Scout Notes

Aubameyang benefits in Lacazette’s absence as Watford assets impress

An entertaining 2-2 draw at Vicarage Road is the focus of our latest Scout Notes article, as we run the rule over Manchester City’s Gameweek 6 opponents and assess Arsenal’s latest away-day display.

Watford 2-2 Arsenal

  • Goals: Tom Cleverley (£4.9m), Roberto Pereyra (£5.8m) | Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) x2
  • Assists: Gerard Deulofeu (£6.2m) | Sead Kolasinac (£5.4m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.1m)
  • Bonus: Aubameyang x3, Deulofeu, Cleverley x2

There have been, to varying degrees, significant changes at Watford and Arsenal since we last wrote about these two clubs in a Scout Notes article.

The struggling Hornets dispensed with the services of Javi Gracia during the international break and reappointed former boss Quique Sanchez Flores, who returned to Vicarage Road after a three-year absence.

While perhaps not quite as seismic, Friday afternoon brought the news that Arsenal will be without Alexandre Lacazette (£9.4m) until October, an injury blow that has implications for the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) and Nicolas Pepe (£9.4m) as Fantasy assets – something we will discuss further down this article.


Sunday was our first look at Watford in the second Flores era and the impressions were fairly positive, even if the Spaniard’s pragmatic reputation and defence-first policy have so far done little to stem the flow of goals being conceded.

Miracles can’t be expected after one week, of course, and there’ll be many Fantasy managers hoping that the Hornets are still penetrable when they head north to the Etihad next weekend.

Flores lined his troops up in a 4-2-3-1 for this game, with Kiko Femenia (£4.4m) and Jose Holebas (£4.8m) as his two full-backs.

Watford looked particularly vulnerable in the wide areas during the last 25 minutes of the first half and it was no coincidence that both of Arsenal’s goals during this period were assisted by the Gunners’ overlapping full-backs, with Sead Kolasinac (£5.4m) and Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.1m) supplying the passes that Aubameyang converted.

Pepe had earlier fired a warning shot narrowly wide of Ben Foster‘s (£4.9m) goal when cutting in off the right flank and Aubameyang was inches away from turning in Mesut Ozil‘s (£7.3m) low pass from the same wing.

What makes it difficult to appraise Watford’s defensive credentials going into Gameweek 6 is that: a) they shaded possession for much of the game and that: b) Arsenal’s brief threat mostly came on the counter-attack – neither scenario being likely when the Hornets take on Pep Guardiola’s side next Saturday.

No Premier League side allowed fewer shots than Watford in Gameweek 5 and in truth their backline had a quiet second 45 minutes as the two-goal deficit elicited a second-half siege from the hosts.

Flores said after full-time:

We had to care about the defence this week and we didn’t prepare to have 31 attempts at goal. It just happened. We just kept switching the play in the second half and this is how it happened. Sometimes this is possible.

While lone striker Andre Gray (£5.9m) and wide-right midfielder Will Hughes (£5.5m) struggled to make much of an impression in the 4-2-3-1 and were ultimately hooked early in the second half, two Watford attackers who caught the eye were Gerard Deulofeu (£6.2m) and Tom Cleverley (£4.9m).

Deulofeu being stationed on the left flank may be off-putting to some Fantasy managers given that he is an FPL forward but he was Watford’s biggest threat all afternoon, causing Maitland-Niles lots of problems and repeatedly cutting inside to fire off shots – a couple of which flashed narrowly wide of Bernd Leno‘s (£5.0m) goal.

While his assist for Cleverley’s strike was a fortuitous one – the former Everton and Barcelona man intercepting a farcical pass out from Sokratis (£5.0m) – Deulofeu deserved his first attacking return of the season and it will be interesting to monitor his displays for when Watford’s fixtures really ease up in Gameweek 10.

