after a knock-down from centre-back Keane.

Richarlison (£8.0m) is another key Everton asset struggling this season and still doesn’t have a shot on target to his name in 2019/20.

Theo Walcott missed a golden chance to equalise late on

The Brazilian was replaced by Theo Walcott (£6.4m) for the second match in a row, although the latter hardly covered himself in glory either.

The substitute had a golden chance to equalise in the 89th minute but still managed to miss it.

Calvert-Lewin was released down the left-wing and played a good cross into the box, leaving the goal gaping at Walcott’s mercy, only for the Everton to blaze over the bar.

“We created enough chances. We created more than our opponent. (What) happened is what happened in the first match against Crystal Palace, we didn’t score.” – Marco Silva

While owners of Lucas Digne (£6.0m) will be especially disappointed by this result, and a one-point score for Gameweek 3, there were still plenty of encouraging signs for the left-back.

There were some encouraging signs from Digne in Everton’s defeat

Most of Everton’s attacks came down his flank in the first half and he nearly scored 10 minutes into the match. Sigurdsson’s corner was delivered straight onto his boot for Digne to fire a sweet volley at the Villa goal, blocked by a defender.

The Frenchman, who remains on corners and free-kicks, also had a chance to equalise late on.

He was positioned in the middle of the box to receive a cross from substitute Walcott but he put his effort over the bar.

Members Analysis

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Aston Villa XI: Heaton; Taylor, Mings, Engels, Guilbert; McGinn, D Luiz, Grealish; Trezeguet (El Mohamady 86′), Wesley, Jota (El Ghazi 77′).

Everton XI: Pickford; Digne, Mina, Keane, Coleman; A Gomes, Schneiderlin; Bernard (Kean 62′), Sigurdsson (Iwobi 61′), Richarlison (Walcott 78′); Calvert-Lewin.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 3

1,110 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Big boy Bowen
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    What to do with Elmo? Already have Lundstram, Montoya and Soyuncu.

    Thanks

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

      Downgrade to Hanley.

      1. Big boy Bowen
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks, if I do that I'll have three 4.0 defenders lol

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

          Thats just bad

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            It was to enable the Fab 5 (Salah, Mane, Sterling, KdB, Kane)

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

          Yeah hmm you also have Kelly (which I'd have strongly advised against on WC) so save some money somewhere and upgrade to Digne.

          1. Big boy Bowen
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            There must be another decent 4.5, Smith?

          2. Stoneleigh
            • 12 Years
            4 years, 7 months ago

            No Kelly, in favour of who@4m?

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

              Hanley. Kelly is going to be dropped for Cahill or Sakho very very soon.

              1. Big boy Bowen
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 7 months ago

                Same Hanley with Zimmerman

        3. Optimus.
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Join the party 😎

          Button makes it 4 x 4.0m players here lol

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

      Upgrade to La Porte.

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

      Just bring in Mings or Engels.

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

    Hi all, I made a mini league just for fun (starting from gameweek 1)
    Would be great to have 10-15 active players in there, feel free to join 🙂

    Code: xpc19m

    Scandinavians are especially welcome!

    1. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Cool

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

      what about aussie's lol

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

        Close enough 🙂

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

          Joined 😉

    3. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I joined if that's okay.

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

        Cool

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

      South European but joined

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

        Cheers

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

      I'm Danish and I'm in 🙂

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

      Will join from Portugal

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

    Will soon be setting off to Manchester to watch potentially my biggest captain fail live in the flesh.

    Come on Martial (c)!

    1. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Always great to see your FPL play. I stood amongst the Spurs fans when Alonso, who I owned, bagged a brace at Wembley. Had to celebrate in silence 😆

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

      He's a player I'd rather watch on teletext, but hope he does well and enjoy the match.

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

      I hope he scores a hattie

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

      It's early but thinking I should safe FT unless any injuries etc. Good to go?

