Scout Notes

Newcastle defenders stutter at first hurdle in defeat to Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace 1-0 Newcastle

Goals: Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m)

Assists: Jordan Ayew (£5.0m)

Bonus Points: van Aanholt x3, Joel Ward x2 (£4.3m), Scott Dann x1 (£4.3m)

Newcastle’s budget defensive options stuttered at the first hurdle in their 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon.

There was plenty of interest in Jamaal Lascelles (£4.3m) and Fédérico Fernández (£4.4m) ahead of Gameweek 27, as the Magpies prepared to embark on a favourable run of fixtures.

That began with a trip to Crystal Palace, and Selhurst Park, the stadium that had seen the fewest goals this season.

However, just as they had done over the last few matches, Newcastle gave up a whole host of chances and probably should have conceded a lot more than they did.

The fact that even Palace (who have scored the joint-fewest goals this season) were able to shoot 18 times, more than double the tally recorded by Steve Bruce’s men, should be cause for concern for anyone invested in Newcastle’s defence.

In fact, such was the poor nature of Newcastle’s display, especially at the back, their manager is starting to question whether or not he will continue with the 5-4-1 formation, which has been an established system for some years now.

“Maybe it’s time for (a) change. Maybe it’s time to try something different, to have a look, but I couldn’t fault their effort and endeavour. They never stopped in that respect.” – Steve Bruce

Lascelles, Fernández and Fabian Schär (£5.0m) all came in for media criticism at Selhurst Park, the latter giving away the free-kick that led to the only goal of the game. It will be interesting to see which of these hold onto their places if Bruce does change the system, although Ciaran Clark (£4.3m) and Paul Dummett (£4.4m) are still out with injuries.

Furthermore, there was some objection from fans and the media to the performances of Nabil Bentaleb (£5.0m) and Sean Longstaff (£5.0m) in central midfield. They were guilty of some poor passing, which restricted the service to Miguel Almirón (£5.8m) and Joelinton (£5.5m) especially, and losing the ball in key areas put more pressure on the defence.

“Our big Achilles heel is blatantly obvious today. We gave the ball away in good areas so cheaply, especially in the final third. We get so far and, unfortunately, it breaks down too often, too cheaply.” – Steve Bruce

Perhaps the only silver lining for those already invested in Newcastle defence is the fact that they still have some favourable home fixtures on the horizon, against Burnley, Sheffield United and Aston Villa.

While the Magpies have spent much of their last two away matches obliging their opponents, they do have clean sheets in each of their last two at St. James’ Park.

Meanwhile, Martin Dúbravka (£5.0m) was one of just two Newcastle players who had a good game on Saturday.

He was the main reason that the scoreline stayed respectable. Without his eight saves, Crystal Palace could have racked up a big score. That large number of stops helped Dúbravka to a four-point FPL score of his own.

The other Magpie to show some redeeming qualities was Allan Saint-Maximin (£5.4m) who, as per usual, asked plenty of questions with his pace but failed to deliver much in the way of end-product.

Meanwhile, Palace’s attacking options may well be ruing their profligacy as they completely dominated Newcastle but only found the net once.

Christian Benteke (£5.7m) started a third match in a row at the apex of the Eagles’ 4-3-3 formation and had some chances, that he could not capitalise on.

Meanwhile, Wilfried Zaha (£6.8m) had a decent game up against Valentino Lazaro (£5.5m), the Newcastle man continuing to struggle in his attempts to adapt to life in the Premier League, picking up a red card in the process.

Zaha himself asked plenty of questions from his left-winger berth and would have picked up a collection of assists had Jordan Ayew (£5.0m) been more ruthless.

The Ghanaian international was afforded a host of chances but saw a few tame efforts saved, other more powerful ones denied by a strong Dúbravka performance, and he even managed to strike the post in the second half. Arguably it was enough to discourage much investment in Palace attackers, as well as Newcastle defenders.

There was admittedly plenty of threat from set-pieces, even though Luka Milivojevic (£6.7m) was absent through injury – but, then again, Newcastle always struggle in dead-ball situations. Gary Cahill (£4.4m) and Scott Dann (£4.3m) both went close and were only denied by the aforementioned heroics of Dúbravka.

