Scout Notes

Aubameyang rested as Man United struggle for goals in Europe

Fantasy Premier League managers were handed some promising news by Thursday night’s Europa League action.

There were some key assets rested by their clubs, while a hard-fought win in Turkey for Wolves was probably less than ideal preparation for this weekend’s trip to Manchester City.

We’ve got all the latest talking points from Arsenal, Manchester United and Wolves’ matches in this Scout Notes article…

Arsenal 4-0 Standard Liège

Goals: Gabriel Martinelli x2 (£4.5m), Joe Willock (£5.0m), Dani Ceballos (£5.6m)

Assists: Kieran Tierney (£5.4m), Reiss Nelson (£5.3m), Martinelli

Owners of Arsenal forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (£11.0m) were delighted to see him named on the substitute’s bench for the win over Standard Liège on Thursday night.

With an injury to Alexandre Lacazette (£9.3m) still ongoing, it had been thought that the former Borussia Dortmund man would have to start matches in all competitions, especially as he featured from the beginning in this season’s first Europa League encounter at Eintracht Frankfurt.

However, Unai Emery went with a youthful side to face Standard Liège, not using Aubameyang until the 79th minute and, it would seem he emerged from the game fresh and ready for heavy captaincy support against Bournemouth on Sunday.

Starting in his place was bright new prospect Gabriel Martinelli (£4.5m) whose performance was good news for Aubameyang while Lacazette is out.

Martinelli has impressed in his last two starts for Arsenal

The youngster scored twice, assisted another goal and arguably could have bagged himself a hat-trick with his persistent and relentless

This was Martinelli’s second start of the season, the first coming against Nottingham Forest in the EFL Cup and he now has four goals across those two matches.

Obviously, the quality of opponents he has scored against are not of the highest level but his form should still inspire plenty of trust from Emery to use him in matches outside the Premier League. That should also keep Aubameyang fresher for the top-flight encounters – excellent news for his Fantasy owners.

However, we should not get too excited about Martinelli emerging as a viable budget option just yet as he is yet to start a Premier League match and, with Emery favouring a lone striker, Aubameyang will likely block his route into the first team.

That said, Martinelli does possess the ability to play anywhere along the front-line, including wide areas so maybe his chance could eventually come that way.

“He played in the pre-season with us and every training he showed us he’s hungry to be with us and to have the opportunity to show his capacity. His patience is amazing. In pre-season he played in many positions, above all he prefers to play left-winger, he also played as a right-winger. I am using him as a striker because he played in that position in Brazil. [Centre-forward] is not the best position for him but the first thing in his mind is to help us and to achieve, with that opportunity, some minutes with us. Really, for example, I think his performance and aptitude were amazing tonight.” – Unai Emery

The return of Tierney and Bellerín from injury could have a big impact on Arsenal this season

Also of interest to Fantasy managers were encouraging developments in the Arsenal full-back areas. After recent injuries for both, Kieran Tierney (£5.4m) and Hector Bellerín (£5.4m) started on the left and right flanks of defence.

Their contribution to the win was positive, with Tierney’s delivery especially looking excellent. He provided the assist for Martinelli’s first goal and looks ready to do damage in FPL. The local press are already heaping praise on him and expecting him to make his first Premier League start soon.

“Kieran after his injury is coming back with a good attitude. He played 80 minutes last week against Nottingham Forest with a good performance, tonight also I think we are a better competitive team with him and Sead Kolasinac in that left-back [position]. Really we are happy with him.” – Unai Emery

The return of Bellerín is also of note but not necessarily for what he can offer himself. After nine months out with a serious injury, he was still a little rusty going forward but still had plenty of pace about himself to charge down Standard Liège’s attackers.

Maitland-Niles played in attacking midfield but did not offer much on Thursday night

Crucially, Bellerín starting at right-back meant that Ainsley Maitland-Niles (£5.1m) was deployed further forward on the right flank of attacking midfield.

That could be of interest if it were to happen on a regular basis in the Premier League as Maitland-Niles is classified as a defender this season.

However, he did not have the best of games against relatively poor opposition, although it has been a long time since he has played in an attacking role. Either way, we might get more of a look at him in this position if Bellerín is going to get more minutes again.

Another potential knock-on effect of the two full-backs returning could be an increase in clean sheet potential. Tierney and Bellerín each provided a steadying presence at the back against Standard Liège which could bode well going forward, although we have to remember the quality of opposition for this one.