Cleverley is not a name we Fantasy managers have considered for a long, long time (if ever) but his performance on Sunday was eye-catching, particularly as he was stationed in an advanced number ten role and given that he is now available for less than £5.0m.

This isn’t merely a kneejerk response to him scoring a goal – the all-action, high-pressing Cleverley was a threat all afternoon, forcing Leno into an early save and having as many shots as the entire Arsenal team managed combined.

Todd Cantwell (£4.8m) remains the stand-out sub-£5.0m midfield option but having another attacking midfielder available in this price bracket would be a welcome prospect for those of us trying to scrimp in midfield; time will tell if Cleverley can replicate this display and indeed become a regular starter in his new manager’s team.

Flores has plenty of attack-minded options available to him, of course, and it was interesting to note that FPL midfielder Ismaila Sarr (£6.4m) was thrown on up front in the second half, with Roberto Pereyra (£5.8m) replacing Hughes on the right.

Troy Deeney (£6.3m) – scorer of 13 goals in Flores’ previous spell in charge – will surely have a big part to play when he returns in November but there was no sign of Danny Welbeck (£6.0m) in the matchday squad, with his absence so far unexplained.

In Deeney’s absence, it was Pereyra who stepped up from 12 yards to draw the scores level at 2-2 after David Luiz (£5.9m) had chopped the Argentina international to the floor.

After keeping a rare away clean sheet in Gameweek 1, Arsenal’s defence has reverted to type and is now looking as unappealing as ever from a Fantasy perspective.

Watford had 31 shots against Unai Emery’s side, the most the Gunners have allowed in a single game since Opta began collecting this data 16 years ago.

The north London outfit have now allowed more attempts on goal than any other Premier League club in 2019/20.

The blows were self-inflicted, too, with Luiz needlessly giving away a penalty and Sokratis gifting Watford possession in the Arsenal area to hand the Hornets a route back into the game.

These weren’t isolated incidents, with Matteo Guendouzi (£4.6m) twice very nearly costing his team goals with individual errors and Emery’s insistence on his side playing out from the back looking like Watford’s best chance of scoring.

When asked about the tactic, Emery said after full-time:

Yes, but after their goal, we tried once more and we broke their lines and we get into the attacking third with space. We didn’t achieve good chances in less moments we did that, but we need to repeat and we need also to have the capacity and to improve with being able to break when the teams want to press us like today.

For those with Aston Villa, Manchester United and Bournemouth attacking assets, there were plenty of encouraging signs ahead of their encounters with the Gunners over the coming three weeks.

There wasn’t much to crow about further forward but this was one of Ozil’s better away displays (faint praise), with the German – occupying the number ten role in a 4-4-2 diamond – ‘assisting the assister’ for Arsenal’s second goal having almost supplied a goal for Aubameyang shortly beforehand.

This wasn’t really a game to judge Dani Ceballos (£5.7m), given Arsenal’s loss of control in the second half.

The on-loan midfielder will perhaps come into his own when the Gunners boss possession (as they did in Gameweek 2 and as they will expect to do in many of their upcoming fixtures) but, after playing a key role in the opening goal and showing glimpses of promises in the first half, the Spaniard was a bystander and eventually replaced on the hour-mark.

Asked why he had substituted Ceballos, Emery replied:

But today it was very, very hot. We needed in the second half, some fresh players. We were struggling second half and I was thinking how we can improve with three players, fresh players, for give us more energy and give us also more capacity to be strong physically and tactically and also technically.

Pepe again failed to convince as a price-point rival to Kevin De Bruyne (£9.8m) and Son Heung-min (£9.5m) although he had little opportunity to impress after the break and it is still too early to fully appraise his long-term merits as a premium midfielder.

Aubameyang, however, again proved how lethal he can be with precious little service and indeed how more dangerous he is when deployed centrally rather than out wide, as will presumably now be the case for the next month with Lacazette sidelined.