However, the key takeaway has to be the performance of Patrick van Aanholt (£5.5m) as he emerged with a monster haul.

His role in set pieces continues to increase his points potential, leading to his scoring of a direct free-kick in the second half. A combination of the clean sheet and maximum bonus points made for a 15-point haul.

Crystal Palace XI (4-3-3): Guaita; van Aanholt, Cahill, Dann, J Ward; McArthur, McCarthy, Kouyaté (Riedewald 89′); Zaha, Benteke (Tosun 89′), Ayew.

Newcastle United XI (5-4-1): Dúbravka; Rose (Ritchie 71′), Schär, Lascelles, Fernández, Lazaro; Saint-Maximin, Bentaleb, S Longstaff, Almirón (Gayle 71′); Joelinton.

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752 Comments Post a Comment
  1. LC1
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Hope everyones having a good GW.

    Would really appreciate any advice on this team;

    Ramsdale
    Rico TAA VVD Soyuncu Boly
    KDB(*) Salah Grealish(*) Traore Dendo
    Auba(*) Ings Vardy

    NEED to rid of Ramsdale & Rico, but they're both playing, so maybe best to prioritise non-playing players?

    Thank you in advance!

    1FT 0.3 ITB.

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

      I got some bad news for you on Rico playing...

      But since he's last defender it doesn't matter that much. I'd get one of the blankers out.

      1. LC1
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Oh yeah lol. Forgot he was benched yesterday!

        Could just let him rot on the bench tbh. He's never going to play above the other 4 anyway.

        Who would you rid of from Grealish, Auba & KDB?

        Auba unreal fixtures from next week onwards and KDB is a season keeper. Can't think of anyone I'd really want in Grealish price bracket either.

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

          Probably Auba. Bad value.

          1. Pipermaru
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Slightly better than Mane 😛

          2. LC1
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Meh. No one I would want in really. Can't get Jimenez without ridding of Dendo. Maybe another week.

  2. Stick or twist on Grealish?
    FPL Virgin
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    What are people doing with Grealish?

    Incredible players and easily the best midfielder option in his price bracket, but a blank and tough fixtures loom.

    Is switching to a Leicester midfielder a no brainer?

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Traore
      H.Barnes

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I’ll probably have those two with Grealish and just bench one until we find out gw 31 games.

    2. LC1
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I'm sticking.

    3. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Not a no brainer for me, it’s far from it. It’s actually a very hard decision. After watching the Spurs game and the Southampton game, it made things harder. Talk about passing an eye test, he is electric.

      If Villa stay up he will have plenty to do. Bad time to sell i think. He’s too influential to sell

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Villa were appalling yesterday. They seem to have a real problem away from home and Jack isn't superman.

    4. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Keeping at least until we find out if he gets a game in 31.
      Probably upgrading Mooy or Williams to accommodate him.

      1. FPL Virgin
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        A blank is 50/50 according to Crellin.

        1. The 12th Man
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeh West Brom flying high. Too close to call.
          Trying to hold off using FH in 31 and use it in 34 instead.

    5. Le Bluff
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I have him, and it's a tricky one.

      GW 31 is firmly in the back of my mind, and there's a 50% chance Newcastle v Villa will be on. I think it might be worth holding him this GW after which GW 31 will become clear - i.e if Chelsea and WBA win, I suddenly have triple Pool, Grealish and Lascelles for GW 31 so I wouldn't need to FH.

      1. Easy Cheesy
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        My view too

    6. Mikeharbrw
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Stuart Armstrong is catching my eye at 5.2

      1. TiAgoFPL
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah he was but I opted for Traore , hope he hauls today 😀

    7. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      have to stick. Hes so good..

    8. Don Corleone
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Eye test says NO. Every time I watched him, he has been phenomenal.

      Stats in the last 4 gameweeks also support that he should stay.
      - Top for chances created
      - 2nd for touches in the final third
      - 6th for goal attempts (decent)
      - Only one shot on target...

      In addition, the main issue with him is potential blanks and his teammates missing chances...so with Villa being Villa I think he CAN go but if there are other priorities, sort them out first.

    9. SHOOTER MCGINN
      • 8 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sold him on WC 2 weeks ago. Got away with it so far but no doubt he'll be back in the points further down the line. Would switch him out at this point.