Ceballos remains a player with uncertainty surrounding his role in the Arsenal setup

Given that a number of youngsters and players returning from injury were used in this match, owners of Dani Ceballos (£5.6m) may be further concerned about his role in the first team.

He has started just two of the last four Premier League matches and, even though he scored on Thursday night, it is hard to say he is guaranteed a place in the first team on Sunday afternoon.

It is possible that Mesut Özil (£7.3m) could play some part although he seems very out in the cold at Arsenal right now.

Emery said after the match that those who played against Standard Liège deserved it more than the German…

“I am thinking every time the best players for the match, the best players in the squad to play and help us. When I decided he isn’t in the squad it’s because I think other players deserve it more. What does he have to do (to start)? Continue working. Tomorrow we have training, we will train with the players who didn’t play tonight. Sunday we have another match. We are going to decide the same, the best first XI possible to achieve our targets to win on Sunday and adapting to that difficulty against Bournemouth and carry on with our way.” – Unai Emery

Arsenal XI (4-2-3-1): Martínez; Tierney, Holding, Mustafi, Bellerín; Ceballos, Torreira; Nelson (Aubameyang 79′), Willock (Guendouzi 74′), Maitland-Niles (Pépé 66′); Martinelli.

AZ Alkmaar 0-0 Manchester United

Goals: None

Assists: None

David de Gea (£5.6m) was the best player as Manchester United laboured to a point against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday night.

The Eredivisie outfit were arguably the better side, creating considerably more chances and, were it not for the efforts of their goalkeeper, the Red Devils may have left the Netherlands on the end of another humbling defeat.

They were forced to play on a plastic surface due to their hosts’ stadium currently suffering roofing problems.

Whether the type of pitch can be used as a legitimate excuse for a pretty abject performance is hard to assess given that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are hardly on the best run of form right now.

United had very few clear cut chances against AZ Alkmaar

“It’s a lot easier for them because they’re used to playing on these types of pitches. I think we did OK today and we defended well and we kept the clean sheet and that’s important. We trained well yesterday on this pitch. Today we tried to do our best and we did a good job and we created chances as well.” – Diogo Dalot

This draw in the Netherlands means they have not won a match in 90 minutes since beating Astana 1-0 on September 19. Since then, Manchester United have lost 2-0 at West Ham, drawn with Rochdale, Arsenal and now Alkmaar.

Truthfully, the Red Devils never looked like scoring on Thursday night as they continue to be short of options going forward. In fact, they did not register a single shot on target all evening.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer began the night by deploying Daniel James (£6.2m) as a lone centre-forward, with Mason Greenwood (£4.4m) on the right and Marcus Rashford (£8.4m) on the bench.

James (right) was isolated as a lone centre-forward

However, the former Swansea City midfielder was isolated so the manager swapped him with Greenwood.

One of Manchester United’s best chances came from James’ run down the right, squaring it to Greenwood, whose effort was blocked.

However, James generally struggled on the right, proving that he is better deployed on the left, where Angel Gomes (£4.8m) spent the evening.

“(James) stretches them. We never got to grips with the astroturf until second-half. First-half, we took some time before we got control of the ball and the game. Dan can play down the middle, he has done before, that was a tactical tweak we tried. Of course, Mason’s more natural as a centre forward so we swapped them around.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Rashford injected a bit of pace after he replaced James 63rd minute and probably should have been awarded a penalty after he was clearly fouled in the Alkmaar box.

Jesse Lingard (£6.4m) had Manchester United’s best chance after fellow substitute Scott McTominay (£5.0m) played him through.

However, the England international, omitted from Gareth Southgate’s latest selection, blasted his chance wide.

His week went from bad to worse as he was forced off with a hamstring problem after United had used all three substitutes.

“I think he felt his hamstring, I don’t think he’s too bad. Probably not Newcastle but ready for Liverpool.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

By all accounts, Matic and Fred were poor for Manchester United

The players who came in for the most criticism were central midfielders Nemanja Matić (£4.8m) and Fred (£5.3m).

Neither one offered anything in terms of defensive protection or controlling possession, which should ensure another start for McTominay in Gsmeweek 8.

He looked a lot more lively than Matić and Fred after coming on and would have got an assist had Lingard not snatched at his chance.

Who Solskjaer will pair with the Scottish international in midfield remains to be seen though, given that Paul Pogba (£8.4m) remains a doubt for Gameweek 8.

