Scout Notes

Aguero benched as Man City and Spurs give team selection clues

Fantasy Premier League managers were handed some clues to unlock the Manchester City and Spurs team selections for Gameweek 6.

The two sides made their Champions League bow for the 2019/20 on Wednesday night, with both managers making changes to their sides.

These alterations have helped predict their respective line-ups when they face Watford and Leicester respectively this weekend…

Shakhtar Donetsk 0-3 Manchester City

Goals: Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m), Ilkay Gündogan (£5.3m), Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m)

Assists: Gündogan, Mahrez, Kevin de Bruyne (£9.8m)

Sergio Aguero (£12.1m) owners were able to relax as they watched Manchester City’s Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday night.

The centre-forward was named among the substitutes for the trip to Ukraine and stayed on the bench for the duration as Pep Guardiola’s men made light work of their opponents in a 3-0 victory.

Gabriel Jesus (£9.5m) led the line, scoring the third and final goal of the encounter, as he played the full 90 minutes.

Such a turn of events means that Aguero is the most likely starter when Manchester City host Watford on Saturday afternoon, which could have a considerable effect on the captaincy debate.

Jesus playing 90 minutes midweek means Aguero looks likely to start against Watford

The Argentinian has already closed the gap on Raheem Sterling (£12.3m) in our latest poll, having yet to blank in the Premier League this season and averaging 9.2 points per game.

Those in possession of Aguero’s English colleague are likely to be nervous about his chances of playing against Watford in Gameweek 6 after Sterling played 90 minutes yet again on Wednesday night.

The game-time has stacked up for the attacker recently, as he was heavily involved in both of England’s matches over the international break, was forced into playing the whole game in the surprise defeat to Norwich, and stayed on the pitch for the duration midweek.

Meanwhile, Guardiola’s alternative options for the wide attacking midfield positions have both had rests in the last few days.

Bernardo Silva (£7.8m) played 72 minutes at Carrow Road and featured only as a 77th-minute substitute against Donetsk.

Mahrez got himself a goal and assist on Wednesday night

Furthermore, Riyad Mahrez (£8.5m) got his time off in Gameweek 5, registering just 17 minutes against Norwich, before producing a goal and an assist in an impressive performance in Ukraine.

“Last season when he (Mahrez) played, he played good, but this season he is more regular and his performances have been top. He helps with defending and has been doing both, the same with Sterling. It’s a pleasure to watch.” – Pep Guardiola

However, Sterling owners should not panic just yet, as there is still a case for his inclusion in Manchester City’s Gameweek 6 starting line-up.

The defeat at Norwich has left Guardiola’s side five points adrift of Liverpool at the top of the Premier League, so he may still want to use his best winger when they face Watford.

Furthermore, there will be subsequent opportunities for Sterling to get a rest in the coming days. Manchester City travel to Preston for a League Cup match midweek and host Dinamo Zagreb the following Tuesday.

If Sterling is rested for the Watford game, and is likely not used at Deepdale, he would be looking at a 10-day rest for the Gameweek 7 trip to Everton, which would probably be somewhat excessive. If the player starts against Watford, he will likely still get a seven-day rest period before going to Goodison Park, which hopefully Guardiola will be happy with, especially considering he could rotate him out when Zagreb come to the Etihad Stadium too.

Sterling owners may be concerned by his continued heavy usage by Guardiola

Either way, there does remain plenty of uncertainty surrounding Sterling and his owners should pay close attention to Guardiola’s next press conference.

Just as was the case in Gameweek 5, he was unfortunate not to get some attacking returns against Donetsk.

While he was deployed perhaps wider than his owners would be happy with, Sterling still had a few chances to be involved in goals, mostly in the second half.

With Manchester City already 2-0 up, Ilkay Gündogan (£5.3m) pounced on a loose pass in midfield and drove through the Donetsk defence, his shot directly at goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov.

The shot-stopper could not hold onto the ball though, forcing Sergey Krivtsov into a terrible clearance straight at a loitering Sterling. The England international probably did not expect such a poor effort from the defender and rushed his shot from close range, watching it cannon off the post.

After initially playing out wide, Sterling drifted into the middle a bit more for the last 25 minutes, and could have got himself an assist, had Kevin de Bruyne (£9.8m) been more accurate. He set up the Belgian for a drive from range which went just wide of Pyatov’s post.

De Bruyne got himself an assist in Ukraine and could have arguably scored twice

After frustrating his owners with a Gameweek 5 benching, De Bruyne looks likely to be involved against Watford this weekend.