The Gabon international’s goals came from his only two proper chances of the afternoon and his impressive conversion rate is one of his many redeeming qualities going into Arsenal’s favourable run of fixtures from Gameweeks 6-16.

No FPL forward scored as many goals against non-big six sides as Aubameyang in 2018/19, while the Gabonese striker now has 12 goals to his name in his last dozen Premier League starts against all opposition.

Members’ Analysis


Watford XI (4-2-3-1): Foster; Femenia, Dawson, Kabasele, Holebas (Janmaat 78′); Doucoure, Capoue; Hughes (Pereyra 63′), Cleverley, Deulofeu; Gray (Sarr 54′).

Arsenal XI (4-1-2-1-2): Leno; Maitland-Niles, Sokratis, Luiz, Kolasinac; Xhaka; Ceballos (Willock 60′), Guendouzi (Torreira 67′); Ozil (Nelson 71′); Pepe, Aubameyang.


All prices given were correct at the time of writing (Sunday night).

1,490 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Fpl Richie
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Pope
    Digne TAA Zinchenko
    Sterling Salah KDB Mount Cantwell
    Pukki Haller
    Heaton: Lundstram: Rico: G'wood (0.9itb, no FT)

    A) WC
    B) Not required.

    If B, any suggestions for a direction to take? I'd obviously like to get Auba or Son as you'd expect, but I can't see the route. Abraham in is a possibility, but would mean Digne to 4m type move or straight Haller switch.

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not required. Would look to downgrade def to improve 3rd striker.

  2. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Decided to make the move Jota > Abraham.

    Despite the fact he has Liverpool next, despite the fact I already have Mount, I feel like he's the standout option at that price point and has lovely fixtures after next week.

    1. Captain_Shirokov
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Risking midweek injury for the benefit of catching rises, avoiding drops.

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It’s a good long term move and jumping on the rise is important. I kinda wish I was more aggressive and went dendoncker to Cantwell before the rise.

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Good move imo

  3. Joyce1998
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    bottomed
    g2g for next gw??
    flickering between kdb and sterling as best captain choices

    pope
    taa, digne, chenko
    salah, sterling (C), kdb, mount, cantwell
    pukki, haller

    subs- button, soyuncu, lund, greenwood

    1. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      G2G

  4. Cok3y5murf
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Funny how KDB was called essential last week, and now he's out of WC teams and people selling for Son.

    Recency bias and points-chasing 😆

    1. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be on both in a WC, but I absolutely agree. Both are a million underpriced if they maintain starts (no reason to think otherwise).

    2. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      My rank is 1 million, despite having a near template squad, so need a little differential.

      Rotation is a bigger risk with KDB.

      Not having Son killed me last season when I kept saying to myself "don't chase points don't chase points".....

      Still think KDB is near essential, but for my circumstances, Son is better

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        KDB just got benched. He won't be benched next week. Especially when they lost to Norwich a large part due to that. You think Son won't get rotated? He played 2033 minutes last season.

        1. Cruyff's Eleven
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          He was at the Asian Cup and came back a shadow of the man he was before....

          1. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            He's been rotated at Spurs regardless. Has never been nailed despite being a great pick.

      2. Pranav Santhosh
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        After this Norwich result I don’t think kdb is getting rotated any time soon

    3. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I don’t mind getting rid on a wildcard but using free transfers to get rid of him is insane

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        That doesn't make sense.

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Dude, whats your problem? If people want to get rid, they can do what they want. They'll regret it but why do you care? It's not you getting rid is it?

          1. Cruyff's Eleven
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I don't mind being convinced of my flawed thinking - assuming it happens respectfully, I'm here for that exact reason.....

            Convince away! 🙂

          2. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Why said I cared? It's not my team. It's a forum for discussions, so I'm discussing. What's your problem?