      Heaton
      Trent Digne Zinko
      Sterling(C) KDB Son Cantwell
      Kane Pukki Jota

      4.0 Soyuncu Dendoncker Montoya

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

        Fail

      2. No Professionals
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Assuming you've wildcarded

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

      GL Bubz!

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

      Gonna be an exciting game for ya, have fun!

    7. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Best of luck.

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

    January wildcard can be played anytime before end of season right? If you haven't played first WC by Jan do you have 2?

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      No

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

        helpful

    2. It’s gonna Ben Mee
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1) Yes 2) No

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

        cheers

    3. Optimus.
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      "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."

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

    Siggy to ?? Already have Martial and KdB. 1.4m itb

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

      Mount

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

        Like that

      2. Botman and Robben
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        This.

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

      Mount if Perez doesnt fire this GW for myself 😉

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

      McGinn and use the cash elsewhere.

    4. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Could monitor Son and try to find the extra 0.1 elsewhere?

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

    Team 236271...comments?

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

      Next level laziness

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

        Lol sorry for asking you to think BROSSTAN...

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

          Make the effort to write down the lineup at least if you want people to spoon feed you...

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

            Sorry again...no spoon feeding required...was an honest post...I'm doing ok...

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

        Next level spoon feeding.

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

      Good side. No changes

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

      Sorry I'm too lazy to copy and paste your ID.

    4. GOTHAM City F.C.
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      lol

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

      Downgrade that defender to upgrade that midfielder

    6. BIG TONES
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I logged in just to say you're an idiot

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

        Thank you Big Tones!

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

      A and C

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

    I've been trying to avoid using my wild card but after the deeney injury my squad is in bad shape.

    Would you wild card this squad? Only got 1 free transfer.

    Heaton Pope

    Van djik Robertson boly Lundstrom guilbert

    Redmond sterling Salah Pedro Barkley

    Abraham deeney king

    Obviously if Abraham doesn't start today this will be a no brainer. But if he does start I may just be able to get away not wild carding by skin of my teeth.

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

      Think you should WC that, yes

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Triple up on Chelsea enough reasons to WC!

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

      Need to WC that team next GW for sure 😉

    4. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pay attention to the upcoming matches and wildcard afterwards for sure.

    5. Botman and Robben
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I would WC that.

    6. BooYaKasha
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      WC ASAP!

    7. The Sociologist
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Hit the panic button and WC

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

    ***
    It's early but thinking I should safe FT unless any injuries etc. Good to go?

    Heaton
    Trent Digne Zinko
    Sterling(C) KDB Son Cantwell
    Kane Pukki Jota

    4.0 Soyuncu Dendoncker Montoya

    1. No Professionals
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Assuming you've already wildcarded?

      You pulled the trigger after gw2 gameweeks, hard to believe you'll be able to resist when we have another gameweek to react to.

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

        Planned an early wildcard already from the beginning but cheers

    2. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      no Martial

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

      Fine with no Pool attack?

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

        For now, yes!

  9. Joga Bonito®
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Raging. Put El Mohamady in hoping that he’d pick up baps... picked up 4 minutes instead. FOUR MINUTES.

    Anyway, rant over. Soyuncu? Mings for fuxtures?

    1. Joga Bonito®
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Or fixtures even?

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

      Thats the risk making transfers for teams with unsettled lineups. Soyuncu and Mings both look good picks.

    3. The Albatross
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'd steer clear of Mings. From the report above he seems to be playing with a groin problem. This may get worse

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

    Gone Kane (C) while most others in the ML have gone Sterling. Tomorrow's games will make for nervous viewing

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

      I'm exactly the opposite...

  11. Rik Waller
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    No Kante for Chelsea really tempts me to bet on Norwich. Good odds

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

      Another Pukki hattrick incoming

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      If your throwing your money away, just give it to charity.

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

      Yea, I would be shocked if the match is not a goal fest

    4. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Kanté makes such a big difference so I wouldn't be surprised.

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

      I fancy Chelsea to score a few. If Chelsea's mids give Leitner as much space as the Newcastle mids did, then Cantwell's and Pukki's movement will mean a busy day for the Chelsea defence.