Not only may Guardiola realise he needs his best central midfielder back in the team as he chases Liverpool’s Premier League lead, but the Belgian has also now had sufficient rest time.

He played just 33 minutes at Carrow Road and, despite starting in Ukraine, came off after 77 minutes.

De Bruyne’s ability remains unquestioned as he registered his sixth assist of the campaign on Wednesday night. It was him who set up Jesus for his goal in the second half, starting a counter-attack and putting the Brazilian one-on-one with Pyatov.

The midfielder also had another chance to score before that in the first half, played through by Jesus and rattling a powerful effort just wide of the post.

Given his performance on Wednesday night, De Bruyne certainly looks in good shape to get some attacking returns against Watford.

As expected, Fernandinho (centre) played at centre-back for Manchester City

There were also important developments in defence for Manchester City, both of which should be of particular interest to Fantasy managers.

The first was that, as expected, defensive midfielder Fernandinho (£5.3m) dropped back into centre-back alongside Nicolas Otamendi (£5.4m), with both Aymeric Laporte (£6.4m) and John Stones (£5.4m) out injured.

The Brazilian, who does have experience in defence, looked fairly confident and assured against Donetsk, suggesting that Manchester City’s clean sheet potential may not have been as heavily damaged as first feared.

The hosts still had some chances, but often Fernandinho was the one on hand to frustrate them.

In the first half, Júnior Moraes was played through by Taison but his shot, under pressure from Fernandinho, was straight at Ederson (£6.1m).

It was the goalkeeper’s movement that denied Moraes when he got through again but Fernandinho’s tracking back was very important for the striker’s third and final chance of the game.

He got through on Manchester City’s defence perhaps a little too easily, and Ederson had come too soon and too far away from his goal, so Moraes attempted a lob. However, Fernandinho had, in the mean-time, moved back to cover the goal and usher the shot out of play.

With both Laporte and Stones out long-term, Fernandinho should be at centre-back once again on Saturday, which may inspire some much-needed confidence in Manchester City’s back-line.

“I didn’t have doubts that Ferna would do that. Of course, Ferna is a player who can play many positions and has good personality and that’s why he is so important for us.” – Pep Guardiola

“It was a quiet night at the back but the team have made a very good game. It was easier at the back because we played as a team and the guys up-front closed down the space. I’ve been training in this position since the start of the season. Pep knows all about our squad and team. Today was my opportunity and I hope I can improve more.” – Fernandinho

Gündogan was arguably one of the best players for City and could get more Premier League game-time with injuries in defence

Fernandinho’s shift into defence may also unlock the potential of central midfielder Gündogan, who is likely to get more game-time with the Brazilian not competing for his position.

He was arguably the best player on the pitch against Donetsk, earning himself a (Fantasy) assist for Mahrez’s opener, hitting the post before the Algerian netted the rebound, and scoring himself.

In fact, the German international probably could have had a hat-trick had he been a bit more fortunate.

“The important thing is the credit he has from all of us, (Gündogan) is an exceptional player. He knows how good he has to play because there are many in that position. In centre-back, we have many injuries but in that position, we have many players. He had seven months out in the first year but now I am so satisfied and people can start to look at what he’s done over recent months for this club. We couldn’t have won the Premier League the way that we did it without him, especially when he plays in three positions. Outstanding performance from Ilkay today.” – Pep Guardiola

Zinchenko may not be as adversely affected by Mendy’s return as we first feared

Finally, Oleksandr Zinchenko (£5.6m) owners may have been concerned by Benjamin Mendy‘s (£5.9m) return to the matchday squad on Wednesday night, but their fears were actually alleviated in the end.

The Frenchman was named on the bench and did take to the field in the 83rd minute, but not in the place of Zinchenko.

Mendy came on for Rodri (£5.5m) and played at left-back while Guardiola pushed Zinchenko into central midfield.

The Ukraine international played that position in both matches for his country between Gameweeks 4 and 5, scoring a total of two goals.

So there is now a possibility that Mendy’s return, rather than damaging Zinchenko’s potential, could actually do the opposite and improve it. However, it is still early days and we may have to wait a few more weeks to see exactly what impact the two left-backs will have on each other.

“I’m so happy he’s back, he lost a lot of time. He worked hard on his recovery. He’s an important player for us, it’s a long season and we need more players. I’m happy for him.” – Oleksandr Zinchenko

Manchester City XI (4-2-3-1): Ederson; Zinchenko, Fernandinho, Otamendi, Walker (Cancelo 81′); Gündogan, Rodri (Mendy 83′); Sterling, De Bruyne (B Silva 77′), Mahrez; Jesus.