            1. Cok3y5murf
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              *Who

        2. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          On a wildcard I can kind of see the merit of going with son over kdb although I would still go with kdb. But your team must be in amazing shape to use free transfers to get rid of kdb

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It is very rare for any of the premium midfielders / forwards to play 38 games in the PL. The key is hopping on and off at the right time and where you find someone who is a season keeper (because they have been underpriced) then to stick with them.

      Personally think KDB falls in the season keeper category barring a long-term injury in which case you just transfer him out.

      1. Cok3y5murf
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I don't consider anyone a season-keeper, but based on current form, he's the better pick. Even in the international break, he was crazy good for Belgium.

      2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Exactly

        What’s not to like about one of the best midfielders in the world assisting the best attack in the world

    5. Cruyff's Eleven
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I am now starting to look for options to own them both....

      WC intact.....

      1. Cruyff's Eleven
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Maybe I'm just salty because I captained KDB...

  5. simong1
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    1FT, 1.2 ITB

    Pope - Button
    TAA - VVD - Digne - Zinchenko - Lundstram
    Sterling (c) - KDB - Salah - Cantwell - Dendocker
    Pukki - Jota - Greenwood

    Jota > Abraham now or hold until after the Liverpool match to have 2FT?

    1. Hybrid.power
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Do it now.

    2. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd do it

  6. ‘Tis the Season
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Am I on the right track with WC team?
    Pope
    TAA Digna Lund Rico Tomori
    Mane Raz KDB Mount Cantwell
    Haller Pukki Barnes

    1. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Looking good. Is tomori nailed?

      1. ‘Tis the Season
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Complete gamble. Any suggestions at 4.5

        1. ‘Tis the Season
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Otherwise Barnes out for greenwood for Aurier and Zinc?

        2. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Söyüncü has decent fixtures soon and I personally don’t like the Barnes out greenwood in idea

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

    Zaha as a punt for 3 weeks? Need a diferential.

    1. Matt Sk
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Could work, fixtures look good. Cant belive he didnt get anything yet

  8. grooveymatt65
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Hi guys.

    what do you guys think of my wc team? 0.5 itb

    Pope Button

    Van Dijk Maitlend Niles Lundstrum Diop Rico

    De Bruyne Mane Son Mount Chong

    Aubameyang Pukki Haller

    anything you would change? i might load up on city and take them out next week. 

    Thanks 🙂 🙂

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

      Miles may lose his place when Bellerin is back. Get a spurs or city defender?

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’d use up the 0.5 itb on Chong to Cantwell or VVD to TAA

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Def is kind of not cheap or prem. I'd downgrade def and go Son out for Sterling or get tammy.

    4. grooveymatt65
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      ok thanks guys

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

    On WC, which pair would you go for?
    A. Aguero Mount
    B. C.Wilson Sterling

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

      B

  10. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    all 11 Chelsea goals in the PL have been scored by English players 21 or under, but for some reason English media is keeping that fairly quiet

    maybe because it's Chelsea?

    1. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Everyone hates Chelsea, if it was United it would be getting praise all around....

      Lampard has done a great job so far IMO... Big test next week for the young English lads

      1. Captain_Shirokov
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Lampard will spend this season figuring out his best 11, working new players into the squad, implementing tactics

        as long as I can see there's a project unfolding I'll be happy

        plus so many players to return from injury too

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’ve seen that stat quite often tbh. Has the English media really kept it quiet?

      1. Captain_Shirokov
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        all I see is how Chelsea ought to tighten up at the back, which they should, but a general lack of praise for Lampard

        1. Pranav Santhosh
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah fair enough lampard deserves more credit. I didn’t like the lampard appointment initially cause it just seemed like it was set up for him to fail but he’s done well so far

    3. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      It hasn't been kept quiet at all IMO. Sky and the BBC were going on about it on Saturday and Sunday.

    4. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Seen it floating around plenty

  11. CheesyZoot
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    I've locked my WC in, no turning back now :/

    Pope, (Button)
    Aurier, Digne, Rico, (Lund, Kelly)
    KDB, (S)terling, Son, Mount
    Haller, Pukki, Aubameyang

    Have I gone completely mad?