“Probably not, there’s an international break as well, it might be time for us to give him 10 or 14 days extra to be ready for Liverpool.” – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

Brandon Williams made his full debut at left-back for Manchester United

There was a full debut for academy left-back Brandon Williams against Alkmaar, as Solskjaer continues to be short of options in defence.

Luke Shaw (£5.4m) remains a doubt while Ashley Young (£5.4m) and Axel Tuanzebe (£4.4m) deputising between them in recent matches.

That meant Williams was required to tide United over until their next Premier League match, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka (£5.5m) also absent on Thursday night.

By all accounts, the 19-year-old was solid enough. It was clear in the early stages that Alkmaar were targetting Williams’ flank but he stood up to the pressure fairly well.

In the end, the hosts opted to direct most of their attacking play on Diogo Dalot‘s (£4.9m) side of the pitch, who had a relatively poor game.

Manchester United XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Williams, Rojo, Lindelöf, Dalot; Matić, Fred; A Gomes, Mata (McTominay 83′), Greenwood (Lingard 77′); D James (Rashford 63′).

Besiktas 0-1 Wolves

Goals: Willy Bolly (£5.0m)

Assists: Rúben Neves (£5.5m)

Wolves manager Nuno Espirito Santo made just two changes to his side for Europa League action on Thursday, naming a strong line-up to face Besiktas.

Leander Dendoncker (£4.4m) and Adama Traoré (£5.0m) were the only players who started against Watford to get a rest from midweek action, although both featured in the second half.

That should encourage those who are doubling-up and/or captaining Manchester City players for Gameweek 8 as Wolves will have had less time to prepare for their upcoming encounter, and will have much less scope for rotation too.

“They are already recovering because Sunday we play. It was two minutes of celebration only. We are already preparing for the next one. We have a long season, Thursday, Sunday, it doesn’t stop. We travel back and the players that started the game won’t do anything on Friday, just active recovering with the coaches. Those that didn’t have minutes are going to train. Saturday we’ll try to prepare for the game on Sunday.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

Nuno named a strong side to face Besiktas on Thursday night

Wolves’ trip to Besiktas will have certainly been a draining one on them as they spent much of the game holding a rigid defensive shape. By all accounts, they did an excellent defensive job, Willy Boly (£5.0m) making a fine stop to deny Mehmet Umut Nayir at the end of the first half.

Wolves have now kept two clean sheets in a row, but it must be said that the level of opposition (Watford and Besiktas) has not been particularly high. Neither of those sides have even close to the attacking firepower that Manchester City possess and, as already mentioned, the exertion of Thursday night may take a toll on Wolves at the Etihad Stadium.

“It’s about the way we defend. We are more consistent, more organised, we defended better our points of pressure. It’s not about individuals, it’s about working as a line, reducing the space. The team defends as a unit, tries to attack as a unit, sometimes we don’t attack as a unit, but everything starts with the defensive organisation.” – Nuno Espirito Santo

In truth, it was a relatively uneventful game with both sides stifling the other in open play, most of the chances coming from set pieces.

Nuno lined his side up in a 3-4-3 formation with Pedro Neto (£5.0m) providing some width on the left and Morgan Gibbs-White (£4.8m) on the right.

Their first real chance did not come until the second half though when Raúl Jiménez (£7.2m) headed over a Joao Moutinho (£5.4m) free-kick.

Boly celebrates scoring Wolves’ winning goal in Turkey

Traoré came on at half time and added some pace while Patrick Cutrone (£5.7m) offered some speed when he came on in place of Jiménez. He had an excellent chance which he fired just wide of the post in the second half.

In the end, set pieces proved to be the winner as Wolves technically scored from two of them late on.

Firstly, Romain Saïss (£4.4m) bundled home after Dendoncker’s initial shot was saved by Loris Karius – but it was ruled out for offside.

In stoppage time, Rúben Neves‘ (£5.5m) back into the box in the second phase of a corner fell to an unmarked Boly, who had time to set himself and slot past the goalkeeper.

Wolverhampton Wanderers XI (3-4-3): Patrício; Saïss, Coady, Boly; Jonny, Moutinho, Neves, Doherty; Neto (Traoré 46′), Jiménez (Cutrone 79′), Gibbs-White (Dendoncker 62′).

Lessons Learned from Gameweek 7

1,344 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Z3US
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    What to do??? 2 FT, 0.0 ITB.... feels a waste to burn a FT..

    Pope
    Lund - Ota - TAA
    Salah - Sterling (c) - Mount - Guendouzi
    Pukki - Haller - Abraham

    Button -- Soy - KDB - Hanley

    Unless anything obvious, could do Hanely (4.0m) -> Reid (3.9m) - neither will play, but gets me 0.1 pocket money...