Olympiakos 2-2 Tottenham

Kane scored another penalty as Spurs drew with Olympiakos

Goals: Harry Kane (£11.0m), Lucas Moura (£7.3m)

Assists: Ben Davies (£5.5m)

There were very few positives for owners of Spurs assets to take from their 2-2 draw with Olympiakos on Wednesday night.

Harry Kane (£11.0m) netted a penalty while Lucas Moura (£7.3m) scored an impressive effort from range, but their 2-0 lead came against the run of play.

Furthermore, they surrendered that advantage in the end, allowing a spirited Olympiakos side back into the game.

Since May 2016, Spurs had not let a 2-0 lead slip in any competition until this month, when they have done so twice, first to Arsenal in Gameweek 4 and now to Olympiakos.

“When we are not showing that intensity that the competition demands we struggle. We are not talking about quality. We’re talking about being focused, concentrated, aggressive, anticipating the action. How many times did we anticipate today? How many times we were not proactive like we were against Palace. That is a very good example in three days, it’s a massive difference. It’s not about tactics, it’s not about quality players, it’s about the quality of preparing yourself to be ready to fight.” – Mauricio Pochettino

“You can see why the manager is frustrated. He has been here for five years now and we are still making similar mistakes as we were the first year. We are not young any more, we are not inexperienced, we have played in big games for club and country. We have to try to find a way to get around it and improve and get better. That is all we can try to do.” – Harry Kane

Eriksen was poor for Spurs on Wednesday night

Many of us have been expecting Mauricio Pochettino’s men to play much better when Christian Eriksen (£8.8m) is in the starting XI but he was very poor on Wednesday night.

In what was described by local press as one of his worst ever performances in a Spurs shirt, the Danish international created very little and lacked movement off the ball too.

Eriksen did play an excellent cross into Dele Alli (£8.4m) in the second half, which he put in the net after being ruled out for offside.

However, Eriksen’s delivery across the whole match was poor, especially his set-pieces. In fact, his corners were so bad that, by the end of the match, both Ben Davies (£5.5m) and Erik Lamela (£6.0m) had taken corner duties off the Danish international.

Alli was denied a goal on his return by a correct call from the linesman

Alli’s return to the team is certainly of interest to Fantasy managers as he made his first start of the season.

However, it may be some time before we can consider him a viable option with Spurs themselves proving a little unreliable and it being early days for Alli.

Obviously, he did find the net in Greece, although was ruled out for offside, and he also showed some poor decision-making in the final third later in the game.

In the 64th minute, he was played through on goal but shot across goalkeeper José Sá when he probably should have squared it to Kane.

“(Alli) was injured and he needed to be back. We are going to help and try to find the best level that he needs to start to be the same as he was. Today was a tough game when the collective performance wasn’t the same and for sure it wasn’t a great game, but overall I am happy with his performance. Of course, we know well, and he knows, that he needs to improve but he only needs time now.” – Mauricio Pochettino

Sánchez was one of many Spurs defenders who did not impress in Greece

As much as Spurs were uninspiring going forward, they were also somewhat suspect in defence. A lot of Olympiakos’ efforts in the first half came down Davies’ flank, including the goal.

After Miguel Ángel Guerrero had hit the post early on, Giorgos Masouras was allowed too much space for his shot, directing it into the ground and over the bar.

It was Daniel Podence who got the deserved break-through in the 43rd minute. He was released inside Davies’ run back towards the Spurs goal by Mathieu Valbuena, slotting in a powerful finish.

In the second half, it was Jan Vertonghen (£5.3m) who was at fault, fouling Valbuena for the penalty he eventually scored.

Also enduring a poor evening was Davinson Sánchez (£5.4m), who Pochettino continues to experiment with at right-back. Just as was the case in the Gameweek 4 draw with Arsenal, he struggled, although admittedly, there was nobody as threatening as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) this time.

Son’s role as a substitute should solidify his chances of starting in Gameweek 6

Perhaps the only positives to come out of Spurs trip to Greece for Fantasy managers was a hint at their Gameweek 6 line-up.

Both Son Heung-min (£9.6m) and Erik Lamela (£6.1m) were benched for this match and featured as substitutes only after the 73rd and 76th minute respectively.

With both players scoring in the Gameweek 5 win over Crystal Palace, their return to the team for Saturday’s meeting with Leicester seems likely and could spark Spurs back into better form.

That said, Lamela’s main contribution to the effort in Olympiakos will have frustrated his team-mates. He had an opportunity down the left-hand side of the penalty box to square to a number of options but opted to blast a shot at the near-post which was saved.

Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-2-3-1): Lloris; B Davies, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Sánchez; Ndombele (Sissoko 62′), Winks; Alli (Son 73′), Eriksen, Moura (Lamela 76′); Kane.

Lessons learned from Gameweek 5

1,197 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Obi Wan Ken Obi Nil
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    kdb or son?

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

      Do you have sterling or
      Kane ?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ster

    2. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Son

    3. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Both

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

      If it is a WC, both. If it's a straight choice in, I'd probably go Son.

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

      Both would be ideal but if you have to choose one, KDB

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

      KDB 100%. Fit Son in instead of a different midfielder if possible

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

    Guys any update on Mount?

    1. Johnny Drama
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Just heard the injury isn’t that bad as it looks. What that means idk

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

        Mount will miss the game the weekend but should be fine for the following game.

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Nothing definitive from what I've read. He's had scans and it's not ligament damage but he hasn't trained. That suggests he could miss the Liverpool game but shouldn't be out long.

      1. Rasping Drive
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ankle injuries are strange beasts. Although it might not be ligament damage he still could be out for a few weeks. A grade 2 sprain for example may take 4-6 weeks to heal. Lets hope it’s something less serious and he’s only out for one game.

        1. antis0cial
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          You're right, just the way they are talking (according to the papers) suggests he has a small chance to be ready for the Liverpool game, which makes you think it can't be that bad. Time will tell, he's on my bench this week anyway.

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

    Think this week City could really make a statement and silence the critics. Imo, Pep plays a strong side on the weekend and rests Sterling midweek against Preston - that match leaves less risk in experimenting with someone else on the left wing or even Mendy @ wing back

    Food for thought

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Agree

    2. FOO FIGHTER
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling owners are stressed....

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

        Not stressed, just what I think will happen

    3. BigBillyBass
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I reckon he's dropped for Mahrez on Sat, he looked quality last night and will be desperate to prove himself in the league

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

        Sterling will start

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Source?

          1. SpaceCadet
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Freddiebell

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

            No source just my opinion. I remember last week some people saying sterling will be rested against Norwich due to him playing twice for England. I guess the same people will be saying the same this week because he played in a CL game this week. Pepe can't afford to drop anymore points. I think he playes his strongest team and rest most of them for the cup game midweek. Could be wrong but this games all about opinions. My opinions over the last week have been more right than the opinions of the people who say he'd be rested for the Norwich game. I think my opinion will be right again for the game sat.

    4. Brosstan
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      - sterling owner

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

    Is it stupid to WC and don't have Sterling, Salah, Aguero, Son? Have Auba, KDB and Mane?
    Like the rest of my squad so much though.

    1. Weeb Kakashi
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      See below.
      Bingo. Get Son though

  5. Weeb Kakashi
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    No Sterling Salah OR Aguero too bad on WC?

    Gets me
    Mane KDB Son Mount/6.4
    Auba Wilson Pukki

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

      i like it, would pick aguero over auba though

      1. Weeb Kakashi
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        You think Aguero(C) outscores Auba(©) in the next 2 home games.

        Aguero wont play full 90 mins most of the time .
        Whereas Auba has Villa and Bou at home. He is focal and everything goes through him

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

          Get aguero and change to aubs after watford

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

      Don't like the Aub pick

  6. Jönny
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    No defence has really stood out so far, but are there any that you think have been unlucky? Who is going to tighten up over the next few weeks and start delivering some clean sheets?

    Will Liverpool punish those who have given up on the double-up, or given up altogether? City's defence is down to the bare bones, but might their keeper/midfield be enough?

    Or is the value in the likes of Burnley, Villa, and the organised defences further down the table?

    1. Bobby Digital
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'm keeping faith.. will remove one of my Pool defs ib the near future if they don't start keeping cleanies.

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

        Given their fixtures, I'm considering going without any Liverpool defenders.... would definitely get stung sooner rather than later, but whether TAA/Robbo is worth 7m at the moment is looking slightly more questionable than it was at the start of the season.

    2. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      None have looked like keeping lots of CS's so far. Liverpool would be massively improved with Allison return. Likewise with City and Laporte. I still think there's value in the very attacking fullbacks such as Trent and possibly Digne but so far the value is in the cheapies and invest more into attack.

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

      Nailed it with your last paragraph.

    4. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Liverpool will return to business as usual post-Adrian. The other CS will maybe come from Spurs if they tighten up some day and budget options like Leicester, Burnley etc.