    1. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Shaping something like this up myself but a 352, with Salah instead of Haller and Son. Going to see how European fixtures go before making moves on Aurier or Auba.

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not interested in league leaders with 2 of the hottest attackers?

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        and argulably the best FPL defender

    3. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Depending on how it goes I can -4 for Mount and Auba out, with King and Mane coming in

      Liverpool's fixtures don't excite me too much with Chelsea, United and Spurs all coming up in the next 5, don't get me wrong but I feel like if there is ever a time this season to gamble on dropping Pool player it is now

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Liverpool are fixture proof and I think they will destroy that Chelsea defence.

        1. the dom 1
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Liverpool will eat Chelsea alive imo mate 😉

      2. Hy liverpool
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Those are lovely fixtures for us mate..

    4. CheesyZoot
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Chelsea were the better team in the Super Cup, Rudiger back now as well so I'm not too sure on that

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        delusional

  12. FOMFF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What's the consensus on Aurier holding his place now?

    1. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’m curious. Poch has Vertinghen, Alderweireld, Sanchez and Foyth, plus Dier potentially when fit. There’s also Ben Davies who is better suited as a LCB than wingback.

      He then has Rose, Aurier, KWP as fullbacks. They’re wingbacks if ever I saw one.

      So, my guess is he’ll go back to 532 and Aurier will start more often than not.

      His 4231 doesn’t work with Moura and Son wide. He’s tried it a lot.

      1. FOMFF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Does he start at the weekend if he plays CL?

    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Could happen if he can be consistent. I've put him in, but it's risky

    3. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I would take a gamble on him. Beasty performance and started both games for Ivory coast in the IB as well, that too as captain. Encouraging signs

      1. FOMFF
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Does he start at the weekend if he plays CL?

        1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
          • 5 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Kwp might play CL. The the same gamble with every CL playing team

  13. hogree
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Does this need a WC whacking on it fellas? Have 2 FTs so hoping I can avoid if possible

    Pope - Heaton
    VVD - TAA - Digne - Montoya - Rico
    Salah - Sterling - Mount - McGinn - Dendoncker
    Kane - Pukki - Greenwood

    WC - yay or nay?

    1. FOMFF
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Nay. Get rid of one Pool defender - Aurier could be a great shout depending on Champs League. Upgrade McGinn (or hold depending on tonight)

    2. Pranav Santhosh
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      No need for a wildcard. 2FT puts you in a good spot I’d just wait for the European fixtures to happen which gives you a clearer idea on what to do next

  14. Twisted Saltergater
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    How bad were Arsenal yesterday (rhetorical question!). I’m amazed to think Arsenal fans prefer this to Wenger’s reign. They’ve gone from a team that excited but had the odd defensive howler, to one that looks clueless in both attack and defence.

    And what’s going on with Pepe? 70m+ and I haven’t seen anything. It’s starting to look like the board were pressured into spending big in the Summer. Aubameyang could be such a great pick if Emery settled on a reliable midfield and shape behind him.

    I’m genuinely eyeing up Villa options in tonight’s game as they have Arsenal next.

    1. Cok3y5murf
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Lille managed to increase their fee for Pepe using media-manufactured news that Liverpool contacted them about him. This was untrue and Liverpool had actually made no contact. Pepe, believing this to be true, stalled the Arsenal move and once it was found to be rubbish, joined them.

      Heard this from a pretty trusty source's source. I guess Arsenal overpaid. He definitely hasn't even looked worth 40m.

      1. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Wouldn’t surprise me. As FPL managers, I don’t know how we can invest? They just bounce from fixture to fixture and no one knows what the midfield will be, what shape they’ll be in and whether Emery is going to change it at half time.