    Thanks!

    1. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      i would guendouzi to saka

      1. Arteta
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        +1

        1. Z3US
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Interesting - but thinking at least Guendou is nailed, Saka has one week left before Laca returns?

    2. TRIPOS TOPPER
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      you will lose a (very small) bit of rank

      number of transfers is used as a tie breaker

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

      KDB then use 2FT next week to get him in again.

      1. Z3US
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Got him at 9.6m - too much tied up in him

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

          Me too, although he will probably fall twice and it nets out.

  2. czechow
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is Jesus in the Brazil squad? Surely if so Aguero will start, he cant not play for three weeks.

    Anyone else (but me) thinking Aguero will start and bang a hat trick?!

    1. Epic Fail
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I don't see why he wouldn't start.

    2. Samwise
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      aguero always (C)

    3. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      It is not pep’s responsibility to choose his side based on how many minutes their international manager chooses to give them

      1. czechow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        But is Jesus in Brazil squad? I can't find out from my own research. If he is, has to play Kun. First choice and would have played Everton if it wasn't for his niggle.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          I’m not sure that’s how it works

    4. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yep Jesus is in, possibly plays twice in Singapore.

      1. czechow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Sweet - thanks AVFC82. My football manager experience tells me that I would pick Kun in such a situation.

        1. czechow
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Kun (C)

          🙂

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

      Is the Pope a catholic? And are Man City at home.

      Off course Sergio Aguero starts

      1. czechow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        I've never thought about Nick Pope's religion?

      2. Ask Yourself
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Are they playing wolves at home? Jesus starts

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

    Play 2:
    A. Dendoncker
    B. Montoya
    C. Soyuncu
    D. Rico

    1. avfc82
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      I'd play Montoya and Rico.

      1. czechow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        B and D. Spurs can't defend the flanks (believe me I was at the bayern game) so Montoya might get something. Arsenal can't defend either so rico might get an assist too.

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

    Who from the City midfield is likely to benefit this week from KDB injury? As if its that simple with Pep ha but would appreciate peoples thoughts?

    Some think Mahrez will be rested but does this get him in the squad for his creativty?
    Would D silva be the safest bet as a city mid to step in?
    B Silva sit in the middle allowing for Mahrez to stay on the wing?

    ... or Gundogan comes in and scores a brace?

    I

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

      All depends on Bilva

      If Bilva plays then Gundog or Mahrez miss out

      If Bilva is sub then those two play

      Jesus sub with one of the 3 above and Foden misses out on start to as seems the norm.

    2. czechow
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      David Silva / Gundogan - they benefited from that position most last year.

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

        thanks, yeah I feel like a David Silva/ Sterling double up would be more beneficial than a Sterling/ Aguero for example.

        Subject to an Aguero hatty ha! Which would hopefully would have some involvement from D Silva!

  5. Aaa
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best £4.8m and under defender punt for this week only?

    1. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Diop or tomori

    2. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Lundstram or maybe a WHU def.

      1. czechow
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Diop

  6. FISSH
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Got KDB at 9.5... Means it is very hard to sell.. Have Dunk coming off the bench haha

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

      Dunk could score but won’t keep
      Clean sheet

    2. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Same issue, could get Auba in instead of KDB. I'm thinking it could be worth selling as he won't be fit for te whole season anyway, getting him in and out could be useful.

  7. ryacoo
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Bottomed - any thoughts on this please?

    A) Digne to Tomori
    Tomori would be on the bench and Cantwell and Lundstram in the XI.

    B) KDB to Mahrez
    Cantwell and Lundstram would both be on the bench.

    1. sunzip14
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Save and play Cantwell and Lund

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Got 2 FTs

  8. jimbo90
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Current team is:

    Pope
    Digne TAA Lund (Mings Soy)
    Salah Sterling (c) Mount KDB Ceballos
    Tammy Pukki (Greenwood)
    1FT / 1.0 ITB

    Thinking of doing Digne > Tomori this week which will allow Ceballos > Maddison next week in time for Leicesters good fixture run. Thoughts?