    10. HollywoodXI
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Definite stick for me. I was at the match yesterday and he was excellent, a real threat the entire game.

    11. DeadStarComing
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I need to remove him or De Bruyne really to have a decent 11 next week. The possible Man City DGW means it will likely be Grealish to go. It’s more to do with navigating the blank than not wanting him though.

    12. GreennRed
      • 12 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Villa are poor but without Grealish they'd be as good as relegated. Player of the season for me. Villa's poor performances not diminishing Grealish's FPL returns. Will bench him and De Bruyne and get a cheapo defender for Lundstram to have one sub for GW28.

    13. Pakse
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Always enjoy a good post that gets me thinking, cheers. Why a Leicester mid though out of all the options?

      I think ultimately it depends on GW31.
      If West Brom turn over Newcastle, will keep as he plays GW31, up to WC and maybe beyond depending on DGWs.
      If Newcastle win though; with those fixtures, and at his price point, he'd likely become a BGW31 sacrifice.
      Also if Man City get DGW29 (and New win) he's also a candidate to go for an Arse/Chel/City mid.

      Pros: Grealish's 2nd half of season stats are top 5 for mids (SiB, KPs and GAs), he's excellent value, top player at his price point, nailed as they come, captain and talisman, with Villa will be fighting to the very end of the season, and there will be a guaranteed double somewhere due to blanking GW28.
      Cons: Fixtures are second worst in the league though, and points have dipped in the last 6 games, even if his stats haven't. His stats are pretty good against players ranging from 6.0m to 8.5m, but there are a lot of good options at that bracket.

      Love watching him play and routing for him, but will have to see how the BGW/DGW fixtures play out.

    14. SH
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Sticking. Got him at 6.1, but he is great value regardless. Got Barnes in place of Hayden for the BGW28

    15. MrZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Probably will switch to fernandes

    16. Az
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I think Villa go down and their fixtures couldn't be worse.
      He's literally their only threat, teams that are capable in defence are surely just going to mark him out of the game. He might get the odd assist, but Leicester / Chelsea options may be more explosive with their run ins so I think i'm going to ditch

  3. DAZZ
    • 9 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Bruceys toon army are being dragged back into a dog fight down there

    1. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Personally Rose and Lazaro have not worked out so far and need to be dropped. Lazaro RC makes the decision simply.

      1. Brosstan
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Lazaro has been utter garbage. At fault for the first 2 goals against Arsenal. Before his mistakes they actually looked in control.

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Speaking as a Sunderland fan, this is classic Bruce. He always starts at a new club brightly, then drops off a cliff after Christmas. God help them if he has another few transfer windows to do his trademark tinkering.

      1. The 12th Man
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Dark days up here in the North East.
        Hopefully you guys maintain your promotion push.

        1. Do I Not Like Orange
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cheers!

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

    Martin > Pope a no brainer?

    I have no keeper this week since my other is Henderson.

    1. DAZZ
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Good move.

    2. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Yeah I did Button to Pope

  5. Miguel Sanchez
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Which one:

    A) Play Williams (eve) - Hayden (BUR) only bench cover
    B) Buy Traore (tot) or Saint Maximin (BUR) for a -4

  6. Camzy
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    How tf did Pepe go up in price prior to a blank lol.

    I don't understand price rises this season. People are so knee jerky it's crazy.

    1. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Pre deadline transfer

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

        That still doesn't make sense.

        This week's fixture is EVE and then a blank. Everton have been on better form than every team in the league except Liverpool since Ancelotti joined. Ah whatever. Sucks. I want him in GW29.

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah, would have avoided him but I guess Son owners didnt really had much choice or didnt know about blank.

          1. El Presidente
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Casuals are ruining the game

        2. Le Bluff
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          People wanted a Son replacement, and he'd just scored 17 points and has a home fixture.

          Casuals.

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Guess people look at his last game( 17 points) and not look forward at what’s coming.

  7. Jullepuu
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Should I play Hayden or take a hit for a cheap defender or Traore?

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

      Traore.

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Spurs is a tough opponent though and that will result in a benching headache (which isn't a bad thing at this point)

        1. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I wouldn't call them tough now without Kane and Son.