        I’m still flabbergasted at how open they were against Watford... and this is after fortunately finding themselves 2-0 up! Why isn’t Torreira playing all away fixtures? Ozil dropped in because Lacazette is injured... It’s like plug n play or some sh!t

        1. Cok3y5murf
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          And when they have just a 2-0 cushion, which isn't enough especially for a team whose defence is that bad, he subs off one of their only two creative players Ceballos at the 60th minute. David Luiz has always been an error-prone player. Their defending is going to remain this way.

          We can invest in Auba is all. Good thing is, whether he plays on the wing or centrally, he keeps scoring. He's that good. Of course, at his price, you'll have to make sacrifices elsewhere and lose City or Pool assets, which I don't prefer. As we just saw, Arsenal are far from fixture-proof unlike City and Pool.

    2. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      If only they had the defence to match their star-studded attack

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

      Triple Villa bbyy

    4. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Personally think this is Arsenal's best team now:

      Leno
      Sokratis Luiz Holding
      Bellerin Guendouzi Ceballos Torreira Tierney
      Lacazette Aubameyang

      It puts Laca and Auba in as strikers which is both their best position, but Laca can drop deep and Auba can go longer. You get a bit more work rate, mobility and defensive solidity in midfield compared to a midfield with Xhaka. You get the best out of the wing-backs who are better going forward than backwards. You attempt to cover up the weakness of the defence by playing an extra CB

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I do like the look of this. I would have xhaka instead of torreira though

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Xhaka is largely part of the problem.

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I’d agree. That’s the best 11 they could put out. And while Lacazette is injured, play Pepe there. He at least might be able to get into the penalty box.

    5. Qaiss
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Not all Arsenal fans wanted Wenger out.

      We're paying for Pepe in instalments. Didn't just pay 70m. He will start firing very soon. He's had 3 starts, 2 including Liverpool and Spurs.

      Arsenal will smack Villa by 3/4 goals

      1. Murder On Zidanesfloor
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        So if I buy a car for 20K quid and finance the payment through monthly installments, I'm not actually paying 20K for it?

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Can you read? He said "the Arsenal board were pressured to spend big". We have not spent 70m on Pepe yet. By the time we've paid the full amount though, he will be worth more than that I reckon. Clowns like the guy above don't actually watch football so they're pretty clueless unless its based on FPL points.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            You’re having such a big overreaction to this that you must be as annoyed (or more annoyed) at Emery than I am.

            1. Qaiss
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              I didn't say Arsenal are playing well at the moment though. You were suggesting all Arsenal fans wanted Wenger out and that the board were pressured into overspending on Pepe. I replied to that and you gave me "you think this is FIFA 20?" - Patronising comment from you

              1. Twisted Saltergater
                • 14 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                The majority of Arsenal fans did want Wenger out, it was a running saga. And Pepe has been awful so far, so I stand by what I said.

                Take a look at the goonersworld forum and you’ll see similar posts. So what would you change? Or do you think any 11 will roll Villa over?

                And try to resist keep calling me a clown 🙂

      2. Twisted Saltergater
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Are you watching the games? I mean, really watching? Do you see how open the midfield is?

        You’re talking like it’s FIFA 20.

        1. Qaiss
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Midfield? What you talking about?

          Yes, I watch every Arsenal game live you clown. I know we are poor at the moment. I just said not every Arsenal fan prefers this to when Wenger was here.

          "AnD WhAtS GoiNg oN WiTh PePe" he's hardly played you clown. I actually watch football, I don't just base my assumptions off FPL like you probably do. You see Pepe has 1 return and think 'hmmm he's going to flop' etc.

          Yeah we will beat Villa comfortably, its typical Arsenal to do that you clown.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Wow, ok. The gist of my Arsenal comments were against Emery, not individuals. Pepe’s not being given a chance to succeed with all the chopping and changing.

            Aubameyang had 2 goals from 2 shots, wasn’t it? The midfield is clearly disfunctional so how you have blind faith you’ll beat a decent counter attacking Villa by 3/4 goals, I don’t know.