  7. Bobby Digital
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    This team GTG?

    Ederson
    VVD TAA Digne
    Sterling Salah KDB McGinn Cantwell
    Abraham Pukki

    Button Lundstram Kelly Greenwood

    0itb

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Yep good to go.

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Cheers

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

      Who you captaining?

      1. Bobby Digital
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Sterling atm... been thinking of capping Pukki too.

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

      Vvd > 4.5 salah > Mane and upgrade greenwood to Abrahams

      1. SUPER MOKH
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        That moves, for a hit, would you do it?

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

          Sorry I thought it was a WC, so many being played at the moment, every team I see is a WC. Lol. No not for a hit.

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

      Sorry thought it was a WC team.

  8. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    What would you do in my position? I have 0.5 in the bank with 2 free transfers.
    My team at the moment:

    Pope - Button

    AWB - TAA - Digne - Lundstram - Zinchenko

    Mane - Sterling - Mount - McGinn - Cantwell

    Aguero - Pukki - Wickham

    Right now I think that I'm going to do AWB + Zinchenko to Otamendi and Boly and then in the next week or the one after that Lundstram to Diop/Masuaku.
    WOL/WHU rotate really well and there isn't any game weeks soon in which I would like to play Lundstram.
    How do you feel about my thinking?

    1. antis0cial
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      I'd be tempted to downgrade a def to a 4 and upgrade McGinn. Zinc to Ota seems really sideways unless you think Mendy coming straight in

  9. antis0cial
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    G2G? Not sure on captaincy at all between Salah/KDB/Sterling! KDB is tempting.

    Pope
    TAA Digne Rico
    Salah Sterling KDB Cantwell
    Pukki Haller Tammy

    Mount Soyuncu Gibson

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Sterling for me. Solid squad

      1. antis0cial
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Thanks, I just have a small doubt that he could be rested.

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

          Aguero and Sterling are essential nailed on starters for Peps best XI. The only reason Aguero was rested midweek is because Jesus could play. There is nobody that Pep can bring on the left wing position other than Sane, who is out long term. I dont think he has ever played Bernardo or Mahrez on left wing. Sterling is 24, and an exceptional athlete, and City were at walking pace for large parts of the second half against Shakhtar

    2. SpaceCadet
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Kdb

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

    On a WC. Mad to go without Salah and Sterling? Mane for cover during Liverpool's non-captainable fixtures. Aguero & KDB for City cover.

    A)
    Pope (Button)
    TAA Aurier Soy (Lund, Rico)
    Mane Son KDB Cantwell (Hayden)
    Aguero (C) Abraham Pukki

    Aguero & Aurier could be Auba & Digne instead.

    My other 343 has Cantwell as a 4th midfielder:
    B)
    Pope (Button)
    TAA Digne Soy (Lund, Rico)
    Mane Sterling (C) KDB Cantwell (4.4)
    Vardy Abraham Pukki

    1. Toblerone52 - Zlatan Ibra-H…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      The first draft is close to what I'm going with

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

      Missing Auba

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

        As mentioned the A version can include Auba & Digne instead of Aguero and Aurier. But if I go without Sterling then it is essential to have Aguero.

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

      Very nice team

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

      A then B

      Really like A - should have non WC version next week. I’d be aiming for something like B in 9 when Leicester fixtures turn.

  11. Le Bluff
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    You know you've reached peak FPL when you're taking encouragement from Man City forums that Sterling will start!

    https://forums.bluemoon-mcfc.co.uk/threads/watford-h-pre-match-thread.342314/

    1. Maddi Son
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      "Don't expect anything too outrageous. Probably a by the books win with a few missed chances to annoy us
      5-0 City"

      City fans 🙁

      1. Le Bluff
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Haha.

        I'm a Sterling owner so slightly biased/hopeful, but what they're generally saying does make sense - i.e. for Silva and Aguero to return but otherwise a very similar team to last night. With wholesale changes midweek.

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

      I reckon Sterling will be dropped for Mahrez on Sat

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

        Mahrez is not, and has never been, a left winger

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

          ^^ this ^^

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

        Hahaha nope

  12. GAMBIT
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 6 months ago

    Looking to free up funds for Son and Tammy. Thinking of binning Wesley, need a striker under 5.7

    Any suggestions? Every single one of them look like bad options to me!

    1. MTPockets
        4 years, 6 months ago

        Ayew if short term (3 games)

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

      Start Pieters (have double Norwich attack and Pope) or Soyuncu?

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

        Soy

        1. La Roja
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          a brand.

    3. I Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 6 months ago

      Planning to WC next week.