          1. Jullepuu
            • 4 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            True. Might be worth a hit then

    2. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      can you afford barnes

      1. Jullepuu
        • 4 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        He is already coming in for Grealish

  8. BOATIES FC
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is neither of the 2 o'clock games on Telly in the UK then? 🙁

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

      Nope - just ARS Eve at 4

    2. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Last day of the Snooker shoot out starts at 2 though.
      I’ve enjoyed that.

      1. BOATIES FC
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I like Snooker, saw a bit of the shootout but couldn't make my mind up if I liked it or not.....

  9. Nomar
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Dude, really??!

    This is beyond idiotic!

    UFC Super FanFlag of Ireland
    @McGregorRousey
    Top 10 Greatest Heavyweight Boxers Of All Time:

    1. Anthony Joshua
    2. Mike Tyson
    3. George Foreman
    4. Roy Jones Jr.
    5. Deontay Wilder
    6. Tyson Fury
    7. Dillian Whyte
    8. Andy Ruiz Jr.
    9. Muhammad Ali
    10. Evander Holyfield

    1. Cahill
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      wouldnt even entertain that

    2. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      No Chisora?

    3. Hy liverpool
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Mohamed alli number 9?

    4. BOATIES FC
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 5 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      that's utterly bizarre.

    5. Long ago I drew a walrus
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      looks like a troll

    6. NoName
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      One of the worst top 10 lists I've ever seen. Joe Frazier would mop the rink with most on that stupid list.

      1. DF
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Aye. Top figure skater.

    7. El Presidente
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Beyond pathetic. Joshua, Wilder and Fury couldn't even lace the shoes of Ali or Joe Lewis. Utter nonsense.

    8. FPL Pillars
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Did AJs mommy list this?

    9. chrismoo75
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Fury will batter AJ

  10. BNMC
    • 4 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    So here's the team I'm fielding for GW28:

    Ryan
    TAA Boly Rico Soyuncu
    Salah Alli Cantwell
    Firmino Ings DCL
    (Grealish KDB Enda)
    1FT, 1.0 in the bank

    What's the most pressing issue?
    A. Replacing Rico with a defender with a favourable fixture in GW28 (like Lascelles)
    B. Selling Alli

    1. Do I Not Like Orange
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      A for me

  11. pjanns
    • 7 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    GTG for GW28, if no injuries etc comes a long?

    1 FT 3m ITB

    Ryan
    TAA - Soy - Boly
    Martial - Mane - Salah
    Ing - Jiminez - DCL

    (Button-Williams-KDB-Reid)

    1. pjanns
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Save is the best choice right?
      Or do I miss any obvious transfers?

  12. Do I Not Like Orange
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 11 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Have the following squad, with 2 FTs & 1M ITB. One FT will likely be Grealish > Traore, what should I do with the other?

    Hendo* McGov*
    TAA Lascelles O'Connell* Lundstram* Reid*
    Salah Mane Cantwell KDB* Grealish*
    Vardy Jimenez Ings

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      That’s an option. Personally I’d ship one of the Sheffield United defenders and McGovern to Pope.

    2. diesel001
      • 7 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lundstram to Soyuncu?

  13. thegaffer82
    • 12 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Is there any chance of the date for City (or other) DGW being announced before the next deadline?

    I'm currently sat on Grealish, Kun & KDB who have a BGW next week. But if we know City have a DGW 29, then no way I'm selling any of my City assets. And, actually, I'll probably be bringing in another City (Laporte or Mahrez) for 29 in that scenario.

    Otherwise, I'll be selling Kun for Jimi this week I would think.

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      I hope so. I'm considering bringing in Bruno for Alli, but if City have a DGW then I'd be tempted to do Mahrez instead.

  14. Pukki Party
    • 6 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Early thoughts with 2ft 0.2itb here?

    McCarthy
    TAA Boly Holgate Fernandez
    Salah Mane Moura Cantwell
    Vardy Deeney

    4.0 Greenwood KDB Lundstram

    Thinking Aurier, Lundstram to Barnes, SHU def?

    1. Pukki Party
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Or maybe just the first one as shu doesn't play anyway.

      1. Pipermaru
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Barnes is a midfielder

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Meant Moura. My bad

          1. Long ago I drew a walrus
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            also a mid?

          2. Pipermaru
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Moura to BArnes looks good, I wouldn't bother with a swap of SHU defenders this gameweek. Keep 2ft for gw29.