          2. Cok3y5murf
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Calling him a clown multiple times for nothing. Definitely a biased Arsenal supporter/troll.

            You're the one not watching football lol. I don't care how many points Pepe has got. Speaking specifically from the eye test, he's looked anonymous and like a dribbler/step-over merchant who can't shoot or pass on target.

            1. Qaiss
              • 8 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Aren't you the guy who was crying a few posts up about people getting rid of KDB, which is meant to be a good thing? Move on

              1. Cok3y5murf
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                How was I crying? I put a laughing emoji 😆 You're the one getting wound up and calling everyone clowns.

  15. gooner_112233445566
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    best midfielder for 6.1 or below? (already got pukki so not sure want to double up on cantwell)

    1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Don’t fancy anyone for that price apart from Cantwell

      No problem doubling up the two imo - both in great form, have a run of nice fixtures and play in a very attacking side

    2. Twisted Saltergater
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      There’s no one! I’ve been eying up a replacement for Ceballos and might have to make changes elsewhere to go for Son or downgrade to 4.5m.

      I trust you have Mount already?

      1. gooner_112233445566
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        yes mate have mount. I want aubameyang so my issue here is either sticking with lanzini and having a 4mil defender (hanley) who wont have to play all the time as have other options (rico, montoya). OR cheaper midfielder so can upgrade hanley

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Yeah ideally find 0.5m to upgrade Hanley. Maybe Buendia if you don’t have Cantwell. He’s a better double up if you’re reluctant.

          There’s O’Neil at Burnley too maybe or Djenepo if you fancy a punt on the Southampton lad.

    3. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      mcginn

  16. How I met your Mata
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A, B or C
    A Aubameyang Cantwell hayden
    B Tammy Mount Cabellos
    C Tammy Kean Cabellos

    1. gooner_112233445566
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      will hayden have to start for you every week in a?

      1. How I met your Mata
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        no just a bench fodder

        1. gooner_112233445566
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          then i would say a, with arsenal fixtures and no lacazette, i think aubameyang is a must

  17. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Son is rising tomm morning

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      And rico too

    2. Murder On Zidanesfloor
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      And setting tomm evening

  18. HD7
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    1 FT; 0.0 ITB

    A) Save
    B) VVD to Ota
    C) VVD to Aurier

    Pope
    Digne VVD Rico TAA
    Salah Sterling Mount KDB
    Abraham Haller

    Subs: Button, Greenwood, Dendonker, Guilbert

  19. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Thoughts on this WC team?

    Pope Button

    TAA Digne Otamendi Soyuncu Lundstram

    Mane Sterling Mount Cantwell Dendoncker

    Auba Abraham Pukki

    1. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      My exact MF n fwds except I got martial in place of deb

    2. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      What about Sterling Mount to kdb son as you have abraham ?
      I have otamendi too but tbh not sure is he going to start again or not.. He was awful last game.

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

      Would want Son in a WC team personally

    4. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Great front 3

  20. Stef rocks
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Salah Emerson(inj) Haller to

    Son Auba Aurier for a -4?

    Gotta do it today to catch Son Auba potential price rice - is it worth?

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Haller brace and you'd still do it?

    2. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah why not, but giving up Salah before leaky Chelsea could be a regret, and aurier isn't nailed

    3. The FPL Units
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah....nah

    4. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yeah i just want to have Son and Auba i guess. I will wait to see Haller tonight at least.
      Other option is to do Emerson to up to 5.5 or FT will burn - any suggestions

  21. Toby Lerone
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Lanzini 20 point haul tonight?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      3 pts maximum

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I remember when Felipe Anderson did something similar in a MNF game last season (think it was Southampton). So possible.

    3. Eleven Hag
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I hope so

    4. Soto Ayam
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Would be nice, I'll settle for a goal and an assist though haha

    5. Now I'm Panicking
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Give or take 18

      1. teneighty
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        So you're saying there is a chance of a 38 point haul?!