    6. Captain Kakaroto (I blame R…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Source?

  12. boc610
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Tears for mo sellers as standard

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

      Would be very happy with a haul from him. Punish wildcard bandwagoners and they would have a hard time getting him back in judging from the horrilbly unbalanced squads Ive seen.

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

        This!

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

      Brace incoming 😉

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

    My body is ready. #pukkiparty

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

      O/

  14. Bennison
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Heaton/Button
    VVD/TAA/Wan-Bissaka/Coleman/Lundstrum
    Siggy/KDB/Salah/Lanzini/Dendoncker
    King/Kane/Greenwood

    2FT's -- Main issue I have is no Sterling and no Man utd attacker.

    Siggurdson really needs to go and also King dropping price last night really has screwed me over, any 3 - 4 changes to sort this team out?

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

      Kings fixtures turn next GW so he might be ok to keep imo.

      1. bench boost for every gamew…
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        hm... take a closer look, Leicester away and Everton home, not a turn to good, it´s not very bad but not good either. Maybe after gw5?

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

      Let the GW finish and assess again. Surely options will emerge

  15. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    King to Pukki wouldn't actually be a good move would it?

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

      Considering it. But will need to watch the game.

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

    Going to Carrow Road to watch Norwich vs Chelsea. Let’s hope it’s an exciting game!

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Let's win !!! Giroud scoring and Pulisic !!!

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

        4-1 just so pukki can get a goal

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

        It’s all about Mount

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

      Should be an absolute cracker. Have fun

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

        Mount goal and three assists !

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

          Why not 4 mount goals?

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

            With underlaying stats it will be 1-1...Pukki and Pedro scores....

  17. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Come oooonnnn Chelseaaaaaaaaaa

    1. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Easy win v a Championship side.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Norwich are respectable side, won't be easy. Not to forget we have boys as CB's

      2. FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Harsh. Lampard is now a premier league manager. Disrespectful to call Chelsea a championship club. They are bigger than that.

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

      I'd have to agree with Chelsea winning over NOR unfortunately.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Do you think there will be plenty of goals as well?

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

          Think 3-1 CHE

  18. jason_ni
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Poor fella in work league, first time in fpl, had a bit of a mare with his 1st transfers last saturday.
    2ft, zaha and Murray to ndombele and pukki.

    Decent moves right, 20 mins later he moves ndombele to mount for a -4, and 3 minutes after that another -4 bringing ndombele back in for mount.
    Ends up with -8, not sure what he was thinking!

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      text him to activate the WC and delete the hits. Be a friend

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

        It's too late now.. deadline was last night, I only realised when I checked the team today, I'll have a word, but think hes prb picked up on it after that debacle!

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

      Obviously you are going to be a mate and call him to tell him to use his WC or explain how the transfers work yes???

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

        How would he know before the deadline was over?

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

    Seems a very clear trend that people are downgrading their defenders to fund a bigger midfield/attack. Over the season I think thats a huge mistake, especially if you are doing it on wildcard so its hard to change back if the big teams start getting consecutive clean sheets.

    A few cleans from City and Pool with mediocre returns from the premiums and defense holders will gain a lot of ground. Its going to happen.

    1. FPL Daniel
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I can't find 6.5 mid that will outscore VVD. End of story

    2. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Then your don't keep it all season, just switch back when Liverpool are solid again.

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

        Its never "just switch back". Theres only so many things you can do each week before starting to take hits. Id much rather stick with proven defenders long term and spend my transfers switching mid price options based on fixtures.

        1. Dynamic Duos
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Ok

        2. Stoneleigh
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          I mean, it really is as simple as switch back.

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

      Throughout the years, I always started with cheap defence and big midfield and attack because it is more flexible to do so where you can downgrade one big midfielder and fix the back line. Makes it easier also to catch any price rises of big hitters. But you are right, in the long term, balance is needed and bigger defence

    4. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I'm particularly baffled by the amount of wildcards without a City defender. Would've been the first pick in my defence.