      Ryan
      Robertson, van Dijk, Digne
      Salah, Sterling, De Bruyne, Lanzini, Ceballos
      Pukki, Barnes

      Button; Greenwood, Rico, Lundstram.

      1 FT 0.0 ITB

      Looking for a one week punt. VvD to Ota or Kola perhaps?

      1. MTPockets
          4 years, 6 months ago

          Mendy would be a punt. Probably a punt too far though

        • KingOllie
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          i think Kola can be a good 1 week punt, nice chance of a 12 pointer

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

          Kola not a bad shout - could bag an assist or two and maybe a cleanie if you’re lucky

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

        Pope
        Zinchenko, Digne, TAA, Robertson
        Sterling, Perez, Salah
        King, Barnes, Rashford

        Bench: Button, Kelly, Dendoncker, Hayden

        I’m SO CLOSE to activating my WC. Feels like i’m to heavy at the backline. In need of Pukki and Auba aswell.
        Should i WC???

        If YES, should i go with this team?
        Pope
        Robbo, TAA, Soyuncu
        salah, KDB, Cantwell, Mount
        Auba, Abraham, Pukki

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

          Yes but Mount is injured so get someone else

      3. Who are all Lukakus
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 6 months ago

        WC dilemma
        1. Haller + Otamendi
        2. Wilson + Soyuncu + 0.6m

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

          Neither look that appealing tbh

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

        Is Lamela an option now that Lo Celso is injured?

        1. MTPockets
            4 years, 6 months ago

            No idea but would have thought Alli back is a bigger issue

          • Witty Pun: Not good at this…
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            Spurs best 11 with everyone fully fit is arguably

            Lloris
            Aurier Alderweireld Vertonghen Rose
            Winks Ndombele
            Eriksen Alli Son
            Kane

            So, no. Once Alli is up to scratch again in 3-4 weeks he is permanently ahead of Lamela

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

              Sissoko won't be dropped. Poch loves him

              1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                • 7 Years
                4 years, 6 months ago

                Sure he will. Poch isn't dumb enough to make Sissoko/Ndombele his best starting midfield it's paperweight. Ndombele is literally a Sissoko upgrade that's why he was bought.

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

                  I disagree wholeheartedly

                2. Weeb Kakashi
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  If you are saying ndombele is trash then id want the stuff that you have.

                  The lad is quality . He will get in the French team soon enough

                  1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    That's the opposite of what I'm saying Ndombele is for real. He's an immense signing. Don't know how you picked that up from me 😆

        2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          If I could make Manchester City and Liverpool as shite as the other 4 Top 6 teams, I would. This game and this league would he much more exciting.

          1. Differential C (Mark)
            • 8 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            With Laporte and Stones out, City might just be dropping a notch.

          2. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            But man city just lost to Norwich and have a defensive crisis. Liverpool have kept just one clean clean in five gameweeks.

            1. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
              • 14 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              *clean sheet

            2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
              • 7 Years
              4 years, 6 months ago

              They'll still both finish the season on 85+ points it doesn't matter. This is a blip

        3. Wrong Captain Choice - Ag i…
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 6 months ago

          For those who started really badly like me. I used wildcard gw4 now it already seems like yesterday's news!
          Which is the best tactic to rise up the rankings currently over 4.4m.

          Which is the best approach from here on in?

          1) easy-osy not taking many transfers or risks

          2) hell for leather transfers galore since those around me are supposedly doing less research?

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

          Vvd sterling mount > Otamendi kdb Son for a hit? Very tempted.

          1. antis0cial
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 6 months ago

            I'm not buying into losing Sterling just yet, he looked unplayable up to the International fixtures.

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

          2FT but not sure either of these moves are worth it this GW.

          a) Mane to Son (have Salah, keeping Salah)
          b) Haller to Abraham

          Tempted by the first only this week, what do you think?

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

            Nope

          2. MTPockets
              4 years, 6 months ago

              Can see the rationale (double up vs one + Son) but Mane's form suggests keeping.
              Don't think so this week on B. Would you do Haller to Pukki this week if didn't have him?

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

                Front 8
                Mane Salah Sterling KDB Cantwell
                Pukki Haller Greenwood

                I need to bolster defence, but again this week seems sketchy to make them.

                Have never burnt a FT! Usually take 40 hits+ per season.