  9. FOMFF
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Cantwell to Yarmolenko or Maddison?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yarmo

  10. More Cowbell
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Hey guys,

    I'm thinking this is a save the FT sort of week. What dya reckon?

    pope / heaton
    digne / robertson / zinc / lundstram / soy
    salah / sterling / mount / cantwell / dendonk
    auba / abraham / greenwood

    1. jimbo90
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Save

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

      Auba to Aguero

  11. Eleven Hag
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Expected KDB price on the GW9 Deadline day?

    1. ryacoo
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      9.9

    2. Stormbringer22
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Keeping my fingers crossed for not lower than 9.9 since I think I will keep him

    3. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      9.8

    4. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Pointless speculating . Long time until then.

      1. Rupert The Horse
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Well its not pointless if he's trying to figure put whether or not to sell.

    5. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      9.9

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

      9.8

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

      Probably on the bench, maybe subbed in if needed. So, he might or might not get back the 0.1 he will drop tonight.

      Either way, he was first guy on my GW1 team. Keeping at 9.5PP.

  12. dshv
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Am i have to remove Digne for somebody and play lundstram this weekend..

    1. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Why do you have to remove Digne ?

  13. RAFA THE GAFFA
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    KDB >> Mahrez then? Not much money tied up and WC still available. Leaves;

    Pope
    TAA • Zinch • Digne
    Salah • Sterling(C) • Mahrez • Mount • Cantwell
    Pukki • Abraham
    (Heaton, Lunds, Greenwood, Rico)

    1. Don Kloppeone
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Why not just play Lunds and have Rico first on bench to come on for Cantwell if he doesn’t play? Gives you 2FT for IB and no worries around Mahrez doing nothing or getting KDB straight back in

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Think I’d regret not making a move. Don’t fancy ending up with Rico and Lunds both playing in a back 5! Or if Zinch misses out too I’ll have Greenwood 1 pointer too! Awful!! Red arrow!!

        1. Don Kloppeone
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          I hear the point I just wouldn’t remove KDB for a hit at this stage

          1. RAFA THE GAFFA
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            It’s not a hit?

            1. Don Kloppeone
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 5 months ago

              Sorry that was confusing lol. If I took him out i wouldn’t punt on Mahrez, I’d do a -4 to bring in Auba

    2. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Still depends on whether you are wildcarding next week. If yes, then the KDB to Mahrez makes sense. My issue with that move is the Bilva ban, which surely means he is nailed on for this weekend and it leaves us unsure on Mahrez. Horrible situation this week, especially with the Cantwell doubt too.

      1. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Yeah, I think my team is decent so might struggle to WC. Really torn on what to do but don’t fancy ending up with Rico and Lunds both playing in a back 5! Then if Zinch misses out I’ll have Greenwood 1 pointer too! Awful!!

      2. RAFA THE GAFFA
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        What about Son??

  14. Ze_Austin
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    If you're panicking, go to the transfers page and remove all your players then click auto-pick

    I found it rather calming to have 8.0m ITB with an auto-pick squad. It's been a season so far where the gap between premium and budget options isn't much

    Where am I going with this? If you're selling KDB temporarily, it doesn't have to be Son and Mahrez (if you doubt their starting XI places in GW8). You could go all the way down to McGinn and Yarmo for two GWs, then get KDB back. Money ITB isn't much of a problem, as things stand

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

      Hear hear

    2. Ask Yourself
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Or go to Felipe Anderson like me x
      Really cool post thanks xx

  15. Don Kloppeone
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Afternoon all!

    Am I G2G? Bench order?
    I’m holding WC until after IB or later and will just have to hope Auba doesn’t go too ballistic!

    1FT 0.2itb
    Heaton
    VVD, Ota, Lunds
    Salah, Sterling (C), Mount, Cantwell*
    Pukki (v), Haller, Abraham
    (Button) (Rico, Soy, KDB*)

    Cheers and GL!

    1. Flynny
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Cantwell to saka?

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Would rather have 2FT going into IB and at worst have Rico come in tbh

    2. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Yeah thats about right.

      1. Don Kloppeone
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Cheers Rupe. How’s your rabble?

        1. Rupert The Horse
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          Just got in Mahrez as I had KDB, Cantwell and Zinchenko so wanted to be sure of having a playing 11.

          1. Don Kloppeone
            • 6 Years
            4 years, 5 months ago

            I just can’t stomach idea of losing KDB for a hit at this stage

  16. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Anyone know whether Son is going on IB?
    Hes gonna play, if only 70mis, I assume. The game was on Tuesday. Thats 4days break instead of 3 (if it jad been Wednesday)

    And he wasnt injured, just suspended, is their best player atm and played 120mins over the last 3 matches (30, 60, 90)

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

      No break for him: he’s off to North Korea and home game first

  17. thepirates
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best KDB replacement with 1 transfer? Son, Mahrez?