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

        Wanted Zinch but only had 5m. Had to stick with KWP who can easily be downgraded

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

      I'm tempted to possible do this, I really want kdb, but have salah/sterling/martial, none of whom I want to shift, so that leaves perez as my only way of getting him.
      I have 1.4 itb, so need 1.6 from somewhere.. easiest is a def downgrade.
      Choice is downgrade def a bit, or do i continue to ignore kdb?!

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

      I agree 100% on that! Good post!

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

        Cheers 🙂

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

      Doesn't this usually happen each season? In preseason people have 5 defenders as they see the value from defenders the last season. Then they waiver and lose 1 or 2 when the season starts. Then there aren't clean sheets every week so jump on midfield bandwagons. Before you know it you have 1 or 2 premium defenders, point chasing for mids and have completely forgotten that over a season the premium defenders can still be good value.

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

        Yes it seems to happen every season. And at the end of the season it always becomes clear in hindsight that the big defenders offered the best value per million like you said.

      2. Eze Really?
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I agree with the majority you say but:
        You have to have 2 keepers 5 defenders 5 mids and 3 forwards.
        The mean average value of each position is different. (Mids and forwards are always going to under perform pts per mil)
        There is a captain pick involved that if you take 55 45 split home and away you need 2 premium players.
        With Mids and Defenders where the majority of players are classified you have to find the right ones.
        As with AWB last year at 4 mil and getting 12 points every 300 minutes, people rightfully get him. However, we have a possible 84 mil to spend on players. Robbo who got 20 points every 300 minutes is less points per million than AWB. There is still an argument not to have an AWB in your side because you are wasting 4 million in defensive assets that score higher than mids and forwards.
        Well done if you understand that.

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

      3 previous seasons of having 3rd-5th defender no more than 4.5m actually think possibly 2nd 4.5 and 11k worst finish. People underestimate cost benefit analysis. Last seasons best defensive assets come at a new premium

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

        All strategies can work but in general theres a lot of value to be found in defense. Im seeing wild card teams with no defenders over 4.5...Or at a stretch just VVD. triple 4.0 defender etc. Disaster waiting to happen.

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

          Triple 4m is a no no. I only have Lundstram. Last season AWB

      2. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Budget defenders can be good value, but they also make you spend more transfers on them because they rarely deliver long-term unlike premium defenders. Also, I don't know how people have somehow identified the best value defenders within 2 weeks, but proven premium defences like Pool are considered crap after 2 weeks.

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

      I am doing the opposite, no Pool's attack but can get back with 2 moves.

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

    I've captained Pukki and I'm wetting myself with anticipation!

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

      I spilt my beer in excitement when he got his hattie last week as my captain...It was epic!

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

        My mate did the same. Love both your bravado

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

          Cheers mate, rarely happens...very hard to nail a budget captain but had a strong gut feeling 🙂

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

      Without Kante, it is actually not that bad of a decision

    3. Dynamic Duos
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      O dear , hand on head with shock and confusion in mind, but good luck

    4. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I wanred to captain him as well but Salah it was!

  21. Green Jumper
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Based purely on last night's performance, I'm thinking Murray > Wesley may be worth a look.

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

      Murray -> anyone else is worth a look

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

      The best thing about Wesley is that hes clearly nailed. Thats the number one thing you want from a cheap striker and why hes the best option over Ings, Adams, Murray, DCL etc in my opinion.

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

        I think he is a good option but not the best option with ings/adams in that price category too. I still think the saints will have a good season

  22. FPL Forward Thinker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Teemu Pukki @50/1
    Norwich v Chelsea - Hat-trick

  23. FPL Forward Thinker
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I think Pukki could destroy Chelsea today 2-1

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

    Going to be tears on this forum when Pukki blanks, everyone on here believes he's going to score it's rediculous

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

      Don't care. Got his 17pts for 6.5m

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

      Erm

      You’re ignoring those of us who got him in last week or even week 1 🙂

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

      what a load of old tosh

    4. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Pukki won’t blank. He will score today, and I am putting money on it. License to print money.