                1. MTPockets
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    If you're likely to get Abraham next week anyway then would consider it now vs. burning the transfer
                    Otherwise yeah it looks fine

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

                      that's the way i'm going, cheers

                      1. MTPockets
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          What do you reckon on haller vs pukki? (for me - this week and onwards)

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

                            Prefer Norwich fixtures in the next 4 at least.
                            Eye test on teams says Pukki is the one too.
                            Stats are completely one sided, as you'd expect based on season to date...

                            1. MTPockets
                                4 years, 6 months ago

                                Cheers. Dropping him on wc was kneejerky, as is buying him now. But think I'll accept mistake and just get him back asap

                  • antis0cial
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Must be better ways to use one of your Free transfers. Tammy Has pool this week, see how Haller does and maybe do that move next week. Mane is on fire, I wouldn't want to get rid.

                  • Shineonme
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    B

                2. Differential C (Mark)
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Djenepo out this weekend it seems. Shame, but if it allows him to rest up for the Pompey game, then so be it.
                  Djenepo deputised at LWB last week in the absence of Bertie and Danso, but Danso being back means he is probably getting that left berth.
                  Redmond will face a late fitness test, it seem, hope he's fit! Seems like Ralph has dropped the Ings-Adams partnership, and will be probably opt for only one of them up top partnered with Boufal or Redmond/JwP, like last week.
                  Not sure if we'll opt for a back three, probably will return to a back four with Danso back from suspension.
                  Think this is the team this week.
                  Gunn
                  Cedric Bednarek Vestergaard Danso
                  Hojbjerg Romeu
                  JwP Boufal
                  Adams Redmond

                  1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Has Danso played as a centreback yet? I know that's what he was bought as. Do you think Bertrand Danso Bednarek Valery is your best back 4?

                    1. Differential C (Mark)
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Vestergaard has surprised me, upped his game despite the disaster GW1. MotM vs United .
                      Bertie at the moment for some reason out of favor, so Danso will cover.

                      Cedric another surprise has impressed so far, so I think he keeps his place.

                      Based on form, Danso Vestergaard Bednarek Cedric our best back 4.

                      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Really? I thought Bertrand was injured, strange to hear he's out of favour. Good to hear Vestergaard has improved, he's my favourite Soutmapton player he's such a beast.

                        1. Differential C (Mark)
                          • 8 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          Agree, very strange. I though Ralph would give young Jake Vokins from the academy a shot, but I guess he aint ready.

                  2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Your fully fit team is really naughty tbh

                    Redmond Ings/Adams
                    Djenepo/Boufal JWP
                    Bertrand Vestergaard/Danso Bednarek Valery
                    Gunn

                    That's quality. Maybe a better centreback would be required but hopefully Danso can be that guy

                    1. Differential C (Mark)
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      That looks really good, I agree! Waitingfor when Ralph unleashes that!
                      Against Pompey, maybe? 🙂

                      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Hah you're really excited for Pompey aren't you. Must be nice to have a rivalry like that.

                        1. Differential C (Mark)
                          • 8 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          9 bloody years since the last one. Cant wait! None of the resting players crap. I want a full strength XI.

                    2. Brosstan
                      • 9 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Quality is a bit strong..

                      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        It's one of the better starting 11s in the PL

                3. Big Ronnie
                  • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                  • 10 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Would you WC this team? Have 2FT so seems like a waste to not use them. Thinking get KDB or Son for Dilva by downgrading Robbo.

                  Pope
                  TAA, Robbo, Digne, Zinc
                  Sterling, Salah, Dilva, Mount
                  Wilson, Pukki

                  Button, Dend, Greenwood, Rico

                  1. Differential C (Mark)
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Seems decent. I'd downgrade Robbo to get Son.

                  2. Gooner Kebab
                    • 11 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Mount's update could force your hand

                4. Weeb Kakashi
                  • 8 Years
                  4 years, 6 months ago

                  Hows the defence on WC. 3 at the back regularly

                  TAA Soy Tomori Diop Rico.

                  Soy Tomori Diop give a perfect 3 way rotation .

                  Thoughts??

                  1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Chelsea have the 2nd worst defensive record in the league. Doesn't matter how cheap Tomori is, I'd rather have an Aston Villa player

                    1. Weeb Kakashi
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Home games against New Brighton could yield cs.
                      With Rufiger and Kante back theyl get back

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

                    Is Tomori nailed though?
                    I'm leaning towards Rico+Soy+Lund rotation (for 1 spot) and picking 2 premium players to go with them

                    1. Weeb Kakashi
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      He is pretty much. Was Derbys player of the year last season. Lamps rates him highly. If he can give Mount and Abraham chance then why not him?