            1. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Same thinking, thanks.

  15. AC Yew
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Morning guys require a little bit of assistance:

    Need to pick two defenders to replace Lundstram and Kelly - amounting to 9 mill. Currently got TAA Soy & Robertson. Who are the best replacements with current fixture run?

    1. BNMC
      • 4 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Egan and Saiss

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Got exact cash for this - good shout thanks

    2. kennethrhcp
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Boly gotta be in with a shout?

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Exact cash for Boly and C.Taylor. thanks!

    3. Holmes
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Boly Lascellas possible?

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yep got enough for this combination - thanks Holmes. Think its between Lascelles and Taylor alongside Wolves defender

    4. Pipermaru
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      With TAA, Robbo and Soy's fixtures you probably won't play anyone else in the next 4 gameweeks, I would go cheap like Taylor and Saiss.

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Yeah got exact cash for these moves. Thinking either Boly/Saiss alongside Taylor - thanks

        1. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Don't know what's your team and plan for blank gw31 but Taylor and Saiss/Boly both play so there's that.

          1. AC Yew
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Will be fielding 11 - so I'm sorted. Thats a pleasant surprise!

            1. AC Yew
              • 5 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              Sorry I misread thst for GW28. I'm not thinking that far ahead but its good to know they both play thanks!

    5. kime67
      • 6 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      boly and evans

      1. AC Yew
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Already got Leciester defence

    6. Wally banter
      • 11 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      you got three starting def till GW31, so just bring in saiss and taylor who both have GW31 confirmed fix

  16. Tsparkes10
    • 5 Years
    4 years, 1 month ago

    Martin to Mccarthy? 1ft 1m itb

    Martin
    TAA Robo Stephens
    Martial Salah Traore Cantwell
    Vardy Jimenez Ings
    (Hendo, Williams, Rico, KDB)

    1. The 12th Man
      • 10 Years
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Or Pope

  17. Party time
      4 years, 1 month ago

      Lascelles stunned

      1. Holmes
        • 10 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        *choked

        1. Party time
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Baked*

        2. BNMC
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Part of me feels like Newcastle won't get that many clean sheets in this run of good fixtures, but then again they do tend to do well at home and choke away from home.

      2. kime67
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        glad i picked ryan for the fixtures back in gw 20 or something , has done absolutely nothing.

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Getting rid or riding the wave?

        2. kime67
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          "its just a keeper he will get save points"

        3. kime67
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          probably have to stick beacuse other issues like lundstram

      3. HD7
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Do we have an idea which GW will the Free Hit most suitable?

        1. Holmes
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          As of now GW31 is popular

        2. kime67
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          im going 31 because i always want to field 11

        3. bitm2007
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          GW31 unless Liverpool are playing that GW.

        4. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          There are less games in the first blank in 31 when there are more FA Cup games being played - the value of the FH is that you can ignore 31 and keep your best players in the run up and after

          1. HD7
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            I see. Thanks 🙂

      4. Fuddled FC
        • 12 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Who would you prioritise out?

        a) Sidibe
        b) Rico
        c) both (-4)

        I'd have to play the other one this gw (or dendo)

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          B

        2. LC1
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Rico

      5. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Will Traore start today?

        1. kime67
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          not as nailed like he used to be, neto is pretty good

        2. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I feckn hope so

        3. Phlajo
          • 4 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          I think he will

        4. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Yeah should start mate

      6. FPL_Crisis
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        My team fares pretty well for gw28 blank. Have 2FT & happy to roll one
        Thinking Sarr to somebody who can fill in for Kdb absence. Who are the best replacements? 2.5itb but also keen to bring in another Liv defender soon

        Guaita
        Trent Stephens Dunk
        Salah Martial Traore *kdb
        Ings Firmino Jimenez
        Button Sarr Soyuncu *O’Connell

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Would you do Dunk to the Pool defender & play Soy aswell?

          1. FPL_Crisis
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 13 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Could well do. Dunk is decent option vs palace this week then needs to go. Unlikely to play Sarr any time soon so would prefer to have midfield option for kdb this week

      7. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Who is doing some bench wankery next week?