        1. Twisted Saltergater
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          0.0000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000001%

          yep

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          There's always a chance! There's also a chance I will be sleeping with Jennifer Lawrence tonight though.

          1. Twisted Saltergater
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            She’s with me tonight. Unlucky.

  22. Lingard’s Shin Guards
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Any thoughts on what to do here?

    Pope
    TAA Montoya Lundstrum
    Sterling Mane KDB Mount Cantwell
    Aguero Pukki

    Button Pieters Soyuncu Wickham (1FT 0m itb)

    Save? Can’t see a way of jumping on the Auba/Son/Abraham bandwagon just yet

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

      i think save mate
      mo problems here

    2. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      assuming youre gonna play soyuncu , taa and pieters id save . at least wait til after cl and europa league and reassess

      1. Lingard’s Shin Guards
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Don’t want double Burnley defence against double Norwich attack and fancy Son/Kane to score against Leicester

        Think TAA, Montoya, Lundstrum is the way to go this week

  23. nadman89
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    so nice to have mcginn and guilbert still playing .

    1. Annie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Hopefully West Ham score a hatful.

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

      do u trust that mcginn will do anything?

      me too have him but don't think he'll get more than 2 or 3 points 🙂

      1. nadman89
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        idc as nobody has any of them in my league , one has haller one lanzini so all good

  24. Totti
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    need your help guys

    pope adrian

    zinchenco digne soyouncu lundstram kelly

    salah sterling mount mcginn cantwell

    aguero pukki haller

    2 FT 0.1 itb

    really very hesitated don't know what to do

  25. Dynamic Duos
    • 10 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Can Ash Barnes be trusted in our teams?

    1. nadman89
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      honestly i feel wood is due and barnes peaked early . id rather have pukki / haller / wilson /tammy and even king

      1. Dynamic Duos
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I have King Pukki and Kane atm. Was thinking Ceballos and Kane to Son and Barnes for free

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Personally think he will do well to get 12 goals this season in the PL. Off to a good start, but Burnley aren't really a team to score goals. Burnley probably going to be in the bottom three after tonight's game in xG, which sort of supports Barnes' over performance to date.

    3. the dom 1
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      giving him maybe 1 more then shipping for Tammy or Haller

  26. arkom
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    A) Söyüncü / Son / King

    or?

    B) Digne / Mount / Wilson

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

      b

  27. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Do we think KDB or SON will rise before the next deadline?

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

      for me no
      don't forget that finally it's burnley

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

        but the situation is different for pukki as he already scored against liver at anfield and man city goal and assist
        you can't ignore him
        if barnes does anything like this ok then you start to consider

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

      sorry reply failed mate 🙂 to DYNAMIC DUOS

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

      reagrding your question
      son for sure
      de bruyne 50 50

    4. Stef rocks
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Son at least 1 (probably even tonight) - if he score a brace on Wednesday - i can bet twice by Saturday morning

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

        deadline on friday

      2. Eleven Hag
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        I can only do Sterling + martial to KDB + son, but it feel wrong to remove Sterling before Watford

  28. dshv
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Come on lads

    Heaton

    Vvd - robbo - digne - walker

    Salah - mount - dilva - sterling

    Pukki - wilson

    1. Vvd to 4.5 ??? ( tell me a name)
    2. Safe FT
    3 any other i am ready..

    1. Kloppcorn
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I’d save the free transfer

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

      save mate

  29. Bubbles1985
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    How long are Aarons and Kelly expected to be out for?

    I have both in my squad and 2FT so might have to make those boring moves...!

  30. Kloppcorn
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Who would you guys go for,
    A. VVD, De Bruyne
    B. Lundstram, Sterling
    Trying to get funds to get in Abraham, already have TAA, Lundstram would be rotated with Soyuncu