                      He is Ahead of Chris and Zouma . Surely. Will play atleast 9-10 in the next 12 games

                  3. Hasselbaink Forever - Defoe…
                    • 10 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    WHU & BOU are 2 worst teams for big chances conceded and xGC and Tomori a rotation risk

                    1. Weeb Kakashi
                      • 8 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      WH got cs in the last 2. Tomori will play. Im confident

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

                  My predicted Man City XI against Watford just for fun, let's see if I'm right come Sat:

                  Ederson
                  Walker Ota Fernandinho Zinch
                  KDB Rodri
                  Bilva Dilva Mahrez
                  Aguero

                  1. Mad Ferret
                    • 8 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    ederson
                    walker ota fernandino zinc
                    gundogan rodri kdb
                    bilva aguero sterling

                    my guess

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

                      ^^This is what I expect to play too^^

                  2. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Mahrez is awful on the left wing ~ Leicester fan

                  3. MTPockets
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Think Mahrez has started LW about 3 times across the last 6 seasons (and not always stayed there). But who knows

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

                        Not a chance in hell mahrez plays on the left wing. Pepe would never play him there.

                        1. avfc82
                          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                          • Has Moderation Rights
                          • 14 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          He started on the left against Brighton last season? It didn't last long, 20ish mins, but Pep clearly thought he could play the role.

                          1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                            • 7 Years
                            4 years, 6 months ago

                            Reason it lasted 20 minutes is surely because Pep thought he was bad there no?

                            1. avfc82
                              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                              • Has Moderation Rights
                              • 14 Years
                              4 years, 6 months ago

                              Yeah it wasn't working, Pep switched it round when they fell behind, but he needs to find a solution on the left as Sterling can't play every game. I personally think Mahrez is the most likely, but there are other options who could be tried there.

                        2. Sgt Frank Drebin
                          • 7 Years
                          4 years, 6 months ago

                          What about B.Silva? Can he play on the left?

                    • yakirh
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Ederson
                      Cancelo Ota Fernandinho Zinch
                      KDB Rodri
                      Bilva Dilva Sterling
                      Aguero

                    • Shineonme
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Not a chance mahrez plays in the left wing.

                    • BigBillyBass
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Mahrez has before and will play again on the left wing for Man City under Pep

                      1. Witty Pun: Not good at this…
                        • 7 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Yeah, how many times? Once? Twice? Surely enough times that Pep won't try it again

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

                        Don't it very much.

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

                          Doubt #

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

                      You’ve put Mahrez on left wing

                  4. Who are all Lukakus
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    on WC, best 5.1m mid? Already have Cantwell

                  5. UnitednationsXI
                    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                    • 12 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Best move(s) here? 1ft and 0.4m

                    Pope --- Heaton
                    TAA Digne Zincheko -- Vvd Rico
                    Sterling Kdb James Cantwell -- Docker
                    King Kane Pukki

                    A: Save FT

                    B: Kane >> Auba
                    - “obvious” move but
                    - means lack of good cpt choice next gw
                    - saving FT means can do a mini WC

                    C: James + Kane >> Son + Haller/Abraham (-4)

                    1. Gooner Kebab
                      • 11 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      A

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

                    Which pair?
                    A. Adrian Alder
                    B. Pope Matip

                  7. Sgt Frank Drebin
                    • 7 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    So apparently Mendy is back? Could 3-5-2 be on the cards?

                    1. Le Bluff
                      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                      • 12 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      Can't see Mendy starting just yet. Carabao Cup seems like the perfect game to give him more minutes.

                  8. Bartowski
                    • 13 Years
                    4 years, 6 months ago

                    Man City lost their last game but people think Pep is really not going to play his strongest team. Odd.

                    1. Sgt Frank Drebin
                      • 7 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      They won't be facing Norwich every week

                    2. Bruce Lee
                      • 5 Years
                      4 years, 6 months ago

                      They have options on the wing... Mahrez, B Silva, D Silva... not crazy to think Sterling will be rotated

                      Aguero really only has Jesus against him and Jesus played in the CL... think Jesus will play in the group games this year because it is an easy group

                      1. I Member
                        • 8 Years
                        4 years, 6 months ago

                        Don't think Pep has ever used David Silva on the wing. Surely makes more sense to rest Sterling in the league cup.

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

                          Pep has just fielded a “weakened” team in the CL. Suspect he quite values that competition too. He may or may not rest Sterling but it’s highly unlikely to be dictated by a 5 point deficit in GW5 now is it?

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

                      Agree.

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

                      Why? Explain why he’d compromise in the face of the might of Watford.

                      Mahrez is of course a shockingly bad option to have