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

      Sorry Son is sold out - 11% ownership MAX

      Go Mahrez or McTominay

    2. Dion D's Solo Shower
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Maybe even Dilva?

      1. Dr. Agabuse
        • 11 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Dilva will start as he only played one game out of the last two

    3. Dr. Agabuse
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Mahrez just started two games in a row.
      Most likely line up for Citys game:

      Rodri
      Gundogan
      DSilva

      BSilva Aguero Sterling

      1. ryacoo
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Mahrez should start over Gundo

  18. Rhodes your boat
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Who to play in kdb’s absence?
    A) greenwood
    B) Rico
    C) soyuncu

    Team is
    Pope
    Taa tomori lundstram
    Salah sterling (c) son cantwell
    Abraham Pukki

    Button (greenwood rico soyuncu) kdb

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

      Rico

      1. Rhodes your boat
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Thanks

  19. Dr. Agabuse
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is KDB going to fall more than once?
    From your experience, how much does an injured player fall, if hes projected fit for the next game.
    Will his status change to a yellow flag immediately after the Spurs game or on Monday after the GW?

    1. Rupert The Horse
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Well its complicated as the vast majority think quite short term. Having said that, sales tend to grind to a halt over the IB affecting rises and drops.

  20. Sz21
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    1. Save the FT.
    2. Make a move.

    Pope.
    VVD, Otamendi, Robbo.
    Cantwell, Mount, KDB, Sterling (c), Salah.
    Abraham, Pukki.
    Button, Lundstram, A Smith, Wickham.
    1ft- 0.1m ITB.

    Have owned KDB since the start so hardly worth selling.
    Hearing Cantwell should be ok.
    Could replace A.Smith with a 4.5m defender but who?
    Rob Holding is catching my eye but prob a little premature.

  21. Flynny
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Wildcarding after deadline. Cantwell trained today apparently so I guess he starts tomorrow....

    0itb. Advice on what to do here?

    Thinking of Cantwell to saka as a one week punt

    Pope
    Vvd ota guilbert (rico soy)
    Salah sterling kdb James (cantwell)
    Haller abraham pukki

    Thanks

  22. NUFCAndrew
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Is KDB injured?

    1. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Groin Injury - Expected back 19 Oct

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

        yup

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

      Na. Pep just doesn’t fancy him v Wolves but he’ll be back for Palace on GW9

      1. George Sillett
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 5 months ago

        Pep didn't say that . He said after the IB - not specifically for Palace.

        1. Ask Yourself
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 5 months ago

          This. Because he hasn’t got a clue. The medical team won’t know how he’s recovering yet. He’s out of this game and maybe more. Even if he is back after IB he’ll be eased in due to his history. I don’t get the fuss to hold on

  23. Nicoson
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Best 5mil or lower replacement for Aurier aside from Tomori, Soy?

  24. TheDragon
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Any news on AWB?

    Sounds like Cantwell will play?

  25. Schwarzer
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Who would you start?

    A) Soy (liv)
    B) Montoya (TOT)
    C) Greenwood (new)

    No idea if Greenwood starts. Cheers.

  26. Shack1985
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Bit screwed now KDB is out as none of my subs are particularly appealing. Which of these would you go for?

    Soyuncu - LIV(A)
    Kelly - WHU (A)
    Greenwood - NEW (A)

  27. AzzaroMax99
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Who to get as KDB replacement ( up to 7.6):

    a) Yarmolenko
    b) Mount
    c) Dilva
    d) somebody else?

    1. Pep Roulette
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      C

  28. jorgenoj
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    KdB + Haller --> Yarmolenko + Auba
    (C) forr -4?

    1. AzzaroMax99
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      That is probably my move, also for a hit. So yes 🙂

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Thinking about Barnes,KDB > Yarmolenko,Aubamayang myself.

  29. Captain_Shirokov
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    So based on Pep's comments, what are people doing with KdB now?

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

      Playing him and subbing Aguero for fun

    2. Ógie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 5 months ago

      Rubbing his groin.

  30. Pep Roulette
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 5 months ago

    Sterling looks like the safest Man City pick! The Aguero/Jesus complication is so farked up!

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

      Sterling is the safest pick I agree.
      Aguero starts

      FlashScores- look at all Etihad games in premier League and Champions league during 2019

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

      What Aguero Jesus complication?

      Pep explained why Kun was rested and it had nothing to do with Jesus.