        1. DF
          • 10 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Rude not to really

        2. badgerboy
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          If you're not wonking in a blank gameweek is there any point in even playing FPL?

        3. Pipermaru
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Men of culture don't do it, it's rude, simple as that.

        4. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          can’t see the point in it to be honest

          1. DF
            • 10 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            There's an 8 second window when the opponent above you thinks they're safe. It's absolutely awesome.

          2. Syd.
            • 14 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Yeah has become kind of pointless

            Gone are the days when you could put the armband on a non playing captain them it reverted to your highest value player

            1. Pukki Party
              • 6 Years
              4 years, 1 month ago

              When was this?

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

                When there was less risk of rotation

              2. NoName
                • 9 Years
                4 years, 1 month ago

                The good ole days. When Barry Ferguson was bp magnet for just being on the field.

        5. Brosstan
          • 9 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          If you dont you arent a real FPL player

      8. rjcv177
        • 8 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Morning guys.

        Rico and kun 🙁 to fernandez and vardy are my trf.
        Is there a better combo?

        Ryan
        Taa, robbo, fernandez, stephens
        Salah, martial, traore
        Vardy, jim, ings

        Hayden, kelly, kdb

        1. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Taylor for 4.2

      9. Champions League Varane
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        1 FT and 2.4 ITB

        Henderson McCarthy
        TAA Gomez Cahill B.Williams Lascelles
        Salah KDB B.Fernandes Adama Fleck
        Vardy Ings Jiminez

        I did Kun to Vardy already - should I do Williams to Evans/Reece James or roll the other FT into GW 29?

      10. Champions united
        • 7 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Whom to sell to bring traore already have Jimmy
        Grealish
        Fleck
        Cantwell

        1. kennethrhcp
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          how are you set for BGW 28?

          1. Champions united
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            mcarthy
            Soy stevens TAA vvd holgate
            salah KDB cantwell Grealish fleck
            Vardy jimmy ings

        2. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Cantwell Plays??

          1. Champions united
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            It depends
            Not decided i willnplay him or bot

      11. kime67
        • 6 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        I need williams to get a clean sheet in 28.

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

          At Goodison?

        2. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          **need to play!

      12. kennethrhcp
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        only watching MOTD now, fair lucky 1pointer from Lund! VAR with some strange calls yesterday

      13. pingissimus
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Pope is flavour of the month but is he really that good an option? Burnley XGC is really very poor over the last 6 and delete the absurd and unjustified cs this week and the pen save and he’s fairly mediocre again no? Has he had his luck?

        1. Hotdogs for Tea
          • 8 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          have to take it all, can’t ignore the lucky games, all keepers have them

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

            Imho he has been lucky recently but he's still a good option. Not a must have but saves and bonus points seem to make up for average Burnley's defence

          2. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            Agree

            Just wondering whether the points spurt is a good part luck in which case he’s not such a slam dunk option - luck runs out too.

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

              Yeah maybe there is no need to rush and get him. However if on wildcard I would probably get him. (Still kinda mad I transfered him out in GW22...)

        2. Pukki Party
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Not very familiar with xgc but could it be high because they concede a lot of shots outside the box? Used to be like that anyway.

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

            Shots outside the box have very low xG anyway, but Burnley often overachieve xG conceded by packing the box and making the shot more difficult to reach the goal/making the shooter be under more pressure making it more difficult to get a shot on target. For example over the last 4 GWs they have 5.06 xG condeded but xG on target conceded is only 3.5

          2. pingissimus
            • 5 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            As I understand it - probably wrongly - XGC factors that out. Burnley are certainly right up there in shots conceded in the box

        3. FPL Pillars
          • 7 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          Burnley saved by VAR yesterday

        4. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          The same could be said of a lot of teams

          Chelsea have a better XGC than Liverpool over the last lot of games...... Absurd but that is football for you

          1. jtreble
            • 7 Years
            4 years, 1 month ago

            +1. CHE and MUN both have very good xGC stats ...

      14. Taegugk Warrior
        • 5 Years
        4 years, 1 month ago

        Who would you sacrifice to full fill the starting 11...?
        A. Grealish
        B. Auba

        1. ShackledAce
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          4 years, 1 month ago

          A, tougher fixtures incoming