      Plus he’s brought in for more than one match and he’s a cash cow with big price Increases and when / if sold then money can be used to build a more expensive team.

    5. BoomXhakaLaca1
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ridiculous maybe? Not sure about rediculous

      1. FPL Forward Thinker
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Spell check police are here LOL

        1. FPL Forward Thinker
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 7 months ago

          Sorry Spellcheck

  25. All For One
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Is anyone getting rid of Digne? Didn't see the game but surprised they lost 2-0 to Aston Villa.

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I might

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

      he passed the eye test. Aggressive and inventive going forward and defending well too.

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

      I got rid of him on WC due to fears about his fitness and punted on Walker with the next 2 games in mind. I definitely will be looking to get Digne back at some point soon. All teams concede at some point.

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

      Why he looks a brilliant FPL asset, nothing has changed, very hard to keep three CS in a row for any team!

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

      Nope.. had a good game, created decent amount, 2 corners on minas head, 2 direct shots in the box. It's one bad result.

    6. FPL Forward Thinker
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Not a chance right now. Maybe in 2-5 weeks

      1. All For One
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        cool thanks guys

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

      Daft move imo unless Mendy appears

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

      No another defender playing in advanced positions with free kick abilities.

    9. Greasy Grealish Gang
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      I think it'd be foolish to drop Digne already. That being said, t's another case for their midfielders and forwards. Digne has been a great asset so far. Dropping him for 1 game is just odd.

  26. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Plan was to give Sigurdsson one last chance before transferring him to KDB this week, where to find the 1.5million?

    Ryan
    Trent VVD Digne Zinchenko
    Salah Sterling Siggy* Martial
    Pukki Jota

    Woodman, Dendoncker, Lundstram, Wickham.

    Digne, Trent, VVD on the chopping block...

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      1 FT 0.2 ITB Happy to take a hit to get in KDB

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      KDB most likely will go up, Siggy bound to go down.

      You may need to find more than 1.5m

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Willing to make the moves tonight... Don't want to be priced out and happy to be aggressive early in the season

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

      Virgil -> KWP?

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Is KWP even nailed? Would probably go even cheaper than him and find someone who rotates well with Lundstram for a few weeks

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

      Similar to me, only I have Robo instead of VVD.
      I think i’ll be doing the following -4...
      Robo + Siggy -> Maguire/Stones + KdB

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        I'd rather sell Robbo than Trent, guys on all Liverpool set pieces... VVD out could be an option

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

      Trent to Maguire I reckon. If Perez does well today (leading me to keep him), I reckon I might be do that transfer to fund Siggy to KDB.

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers, bit gutted I can't stretch to AWB, Heart wants to keep Trent as I think he's such an attacking threat but beginning to realise double pool defence may be overkill

    6. Hog Roast Junkie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      TREnt to Utd def

      1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

  27. Sgt Frank Drebin
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    I remember there was a tool to find a FPL team by managers name. Do you know maybe if something like this is available somehwere?

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

      TM, the SGT is looking for a tool...are you available 😉

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        And I have a warrant

    2. Sgt Frank Drebin
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      Ok, found it, it is visual fpl if someone is interested

      1. Sgt Frank Drebin
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 7 months ago

        Buuut it doesn't work...

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

    6 goals in 3 games...some start to life in the EPL for Pukki 😉

  29. Robe Wan
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    Not feeling that confident with Martial C today!!

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

      I was going to go with him if I hadn't brought in Kane(C) for Auba...brave, best of luck!

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

        Thanks! Kane for Auba is a decent move

  30. thischarmingman
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 7 months ago

    So how are Siggy sellers feeling about being punished so harshly yesterday?

    1. Colonel Shoe 肝池
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 7 months ago

      can i just say i loved day of the tentacle......my era

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

        Oh, yes, no game quite like it 🙂

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

      stop talking in riddles!

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

      Unless you own a bunch of ironic sence of humor I still would be laughing lol